song performed: “Imitosis” from the album Armchair Apocrypha
conan’s reaction: “*shakes Andrews hang vigarously* that was fantastic, very cool. thanks for doing it. Andrew bird everybody, we’ll take a break, we’ll be right back *leans in to talk to Andrew about spinning gramophones*”

oh man Andrew is way taller and skinnier that I had previously seen him…

He reminds me of David Byrne’s younger brother with strong embrosure and tonight’s performance was all a showcase of a musical performer (and former squirrel nut zippers guru) and I loved it! Imitosis is a cool cool song and here is the showcase. The song starts off with a mandolin lick that bird loops and before you’re even expecting a mandolin moment, the camera is back on him and he’s plucking a guitar.

Later in the song there is brilliant violin playing (to make you cry playing), and then the song finishes beautifully with Mr. Bird’s talently Mr. Ripley whistling. Andrew is the John Popper of whistling producing a tone more similar to the bowing of a old steel saw than a woodwind instrument. it was brilliant. check this out from his performance in Paris (and then just picture more gramophones behind him).

I love Andrew and I think it’s cause everytime I listen to his music, it makes me want to sit in rocking chair on a wide front porch and watch time go by (maybe in the summer with a cold glass of freshly squeezed lemonade).