Whirlybird � Black Eye 
Label: Robsum Records
Rating: 
 

Whirlybird is what you get when you mix Elvis Costello with Beck and Weezer, a combination of experimental modern rock and standard emo. That's really a misnomer, as this disc covers so much musical ground that it is impossible to pigeon hole it. 

Here are some of the highlights: The title track is a strange song reminiscent of the Talking Heads. "Crayon Hero" will make Weezer fans stand up and pay attention. "Antarctica" is a soulful number in the style of Joe Cocker or Peter Criss on his KISS solo album.  "Say You're My Baby" is power-pop modern rocker. "Trailer Park Hollywood" sounds a bit like Lou Reed singing Sheryl Crow's breakthrough hit "All I Wanna Do" mixed with Kid Rock's "Cowboy". The song features some incredible slide guitar.  "Everything" is Elvis Costello meets "Just Got Lucky" era Tom Petty with a pinch of Dire Straits thrown in. "Covered in Plastic" comes across as Beck jamming with Jackson Browne and Radiohead. "Smitten" is a heartfelt ballad in the tradition of Van Morrison. 

One thing is for sure; Whirlybird refuses to be pushed into a musical corner as each song explores different musical directions that make this CD enjoyable and interesting at the same time.