Things Are Really Great Here, Sort Of…
Andrew Bird · 2014
35 min · 10 tracks · indie rock
A whimsical blend of indie rock and folk, where intricate melodies intertwine with introspective lyrics and Bird's signature violin.
Top tracks — play these first
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Cathedral in the Dell Start here — This opening track sets the tone for the entire album with its lush arrangements and contemplative lyrics that invite listeners into Bird's imaginative world.
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Giant of Illinois — Featuring vivid storytelling and historical references, this track exemplifies Bird's knack for blending personal narratives with broader cultural themes.
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Drunk by Noon — With its playful melody juxtaposed against darker themes of disillusionment, this track highlights Bird’s ability to combine humor with poignant reflections.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases intricate melodies and storytelling, supported by strong craftsmanship and distinctiveness in sound.
What we noticed
- The album features a consistent use of layered instrumentation, with Bird's violin often weaving through the melodies alongside acoustic guitar and subtle percussion.
- Several tracks incorporate unconventional song structures, such as 'So Much Wine, Merry Christmas,' which shifts between different tempos and moods.
- Lyrically, the album employs vivid imagery and storytelling, with songs like 'Giant of Illinois' presenting a narrative that unfolds gradually over the course of the track.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady mid-tempo reflective moments
- whimsical melodies for daydreaming
- introspective tunes for quiet evenings
- short bursts of lyrical charm
Maybe skip if you
- seekers of high-energy tracks
- prefer standalone anthems only
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Deep Cut — Solid entry that showcases Bird's style but isn't a standout in terms of recognition.
- Themes
- historical storytelling· whimsical disillusionment· imaginative landscapes
- Career context
- Released in 2014, Things Are Really Great Here, Sort Of… is Andrew Bird's sixth studio album. Following his critically acclaimed record Break It Yourself (2012), this album showcases a continued exploration of storytelling through layered instrumentation and lyrical depth. At this point in his career, Bird was solidifying his unique sound while expanding his audience.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Sufjan Stevens· Iron & Wine· The Decemberists
Tracklist
- 1 Cathedral in the Dell Start here 3:59
- 2 Tin Foiled 3:26
- 3 Giant of Illinois 3:31
- 4 So Much Wine, Merry Christmas 3:31
- 5 My Sister’s Tiny Hands 3:44
- 6 The Sad Milkman 3:29
- 7 Don’t Be Scared 3:21
- 8 Frogs Singing 2:44
- 9 Drunk by Noon 3:02
- 10 Far From Any Road (Be My Hand) 4:47
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Carrie & Lowell
Sufjan Stevens
Explores personal storytelling with intricate melodies and a whimsical, melancholic atmosphere.
Picaresque
The Decemberists
Shares a penchant for historical narratives and layered instrumentation with whimsical undertones.
The Creek Drank the Cradle
Iron & Wine
Features introspective lyrics and delicate arrangements that evoke imaginative landscapes and emotional depth.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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