Birds Of Chicago - Birds Of Chicago

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Review by Pablo Moratinos

Album Review: Birds Of Chicago – Birds Of Chicago Released in 2012, Birds Of Chicago’s self-titled debut album is a rich tapestry of folk, country, and pop-rock influences that feels like an intimate campfire gathering. Hailing from the US and released under Not On Label and Chicago Bird Music, this record offers a mix of storytelling and soulful musicianship that sticks with you long after the last note fades. With its sprawling list of credits—featuring talents like accordionist Bart de Win, vocalist Allison Russell, and drummer Mikey “Lightning” August—it’s clear this project was a labor of love. One standout track is "The Wide Sea." This song captures the essence of wanderlust and longing, carried by Jeremy Lindsay’s gravelly vocals and Allison Russell’s haunting harmonies. The interplay between acoustic guitar and subtle percussion creates a sense of movement, as if the music itself is drifting across vast waters. It’s one of those tracks where you can almost feel the salt spray on your face—a rare feat for any band to pull off so convincingly. Another gem is "Sugar Dumplin’." If there’s one tune here that begs to be played on repeat, it’s this one. The playful banjo riff paired with Russell’s clarion calls gives it a whimsical charm that’s hard to shake. There’s something about the way the handclaps sneak in during the chorus—it’s not perfect, but that’s what makes it human. You can tell everyone involved had fun laying this down, and it shows. By the time the trumpet solo kicks in (courtesy of Shane Jonas), you’re hooked. What makes this album truly memorable isn’t just the eclectic instrumentation or genre-blurring soundscapes; it’s how organic everything feels. Producer Zach Coheen deserves credit for weaving these many threads into a cohesive whole. From Chris Neal’s woodwinds to Jason Batchko’s percussive touches, each element adds texture without overwhelming the core melodies. Even the mastering has a warm, analog vibe that invites listeners in rather than pushing them away with overly polished production. Reflecting on Birds Of Chicago, I’m struck by how much heart is packed into these songs. Sure, some transitions are rough around the edges, and maybe a few tracks run a bit too long—but isn’t that part of the charm? In a world obsessed with perfection, this album reminds us that beauty often lies in imperfection. And hey, if nothing else, listening to Allison Russell whistle her way through "Flying Dreams" might just make you believe in magic again. Who knew whistling could do that?

Download Birds Of Chicago - Birds Of Chicago
Artist: Birds Of Chicago
Album: Birds Of Chicago
Rating: 5.0

Table of Contents

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Filename: birds-of-chicago-birds-of-chicago.zip
  • MP3 size: 83.3 mb
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Tracks

TrackDurationPreview
Trampoline4:30
The Wide Sea4:54
Sugar Dumplin'3:24
Sans Souci4:17
Come Morning5:0
Flying Deams4:20
Moonglow Tapeworm3:10
Cannonball4:6
Old Calcutta5:22
Galaxy Ballroom5:2
The Moonglow / The Tapeworm3:10
Humbolt Crows5:6
Flying Dreams4:23
Before She Goes3:50
Sugar Dumplin'3:13
The Moonglow Tapeworm3:9
Humboldt Crows5:14

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Catalog Numbers

BOC-01

Labels

  • Not On Label
  • Chicago Bird Music

Listen online

  • lyssna på nätet
  • ascolta in linea
  • escuchar en línea
  • online anhören
  • lytte på nettet
  • ouvir online
  • kuunnella verkossa
  • écouter en ligne
  • online luisteren

Formats

  • CD
  • Promo
  • Album

Companies

RoleCompany
Recorded AtMinbal

Credits

RoleCredit
AccordionBart de Win, Drew Lindsay
Acoustic GuitarAllison Russell, Dan Abu-Absi, Jeremy Lindsay
BanjoAllison Russell
Baritone SaxophoneDavid Levine
BassChristopher Merrill
ClarionAllison Russell
DrumsMikey "Lightning" August
Electric GuitarDan Abu-Absi
EngineerZach Coheen
Executive-ProducerLuc Bezemer
FluteChris Neal
HandclapsAllison Russell, Arianne Knegt, Bart de Win, Christopher Merrill, Jason Batchko, Jeremy Lindsay
Harmony VocalsAwna Teixeira, Michelle Mcgrath
KeyboardsBart de Win, Chris Neal , Drew Lindsay
Mastered ByZach Coheen
Mixed ByZach Coheen
PercussionJason Batchko
PianoBart de Win, Drew Lindsay
ProducerZach Coheen
Tenor SaxophoneChris Neal
TrumpetShane Jonas
UkuleleAllison Russell
VocalsAllison Russell, Jeremy Lindsay
WhistlingAllison Russell
WoodwindChris Neal

Notes

Demo release

Barcodes

Barcode: 8 84501 73388 5

About Birds Of Chicago

Americana band

Aliases

  • Jeremy Lindsay

Members

  • Allison Russell
  • Chris Merrill
  • Jeremy Lindsay
  • Dan Abu-Absi
  • Drew Lindsay
  • Nick Chambers

Interesting fact about Album

Here’s a cool little nugget: The album *Birds Of Chicago* by Birds Of Chicago, released in 2012, is like a musical patchwork quilt. It blends folk, rock, and even some world music vibes, but what makes it stand out is Allison Russell’s versatility. She doesn’t just sing—she plays the banjo, ukulele, clarion, and even whistles on the tracks! Oh, and get this: handclaps aren’t just random sounds here; they’re credited to multiple band members, including Allison herself. It’s those tiny details that make the album feel so alive and human.