THE BIRD & THE BEE > Ray Guns Are Not Just The Future

When they appeared as a dreamy bossa nova, post-pop confection with a wry wink, the bird & the bee set a mood of frothy drinks and ‘60s chic. With Ray Guns, they expand their Jetsons-inspired Brasilia with an almost Debbie Reynolds sweet irony (“Polite Dance Song,” which works rap show clichés), deceptively pretty destroyer (“Ray Gun”) and ragtime directness (“You’re A Cad”).Label: BLUE NOTE
[Rating: 4 STARS]

When they appeared as a dreamy bossa nova, post-pop confection with a wry wink, the bird & the bee set a mood of frothy drinks and ‘60s chic. With Ray Guns, they expand their Jetsons-inspired Brasilia with an almost Debbie Reynolds sweet irony (“Polite Dance Song,” which works rap show clichés), deceptively pretty destroyer (“Ray Gun”) and ragtime directness (“You’re A Cad”). There’s the bass-havy churlishness of “Love Letter To Japan,” lush sonic Southern Cali-layers’n’vocal parts on “Birthday” and the wicked paean to Van Halen frontman “Diamond Dave.” Through it all, singer Inara George maintains her clove cigarette ethereality and innocence, even as programmer/producer/partner Greg Kurstin percolates and collages influences for a disorienting amalgam that is pure, lo-fi deliciousness. The aural equivalent of the best that Placidil has to offer.