Multi-instrumentalist Greg Kurstin and his whisper-voiced co-conspirator Inara George return with a unique album of cover songs. The chosen subject here are 80’s Pop icons Hall and Oates and I’m actually a wee bit surprised I haven’t heard of anyone paying tribute earlier as these songs (while corny at times) certainly stand the test of time. Through the lens of Kurstin and George, the over-the-top poppy goodness of these songs is largely lost. Not to fret though as the do offer something much more surprising, a down to earth, just as catchy, slightly more danceable, and very lush offering that show just how versatile these timeless songs actually are.
For the most part everything translates pretty well. The songs that retain the most is the album’s opener, “Heard It on the Radio” and it’s second track “I Can’t Go For That.” George’s voice is gorgeous on “Heard It On the Radio” and it really takes the song to some new places while Kurstin’s instrumentation on “I Can’t Go For That” makes it sound both modern and much more danceable than the original. “Private Eyes,” “Rich Girl” (my personal favorite), and “She’s Gone” are highlights as well. The only real stumbling block here is maybe “Kiss On My List” (which was a weak song to start with in my opinion) and “Maneater” which just needs that super slick 80’s Power Pop corniness to work.
Overall, if you like Hall and Oates you’ll probably like this album. Don’t get me wrong, it doesn’t really sound like them. These are definitely interpretations of the originals as opposed to straight up covers. The Bird and the Bee truly pay tribute though, offering the songs in a slightly new light without losing their integrity. It’s The Bird and the Bee and it’s Hall and Oates. This is one of those rare occasions when everyone wins.
Reviewed by Mark Fisher
