High Notes, Vol. 5

The Bird And The Bee
F*cking Boyfriend

The Bird and the Bee are singer/songwriter Inara George and musician Greg Kurstin. The two met during the making of George’s solo debut album, All Rise in 2005 and have since been writing and recording together under the Bird and the Bee.

Their first official recording, the four-song EP, Again and Again and Again and Again is an electronic-infused musical appetizer, featuring a small, but satisfying sampling of what’s to come on their full-length record, scheduled for release next year.

Featured here is ‘F*cking Boyfriend,’ an infectious, ear-awakening example of the talent these two possess. The duo’s EP also boasts a remix of ‘F*cking Boyfriend’ helmed by the ever-irreverent Peaches, which is offered as the last track on the EP.

F*cking Boyfriend from the EP Again and Again and Again and Again

Grey DeLisle
The Jewel Of Abilene

Grey DeLisle has practically done it all - film, television, stand-up, voice-over and of course, music. And while she keeps what must be a tireless schedule, she’s managed to release two very strong albums: 2004’s The Graceful Ghost and 2005’s Iron Flowers.

Both albums are rooted in country, but possess the charm and antiquity of the music from the early 1900’s. If her music could make pictures, DeLisle’s would be an old, porcelain doll, in a dusty petticoat, but smiling with the brightest twinkle in her eyes.

Featured here is ‘The Jewel of Abilene’ from DeLisle’s The Graceful Ghost.

The Jewel Of Abilene from the album The Graceful Ghost

Madeleine Peyroux
California Rain

With her latest album, the critically acclaimed, Half The Perfect World, it seems as though Madeleine Peyroux has made herself a powerful figure in the world of Jazz. Her voice is honey-thick and warm and sunny bright.

Nearly all of Peyroux’s music is instantly comfortable and soothing and she’s as adept at writing some of the most delectable songs as she is interpreting classics from artists like Joni Mitchell, Tom Waits and Leonard Cohen.

For a great example of Peyroux’s style and delivery, listen to ‘California Rain,’ a song she penned with fellow songwriters Larry Klein and Jesse Harris.

California Rain from the album Half The Perfect World

Alice Smith
New Religion

On her debut album, For Lovers, Dreamers & Me, singer Alice Smith blends her remarkable voice with an impressive array of soul, jazz, rock, and R&B styles into a truly noteworthy record.

A relative newcomer, Smith was discovered while performing as a back-up vocalist for a college group when she was discovered and ultimately given a record deal. And rightfully so. Her amazing, 4-octave voice and superb control sets her immediately apart from her contemporaries.

Alice Smith is certainly one to keep a watch on.

New Religion from the album For Lovers, Dreamers & Me