Album Review: Sxip Shirey — A Bottle of Whiskey and a Handful of Bees
File next to: Amanda Palmer, Yoko Ono, Bad Things
A quick written description of the music made by Brooklyn-based Sxip Shirey might leave the reader with the wrong impression: he often makes music using found objects right alongside what one thinks of as traditional instruments. Moreover, the latter category is populated by a lot of synthesizers. Some of his live events seem to draw from the Fluxus movement of the 1960s and ’70s. But this self-described electro-acoustic artist is deeply committed to groove and melody. As a result, A Bottle of Whiskey and a Handful of Bees strikes the perfect balance between art- and dance-pop. Guest vocals from darling of Americana Rhiannon Giddens (“Woman of Constant Sorrow” and two others) and Xavier (“Cinnamon Stick” and “I Got a Man”) are highlights, but the entire 17-track album of instrumentals and treated vocal tracks is a brilliant synthesis of styles.
About the Author
Bill Kopp
With a background in marketing and advertising, Bill Kopp got his professional start writing for Trouser Press. After a stint as Editor-in-chief for a national music magazine, Bill launched Musoscribe in 2009, and has published new content every business day since then (and every single day for several years). The more than 5000 interviews, essays, and reviews on Musoscribe reflect Bill's keen interest in American musical forms, most notably rock, jazz, and soul. His work features a special emphasis on reissues and vinyl. Bill's work also appears in many other outlets both online and in print. He regularly hosts lecture/discussions on artists and albums of historical importance (including monthly events Music to Your Ears and Music Movie Mondays), and is a frequent guest on music-focused radio programs and podcasts. In Spring 2023 he taught a history of Rock 'n' Roll at UNC Asheville's College for Seniors. He also researches and authors liner notes for album reissues -- some 40 to date -- and co-produced a reissue of jazz legend Julian "Cannonball" Adderley's final album. His first book, Reinventing Pink Floyd: From Syd Barrett to The Dark Side of the Moon was published by Rowman & Littlefield in 2018, and in paperback in 2019. His second book, Disturbing the Peace: 415 Records and the Rise of New Wave, was published in 2021 by HoZac Books. His third book, What's the Big Idea: 30 Great Concept Albums is available now. Read even more about him here.