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 since 2018). The 4500-plus 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 -- more than 30 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: Great Concept Albums will be published in 2024. Read even more about him here.