The Bird and The Bee
Ray Guns Are Not The Future
Blue Note Records
By George W. Harris

The Bird and the Bee, comprised of multi-instrumentalist Greg Kurstin and vocalist Inara George, have been getting some attention in the indie rock crowd with their retro 60s sound and image. “Ray Guns…” continues in the mood with a mix of early pop Pink Floyd and early Haight Asbury era We Five. George’s voice has that classic quirky female sound that is so in vogue nowadays, and she uses well, telling stories about relationships (“You’re A Cad”) or emotions (“Polite Dance Song”). The beat is Carnaby Street pop of the Twiggy era, with lots of clever sounds and poses. Kurstin uses various keyboards and guitars to create a sound that would fit into the lead in “How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying.” Hip, as well as hep.