We Already Have Birds That Sing is the latest effort from the band, Life in a Blender.

Sometimes, We Already Have Birds That Sing sounds like a wacky garage band album from Life in a Blender. More accurately, though, it is a funny, off-beat album for those with a heart.

Life in a Blender has been playing for over 25 years and has released eight albums. We Already Have Birds That Sing is produced by Kenny Siegal and the band. Singer and songwriter Don Rauf originally created the band with Dave Moody. Moody now is the cellist for the band. Al Houghton is on guitar and vocals. Mark Lerner is on bass, Ken Meyer is on drums and Rebecca Weiner Tompkins is on violin and viola.

Life in a Blender’s We Already Have Birds That Sing is fun, but might miss the mark with new fans. The lead singer’s voice is quite raspy, and his words speak to his heart’s desire. The album sounds like grunge rock, with an artful twist. Some of the comedy in the album seems reminiscent of Tom Waits. It’s distinct, though, in that it has a feeling of levity and joy, even in some of the darker tracks.

The album gets off to a good start with “Tongue Cut Sparrow.” With the sounds of brass and a raspy voice from the lead singer, it sets the album for a cool journey. It has some of the showiness of New Orleans jazz during a parade. “Falmouth” is an affirming song, with bounce and levity. “Frankenstein Cannot Be Stopped” is a descriptive song, which discusses Frankenstein’s accidentally killing in a girl. There is some Gothic imagery in the song. Violins play after the lyrics, “take a flower and see how it floats.” “Mamanama” is a bit silly, with the end of the song degenerating into repeating “namanama.” “Good Answer” adds strings, and considers ideas like” Edward Snowden,” “Freedom Fries,” and “Pepper Spray Cops,” before asking if they are a good answer. Other tracks are cleverly worded, with song titles that include “To Sea in a Sieve.”

All in all, We Already Have Birds That Sing is a funny, upbeat album and a re-affirmation of hope. Though this album might never make it into the mainstream, it’s worth a listen.

Photo courtesy of David Barry