The song "Direction" is yet another stand out on Bird Streets' self titled debut album. The mastermind of the super duo comprised of singer songwriter, John Brodeur and multi instrumentalist and producer, Jason Falker, has been called a "gem" with "absolutely "no duds. I agree.
The songwriting is self deprecating with a dash of sarcasm and doses of ironic humility. No word is extraneous with each fitting nicely into bridges and choruses that create evocative vignettes, worthy of short story status.
"Direction" relying on power popping jangly six string guitar playing coupled with it's tight lyrics imparts a hidden message if you want to go looking for it under the covers.
The video is an homage to the Godard classic film "Breathless". Brodeur taking on the Jean Bel Mondo character of a heedless, chic Parisian on a soul search. He and the lovely blonde woman, playing the iconic Jean Seberg character, switching between her Le Monde sweater and classic striped crew neck, sheds light on the insouciant joi de vivre of 60's French cinema. The cinematic approach is complete in black and white and the absence of a lot of extraneous objects again like the film. They hold hands and race across a park, under arches. What Direction are they taking? Brodeur (also a background actor in NYC) fits easily into this role with his lanky presence and insouciant facial expressions. The woman shows her cool glee with wry smiles and puffs of pretend cigarette smoke. It's classic.
Brodeurs stellar guitar playing takes on a life of its own. He sings pointed lyrics such as "You're in the bathroom with a friend and everyone can hear you. Fix yourself up and make yourself back to the table. And everyone pretends nothing is happening" He slips into the chorus "We walk in the direction of home. But we are never getting warmer". Dig deep and you feel the dissolution of a relationship, the lack of real communication. "With a wink and a smile you walk out........."
Birdstreets' songs feature jaunty guitar riffs and infectious lyrics. The hidden guise is the message like a truth telling sing along ala tracks penned by Pete Shelley or Alex Chilton. Brodeur pens songs that belong in that special category of anti love songs. Ever fallen in love with someone you shouldn't have fallen in love with? If you don't answer yes. I can't trust you :)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iwAsv0RXbAw
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