Rook (album)

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Rook is the fifth studio album by American indie rock band Shearwater, released June 3, 2008, on Matador Records. The first single is "Rooks." The album was previewed at two special concerts in May 2008 in Manhattan and Austin, and the band toured later that year to support the release. It appeared on Entertainment Weekly's Must List on May 28. Rook was released on CD and vinyl, with the vinyl edition including a bonus track, "North Col." The cover art is by Kahn & Selesnick. Co-founder Jonathan Meiburg chose the title for its sound and multiple meanings; birds are a recurring theme for the band, and Meiburg is an ornithologist. The music blends harp, glockenspiel, woodwinds and a hammer dulcimer with guitar and piano. Lyrically, it focuses on nature and fairy tale imagery. Critics praised the album, with Metacritic giving 85/100 (universal acclaim) based on 20 reviews, and Pitchfork awarding 8/10, calling it impressive and gorgeous. All tracks were written by Jonathan Meiburg.