What Made Milwaukee Famous: Trying To Never Catch Up

What Made Milwaukee Famous
Trying To Never Catch Up
Barsuk Records [2006]





What Made Milwaukee Famous are from Austin, TX and before you start thinking they may be the next great Alt-Country band – think again. What Made Milwaukee Famous are throwback indie rock of the likes XTC and Joy Division. They use clever lyrics, some electric wizardry and sing-a-long anthems to capture the audience and keep you entertained. Trying To Never Catch Up is a reissue from 2004 with an additional four tracks and is their Barsuk Records debut. They are worth the hype in this solid effort and have already played with bands like The Arcade Fire, Black Keys, and Snow Patrol. Trying To Never Catch Up has great energy and a fresh classic alternative sound that will please every indie head out there.

Key Tracks: "Hellodrama", "Sweet Lady", "IDecide"

Bands With Similar Fire:
The Cars
The Strokes
The Shins

Official What Made Milwaukee Famous Website
What Made Milwaukee Famous MySpace
Barsuk Records

-Reviewed by Natalie Colibri

Sufjan Stevens: The Avalanche

Sufjan Stevens
The Avalanche
Asthmatic Kitty Records [2006]









Troubadour Sufjan Stevens came into the indie scene with a very courageous project: make an album for all 50 states. First, came Michigan [2003], next was Illinois [2005], and between those he released another album Seven Swans [2004] which was unrelated to the States project. Wow – how busy can one man be? Along comes 2006 and Sufjan releases The Avalanche. This is an album of all the songs that did not make the final cut for Illinois. So you might think this is just a little something to keep the loyal fans happy and keep his string of yearly releases alive, right? This may very well be the case but for everyone else The Avalanche is another quality album. There is nothing new here but once again, Sufjan Stevens proves that to be great you do not have to be experimental – you just need to be consistent. That is exactly what The Avalanche is – consistent. So if you are fan definitely pick this baby up – if you are just getting into Stevens give it a try and then go pick up the rest of his catalog.

Key Tracks: "Dear Mr. Supercomputer", "No Man's Land", "Pittsfield"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Bob Dylan
Devendra Banhart
The Mountain Goats

Asthmatic Kitty Records

-Reviewed by Conrad Rocksted

The Thermals: The Body, The Blood, The Machine

The Thermals
The Body, The Blood, The Machine
Sub Pop Records [2006]







Let catchy indie punk live! The Thermals return with another revved up, to the point, 38-minute album: The Body, The Blood, The Machine. Recorded close to their Portland, OR home by Fugazi’s Brendan Canty, The Body, The Blood, The Machine packs the punch you come to expect from The Thermals. The energy just oozes from The Body,The Blood, The Machine and this time around, they added some new tricks to the show. Scattered throughout the album are larger louder guitars and some keyboard organ playing. This expanded intense sound was partially due to their drummer exiting in 2005, so the duties were split between the remaining two members Kathy Foster and Hutch Harris (bass and guitar/vocals, respectively). There is also more of a message in this album than their previous efforts – not a concept album, but songs about their political beliefs on the current state of the US. The end result is another quality post-punk album from The Thermals, which will not only rock your ass off but leave you with a message.

Key Tracks: “Here’s Your Future”, “A Pillar Of Salt”, “I Hold The Sound”

Bands With Similar Fire:
Guided By Voices
Ramones
Green Day Politics

Official The Thermals Website
The Thermals MySpace
Sub Pop Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Pete Yorn: Nightcrawler

Pete Yorn
Nightcrawler
Columbia /Red Ink Records [2006]









Pete Yorn is back with studio album number three - Nightcrawler. Not much has changed since 2003’s The Day I Forgot and that is not a bad thing. Pete’s vocals are once again on the main stage with a style that always reminds me of a rocked out Jeff Buckley. The singer-songwriter continues to be an open book and does not hide anything as his songs explain his current position on love, jealousy and immortality. Nightcrawler expands on his pure rock sound as each track has a much larger forceful expression then his previous efforts. You get the sense Pete is ready to rock out some venues with the larger created soundscape. Nightcrawler also includes some star power with Dixie Chick Natalie Maines, supplying the backup vocals to “The Man” and producer Butch Walker (Supernova, The Donnas, Hot Hot Heat) on the boards plus the addition of a tune you might recognize from 2002’s Spiderman Soundtrack, the semi-hit single “Undercover”. Nightcrawler once again shows off Pete Yorn’s strong songwriting abilities and will undoubtedly please his loyal fans.

Key Tracks: "For Us", "The Man", "Splendid Isolation"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Jeff Buckley
Bruce Springsteen
Brendan Benson

Official Pete Yorn Website
Pete Yorn MySpace
Columbia/Red Ink Records

-Reviewed by JT Burn

A Shoreline Dream: Avoiding The Consequences

A Shoreline Dream
Avoiding The Consequences
Latenight Weeknight Records [2006]









There are certain key items I look for in a quality shoegaze album. 1) Hypnotic ambient sounds that melt and mix with each track transition. 2) Rhythm based layers of music that ultimately make you forget where you are. 3) Propulsive fuzzed out vocals that come and go but in the end are the glue that hold the tracks together. Denver-based quartet A Shoreline Dream meet all of the above criteria on their debut album Avoiding The Consequences. They take you through a dark poetic story that has multiple twists and turns with each layer of instrumentation. Ryan Policky’s vocals are never placed out front for display and on several tracks, they are non-existent but as the vocals fade away, the band takes over with an extreme intensity that pushes and leads you right into the next track, creating seamless transitions. Avoiding The Consequences is an easy album to get lost in and that is not a bad thing!

Key Tracks: "Love Is A Ghost In America", "Saturday Morning", "Projections"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Lab Partners
The High Violets
Slowdive

Official A Shoreline Dream Website
A Shoreline Dream MySpace
Album @ Filter
Latenight Weeknight Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Gatsbys American Dream: Gatsbys American Dream

Gatsbys American Dream
Gatsbys American Dream
Fearless Records [2006]




You may think that given the self-titled album that Gatsbys American Dream are a new band. You might be surprised that this is their third long player. I believe the self-titling makes a bold statement such as “We are still here – hear us roar”. After flirting with major label interest, the Gatsbys are back on indie label Fearless with less filler and rocked out guitar. This is an album of pure despise for the music industry itself while embracing the music that makes it go around. Gatsbys American Dream is the most straightforward album of their discography and guitar is totally in the forefront for their staple pop-punk-prog-rock sound. Gone are the effects that were scattered throughout last years critically acclaimed Volcano [2005] which are replaced by keyboards on several tracks and more focus on the raw seesawing vocals. Gatsbys American Dream is in your face, pissed off, solid, rock n roll – a perfect way to wrap up the summer – go get it!

Key Tracks: "Margaritas And Cock", "You All Everybody", "Filthy Beasts"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Sugarcult
Thursday
Against Me!

Official Gatsbys American Dream Website
Gatsbys American Dream MySpace
Fearless Records

-Reviewed by Aidan Rox

The Zutons: Tired Of Hangin' Around

The Zutons
Tired Of Hangin' Around
Deltasonic/Epic Records [2006]




The Zutons are back with their sophomore album Tired Of Hanging Around. This is a follow up to Who Killed The Zutons? [2004], which contained the hit single “Pressure Point”. I must admit that I listened to that song 100 times. I could not get the damn thing out of my head. So going into the sophomore album the bar is already set high. Does Tired Of Hanging Around deliver? The answer is a refreshing yes! The Zutons once again have released another set of songs that have a very catchy 60’s throwback feel to them. Tired Of Hanging Around is filled with jazzy soul vocals and soaring hooks. You can also tell the band has improved with commercial success because the instrumental cohesiveness is top notch. With that said, The Zutons definitely avoided the sophomore slump and have evolved their sound to once again be one of the more creative bands out of Liverpool.

Key Tracks: "Why Won't You Give Me Your Love", "Hello Conscience", "Valerie"

Bands With Similar Fire:
The Coral
Sly & The Family Stone
Ocean Colour Scene

Official Zutons Website
Deltasonic Records
Epic Records

-Reviewed by Conrad Rocksted

Robert Pollard/Psycho And The Birds: Check Your Zoo EP

Psycho And The Birds
Check Your Zoo EP
The Fading Captain Series [2006]







Does Robert Pollard ever sleep? I truly believe he just has lyrics sitting around the house and in an instant, a six song EP is produced quicker than the price of gas goes up. Under the moniker Psycho And The Birds, Pollard is back with long time buddy Todd Tobias for six more rockin’ tunes just two months after their debut album All That Is Holy [2006]. The distinction that sets Check Your Zoo apart from the full length is that Pollard’s vocals take a stronger lead above the instrumentation and the intensity of each track is turned up several notches. In traditional fashion, no song is over 2:20 and the EP is finished just after eleven minutes. Check Your Zoo will not bring new listeners to the GBV family but it is another essential addition for the true fans collection. If anything, it will keep people salivating for Pollard’s next solo release.

Key Tracks: "Organic Comes On", "Glorified Ushers", "You're So New Wave"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Guided By Voices
Circus Devils
Eyesinweasel

Official Robert Pollard Website
Fading Captain/Pollard/Luna Ordering Information

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Midlake: The Trials Of Van Occupanther

Midlake
The Trials Of Van Occupanther
Bella Union Records [2006]









Midlake’s The Trials Of Van Occupanther is a very interesting piece of work because it successfully plays with the time continuum between the 70’s and present day. Like any movie that messes with this concept, there is potential for hiccups. Just remember understanding Back To The Future III or 12 Monkeys. Midlake avoids any hiccup and successfully creates a 70’s environment with Tim Smith sounding like a young Lindsey Buckingham effortlessly singing each track. The music compliments his vocals with backing piano, soft drums and jazzy guitar. All of these components make for a very listenable album and even though I can compare their sound to many 70’s era bands it still feels present day. The Trials Of Van Occupanther has a very folk indie vibe and based on the strength of the single “Roscoe” I believe that we will be hearing more from Midlake in the future.

Key Tracks: "Roscoe", "Branches", "Bandits"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Fleetwood Mac
Grandaddy
Rogue Wave

Official Midlake Website
Midlake MySpace
Bella Union Records

-Reviewed by JT Burn

M. Ward: Post-War

M. Ward
Post-War
Merge Records [2006]









M. Ward is the type of guy you want to come over, grab a beer, and just let him sing on a guitar. Now it helps if he brings his friends along like Neko Case, Jim James (My Morning Jacket), and producer Mike Mogis (Bright Eyes, Rilo Kiley). Where M. Ward’s previous releases have been more of an intimate affair, Post-War contains a much more elaborate sound with instrumentation and higher energy songs. I always like to see this in an artist – there is a certain amount of risk to release something that does not exactly fit into the indie folk music of his pervious albums. The key is that Post-War still maintains the great quality M. Ward’s previous albums and will easily retain his fan base while grabbing more along the way. Post-War is also catchier with each listen and could easily end up on critics top 10 list for 2006 when it is all over. [Candidate for the Blazing Top 25 of 2006]

Key Tracks: "Requiem", "Chinese Translation", "To Go Home"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Bright Eyes
Howe Gelb
Pedro The Lion

Official M. Ward Website
M. Ward MySpace
Merge Records

-Reviewed by Aidan Rox

Greg Laswell: Through Toledo

Greg Laswell
Through Toledo
Vanguard Records [2006]









Greg Laswell is what makes music so great. This San Diego singer songwriter came out of nowhere with an album that is very listenable and gets better with each spin. It is a prime example of how heartbreak always is good for the artistic soul. Laswell was married and his wife left suddenly which he didn’t see coming. Through Toledo is a reaction, and an automatic response to the abrupt departure and his failed marriage. Greg worked hard, fast, and alone in the studio playing virtually every part of this album himself. His pain sets the stage for a very direct, concise and honest album. Most of all don’t think this is just an album of wallow; each track on Through Toledo is very personal and sonic with many upbeat songs to counter the ballads. The key is that everyone can relate to Greg’s songs and that is what keeps me coming back!

Key Tracks: "I'm Hit", "High And Low", "Sing, Teresa Says"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Coldplay
Rufus Wainwright
Jeff Buckley

Official Greg Laswell Website
Greg Laswell MySpace
Vanguard Records

-Reviewed by Natalie Colibri

Human Television: Look At Who You're Talking To

Human Television
Look At Who You're Talking To
Gigantic Music [2006]





There is something very pleasant about Human Television’s Look At Who You’re Talking To. I can’t quite put my finger on it but I think it is that the album seems to flow carelessly with catchy little tunes and strumming guitars. Most songs are short and to the point. The entire album has a very lo-fi feel to it but at the same time feels very complete. Songs like “Mars Red Dust” and “Tonight’s The Night” sounds like they are from the early R.E.M. era and would easily fit on Reckoning [1984]. Look At Who You’re Talking To is not a perfect album by any means, some tracks feel a bit incomplete but given the overall effortlessness experience of it, I will take a bit incomplete Human Television any day.

Key Tracks: "Ten Minutes", "Tonight's The Night", "Mars Red Dust"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Guided By Voices
Early R.E.M.
Teenage Fanclub

Official Human Television Website
Human Television MySpace
Gigantic Music

-Reviewed by Conrad Rocksted

Canada: This Cursed House

Canada
This Cursed House
Quite Scientific Records [2006]





You would think that a band named Canada would be from Canada right? How about a band called Canada from Michigan? Better? Not sure? What I can tell you about Canada (the band) is that their debut This Cursed House is a fun indie folk record. The seven-piece band uses multiple layers of instrumentation to achieve their sound with just simple tunes, themes, and chorus. Nothing more nothing less. There are a few instrumental tracks that keep This Cursed House very indie – including “Hey Garland” which includes a typewriter keeping the beats. Along with the typewriter, Canada employee a cello, a glockenspiel (like a xylophone), and an electric piano, all tied with some shout & response vocals. The end result is a very enjoyable listen that doesn’t matter if you are in Canada, Michigan or North America – you will just be glad to have listened.

Key Tracks: "Look To The Trees", "Hexenhaus", "Asleep In Leaves"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Nuetral Milk Hotel
Lullaby For The Working Class
The Arcade Fire

Official Canada Website
Canada MySpace
Quite Scientific Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

The Pink Spiders: Teenage Graffiti

The Pink Spiders
Teenage Graffiti
Geffen Records [2006]





The Pink Spiders major label debut Teenage Graffiti contains 13 tracks of polished rock n roll. From this point, the listener could definitely go either way on this album. I think you will really like it or you really won't. If you were a fan of their indie release Hot Pink [2004] you will notice that some of the gritty garage vibe has left. Teenage Graffiti is the same pop punk as their last offering but producer Ric Ocasek has shined this thing up so much that even the catchiest songs sort of sound like the track before. This differnce really stands out because Graffiti contains four re-recorded tracks from Hot Pink. If the Pink Spiders survive this round at the major level I believe they need go back and find that edge and spirit that oozed through their debut because Teenage Graffiti just doesn't separate itself from all of the other pop punk releases this year.

Key Tracks: "Nobody Baby", "Easy Way Out", "Modern Swinger"

Bands With Similar Fire:
The Mooney Suzuki
The All-American Rejects
[Punk] Weezer

Official The Pink Spiders Website
The Pink Spiders MySpace
Geffen Records

-Reviewed by JT Burn

Cursive: Happy Hollow

Cursive
Happy Hollow
Saddle Creek Records [2006]









Cursive is back with a guitar indie rock album called Happy Hollow. For some, their last outing The Ugly Organ [2003] did not appeal to their entire fan base due to the different direction of some tracks. I am here to tell you, Happy Hollow will bring back the masses. The whole band seems energized and ready to rip it up like the days of Domestica [2000]. Each track is treated with extreme care and well thought out with a progressive flow that leaves you wanting more. Also, fans may notice the missing cello instrumentation, which has been replaced by horns. Before you fret, - don’t - the horns feed Happy Hollow the background vigor needed and keep it fresh and fun. Happy Hollow marks a triumphant return for the band and shows off a tighter, heavier and cohesive Cursive. All fans should apply because it is a treat. [Candidate for the Blazing Top 25 of 2006]

Key Tracks: "So-So Gigolo", "Dorothy At Forty", "Big Bang"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Fugazi
Adrenalized Bright Eyes
Pixies

Official Cursive Website
Cursive MySpace
Saddle Creek Records

-Reviewed Aidan Rox

Jon Auer: Songs From the Year of Our Demise

Jon Auer
Songs From The Year Of Our Demise
Pattern 25 Records [2006]

Every Posies fan has waited for Jon’s album every since Ken Stringfellow released his solo effort. Finally, the wait is over and Jon has given us Songs From The Year Of Our Demise. You always wonder want an artist will do when they go out on his or her own. Auer’s Posies bandmate Stringfellow attempted many styles of music completely different from the power pop prowlness of The Posies. Jon Auer has chosen to stay the course and not sway away from the Posies formula but slow things down a bit. Songs From The Year Of Our Demise is filled with quality mid tempo tracks all on a very intimate level. You can hear the effort that went into this album and appreciate the time it took after listening several times. As a complete work this is a stronger album than the last two Posies efforts but I would have liked to seen a few more upbeat numbers just because Jon is so good at it. At 15 tracks long, the mid tempo thing wears a bit on you but with the high quality of songs you survive. Songs From The Year Of Our Demise also stands up great after repeat listens and will be a favorite for any Posies fan.

Key Tracks: "Six Feet Under", "Josephine", "Wicked World"

Bands With Similar Fire:
The Posies [Duh]
Matthew Sweet
Elliott Smith

Official Jon Auer Website
Jon Auer MySpace
Official Posies Website
Pattern 25 Records

-Reviewed by Natalie Colibri

Flogging Molly: Whiskey On A Sunday

Flogging Molly
Whiskey On A Sunday
SideOneDummy Records [2006]









Grab a beer and be ready to be kicked in the arse! Flogging Molly are back with Whiskey On A Sunday, which includes five fan favorites recorded live, four acoustic songs, and the brand new rockin’ track “Laura”. It is also packaged with a killer feature length DVD documentary. Flogging Molly always has put out solid studio albums but their real draw is their explosive live performances. Whiskey On A Sunday not only gives you the DVD for viewing but the five live tracks capture the essence of Flogging Molly down to last punked out tweak of the guitar. The new track “Laura” is very catchy and would fit on any Molly album. The acoustic versions are a nice change of pace but the live tracks is really where this album takes off. The twelve minute “Black Friday Rule” has it all, energy, cussing, and extremely tight musicianship. If you are familiar with Flogging Molly’s Irish punk, this album is essential to add for your collection. If you are not, this would be a nice introduction to the band - just make sure you grab a pint and crank the volume!

Key Tracks: "Black Friday Rule [Live]", "Laura", "Drunken Lullabies [Acoustic]"

Bands With Similar Fire:
The Pogues
Black 47
The Tossers

Official Flogging Molly Website
Flogging Molly MySpace
SideOneDummy Records

-Reviewed by Conrad Rocksted

Margot And The Nuclear So And So's: The Dust Of Retreat

Margot And The Nuclear So And So's
The Dust Of Retreat
Artemis Records [2006]









Besides the crazy name, Margot & The Nuclear So And So’s play nice indie pop rock music. The founding two members met in a pet shop and they now have about six bandmates that play a multitude of instruments such as a trumpet, cello, and keyboards. The Dust Of Retreat has a very low-fi feel to it, which adds an extreme charm to this album and makes it a very lighthearted affair. Each track gives you a different flavor from acoustic rock to alt-country rock to pure indie pop gems and includes some humor like “Paper Kitten Nightmare” that actually has a meow meow meow chorus. Now don’t get scared - this is one of those albums that you pop in the player and it never leaves. Everytime you reach for it – you think no I really like that thing – the different styles also work perfect in the land of shuffle. What you truly get with Margot and friends is a youthfully honest debut that leaves you feeling euphoric about music and wanting to come back for more.

Key Tracks: "Vampires In Blue Dresses", "Quiet As A Mouse", "Barfight Revolution, Power Violence"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Sufjan Stevens
Death Cab For Cutie
Bright Eyes

Official Margot & Nuclear So And So's Website
Margot & Nuclear Myspace
Artemis Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Heartless Bastards: All This Time

Heartless Bastards
All This Time
Fat Possum Records [2006]









Cincinnati’s Heartless Bastards are back with All This Time a short year after their blues-rockin’ debut Stairs And Elevators [2005]. On their follow up, we are treated to a much more consistent driven Bastards album. All This Time still contains all of the elements that made me love Heartless Bastards in the first place: Erika Wennerstrom’s powerful vocals, loud guitars and plenty of fuzz. The difference this time around is that the urgency to belt the tracks out is completely gone. Each song sticks around and perfects the formula with some quite moments, some loud moments, some fuzzy moments and plenty of Erika’s voice. Heartless Bastards play the type of music that makes you want to go out to a hot tiny venue, grab a cold new castle and let the music jam on!

Key Tracks: "Into The Open", "All This Time", "No Pointing Arrows"

Bands With Similar Fire:
(A Bluesy) Cat Power
Sonic Youth
Jon Spencer Blues Explosion

Official Heartless Bastards Website
Heartless Bastards MySpace
Fat Possum Records

-Reviewed by JT Burn

Drag The River: It's Crazy.

Drag The River
It's Crazy.
Suburban Home Records [2006]





You can be a cowboy, and I can be a punk? What did you just say? Drag The River are an alt-country band from Ft Collins Colorado that are comprised of some veteran punk rockers consisting of All frontman Chad Price, Armchair Martian’s Jon Snodgrass and Casey Prestwood from Hot Rod Circuit. The band has been in existence for about ten years and Its Crazy is their tenth release counting 7”, EPs, and live albums. You might think this would be some punked up rockabilly like a new Supersuckers album but this is more comparable to the Old 97’s. The tracks are catchy, well balanced and make for a great listen. Drag The River may have punk in their blood but they wear the alt-country on their sleeve.

Key Tracks: "Me & Joe Drove Out To California", "Cousins", "Leavin' In The Morning"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Lucero
Limbeck
The Bottlerockets

Official Drag The River Website
Drag The River MySpace
Surburban Home Records

-Reviewed by Natalie Colibri

Thee Emergency: Can You Dig It?

Thee Emergency
Can You Dig It?
BlueDisguise Records [2006]




Nothing makes me happier than when I come across some solid high-energy garage rock. Seattle’s Thee Emergency is just that. They have a powerful lead vocalist in Dita Vox, and similar to the BellRays style, she takes no prisoners in her delivery. For some street credit, I must mention that the album was produced by famed White Stripes producer, Jim Diamond and recorded in Detroit. Street cred is one thing but how is the music you ask? I found myself toe tapping to every tune and wanting more with each listen. I know an album grabs me when I can’t wait to see the band live. I am sure Thee Emergency rip it up Stooges style. So on a parting note – If you are into the garage rock thing at all - go pick up a copy of Can You Dig It? Trust me – this thing will be in your player for months to come.

Key Tracks: "Can You Dig It?", "Girl You Should've Known", "Get It Up"

Bands With Similar Fire:
The BellRays
The Gossip
The Detroit Cobras

Official Thee Emergency Website
Thee Emergency MySpace
BlueDisguise Records

-Reviewed by Aidan Rox

Lily Allen: Alright Still

Lily Allen
Alright Still
Regal/EMI Records [2006]








I must confess something – I really did not want to review this album when it was tossed my way. I pleaded with the boss and said, “No, really my talent would be better served on the new Sufjan Stevens or The Long Winters album”. As you can see, that did not work and I am reviewing the debut album from the British Lily Allen. Here it goes – To my surprise; this thing is catchy as hell. It has not left my player rotation and more importantly the iPod playlist for two weeks. It is like my own cool guilty pleasure. She also has a very fashionable background story for all you MySpace hipsters. She started out uploading her tracks on MySpace and it took off grabbing over 2 million visitors. Presto - Overnight success! So if you are into something different, enjoy a little reggae, pop, rap and vocal harmony, Lily Allen’s Alright Still will take you there. By the way – I still want to review The Long Winters album.

Key Tracks: "Smile", "LDN", "Friday Night"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Female Version of The Streets
Luscious Jackson
Northern State

Lily Allen Website
Lily Allen MySpace
Regal/EMI Records

-Reviewed by Conrad Rocksted

Golden Smog: Another Fine Day

Golden Smog
Another Fine Day
Lost Highway Records [2006]




Can you go wrong if your band has names attached to it like Wilco’s Tweedy, The Jayhawks, Louris & Perlman and Soul Asylum’s Dan Murphy? That should be a quick answer no way. I am sure that I would enjoy just about anything this mid western supergroup puts out. Another Fine Day is no exception and is just as fun as their previous two outings Weird Tales [1998] and Down By The Old Mainstream [1995]. The biggest change this time around and eight years later is that there is more focus on the rock vs. an alt-country sound. Don’t get me wrong, it still has a very roots alt-country feel and the acoustic tracks could fit onto any of The Jayhawks catalog, but the other tracks rock out a bit more with classic southern rock anthems. This could be a product of all the members’ maturity and a more comfortable time in their career that this feels like a loose jam session affair with superb talent. In this case, that makes Another Fine Day flow well and leave us with a very balanced album. The key to remember is that most “supergroups” struggle with inconsistent albums because of all the different inputs but Golden Smog have never seemed to have that issue and most likely will be this generations Traveling Wilburys still putting out records 20 years from now.

Key Tracks: "Another Fine Day", "Hurricane", "Strangers"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Badfinger
The Jayhawks/Early Wilco
Soul Asylum

Golden Smog MySpace
Lost Highway Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony