Bonnie "Prince" Billy: The Letting Go

Bonnie "Prince" Billy
The Letting Go
Drag City Records [2006]









We have now come to expect an album from Will Oldham‘s Bonnie "Prince" Billy every year and his 2006 full-length offering is The Letting Go. In the same fashion as his excellent collaboration work with Matt Sweeny on last year’s Superwolf [2005], Oldham has ventured down the same road, only this time around employed Dawn McCarthy from Faun Fables as his vocal counterpoint. This was a great choice, McCarthy’s voice brings an extra something to every track from harmonies, backgrounds, leads, and melodies. Her addition is truly the success of The Letting Go and is a perfect balance for Bonnie Billy’s gruff baritone voice. Oldham pours all of his personality into The Letting Go and reflects on his favorite gloom subjects such as pain and release. With multiple listens, this is an album that gets stronger and stronger and could easily show up on some top ten lists by year’s end.

Key Tracks: "Cursed Sleep", "No Bad News", "Love Comes To Me"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Smog
Faun Fables
Lambchop

Official Bonnie 'Prince' Billy Website
Drag City Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

My Chemical Romance: The Black Parade

My Chemical Romance
The Black Parade
Reprise/WEA Records [2006]









Concept albums – You either are in or you are out. When a band goes this direction, you usually either love it or hate it – not much in between. In the case of My Chemical Romance’s new album The Black Parade – I will need to weigh in on the side of “love it”! The Black Parade is a gloomy concept album about an unnamed patient who dies too young. Before you turn and run away – the music on this thing rocks. In fact, I challenge that this is the best rocking album about a patient that dies too young out there. The pace and flow of The Back Parade is where its success lies. Each track complements the next and as the listener, you want more. This cohesiveness is fueled on The Black Parade because it has the same producer, studio and label as Green Day’s American Idiot [2004], which I do believe, is no coincidence for its success. My Chemical Romance also will probably win an MTV award or sorts for weirdest cameo due to the appearance of Liz Minnelli on the track “Mama”. Admit it or not, there is something cool about My Chemical Romance and they back it up with this very strong third album. This will definitely be the album to expand their fan base and I am sure we will be seeing them in all of 2007.

Key Tracks: "Welcome To The Black Parade", "I Don't Love You", "This Is How I Disappear"

Bands With Similar Fire:
David Bowie
Alkaline Trio
I Am Ghost

Official My Chemical Romance Website
My Chemical Romance MySpace
Reprise/WEA Records

-Reviewed by JT Burn

David & The Citizens: Until The Sadness Is Gone

David & The Citizens
Until The Sadness Is Gone
Friendly Fire Recordings [2006]







The Swedish band David & The Citizens have landed ashore with their new album Until The Sadness Is Gone. Singer/songwriter David Fridlund formed David & the Citizens back in 1999, and since then have received several awards and hype across Scandinavia and Europe. It is now time to hear what all that fuss was about. Until The Sadness Is Gone is filled with indie pop gems that have confidence and catchiness from the well-seasoned band. There are tracks of all speeds, some fast, some slow, and some in the middle. The connection is that they all have intelligent lyrics, well crafted melodies, and a true sense of honesty –what you hear is what you get. This is one import that will not be leaving my player anytime soon!

Key Tracks: "Graycoated Morning", "New Direction", "Silverjacketgirl"

Bands With Similar Fire:
The Decemberists
Matt Pond PA
Bright Eyes

Official David & The Citizens Website
David & The Citizens MySpace
Friendly Fire Recordings

-Reviewed by Aidan Rox

Tap Tap: Lanzafame

Tap Tap
Lanzafame
Catbird Records [2006]






I hate to jump on the bloggers bandwagon on this one, but Tap Tap is currently the indie darlings of the blog review world. With that said, let the music speak for itself! Tap Tap have all the elements that create a buzz:

1) They hail from England.
2) They have that hip indie sound like Arcade Fire, Clap Your Hands, & Wolf Parade.
3) Finally, the almighty blogger buzz, which I must say seems to be quite a force for new bands lately, has been pushing this band as "the next big thing".

Tap Tap do supply an enjoyable listen on Lanzafame, which has a very Pet Sounds lo-fi feel to many tracks with loose enough song structures that surprise the listener when it all comes together. Each track offers something unique, such as feedback guitars, scaling harmonies and falling drums. All of this combines for a great indie release and worth the hype, it has been getting. The real test for any album is the repeat listen. Do you want to go back for more Tap Tap? The answer this time around is “Yes I do”.

Key Tracks: "100,000 Thoughts", "The Reason I'm Here", "On My Way"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Bears
Tapes 'N Tapes
Clap Your Hands Say Yeah!

Official Tap Tap Website [Stolen Recordings Site]
Tap Tap MySpace
Catbird Records

-Reviewed by Conrad Rocksted

Math And Physics Club: Math And Physics Club

Math And Physics Club
Math And Physics Club
Matinee Recordings [2006]







There is always room in the scene for a band like the Math And Physics Club. Their self-titled full-length debut is a very pleasant indie pop piece of work. The music flows from one track to the next with ease, making it seem like producing an album is the simplest task in the world or like an everyday occurrence. Math And Physics Club do have some pressure coming into this release. The Seattle band had two very successful EPs last year, which not only built up a fan base but gave them true momentum going into this release. The best news is that the album is very comparable to the EPs. It includes solid songwriting, catchy lyrics and charming harmonies that we have already come to expect from Math And Physics Club. If you are a fan of Belle & Sebastian type music then Math And Physics Club is for you, not only is it a quality release but the album is timeless - providing the perfect soundtrack for any day of the week, any season of the year.

Key Tracks: "April Showers", "Such A Simple Plan", "Darling, Please Come Home"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Belle & Sebastian
The Decemberists
Camera Obscura

Official Math And Physics Club Website
Fan Operated Math And Physics MySpace
Matinee Recordings

-Reviewed by Natalie Colibri

The Professors: Get Out Of My Head EP

The Professors
Get Out Of My Head EP
Professors Lab Publishing [2006]







Hey kids – Do you like the rock n roll? Well then, The Professors are here to supply your need! On their debut EP, Get Out Of My Head, this Dayton, Ohio band, romps through six songs playing a classic ‘60s style garage rock. The Professors do not leave one amp turned down nor will you find any song filler on this EP. They do an outstanding job of creating a vintage sound that has a true modern feel ensuring that the listener will not stop toe tapping until the last track plays. Get Out Of My Head has a cool rough harsh tone to the tracks, which is very reminiscent of The Sonics. It really does make you want to grab a guitar and join the fun. The only real problem I could find with this EP is that it is over too early. I look forward to a full length down the road but for right now, Get Out Of My Head has found a permanent home in my player.

Key Tracks: "Girl That I Want", "Get Out Of My Head", "Got It Bad For You"

Bands With Similar Fire:
The Sonics
The Singles
The Greenhornes

Official The Professors Website

Click Link Below To Buy Album @ CD Baby
http://cdbaby.com/cd/professorsmusic

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Villebillies: Villebillies

Villebillies
Villebillies
Universal Motown Records [2006]






The Villebillies hail from Louisville, Kentucky and are comprised of ten – that’s right – ten members combining to mix a variety of genres, such as hip-hop, southern rock, and bluegrass. Given this unique background, I must admit that I was not real hip on reviewing this album. I just didn’t feel that they came close to any of my personal musical tastes and I might not give a fair review. It turns out; I was exactly the person who needed to hear this album. The Villebillies are not just another rap/rock band and have a fresh sound due to the added instruments like a little harmonica and banjo. The influx of their southern upbringing makes their debut come to life and gives it a distinct separation from anything that is currently out there. I found the Villebillies very listenable and much closer to a TV On The Radio than anything Limp Bizkit has released. The instrumentation is tight and the vocals play off each other with ease, making the Villebillies a fresh new band on the scene worth giving a chance - not to mention another listen.

Key Tracks: "Burnin' Down The House", "Whiskey", "Rolling Stone"

Bands With Similar Fire:
TV On The Radio
Southern Fried Kid Rock
Gym Class Heroes

Villebillies Official Website
Villebillies MySpace
Universal South Records

-Reviewed by JT Burn

IV Thieves: If We Can't Escape My Pretty

IV Thieves
If We Can't Escape My Pretty
New West Records [2006]







Don’t be totally confused about the name IV Thieves. This is really the merging of lead vocalist Nic Armstrong and his backing band The Thieves. You may remember his exciting garage blues album last year The Greatest White Liar [2005], which was a dose of British 60’s rock n roll. Expanding on Armstrong’s sound, IV Thieves is a total band effort. If We Can't Escape My Pretty, rotates lead vocal duties and each band member played a part in the writing of each track. This collaboration style can work for and against you. I think in the case of IV Thieves, it does not necessarily work against them but the album does lose continuity as it moves through the tracklist due to the rotating lead vocals. There is a reason Nic Armstrong should be the lead on each track because he has the most distinct and strongest voice. In defense of the other three “Thieves”, their vocals/songs are not awful, it just distracts from the overall product. As a whole, If We Can’t Escape My Pretty has good harmonies, powerful instrumentation and solid songwriting and still is an entertaining listen.

Key Tracks: "You Can't Love What You Don't Understand", "Chase Me Off/Out", "The Sound And The Fury"

Bands With Similar Fire:
The Kinks
The Raconteurs
The Rolling Stones

Official IV Thieves Website
IV Thieves MySpace
New West Records

-Reviewed by Aidan Rox

Chris Koza: Patterns

Chris Koza
Patterns
Self-Released [2006]







Current Minnesota Music Award winner for Best Pop Recording and Best Male Vocalist, Minneapolis singer/songwriter Chris Koza has been building lots of steam recently for his sophomore release Patterns. Koza plays a solid blend of pop/folk/rock that constructs a sound that is very smooth and pleasant to the ear. For his sophomore outing, he has expanded his sound with a talented backing band on each track, which gives Patterns a much fuller sound than his debut Exit Pesce [2004]. Koza has a talent for witty lyrics matched with catchy melodies, supported by his sturdy voice. This is always a recipe for success and works very well for Koza, making Patterns a complete work. It also should give a chance for him to move outside the Minnesota area and start finding success on a much wider scale.

Key Tracks: "Midnight Rose", "Candle In The Dark", "Goldmine"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Ryan Adams
Greg Laswell
Brendan Benson

Official Chris Koza Website
Chris Koza MySpace

-Reviewed by Conrad Rocksted

The Changes: Today Is Tonight

The Changes
Today Is Tonight
Drama Club Records [2006]








The hush sounds of The Changes debut, Today Is Tonight is a nice change of pace from some of the other “new wave” albums out there. They create a very soft and pleasant vibe that could be turned on any day of the week and leave you feeling relaxed inside. The Changes is sort of a throwback to the way this genre used to be represented. They have a very Smith like characteristic, in that their music only reaches a certain maximum level with distinct high points, low points and a very steady middle. It would be very easy to discard The Changes and label them simply boring but that is what is great about Today Is Tonight – it is very entertaining. The substance behind the tunes keeps the listeners attention and makes repeat listens enjoyable. The standout point about The Changes is that not many other bands have this sound right now. Most bands are trying to evolve the genre with different vocal mixes or keyboard trickery, The Changes are happy with not messing with a good thing, and it works!

Key Tracks: "When I Wake", "Such A Scene", "Water Of The Gods"

Bands With Similar Fire:
The Ocean Blue
The Smiths
Fossil

Official The Changes Website
The Changes MySpace
Drama Club Records
Drama Club Records MySpace

-Reviewed by Natalie Colibri

Me First And The Gimme Gimmes: Love Their Country

Me First And The Gimme Gimmes
Love Their Country
Fat Wreck Chords [2006]









A quick recap for those who have no idea about the Me First and The Gimme Gimmes. They are a punk-rock covers Supergroup that features members of Lagwagon, No Use For A Name and NOFX, which have been releasing albums since 97’. So far they have covered classic rock, show tunes, songs of the 60’s, classic R&B, and finally played a kid’s Bar Mitzvah. So what genre is left? Country of course. The Gimmes cover new country “Goodbye Earl” (Dixie Chicks), old country “I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry” (Hank Williams) and everything in between like “Desperado” (The Eagles) and the more obscure Jerry Reed’s East Bound And Down from Smokey & The Bandit. All of these covers (like their previous albums) burn through at punk rock speed and give each song a new life. You really cannot go wrong with Love Their Country considering it has 12 tracks in 25 minutes all showing that no matter what genre the Gimme Gimmes tackle it all comes out solid punk rock and most of all it is fun as hell!

Key Tracks: "On The Road Again", "Jolene", "(Ghost) Riders In The Sky"

Bands With Similar Fire:
NOFX
Green Day
Fearless Records Punk Goes Series

Official Gimme Gimmes Website
Gimme Gimmes MySpace
Fat Wreck Chords

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

The Lemonheads: The Lemonheads

The Lemonheads
The Lemonheads
Vagrant Records [2006]








It has been ten years since we heard a new album from The Lemonheads. The problem when they left was there was no closer for fans. No bad break ups, nobody died, not even a hiatus statement – The Lemonheads just drifted away. They also drifted away after a quick rise to the top of the alternative kingdom and Evan Dando as the alt poster boy after Cobain. The 2006 version of The Lemonheads has a new lineup, which includes Bill Stevenson and Karl Alverez, ex-members of The Descendents. The album also features special guests Garth Hudson (The Band) and J Mascis (Dinosaur Jr.) on select tracks. The new material is a nice flashback to the way things used to be. Each song is around the three-minute mark and has that jangly upbeat sound that only Dando can produce. This is a nice transition from Dando’s solo return, Baby I'm Bored [2003], which was good but very mellow. For me, It’s A Shame About Ray [1992] sets the bar for any new Lemonheads output (and many other bands for that matter). The Lemonheads does a nice job returning to that form and shows some promise that Dando will not take another long sabbatical this time around.

Key Tracks: "No Backbone", "Become The Enemy", "Rule Of Three"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Soul Asylum
Dinosaur Jr.
Solo Evan Dando

Official Lemonheads Website
The Lemonheads MySpace
Vagrant Records

-Reviewed by JT Burn

The Key Party: Hit Or Miss

The Key Party
Hit Or Miss
Self Released [2006]






What do you do when your rock & roll band The Great Shakes goes on hiatus? Well, you do what any normal sound-minded front man does – you create another band. The Key Party is Darren Gaines outlet while on break and could easily turn into his day job. Hit Or Miss is a fun, loose, rockin’, pot and pan slappin’ type of album. It represents the musician in all of us that wishes they could pick up a guitar, grab a drink and crank out 15 quality raw tracks. Darren Gaines has a distinguishable gruff to his voice which compliments each song with honesty – there is no overproduction, no cover-ups of imperfections, just what you hear is what you get. I especially think that if you are into the solo troubadour you will enjoy The Key Party. The song “Born Permanently Cool” is the closest Tom Waits sound I have heard in quite awhile. Hit Or Miss definitely has something to offer everyone; you get a little country, a little rock, a little punk and a whole lotta personality.

Key Tracks: "The Way We Do It Here", "Just Not My Day", "Last Call"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Nick Cave
Tom Waits
Joe Strummer

Official The Key Party Website
The Key Party MySpace

Click Link Below To Purchase Album
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/keyparty

-Reviewed by Natalie Colibri

Robert Pollard: Normal Happiness / Moon: Robert Pollard Live

Robert Pollard
Normal Happiness
Merge Records [2006]







Robert Pollard
Moon: Robert Pollard Live
Merge Records [2006]






Normal Happiness:
Pollard’s first release of 2006, From A Compound Eye was considered an atypical release from Bob strictly because of its length, clocking in at 70 minutes. Normal Happiness finds Pollard right back to a very familiar 35 minutes of 2-minute well-developed power pop trinkets. All sixteen tracks are catchy, fun, and spirited: each containing sing-a-long anthems that will be permanently placed in your head after several listens. This is still the mature Pollard of Compound Eye but now he has loosened the reigns a bit, carefully twisting song structures without getting lost in noise, and highlighted what he is great at – the perfect chorus. Normal Happiness reminds me of earlier GBV albums like Alien Lanes [1995] and Under The Bushes Under The Stars [1996] with less lo-fi and more sonic production. The songs are short, sweet and to the point but are fully realized unlike some of his previous work. It is great to hear that regardless of any experimental or side project monikers Pollard releases that he can still produce a captivating album that will appeal to many old fans and easily earn new ones.

Moon:Robert Pollard Live:
Moon was released as a bonus CD with Normal Happiness. It contains songs recorded from the June 24th show in Cincinnati opening for Pearl Jam. The 40-minute set includes 14 songs, 2 from Normal Happiness, 10 can be found on From A Compound Eye [2006], 1 GBV staple “Game Of Pricks” and lastly, a previous b-side only “Dolphins Of Color”. Moon represents the TiVo version of a typical Pollard/GBV show. You get the Pollard introduction before each song, the focus is on the new material (no one ever said Bob does not know how to sell albums) and tight musicianship from backing band The Ascended Masters. Unfortunately, what you miss is any memorable Pollard ramblings, a 3-hour show with all the classics, and a crazy enthusiastic crowd. Moon still turns out to be a nice snapshot of the new material live, especially the rockin’ version of “Love Is Stronger Than Witchcraft” which closes the show. Lastly, If you grab a rolling rock and headphones, you still can have a great time and gear up for next time Mr. Pollard is in town!

Key Tracks:
Normal Happiness
"Rhoda Rhoda", "Supernatural Car Lover", "Tomorrow Will Not Be Another Day"

Moon
"Game Of Pricks", "Love Is Stronger Than Witchcraft", "I Surround You Naked"

Bands With Similar Fire:
The Who
Paul McCartney
Ben Gibbard

Official Robert Pollard Website
Robert Pollard MySpace
Merge Records

-Reviewed by Aidan Rox

Beck: The Information

Beck
The Information
Interscope Records [2006]







Striking success back in 1994 with Mellow Gold we have seen an evolution of an artist over the last twelve years. The Information marks Beck’s seventh major label album and is somewhat a return to “old school” Beck. The difference between the 1994 Beck and 2006 Beck is that now each track is well thought out and placed vs. the carefree Beck that just made music for “Losers”. The best part about the difference / maturity is that the music has never suffered. The stronger tracks on The Information easily stand up to his earlier work and are still fun, danceable and catchy. With this release, Beck simply proves again that he is a multitalented artist that falls into ten genres and will continue to have influence over the music scene.

Key Tracks: "Cellphone's Dead", "Nausea", "Elevator Music"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Bob Dylan
U2
Pearl Jam

Official Beck Website
Beck MySpace
Interscope Records

-Reviewed by Conrad Rocksted

Swearing At Motorists: Exile On Gipsstrasse

Swearing At Motorists
Exile On Gipsstrasse
Secretly Canadian Records [2006]









Recorded in a Berlin Ubahnhof (an underground train station), Exile On Gipsstrasse captures Swearing At Motorists at its absolute best. Lead singer and creator Dave Doughman spent hours with a tape machine and two microphones near closing time at the local train station to capture this very unique mix of sound. Each song falls somewhere between a live and studio track – no audience noise but a very fresh live feel to the music. I would describe the sound as hearing someone playing music in a long hallway but the volume is only turned up half way. This project started when three songs from these sessions were included on this years Last Night Becomes This Morning, which was released in February 06. Doughman wondered what an entire album would sound like presented in this style - Exile On Gipsstrasse tests that very theory. I would say the experiment is a success. Exile On Gipsstrasse gives you a very intimate, lo-fi record that cruises by in 25 minutes that will have you hitting repeat several times. Be sure to hit the link below – this thing is supposedly free until November!

Key Tracks: "Coming Home [Richard Hawley]", "Northern Line", "Ten Dollars"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Alejandro Escovedo
Gram Parsons
Guided By Voices

Exile On Gipsstrasse [Free Album Download]
Official Swearing At Motorists Website
Swearing At Motorists MySpace
Secretly Canadian Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Magnolia Summer: From Driveways' Lost View

Magnolia Summer
From Driveways' Lost View
Undertow Music Records [2006]



For their sophomore release, Driveways’ Lost View, St. Louis’ Magnolia Summer have turned up the amps – a little. Compared to Levers And Pulleys [2003] intimate and hushed style, Driveways contains more guitar, drums and edge. However, before you start thinking this is a very different band, Magnolia Summer never lose control. Each song is still delicately unrolled and every note is played with precision. Songwriter Chris Grabau sings with a quiet shudder, just placing his vocals above the instruments and out front to catch the listener’s attention but not to distract from the music. Magnolia Summer are just a good ol’ rock n’ roll band with a slight twang, pleasant to the ears vocals and quality tunes that are enjoyable any day of the week.

Key Tracks: "Along For A Ride", "Director", "The Passing Days"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Son Volt
Better Than Ezra
Pernice Brothers

Official Magnolia Summer Website
Magnolia Summer MySpace
Undertow Music

-Reviewed by JT Burn

Los Straitjackets: Twist Party!!!

Los Straitjackets
Twist Party!!!
Yep Roc Records [2006]









They are back! Your favorite Nashville-based, Mexican wrestling mask wearin’, rock n roll instrumental playin’quartet Los Straitjackets have returned for their eighth full length Twist Party!!! To join in the fun this time around they have brought along friends Kaiser George, late of the Scottish Beat combo The Kaisers and The World Famous Pontani Sisters. You may guess from the title but the theme of Twist Party!!! is doin’ the twist 60’s style melded with the classic surf instrumentation of the Los Straitjackets. This album includes thirteen originals and three covers of good stomping twistin’ rockabilly fun. It is what it is – If you are not into surf or rockabilly or western swing do not even think of takin’ a listen – you will probably still not like it. If you are into something completely different and unique for 2006 releases, check this thing out, because in this genre, the talent does not get much better. The other crazy thing about Twist Party!!! is that it includes a DVD of short videos with step-by-step dance instruction from the Pontani Sisters. I have not dusted off the shoes yet – but you never know, the weekend is upon us and it just sounds like a foolish fun thing to attempt.

Key Tracks: "Prelude To A Twist", "Twist And Grind", "Twist Party"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Link Wray
Big Sandy & His Fly-Rite Boys
The Hi-Risers

Official Los Straitjackets Website
Los Straitjackets MySpace
Yep Roc Records

-Reviewed by Aidan Rox

The Black Keys: Magic Potion

The Black Keys
Magic Potion
Nonesuch Records [2006]









There is something about a new Black Keys album that makes me just feel good inside. The bluesy guitar riffs that The Black Keys are now famous for, cut through you like a sharp knife and keep your foot tapping and the air guitar strumming the entire trip. Magic Potion is no different. The Akron, Ohio duo of drummer Patrick Carney and guitarist-singer Dan Auerbach once again prove that less is more. Stripping away more outside influences like overdubs and hip-hop beats, Magic Potion is just back to basics and more comparable to their debut The Big Come Up [2002], which initially put them on the musical map. How Magic Potion separates itself out is that the timing of the music is much more important now versus being about the volume on the fuzzy guitar or heavy pounding drums. The maturity of this band is tuning down the instruments a bit and using the entire song structure for strength. Magic Potion does not break any new ground but for The Black Keys fans out there, that is perfectly fine. It is simply another quality addition to their catalog.

Key Tracks: "Give Your Heart Away", "Your Touch", "Just Got To Be"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Jon Spencer Blues Explosion
The White Stripes
Heartless Bastards

Official The Black Keys Website
The Black Keys MySpace
Nonesuch Records

-Reviewed by Natalie Colibri

The Killers: Sam's Town

The Killers
Sam's Town
Island Records [2006]









Wow, The Killers sophomore follow up to the crazy successful Hot Fuss [2004], Sam’s Town, has been really taking a beating in the press reviews. I think that most people were hoping for an album they could put at the top of their “Best of the 2000’s” list or “Top 500 of all time”. All right, so it is not Revolver [1966] but Sam’s Town is not that bad of a listen. Is it as good as Hot Fuss? – No. Is it much better than a couple thousand other releases this year? – yes. Sam’s Town for better or worse is a slight change in direction from their previous work. It has less dance punk numbers and more vocal driven songs. The music is still The Killers. The entire album has synthesizer and keyboards in the background, harmonizing vocals, and some crunching guitar supporting each track. The point being that I believe it gets better with each listen, it is not at all like Bruce Springsteen’s Nebraska [1982], and is not a sophomore slump. If you like The Killers, you will like Sam’s Town – just not as much as Hot Fuss.

Key Tracks: "When You Were Young", "This River Is Wild", "Sam's Town"

Bands With Similar Fire:
The Strokes
Louis XIV
David Bowie

Official Killers Website
The Killers MySpace
Island Records

-Reviewed by Conrad Rocksted

The Hold Steady: Boys And Girls In America

The Hold Steady
Boys And Girls In America
Vagrant Records [2006]









I have enjoyed Craig Finn since the days of Lifter Puller. His new band, The Hold Steady, is now on their third album in three years with the release of the John Agnello produced (Sonic Youth, Dinosaur Jr., Bob Dylan) Boys And Girls In America.

Once again, The Hold Steady tell stories of narcotics, tours of the USA and mystic love in the only way they know how – jangly transitions, crafty lyrics, and classic pounding rock n roll. The album posses a perfect mix of everything that is right with rock: soaring guitar solos, thoughtful ballads and anathematic choruses.

What makes Boys And Girls In America so great is that it is timeless. The music fits into many eras and appeals to every Led Zeppelin/Springsteen/Dylan head out there to the Pavement/Guided By Voices/Killers fan. It simply is a fun genuine rock album, from a fun self-proclaimed #1 American bar band. I don’t know about you but The Hold Steady can gladly set up in my local watering hole anytime they want and never leave. [Candidate for the Blazing Top 25 of 2006]

Key Tracks: "Stuck Between Stations" , "Hot Soft Light", "Chips Ahoy!"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Spoon
The Thermals
Dinosaur Jr.

Official Hold Steady Website
The Hold Steady MySpace
Vagrant Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

The Decemberists: The Crane Wife

The Decemberists
The Crane Wife
Capitol Records [2006]









So let’s get the obvious out of the way and point out what you probably have already heard about this album:

1. The Crane Wife is The Decemberists major label debut with Capitol Records after leaving the indie world of Kill Rock Stars.
2. Chris Walla from Death Cab For Cutie produced the darn thing.
3. This is a concept album telling an old Japanese folk tale where a poor man nurses an injured crane back to health, falls in love with a woman who is a kick ass spinner of clothing, finds out she is a crane, then she flies away like the original crane.

Now for the important discussion – How are the tunes? The tunes are great. The production has definitely been stepped up from their previous efforts. The songs all have a more crisp sound to them without losing any of the instrumentation The Decemberists are best known for. They have also ventured into some new territory on The Crane Wife and included two songs over eleven minutes long. Before you get scared, the songs are broke down into sections with their own lyrics, so you never really feel like they are just one track. The Decemberists have included some guest vocals like Laura Veirs on Yankee Bayonet, which is a superb duet with Colin Meloy. Chris Walla also sings backup on several tracks, which gives The Crane Wife that extra special indie star power. Overall, The Crane Wife is absolutely not a major label sellout. This record will retain all of their original fans and have a chance at finding many new ones. I believe this is some of their best work and will only get better with repeat listens. [Candidate for the Blazing Top 25 of 2006]

Key Tracks: "Yankee Bayonet (I Will Be Home Then)", "Summersong", "O Valencia!"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Early R.E.M.
Death Cab For Cutie
The Long Winters

Official Decemberists Website
The Decemberists MySpace
Capitol Records

-Reviewed by JT Burn