Friday, December 29, 2006

The Blazing Top 25 of 2006: 5 to 1 [Day 5]

Drum roll...

#5
The North Atlantic
Wires In The Walls
We Put Out Records [2006]







The North Atlantic put out a perfect collection of 11 post-punk tracks that contained ferocity, passion and intensity on Wires In The Walls. It also contained our favorite lyric of the year on the song “Scientist Girl” which was “I’d rather listen to my Clash records all night, then be with you”. So simply put - True That!

The North Atlantic Review [7/18/06] @ The Fire Note

#4
TV On The Radio
Return To Cookie Mountain
4AD/Interscope Records [2006]







The best album that you cannot just stick into one category. Return To Cookie Mountain was a complete sonic experience and forced you to listen at least once by headphones to capture all of the in and outs. It flowed perfectly from track to track and still has not grown old. The Beta Band for the next generation.

TV On The Radio Review [7/12/06] @ The Fire Note

#3
The Decemberists
The Crane Wife
Capitol Records [2006]







The Decemberists went to the major labels and released their best album to date. The Crane Wife retained all the quirkiness that made them so lovable before and combined that with top notch production and instrumentation. Every time we thought this album was going to be put on the shelf it made its way back into the player - that is power.

The Decemberists Review [10/2/06] @ The Fire Note

#2
The Hold Steady
Boys And Girls In America
Vagrant Records [2006]








The Hold Steady released the ultimate bar album of the year, which was played on ten every time it spun and just kept getting better with each listen. How can you go wrong with songs about drinking, drugs and the ladies? Boys And Girls In America has a 70's rock vibe, indie lyrical craziness and the hip style of Pavement - it was just simply a cool record!

The Hold Steady Review [10/3/06] @ The Fire Note

#1
Arctic Monkeys
Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not
Domino [2006]







We were hooked from the first listen. The Arctic Monkeys were more infectious with every listen and easily held up to many repeat listens. They also have the right amount of punk swagger of tossing an FU to record companies by building their fan base and releasing mp3s on the net long before Whatever People Say was released. Guess what? Their album still debuted at #1 in the UK. We also have a special connection to this record because it was the first review The Fire Note posted on our debut day back in April. How can it not be #1?

Arctic Monkeys Review [4/10/06] @ The Fire Note

Well that is it for 2006. Feel free to post some of your top albums of 06' - we would love to see them. Have a great new year and we will see you on January 2 for our first review in 2007.

Thanks for all the support in 2006 and helping make The Fire Note a success!
-Staff

Thursday, December 28, 2006

The Blazing Top 25 of 2006: 10 to 6 [Day 4]

Almost there...

#10
The Twilight Singers
Powder Burns
One Little Indian Records [2006]







Who would have thought there would be life after The Afghan Whigs? I guess we never talked to Greg Dulli because Powder Burns is fantastic musical experience. Every song has an intense sense of urgency, emotion and swagger that just pours out onto the listener making Powder Burns the Twilight Singers best album to date.

The Twilight Singers Review [5/16/06] @ The Fire Note

#9
Heartless Bastards
All This Time
Fat Possum Records [2006]







With Erika Wennerstrom’s powerful vocals, loud guitars and plenty of fuzz the Heartless Bastards captured and maintained our interest all year on their sophomore release All This Time. It was consistent from beginning to end and the formula was perfect - some quite moments, some loud moments and plenty of Erika’s husky vocals.

Heartless Bastards Review [8/7/06] @ The Fire Note

#8
The Raconteurs
Broken Boy Soldiers
V2 / Third Man Records [2006]







Jack White's new side project The Raconteurs proved to be more than something just to keep him busy between Stripes albums. Teaming up and sharing vocals with indie darling Brendan Benson the two put forth a duel vocal assault that crossed all decades carving out catchy number after catchy number leaving us with an album that is anything but broken.

The Raconteurs Review [5/17/06] @ The Fire Note

#7
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Show Your Bones
Interscope Records [2006]







Show Your Bones was an excellent follow up to 2003's successful Fever To Tell. It was like the band grew up over night and front woman Karen O took the spotlight and just shined. It was a risk making a more mature elaborate album and leaving some of the punk venom from their earlier work in the background but the result was a stunning new appreciation and sound for the band highlighting Karen O's voice.

Yeah Yeah Yeahs Review [4/13/06] @ The Fire Note


#6
Muse
Black Holes And Revelations
Warner Bros. Records [2006]







This album has completely grown on us Fire Noters since its July release. Probably given another review, Black Holes And Revelations would have scored higher on the heat meter just because of how it has stuck in our head all year. The pulsing pounding beats, keyboards and crunchy guitars all merge together to make one giant opus calling the spirits of Queen and old school Depeche Mode leaving the listener with a spectacular sonic experience.

Muse Review [7/11/06] @ The Fire Note

Wednesday, December 27, 2006

The Blazing Top 25 of 2006: 15 to 11 [Day 3]

Next up...

#15
Bears
Bears
Self-Released [2006]







There is always something special about a good lo-fi band. The Bears got together in Cleveland and recorded their debut carefree and without restraint. The result was harmonizing indie pop nuggets, which still has not worn us out.

Bears Review [7/3/06] @ The Fire Note

#14
The Black Angels
Passover
Light In The Attic Records [2006]







Nobody brought the fuzzed out guitars in 06' like Austin's Black Angels. Passover contains layered walls of sound that just blow you away to create an "acid-jam". The best part is that before the total psychedelic vibe takes you over - the rock n roll explodes leaving you with the pieces and going back for more.

The Black Angels Review [5/3/06] @ The Fire Note

#13
My Chemical Romance
The Black Parade
Reprise/WEA Records [2006]







Nothing surprised us more then how much this album was rotated around staff. My Chemical Romance successfully made a gloomy concept album sound great. The key of The Black Parade was its cohesiveness and transitions. Each track propelled and set you up for the next, leaving everyone with a great rockin' experience.

My Chemical Romance Review [10/30/06] @ The Fire Note

#12
Sunset Rubdown
Shut Up I Am Dreaming
Absolutely Kosher Records [2006]







Sunset Rubdown is one of Spencer Krug's side projects from Wolf Parade. The key here was simplicity. There were not a lot of instruments, there were no grandiose vocals, just Krug fooling around lo-fi style. The result was a true indie gem in 06'.

Sunset Rubdown Review [6/15/06] @ The Fire Note

#11
The Thermals
The Body, The Blood, The Machine
Sub Pop Records [2006]







At 38-minutes The Body, The Blood, The Machine ripped by like a power charged locomotive. Armed with a political message, The Thermals made their best quality post-punk album to date, which easily rocked your ass off every time you took a listen.

The Thermals [8/29/06] @ The Fire Note

Tuesday, December 26, 2006

The Blazing Top 25 of 2006: 20 to 16 [Day 2]

The countdown continues...

#20
Tapes n' Tapes
The Loon
ibid Records [2006]







This was one of the first albums to thrive off "Bloggers" hype. With a true organic stylistic mix of music, The Loon has so many turns and twists it can make you dizzy but in the end you say to yourself "Damn - That was pretty good!"

Tapes n' Tapes Review [4/12/06] @ The Fire Note

#19
M. Ward
Post-War
Merge Records







Already a critical darling, it was no shock that M. Ward released a quality album. What did surprise several listeners was Post-War's expanded sound and upbeat nature. He pushed his indie folk-rock to a new level. It also never hurts to have your pals Neko Case & Jim James (My Morning Jacket) helping you out either.

M. Ward Review [8/18/06] @ The Fire Note

#18
Gnarls Barkley
St. Elsewhere
Downtown Records [2006]







St. Elsewhere will always be remembered for having the first number 1 single based on digital downloads but Gnarls Barkley brought something special to the table in 06' - style! Danger Mouse and Cee-Lo created an album that grooves, beats, thumps and can be remixed a thousand times - What more can you ask for?

Gnarls Barkley Review [5/23/06] @ The Fire Note

#17
The Fags
Light 'Em Up
Idol Records [2006]







Where have The Fags been hiding all these years? Major label woes delayed the release of Light 'Em Up but now out on independent Idol Records, The Fags rocked and rolled the office down. There was nothing new on this thing but quality timeless songs and killer hooks, which made it a favorite in 2006.

The Fags Review [12/7/06] @ The Fire Note

#16
Joanna Newsom
Ys
Drag City Records [2006]








Five songs in fifty-five minutes made Ys one of the most unique releases of this year. This is one album where it was all about the lyrics. They sucked you into the story and the music backed them up. Next thing you know, the five songs were over and you were somewhere else. Ys just had that kind of effect on you.

Joanna Newsom Review [11/27/06] @ The Fire Note

Monday, December 25, 2006

The Blazing Top 25 of 2006: 25 to 21 [Day 1]

Only a few rules here at The Fire Note for an album to be our Top 25:
  • The album was released in 2006.
  • We had to review it.
After all the staff voted and the results were tallied here is The Fire Note's Top 25 of 2006: 25 to 21 [Day 1] - Happy Holidays!

#25
Irving
Death In The Garden, Blood On The Flowers
Eenie Meenie Records [2006]







Irving's sophomore full length album represents great indie rock n roll. It is such a catchy record that it just kind of surprised everyone with its quick transitions and quirky lyrics.

Irving Review [5/22/06] @ The Fire Note



#24
Wolfmother
Wolfmother
Interscope Records [2006]







Stoner rock made a comeback in 2006 and Wolfmother led the pack. This album reminded us of how rock really never went away it is just a matter of how you package it. It just happened that Wolfmother shoved it in your face!

Wolfmother Review [5/8/06] @ The Fire Note

#23
Danielson
Ships
Secretly Canadian [2006]







Daniel Smith released the most listener friendly album of his catalog with Ships. It was a album full of pleasant folk-rock numbers that demanded your attention each minute that it played. A true delight in 2006.

Danielson Review [6/23/06] @ The Fire Note

#22
Age Rings
Look...The Dusk Is Growing
Self-Released [2006]







Boston's Age Rings represent the great part about music. This self-released album ranks right up there with any other indie release this year and its only promotion has been from the band. With a modern Wilco sound twisted with The Wrens harmonies, Look...The Dusk Is Growing has not left our player and will be around well into 2007.

Age Rings Review [12/19/06] @ The Fire Note

#21
The Futureheads
News And Tributes
Vagrant Records [2006]







The Futureheads avoided the sophomore slump with News And Tributes. It rocks like The Jam & Elvis Costello all wrapped in one while retaining the modern new wave feel of their debut. Great rockin' fun from beginning to end.

The Futureheads Review [6/14/06] @ The Fire Note

Saturday, December 23, 2006

The Blazing Top 25 of 2006


The Blazing Top 25 of 2006 is coming next week in 5 installments! Check back each day for the countdown of albums that set our office ablaze this year. Feel free to post your own Top 25 of 2006. We like to see what others think was hot this year!

See ya next week!

-Staff

Friday, December 22, 2006

Sloan: Never Hear The End Of It

Sloan
Never Hear The End Of It
Vik / Yep Roc Records [2006 / 2007]








Sloan should get the overachieves award in 2006 with the release of their eighth full-length Never Hear The End Of It, because instead of trimming down to a modest twelve or thirteen tracks - this baby has thirty. At thirty tracks long you might think that half of this could be filler but the reality is that the entire album is catchy and compelling. For every longer track there is an equally short track, most of which clock in around a minute. These propulsive pop nuggets separate Never Hear The End Of It from the rest of the Sloan catalog, because they not only set the pace but also show off the young at heart passion that Sloan still has for music equal to that of their first release Smeared [1992]. What Sloan has retained for Never Hear The End Of It is their Beatles sound and the ability to keep their fans attention with rememberable harmonizing choruses that you keep humming long after the music has stopped. Longtime fans should pick up Never Hear The End Of It because they will instantly be hooked, new listeners may not be so inclined to tackle a large album like this but given a shot it should win them over, especially companioned with last years singles disc A Sides Win [2005]. Sloan also should experience some continued success into 2007 because Yep Roc is giving Never Hear The End Of It a US release January 9th.
Key Tracks: "Who Taught You To Live Like That", "HFXNSHC", "Blackout"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Cheap Trick
The New Pornographers
The Posies

Official Sloan Website
Sloan MySpace
Sloan Info [Wikipedia]
Yep Roc Records

-Reviewed by Aidan Rox

Thursday, December 21, 2006

Nikola Sarcevic: Rock Roll And Flee

Nikola Sarcevic
Rock Roll And Free
Burning Heart Records [2006]









Rock Roll And Flee is Nikola Sarcevic’s second solo album release. You may not recognize the name but he is best known as the lead singer of the Scandinavian punk rock band Millencolin. His solo albums (like any artist) give him a new forum to try out different musical ideas, away from the standard pop punk formula. Expanding on the more acoustic based Lock-Sport-Krock [2004], Rock Roll And Flee adds a multitude of instruments and background vocals, which creates a more upbeat affair and free spirited environment. “Let Me In” includes trumpets that roar in the background, “Horse Bay Blues” rolls with a little harmonica and on several tracks you will even get some banjo. Rock Roll And Flee will not grab any best of the year honors but Sarcevic’s voice pulls you in with his Scandinavian accent and sincere tone, making each track extremely enjoyable and leaving you with a smile.
Key Tracks: "Soul For Sale", "From Where I'm Standing", "Love Is Trouble"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Greg Graffin
James Iha
Ben Lee

Nikola Sarcevic MySpace
Nikola Sarcevic Info [Allmusic]
Burning Heart Records

-Reviewed by Natalie Colibri

Wednesday, December 20, 2006

MxPx: Let's Rock

MxPx
Let's Rock
Side One Dummy Records [2006]









How does the saying go? What was old is new again? That is exactly what we can say about the “new” MxPx record Let’s Rock. It is a collection of songs that have been on the shelf dating back to 2000, which have been brought back out, polished up and recharged. Since most of these tracks come from the era of MxPx’s more pop punk material you will not find the fast and furious punk tracks that filled their early albums or on last years Panic [2005]. Like any rarities disc there are some quality tracks like “1 And 3” that could have fit in on any MxPx release and some that could have just stayed in the closet like the balladish "Don’t Forget Me (When You’re Gone)”. The bottom line on Let’s Rock is that if you are fan grab this for completion, if you are just interested grab one of their earlier Tooth & Nail releases and get ready for their 2007 release. Rumor has it that they are returning to their punk rock roots – That is a good thing!


Key Tracks: "1 And 3", "Make Up Your Mind", "You Walk, I Run"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Green Day
Blink-182
Sum 41

Official MxPx Website
MxPx MySpace
MxPx Info [Wikipedia]
Side One Dummy Records

-Reviewed by Conrad Rocksted

Tuesday, December 19, 2006

Age Rings: Look...The Dusk Is Growing

Age Rings
Look...The Dusk Is Growing
Self-Released [2006]






On occasion you run across an album that gets better every time you hit play. Look…The Dusk Is Growing is one of those albums. To exactly categorize the Age Rings into a specific genre is like trying to fit a square peg into a circular hole – it does not work. There will be automatic comparisons to Wilco because lead vocalist Ted Billing’s voice is Tweedy like but the Age Rings as a band are more indie rock focused then anything the boys from Chicago have released. Look…The Dusk Is Growing has all the components for success: soaring harmonies, driving drums, background horns, synthesizers, samples and sweet catchy melodies. The fact that the Age Rings have not signed to a label and all of their success has been self-made so far is an even more attractive reason to hype this band. This independence shines throughout Look…The Dusk Is Growing, making it a very pure and honest offering, which truly is a find these days in an overproduced sellout world. I guarantee that once you are exposed to the Age Rings spacey indie rock ride you will have them on permanent repeat well into 2007.

Key Tracks: "Everything'll Fall Apart", "Dead Man's Float", "Barthink"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Wilco [Yankee Foxtrot Era]
Eels
The Wrens

Age Rings MySpace
Purchase Age Rings [CD Baby]

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Monday, December 18, 2006

Citizens Here And Abroad: Waving, Not Drowning

Citizens Here And Abroad
Waving, Not Drowning
Turn Records [2006]






San Francisco’s Citizens Here And Abroad sophomore release, Waving, Not Drowning is a textbook representation of how dueling male/female vocals should exist on an album. Chris Groves & Adrienne Robillard seem like they have been singing together for decades with the sheer ease of how their vocals intertwine creating layered harmonies and complex song structures. This relationship makes everything else on Waving, Not Drowning fall into place especially the musicianship, which is tight, clean and crisp with soaring guitar and steady drumbeats. Citizens Here And Abroad bring a fresh modern day feel to Waving, Not Drowning, while still retaining the spirit of some past great bands such as X, Lush or My Bloody Valentine. With repeat listens Waving, Not Drowning sounds stronger and stronger and is worth every second you give it.

Key Tracks: "Stranger", "Secret", "Accelerator"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Mates Of State
Velocity Girl
The Changes

Official Citizens Here And Abroad Website
Citizens Here And Abroad MySpace
Citizens Here And Abroad Info [Allmusic]
Turn Records

-Reviewed by JT Burn

Friday, December 15, 2006

Takka Takka: We Feel Safer At Night

Takka Takka
We Feel Safer At Night
Self-Released [2006]






Takka Takka is another great story about how the internet has changed the music scene. Early this year the band started giving away free downloads of their EP and before you know it they were opening up for better known indie bands and had developed a large new fan base that was showing up for gigs. Now with the self-released full-length We Feel Safer At Night we get to all experience the full efforts of Takka Takka expanding on ideas from their debut EP. The album holds up well to all the indie rock standards that include breezy lyrics, fun instrumentation, quick vocal changes and a handclap here and there. The entire album has a free-floating feel to it that leaves the listener in a very good mood. We Feel Safer At Night also has the power to win you over with repeat listens. You soon realize this is happening when you start humming along with each track and turning up the volume to your new Takka favorites.

Key Tracks: "We Feel Safer At Night", "She Works in Banking", "Coco On The Corner"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Pavement
Imperial Teen
Papas Fritas

Official Takka Takka Website
Takka Takka MySpace
Takka Takka Info [Allmusic]

-Reviewed by Aidan Rox

Thursday, December 14, 2006

Robbers On High Street: The Fatalist And Friends EP

Robbers On High Street
The Fatalist And Friends EP
Scratchie/New Line Records [2006]






Robbers On High Street make their return with this four song EP before the Holidays wetting our anticipation for their new full-length next year. The Fatalist And Friends has two new tracks from the forthcoming album and two unreleased tracks. Last year’s Tree City [2005] started to show glimpses of the Robbers leaving the post-punk scene into a more indie rock mode and The Fatalist EP continues this journey. Each track has a very indie pop feel to it plus the inclusion of Paul McCartney's "Monkberry Moon Delight" says to the listener “Don’t pigeon hole us into one genre”. This transition is not a bad move – The new songs are not a drastic change and will keep any fan of the Robbers interested plus they are quite catchy. The Fatalist EP shows an evolution of the band with less focus on the disco-punk and more focus on melodies and meticulous guitar playing. I can’t wait to hear the final project next year.

Key Tracks: "The Fatalist", "Married Young", "Monkberry Moon Delight"

Bands With Similar Fire:
The Strokes
Spoon
The Walkmen

Official Robbers On High Street Website
Robbers On High Street MySpace
Robbers On High Street Info [Wikipedia]

New Line Records
Scratchie Records

-Reviewed by Natalie Colibri

Wednesday, December 13, 2006

...And You Will Know Us By The Trail Of Dead: So Divided

...And You Will Know Us By The Trail Of Dead
So Divided
Interscope Records [2006]









So Divided
is Trail Of Dead’s fifth full length and is an expansion of the critically bashed World’s Apart (2005). This is either a good thing or bad thing depending on which camp you rest in. The guitar noise and post-punk anthems are no longer around but have been replaced by a more focused and crisp indie rock sound. Some of this directional change may be because So Divided started out as an EP, but quickly developed into a full-length driven by frustration and creative energy developed over the non-success of World’s Apart. There is one element of So Divided that holds it back from a higher rating, which is that the song transitions are not very smooth from track to track. The pace and flow jumps up, down and around too quickly to set a solid tone but in the world of the iPod shuffle, So Divided will suffice old and new fans alike because the song quality is still there. The end result is still worth a listen plus how can you go wrong tossing in a Guided By Voices cover.

Key Tracks: "The Gold Heart Mountaintop Queen Directory", "Wasted State Of Mind", "Stand In Silence"

Bands With Similar Fire:
The Shins
The Posies
Ted Leo

Official Trail Of Dead Website
Trail Of Dead MySpace
Trail Of Dead Info [Wikipedia]
Interscope Records

-Reviewed by Conrad Rocksted

Tuesday, December 12, 2006

CSS: Cansei De Ser Sexy

CSS
Cansei De Ser Sexy
Sub Pop Records [2006]







Along with the normal exports from Brazil, such as coffee, sugarcane and oranges, you can now add hyped up, pogo hoppin’, electro-clash indie rock to the list. CSS (Cansei de Ser Sexy meaning “tired of being sexy”) self-titled album has hit the northern shores with a giant splash and has been building momentum as the next “it” band by ripping it up at different festivals and events across the land. CSS play a mixture of dance and riot girl with a blitzkrieg of energy that most bands only dream about. With songs like “Art Bitch”, “Fuckoff Is Not the Only Thing You Have to Show”, and “Music Is My Hot, Hot Sex” you kind of get the picture that this is not going to be your mom’s favorite album but that it will get stuck in your player or on shuffle for multiple listens. CSS offers a jolt of fresh energy and while their staying power is yet to be determined, Cansei de Ser Sexy is clearly a “live in the moment” album – so just enjoy it!

Key Tracks: "Let's Make Love And Listen To Death From Above", "Patins", "This Month, Day 10"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Ladytron
Bis
Luscious Jackson

Official CSS Website
CSS MySpace
CSS Info [Wikipedia]
Sub Pop Records


-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Monday, December 11, 2006

Tanya Donelly: This Hungry Life

Tanya Donelly
This Hungry Life
Eleven Thirty Records [2006]







Tanya Donelly has quite an impressive resume. As a former member of Throwing Muses, The Breeders and her very own Belly, Donelly has always added a flare to each project with her notable vocals and talented song writing. These quality traits also show up on her newest album This Hungry Life. Recorded live over two nights in Vermont during a blistering heat wave, This Hungry Life captures her true talents and showcases her voice on every track. The main difference on This Hungry Life compared to the rest of her catalog is its alt-country feel. It is a different experience because Donelly’s voice remains the same but the music is more honest and pure. The live recording removes the opportunity for gimmicks or special effects, so what you hear is what you get. In Donelly’s case, this recording style is the perfect match and the end result represents a very mature folk sound that equals her earlier efforts.

Key Tracks: "New England", "Kundalini Slide", "Littlewing"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Neko Case
Emily Haines
Jenny Lewis

Official Tanya Donelly Website
Tanya Donelly MySpace
Tanya Donelly Info [Wikipedia]
Eleven Thirty Records

-Reviewed by JT Burn

Friday, December 08, 2006

Annuals: Be He Me

Annuals
Be He Me
Ace Fu Records [2006]






The Annuals are just a simple non-pretentious indie band from North Carolina. Checking out their debut album Be He Me, one would never know that no member in the band is over twenty-two years of age because of the musical depth it emits. The album kicks off with the Arcade Fire like track “Brother”. The song slowly builds and creeps into your head as it races into a full-blown band attack for the last half of the song. The comparison to The Arcade Fire is not a bad thing but the Annuals clearly separate themselves out from any tag as Be He Me continues. Each song offers the listener an experiment with many different sounds and rhythms driven by lead vocalist Adam Baker’s jangly voice. There really is something for everyone with several guitar driven tracks, several spacey tracks and some odd moments that all congeal to form Be He Me. The Annuals have a superb debut and will have great opportunity to build on this free flowing sound as they continue the quest for that perfect indie sound. The good news is we will all be waiting.

Key Tracks: "Brother", "Bleary-Eyed", "Carry Around"

Bands With Similar Fire:
The Arcade Fire
Tap Tap
Broken Social Scene

Annuals MySpace
Annuals Info [Allmusic]
Ace Fu Records


-Reviewed by Conrad Rocksted

Thursday, December 07, 2006

The Fags: Light 'Em Up

The Fags
Light 'Em Up
Idol Records [2006]







The Fags play an infectious style of classic 70’s style rock and roll. Their debut album Light ‘Em Up contains 11 tracks of catchy power pop that absolutely cannot be heard without comparing it to the Cheap Trick heydays. It has the harmonies, the killer hooks, and the quality songwriting that will fulfill any music listeners’ taste. Light ‘Em Up has actually been in the works now for four years. It follows The Fags 2002 self-titled EP, which built them a fan base and brought on a major label deal with Sire Records that ultimately fell apart and caused the lengthy delay. This delay has benefited The Fags because it gave them ample time to tweak Light ‘Em Up into the fun power-chord record that it is. It is just simply a timeless piece of work that every one from classic rock to the indie crowd can enjoy.

Key Tracks: "Truly, Truly","Rockstar","Greatest Movie Ending"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Cheap Trick
The Singles
Big Star

The Fags MySpace
The Fags Info [Allmusic]
Idol Records

-Reviewed by Aidan Rox