Maxïmo Park: Our Earthly Pleasures

Maxïmo Park
Our Earthly Pleasures
Warp Records [2007]






 


Fire Note Says: Good sophomore follow-up from Newcastle quintet!

Album Review:
Sometimes it is a good thing if you don’t review an album in the stack right away and give it some time to breathe. Maxïmo Park’s new sophomore disc Our Earthly Pleasures is one of those albums. I was really excited when it first hit my desk because I was a big fan of their high energy debut A Certain Trigger [2005] but like all second attempts Our Earthly Pleasures has a little different direction and did not immediately grab my attention. Fast-forward to now and after several more spins; Our Earthly Pleasures has stood the test of repeat listens. The opening track “Girls Who Play Guitars” is an instant reminder of the high impact Maxïmo Park followed by their first single “Our Velocity” which has different musical elements to it but still has a soaring chorus. The end result is that if you are a fan of Maxïmo Park, Our Earthly Pleasures will appeal to you. The album is not as strong as their debut but still has some muscular tracks that stand out, which balances out the inconsistencies that really hold Our Earthly Pleasures back from being great.

Key Tracks: "Girls Who Play Guitars", "By The Monument", "Books From Boxes"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Kaiser Chiefs
Idlewild
The Futureheads

Official Maximo Park Website
Maximo Park MySpace
Maximo Park Info [Allmusic]
Warp Records

-Reviewed by Liam Blazer

Dead Heart Bloom: Chelsea Diaries

Dead Heart Bloom
Chelsea Diaries
KEI Records [2007]









Fire Note Says: Great acoustic affair!

Album Review:
Dead Heart Bloom is the one-man music project of New York-based singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Boris Skalsky (formerly of the band Phaser). Chelsea Diaries is his new 8 song mini album that offers something for everyone with its sincere acoustic tracks. What makes Chelsea Diaries so compelling is its simplicity of what a man can do with a guitar. There is the up beat number “Who Will You Love” that has harmonizing vocals and handclaps that sets the tone followed by “Chelsea Song #2” which is a more somber affair and highlights Skalsky’s lower range and sounds much like Mark Kozelek. The rest of Chelsea Diaries plucks along and gives the listener many different tempos, completely drawing them into the songs. Dead Heart Bloom balances their sound and bounces between a 60’s melodic Beatles sound and a modern Beck on guitar. The end result is an album that demands you take another listen and ultimately will end up in your player for quite awhile. Chelsea Diaries sets the roadmap for what can only lead to anticipation for Dead Heart Bloom’s next offering.

Key Tracks: "Who Will You Love", "New York City Heat", "Wish It Well"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Grant Lee Buffalo
Sun Kil Moon
Gomez

Free Album Download [Band Approved]

Official Dead Heart Bloom Website
Dead Heart Bloom MySpace
KEI Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

The Mary Onettes: The Mary Onettes

The Mary Onettes
The Mary Onettes
Labrador Records [2007]







Fire Note Says: Swedish band brings back classic 80's alternative sound- thank goodness not the hair!

Album Review:
There is two ways of handling the press when your bands sound is totally 80s. You can try to hide what you are and describe your sound as updated retro or totally embrace the sound and say “here we are”. The Mary Onettes have chosen the later and fully admit they have a straight 80s vibe. For some bands this might mean instant cut out bin but for the Swedish favorite Onettes, it might lead to success. The band has been gaining momentum getting some airplay stateside and was just featured on the musical hit making show Grey’s Anatomy. So what makes this band different from the likes of The Killers or Interpol is that they leave the flashy modern pulse of guitar and keyboards behind and really put focus on the lyrics and pop sensibilities of their genre. The Mary Onettes could easily replace tracks on a Modern English or OMD record and no one would think any different. They have released an album that truly sounds 1982 but is solid all the way through. What you realize that this style of music is really timeless and The Mary Onettes prove it is all about the quality of the band that makes it successful regardless of the year.

Key Tracks: "Lost", "Pleasure Songs", "Under The Guillotine"

Bands With Similar Fire:
New Order
Gene
The Cure

Official Mary Onettes Website
The Mary Onettes MySpace
The Mary Onettes Info [Allmusic]
Labrador Records

-Reviewed by Natalie Colibri

Tim Armstrong: A Poet's Life

Tim Armstrong
A Poet's Life
Hellcat/Epitaph Records [2007]







Fire Note Says: Let's get Ska Radical!

Album Review:
We all know that Tim Armstrong is punk to the core but we also know that he has dabbled into other genres especially reggae in his long musical past. A Poet’s Life is 10 tracks of straight up ska/reggae tunes backed by fantastic labelmates The Aggrolites. For most fans of Rancid, this album will only be somewhat of a novelty. Where you may kick on some And Out Comes The Wolves [1995] to get all hyped up before going out or flying down the road, A Poet’s Life is a perfect album for the party or driving with the windows down at cruising speed. The whole album is full of old-school two-two beats that make you wish it was sunny and you were sitting on a beach sipping piña coladas. The key is, A Poet’s Life is only 33 minutes long so it gives you a perfect dose and never really gets tiresome. Diehard Rancid fans may have some problems listening to this style of music but I guarantee had Joe Strummer still been alive today he would be singing somewhere on here and lovin’ every minute of it. The album also contains 10 videos matching the tracks, which gives the listener a very unique way to watch an album. So if you are up for some simple reggae beats let Tim be the one to hit the chords.

Key Tracks: "Hold On", "Into Action", "Take This City"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Joe Strummer
Operation Ivy
The Aggrolites

Official Tim Armstrong Website [Rancid]
Tim Armstrong MySpace [Rancid]
Tim Armstrong Info [Allmusic]
Hellcat Records
Epitaph Records

-Reviewed by Reece Michael

Album Giveaway: May 28 - June 1 (TBA)

Look what we are giving away this week:

The National
Boxer
Beggars Banquet [2007]





What we said: The National - Boxer Review [5/22/07]

Peel: Peel

Peel
Peel
Peek-A-Boo Records [2007]







Fire Note Says: Austin comes through again!

Album Review:
You can always count on Austin, TX to provide some great indie rock. Peel is the latest great offering the city has given us with their infectious youthful spirit showcased on their new self-titled debut album. This is a collection of 11 straight up power pop 2 – 3 minute gems that gives everything back to the listener, each containing a different niche that forces you to go back and hear them again. Sometimes an album of this sort can blend together but Peel accomplishes making each song truly different and ensuring that you are not board half way through. The energetic poppy nature of this album is what makes it so worth the listen. Peel is like Pavement on speed with several ounces of Bis stirred in. They should make Austin proud with this release and once again prove that quality music just breeds down there, painting the road map for all indie bands in the land on how it should be done.

Key Tracks: "In The City", "Oxford", "1949"

Bands With Similar Fire:
The Flaming Lips
Apples In Stereo
Band Of Horses

Official Peel Website
Peel MySpace
Peek-A-Boo Records

-Reviewed by Aidan Rox

Saturna: Some Delicious Enemy

Saturna
Some Delicious Enemy
Self-Released [2007]









Fire Note Says: Following the style of their All Night EP, Saturna release great full length debut!

Album Review:
Some Delicious Enemy is the new full length debut from Portland, Oregon’s Saturna. We last heard from the band in late 2006 with their excellent EP All Night. If you liked the EP you are going to love the album. All five songs from All Night are included here along with five new quality tracks. Kicking off the album is “Roll Down” which gives you a perfect introduction to the band. Sprawling guitars, sonic melodies, perfect timing and some background fuzz fill this song and shoegaze its way into the more upbeat “Fall”. Both of these tracks sum up Saturna’s style and sound. The band knows how to rock it out like on “Pop Rocks” and space it out on the cool closer “Periwinkle”. The band easily captures a rockin’ BRMC vibe and possesses the catchy song qualities of The Dandy Warhols. Saturna is another fresh face on this scene and given the chance Some Delicious Enemy should earn them success, so when the album hits June 12 be sure to check them out.

Key Tracks: "Fall", "Pop Rocks", "Just For Thrills"

Bands With Similar Fire:
The Black Angels
The Dandy Warhols
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club

Saturna: All Night EP [Fire Note Review 1/2/2007]

Official Saturna Website
Saturna MySpace
Saturna Blog

-Reviewed by Sam DaMatta

Sara Culler: Miss Takes - Light The Night! EP

Sara Culler
Miss Takes - Light The Night! EP
Self-Released [2007]







Fire Note Says: Dynamic new singer from Sweden!

Album Review:
Sara Culler is a true independent fresh voice hailing from Sweden and could easily be your great discovery for 2007. Sara grew up in Dallas, Texas being the daughter of a Swedish mother and an American Father but has lived in Sweden since 1987. She has been writing songs since 1996 and has been making music non-stop. Currently she has released a handful of EPs with the most recent being the wonderfully melodic Miss Takes – Light The Night!. The EP consists of 4 solid indie pop gems that flow along perfectly leaving you with a smile on your face when they end, especially the infectious “Are You Sleeping”. The only negative that can be said about Miss Takes – Light The Night! is that it ends after just 14 minutes and Culler's voice makes you wish you had more time to spend with her. I highly recommend this artist and really look forward to a full length in the future.

Key Tracks: "Are You Sleeping", "Close To Heart", "It Shouldn't Be This Bad"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Tanya Donelly
Kristin Hersh
Heather Nova

Official Sara Culler Website
Sara Culler MySpace
Purchase Sara Culler Albums

-Reviewed by Robyn Gatsby

The National: Boxer

The National
Boxer
Beggars Banquet Records [2007]









Fire Note Says: Boxer slow burns it's way to greatness!

Album Review:
Don’t fix it if it ain’t broken. That is the motto that The National follows on their fourth full length Boxer. Their style, which really took complete form on Alligator [2005], is a low key Leonard Cohen / Nick Cave type vocal supported by a full band that is musically tight. Matt Berninger's voice leads the listener through each burning track staying in complete control throughout the entire album. The band is right behind him hitting the notes in perfect synch and highlighting each precise moment making Boxer memorable and better with each spin. At first listen, new fans might be turned off by The National’s subtle approach but I guarantee with repeat listens Boxer will win them over. It is the album you always want in your player or in your shuffle playlist because every song works. There are no let downs on Boxer and it can be played for any mood the listener might be in. The album has a true timeless quality to it, which is a very hard objective to achieve but utterly refreshing for fans new and old. Like Alligator before it, the more you play Boxer the better it gets. It is an album at first listen that could easily be discarded but then eventually lands in your top ten lists for the year.

Key Tracks: "Apartment Story", "Ada", "Mistaken For Strangers"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Nick Cave
American Music Club
Interpol

Official National Website
The National MySpace
The National Info [Allmusic]
Beggars Banquet Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

The Mother Hips: Kiss The Crystal Flake

The Mother Hips
Kiss The Crystal Flake
Camera Records [2007]







Fire Note Says: Another quality release from a band in their prime!

Album Review:
The Mother Hips have had a nice long career running just below the radar. Kiss The Crystal Flake is the bands sixth album since 1992. They never have quite had a home based on their genre because they do play a unique style of rock. They went from being included on one of the most popular Aware Compilation releases with the likes of Better Than Ezra, Verve Pipe, Edwin McCain and Hootie, signed to a major label, and then went on a rather long hiatus after critical praise but not achieving commercial success. They then stormed back and released their best album to date The Green Hills Of Earth [2001]. After that release, I expected great things from The Mother Hips and then they were gone again. So, Kiss The Crystal Flake marks their return and follows the same formula that made Green Hills so appealing while including a bit more 70’s rock sprinkled throughout. The band still has all of the melodic capabilities of The Beatles, can jam like Dave Matthews and rock out like Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers. All of this leaves the listener with a fun solid album all the way through. The more you listen to Kiss The Crystal Flake the better it gets and lets just hope the band does not decide on another long hiatus because they have found the winning formula.

Key Tracks: "Let Somebody", "Time We Had", "No-Name Darrell"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Tom Petty
Sloan
The Posies

Official Mother Hips Website
The Mother Hips MySpace
The Mother Hips Info [Allmusic]
Camera Records

-Reviewed by Reece Michael

Album Giveaway: May 21 - May 25 (Sea Wolf: Get To The River...EP)

Look what we are giving away this week:

Sea Wolf: Get To The River Before It Runs Too Low EP

Artist: Sea Wolf
Album: Get To The River Before It Runs Too Low EP
Label: Dangerbird Records
Release: May 8, 2007
Debut album coming September ‘07


"You Are Wolf" MP3
Official Site
MySpace

What We Said:

The Fire Note Review: Sea Wolf - Get To The River... [5/7/07]

*Courtesy of Dangerbird Records & Filter*

Day For Night: Day For Night EP

Day For Night
Day For Night EP
Self-Released [2007]







Fire Note Says: Three Tracks of Sonic Nirvana!

Album Review:
NYC’s Day For Night has released this explosive 3 track self-titled EP that will instantly grab your attention. Kali Holloway drives this vehicle with her stunning power vocals that leave a lasting impression in your head forcing you to hit repeat each time this thing ends. You may already be familiar with Kali, because she stays very busy not only fronting this band but also is the lead vocalist in The Affair [Fire Note Review: 2/9/07]. Where The Affair has more of a throwback punk sound, Day For Night’s sound is very progressive. Using all of the three pieces talent, Day For Night’s tracks grind with electric guitar and exploding drums all concocting a perfect musical intensity. Even though this is only a 3 song EP, Day For Night puts forth a solid effort and just one listen will leave you with a heightened anticipation for a proper full-length. Here is hoping that comes true.

Key Tracks: Three track EP - so all of them are key!

Bands With Similar Fire:
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Heartless Bastards
Siouxsie And The Banshees

Official Day For Night Website
Day For Night MySpace
Purchase Day For Night EP

-Reviewed by Aidan Rox

Wilco: Sky Blue Sky

Wilco
Sky Blue Sky
Nonesuch Records [2007]









Fire Note Says: A return to their roots.

Album Review:
Wilco is one of those bands who don’t release bad records. They have reached that status that even releasing an album of funky noise would be considered by many a master genius musical maneuver. So after the swan song Yankee Hotel Foxtrot [2002] and the even more experimental A Ghost Is Born [2004] we have Sky Blue Sky which I believe will officially split the Wilco camp of fans into two groups. Those who loved the more experimental Wilco side and those who loved the roots rock Wilco. Sky Blue Sky makes a return to a more subtle country Wilco and feels very relaxed and laid back. Each song is a true flashback to the folkier rock outfits of the 70’s. There are mostly mid-tempo songs but several tracks like “Shake It Off” jangle on a bit like a Grateful Dead tune which is a bit different for Wilco record. As one piece, Sky Blue Sky still sounds good and for fans that wanted a true follow up to Being There [1996] this album will fill that void. For fans of the more recent Wilco offerings, Tweedy’s voice is still a great listen and with repeat plays Sky Blue Sky will grow on them. I am sure down the road this album will be looked at as another quality entry into their ever growing catalog - just give it time.

Key Tracks: "Side With The Seeds", "Impossible Germany", "What Light"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Gram Parsons
Neil Young
The Band

Official Wilco Website
Wilco MySpace
Wilco Info [Allmusic]
Nonesuch Records

-Reviewed by Sam DaMatta

Cary Brothers: Who You Are

Cary Brothers
Who You Are
Bluhammock Music [2007]







Fire Note Says: Voice made for the radio!

Album Review:
You may already be familiar with Cary Brothers (first name Cary, last name Brothers) because his song “Blue Eyes” was included on the Grammy winning soundtrack Garden State [2004] and topped the iTunes charts during that period. This overnight success started a major label bidding war which did not appeal to Brothers, so he walked away from them all and signed to Bluhammock music where he felt extremely comfortable, knowing that he could put out an album of what he wanted to make. Who You Are is that album and it is full of solid modern rockers balanced with piano driven ballads all tied together with Brothers infectious voice and lush arrangements. Who You Are could easily find its way getting airtime on every TV drama on every network because it has that likeability factor to it and really takes hold with repeat listens. Cary Brothers has put out a nice debut record and with a little luck he could easily become a household name.

Key Tracks:"Who You Are", "The Last One", "Jealousy"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Guster
Mat Kearney
Coldplay

Official Cary Brothers Website
Cary Brothers MySpace
Cary Brothers Info [Allmusic]
Bluhammock Music

-Reviewed by Natalie Colibri

Lab Partners: Keep Quiet EP

Lab Partners
Keep Quiet EP
Reverb Records [2007]









Fire Note Says: Something completely fresh!

Album Review:
Dayton, Ohio’s Lab Partners have been building critical acclaim since 2002, with their spaced out atmospheric thrill ride of an album Daystar. They have been part of a revitalizing movement bringing back the sounds comparable to classic names like Galaxie 500 and Spaceman 3 and current bands such as The High Violets and The Black Angels. What has always made the Lab Partners stand out is their ability to not only hit you with a sonically exercising track running 8 -10 minutes but applying a balance of much shorter 3-minute gems. So when fans check out the new Keep Quiet EP they are in for a bit of a surprise because the title track is only a bit over 2 minutes long and the rest of the 5 tracks are of nice average length. That being said every song on here is musically tight and concise. They are all catchy but still add in elements of melodic fuzz giving the EP just the right injection of shoegaze. The Lab Partners full length is due later this year and includes 3 tracks from this EP but until then Keep Quiet is a perfect introduction into a somewhat new direction for the band, which will not disappoint current fans and could easily snatch up many new ones along the way.

Key Tracks: "Keep Quiet", "Hey Children", "It Don't Take Much"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Galaxie 500
Ride
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club

Official Lab Partners Website
Lab Partners MySpace
Lab Partners Info [Allmusic]
Reverb Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Pela: Anytown Graffiti

Pela
Anytown Graffiti
Great Society Records







Fire Note Says: Unique mix of "Americana" and Modern Rock

Album Review:
Pela’s full-length debut Anytown Graffiti is a compelling batch of indie rock. The band credits Bruce Springsteen, The Replacements and Wilco as having strong influences on their evolution and I believe you can hear that in each track. The interesting thing about Anytown Graffiti is that I would not put it directly in an “Americana” section because the there is so much more going on and to label it that would be misleading. Pela walks a line that not many bands can pull off by retaining that “Americana” influence but having a real modern sound. For example on the track, “Song Writes Itself” the band has a very driving pulsating beat that would fit in on the latest Bloc Party album. But yet on the very soft “The Trouble With River Cities” the band shows its roots with simple timing, a guitar and vocals. Lead vocalist Billy McCarthy sets the pace for these changes because he has a lower tone gruff voice that gives each song an edge but when he turns it up a notch, it plays out like a Paul Banks of Interpol. It is this easy transition that allows Pela to create a unique sound and really offer up a quality well worth checking out debut.

Key Tracks: "Lost To The Lonesome", "Tenement Teeth", "The Trouble With River Cities"

Bands With Similar Fire:
The National
The Replacements
The Hold Steady

Official Pela Website
Pela MySpace
Pela Info [Allmusic]
Great Society Records

-Reviewed by Reece Michael

Album Giveaway: May 14 - May 18 (The Horrors: Strange House CD)

Look what we are giving away this week:

The Horrors: Strange House

Artist: The Horrors
Album: Strange House
Label: Stolen Transmission Records
Release: May 15, 2007

Official Site
MySpace
Video for "Count In Fives"


What Others Are Saying:

"Strange House is 12 songs of snarling, violent, anarchic garage pop that makes 90 percent of the new bands in the world suddenly irrelevant." -- Vice Magazine, 10/10

"Heroic in their divisiveness, the Horrors reject the ideology of virtually every British guitar group...Connoisseurs of punk's darkest corners (Damned, early Misfits) and post-punk's experimental extremes will have their socks knocked off, totally." -- Mojo, (4 out of 5 stars)

What We Said:

The Fire Note Review: The Horrors - Strange House [5/10/07]

*Courtesy of Stolen Transmission Records & Sneak Attack Media*

Great Northern: Trading Twilight For Daylight

Great Northern
Trading Twilight For Daylight
Eenie Meenie Records [2007]







Fire Note Says: Lush indie pop to die for!

Album Review:
If you are looking for a change of pace then look no farther than Great Northern. They play a very soft and enchanting indie rock that just sounds great to the ears. Great Northern is a new 2 guy, 2 girl four piece from LA that will not only leave you impressed after one spin but will easily find its way back into your player for another round. Trading Twilight For Daylight is the bands debut and it is filled of layered melodies that gives the album great transitions and offers up textures that are hard not to like. The album was produced by Mathias Scheenberger (Joseph Arthur, Queens Of The Stone Age) which given the lush arrangements found on a Joseph Arthur album makes this the perfect selection and works in the bands favor because he truly understands their sound. Great Northern will leave a memorable impact on you if given the chance and Trading Twilight For Daylight represents a collection of songs that make a nice soundtrack for everyday life.

Key Tracks: "Home", "Telling Lies", "The Middle"

Bands With Similar Fire:
The Concretes
That Dog
The Postmarks

Official Great Northern Website
Great Northern MySpace
Great Northern Info [Label]
Eenie Meenie Records

-Reviewed by Robyn Gatsby

The Horrors: Strange House

The Horrors
Strange House
Stolen Transmission Records [2007]

Fire Note Says: UK Garage that hits you hard!

Album Review:
When you discuss bands that are truly unique, I believe The Horrors should be part of your discussion. They vacillate between a reincarnation of The Cramps, mixed with a little punk from The Damned, a spazy garage sound reminiscent of some early Makers and the Goth and darkness of Danzig. All of that makes for a very rip roaring 37 minutes including some organ that just plain leaves you toe tapping. The Horrors don’t try to be anyone else on Strange House. They are a punk rock garage outfit from the UK that will mow you down if you do not get out of the way. There are no gimmicks, no ballads, and no sappy pop songs. That is what makes Strange House worth checking out and I am sure the live show will highlight their energy.

Key Tracks: "She Is The New Thing", "Count In Fives", "Gloves"

Bands With Similar Fire:
The Cramps
The Makers
Nekromantix

The Horrors EP (2006) [Fire Note Review 11/14/06]

Official Horrors Website
The Horrors MySpace
The Horrors Info [Allmusic]
Stolen Transmission Records

-Reviewed by Liam Blazer

Travis: The Boy With No Name

Travis
The Boy With No Name
Epic/Independiente Records [2007]









Fire Note Says: A solid return to a working formula.

Album Review:
Travis should be one of the more successful bands in the US right up there with Coldplay. Their near perfect classic The Man Who [1999] hit way before anyone had heard of “Yellow” but that really is the luck and twists of the music world. The Boy With No Name marks the bands fifth album and is a return to their more trademark sound of well-crafted pop songs that leave you humming along every time and fitting perfectly into a nice sunny day. I do feel that Travis will constantly try to live up to the high bar they set on The Man Who but this album feels more like the band’s true soul compared to their last release 12 Memories which was a very somber affair. For The Boy With No Name, Travis refocuses and not only returns to form but adds some new tricks such as the catchy track "Under The Moonlight" featuring new star KT Tunstall on backing vocals, which if it gets some airplay could easily give back Travis some of that much due star status. At first listen, The Boy With No Name can seem like a “same old, same old” affair but give it several spins before judgment. The songs creep into your head and don’t go away, which is why Travis are truly skilled at their craft.

Key Tracks: "Closer", "Battleships", "Under The Moonlight"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Coldplay
Keane
Snow Patrol

Official Travis Website
Travis MySpace
Travis Info [Allmusic]
Epic Records
Independiente Records

-Reviewed by Natalie Colibri

Elliott Smith: New Moon

Elliott Smith
New Moon
Kill Rock Stars [2007]









Fire Note Says: A nice collection from a very missed artist.

Album Review:
For me there are only a handful of artists that are no longer with us that I have always held in high regard looking back at the last 15 years. Elliott Smith is one of those artists along with Jeff Buckley and Kurt Cobain. I will never forget seeing a video for “Coming Up Roses” back in 95’ and instantly being hooked and endlessly searching independent record stores for his self-titled album. So my nostalgic excitement level went to ten with the arrival of Smith’s second posthumous release of songs that were written and recorded between 1994 and 1997, called New Moon. The album is a collection of 24 tracks highlighting what Smith was best at and sounded the most natural - his voice and his guitar. The Kill Rock Star years were considered some of Smith’s most productive and New Moon plays like another release in his catalog on that label – Lo-fi and tranquil. He did not hit the big production tracks until his major label days. New Moon definitely captures a more innocent time in Smith’s career and it even includes and early version of his Oscar nominated track Miss Misery (which seems more optimistic here than the released version in Good Will Hunting). If you were ever a fan of Elliott Smith you will not want to pass on this release, especially if you have been listening from the beginning. New Moon not only shows a more focused Smith but gives you a solid memory of why he was important.

Key Tracks: "Thirteen", "New Monkey", "Angel In The Snow"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Jeff Buckley
Sufjan Stevens
The Beatles

Download "High Times" (mp3)

Official Elliott Smith Fan Website [Sweet Adeline]
Elliott Smith MySpace
Elliott Smith Info [Allmusic]
Kill Rock Stars

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Sea Wolf: Get To The River Before It Runs Too Low EP

Sea Wolf
Get To The River Before It Runs Too Low EP
Dangerbird Records [2007]








Fire Note Says: Great new band - Great new debut EP!

Album Review:
I know – there currently is an odd number of “wolf” bands out there lately but like the others, Sea Wolf should not be ignored. In Sea Wolf’s case, band is in name only because the only real member is singer, songwriter Alex Church. What his debut EP Get To The River Before It Runs Too Low gives you are very delicate melodies played over mostly Shins-like mid tempo numbers. It is Church’s voice which makes this debut solid and Sea Wolf a great listen. His vocals bring you into each song and instantly charm you and as the founding bass member of the LA band Irving (which made some noise last year with their release) he shows off his indie music experience that works in his favor. Sea Wolf will give you a solid 30 minutes of indie music that will force you to hum along and hit repeat when it ends. It also is a superb introduction to this one man machine and will leave you eager with excitement for Sea Wolf's full length dropping this September.

Key Tracks: "You're A Wolf", "Ses Monuments", "The Garden That You Planted"

Bands With Similar Fire:
The Shins
Travis
Rogue Wave

Official Sea Wolf Website
Sea Wolf MySpace
Sea Wolf Info [Allmusic]
Dangerbird Records

-Reviewed by Aidan Rox

Album Giveaway: May 7- May 11 (Great Northern Prize Pack)

Look what we are giving away this week:

Great Northern Prize Pack

A new Great Northern CD & a T-Shirt

Artist: Great Northern
Album: Trading Twilight For Daylight
Label: Eenie Meenie Records
Release: May 15, 2007

"The Middle" MP3

official site: Great Northern
myspace: Great Northern MySpace

What others are saying:

"Every now and again you stumble across artists that are so incredibly deft at their craft that they blow you away with sonic intelligence. That's Great Northern." - Smother

“Great Northern are one of LA’s best kept secrets...” – Hate Something Beautiful

“My #1 album of 2007 so far! Beautiful, lush, orchestrated indie-pop from new 2 boy, 2 girl LA 4-piece” – Aaron Axelsen: Live 105

Dinosaur Jr.: Beyond

Dinosaur Jr.
Beyond
Fat Possum Records [2007]







 

Fire Note Says: Welcome Back Jr.!

Album Review:
I don’t know that many people would have ever taken the bet and put money down on the original Dinosaur Jr. lineup reuniting but reunions seem to be the trend and guess what – Dinosaur Jr. are back. They are not only back but also return with the original trio of J Mascis, Emmett Murphy on drums and long lost Lou Barlow. After just one spin of Beyond, you ask one question “WHY DID THEY WAIT SO LONG”? Beyond frakin’ rocks and it is solid from beginning to end. The album kicks off with the blasting “Almost Ready” and does not settle until 50 minutes later on the catchy closer “What If I Knew”. All three members seem reenergized and creatively happy to be together. The result is the perfect example of why reunions should happen and shows that a band can capture their past glory. J Mascis’s voice is still strong and sounds like it is 1989, Barlow has never lost his touch and his two lead songs on the album “Back To Your Heart” and Lightning Bulb” are both highlights and all tracks are backed by the solid “Murph” on the skins. Beyond will easily land on some Top 20 lists for 2007 and should be a lesson for some younger bands out there on how to do it up right.
Key Tracks: "Almost Ready", "Lightning Bulb", "Crumble"

Bands With Similar Fire (To Reunite):
The Police
The Stooges
Pixies

Official Dinosaur Jr. Website
Dinosaur Jr. MySpace
Dinosaur Jr. Info [Allmusic]
Fat Possum Records

-Reviewed by Sam DaMatta

Spider-Man 3 [OST]

Various Artists
Spider-Man 3 [OST]
Record Collection [2007]







Fire Note Says: Webslinger returns with a batch of all-new original songs from alternative roster

Album Review:
The Spider-Man 3 soundtrack returns to the tradition of actually having artists contribute new songs after being inspired by a film. Spidy 3 follows the same path as the first two installments with the exception of including a more alternative indie rock mix compared to the Nickleback type band rock influence before. The roster is very impressive including new songs from bands you know like Snow Patrol, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Jet, The Flaming Lips, Wolfmother, The Walkmen, and The Killers plus some you don’t such as Coconut Records, the new project of actor (and former Phantom Planet member) Jason Schwartzman and the unsigned Austin band Sounds Under Radio. Overall the tracks all work and for fans of the indie scene this album is much more attractive then another track from Hoobastank. The only real question I have is the inclusion of Chubby Checker’s “Twist”. Clearly I have not seen the movie yet but I can only assume the song must play a role because it just does not fit on this indie based soundtrack. Basically, if you are looking for something new and like many of the bands on the Spider-Man 3 soundtrack the album will not disappoint and hold you over until another big release hits the street.

Key Tracks:
"Signal Fire" - Snow Patrol
"Red River" - The Walkmen
"Portrait Of A Summer Thief" - Sounds Under Radio

Official Spider-Man 3 Website
Record Collection

-Reviewed by Robyn Gatsby

Pagoda: Pagoda

Pagoda
Pagoda
Ecstatic Peace Records [2007]







Fire Note Says: 2007 Post-Rock 1991 Style

Album Review:
The first topic that we can get out of the way is that Pagoda is fronted by Michael Pitt who is an actor best known for his role in Gus Van Zan’ts Last Days [2005] as Kurt Cobain and his musical work in Hedwig And The Angry Inch [2001]. Pagoda actually may not be a far stretch for Pitt because their self-titled debut has elements and flashback moments of the grunge era. What sets Pagoda apart from the bands of the earlier 90’s is that they intermix their grunge foundation with a very post-rock sound then you add Pitt’s Pavement like vocal style, which all equals a very unique listen. This unique sound also caught the ear of Thurston Moore (Sonic Youth) because the band is signed to his Ecstatic Peace label which for me gives them a higher street cred and a must to check out. I also must admit that hearing some of the tracks on Pagoda makes me what to reach for my Nirvana catalog but only because they pull the sound off versus sounding like a knockoff. Pagoda is not going to set the music world on fire but they do a respectable job of kindling that grunge spirit and making it work in 2007. This makes for a very distinctive sound and a pleasant change from what you currently have been listening to – there is not much else out there like it!

Key Tracks: "Lesson Learned", "Death To Birth", "Amego"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Nirvana
Pavement
Dinosaur Jr.

Download "Lesson Learned" (mp3)

Download "Voices" (mp3)

Download "Death To Birth" (mp3)

Official Pagoda Website
Pagoda MySpace
Pagoda Info [Allmusic]
Ecstatic Peace Records

-Reviewed by Conrad Rocksted

My Teenage Stride: Ears Like Golden Bats

My Teenage Stride
Ears Like Golden Bats
Becalmed Records [2007]







Fire Note Says: My Teenage Stride bring back a classic alternative sound with style!

Album Review:
The interesting thing that happens when you discover My Teenage Stride is the overwhelming staying power of their new album in your player. Ears Like Golden Bats is full of classic 80’s alternative pop tunes that resemble a very Smiths / Go-Betweens type sound mixed with the new wave vocals of Interpol. Lead vocalist Jedediah Smith leads you through each track with his distinguishable voice over each short mid-tempo song ensuring toe-tapping and some humming along. It is this endearing quality that My Teenage Stride possesses because unlike Interpol, there are no sprawling guitars or heavy beats just simple lower-fi instrumentation and Smith’s voice. So if you are into something different be sure to checkout My Teenage Stride because they do a perfect job of sounding retro but feeling completely new. This is not a very easy task to pull off but Ears Like Golden Bats not only does just that but gets better with each listen.

Key Tracks: "Reversal", "To Live And Die In The Airport Lounge", "The Genie Of New Jersey"

Bands With Similar Fire:
The Smiths
Interpol
The Trash Can Sinatras

Official My Teenage Stride Website
My Teenage Stride MySpace
My Teenage Stride Info [Allmusic]
Becalmed Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony