Parts & Labor: Mapmaker

Parts & Labor
Mapmaker
Jagjaguwar Records [2007]









Fire Note Says: A thousand things going on in the background all pulled together by catchy vocals.

Album Review:
Mapmaker is the second release from Brooklyn’s Parts & Labor. The so-called noise punk they produce sounds like it could end up as an utter mess but not only do they pull it off but Mapmaker is super catchy and will instantly make you hit repeat. Each track is filled with instrumentation, berserk random noises and a solid drum beat all held together by the vocals of Dan Friel and BJ Warshaw. If you separate out the vocals from the music you get two completely different looks at Parts & Labor but wrapped together they form a very cohesive mixture that will instantly please fans of Hüsker Dü, Guided By Voices and Black Dice. The album is full of solid melody and chorus that pulls you in but at the same point the background instruments rock out and lead the listener down different paths. Mapmaker is definitely one of the more interesting releases this year and with repeat listens it becomes truly infectious.

Key Tracks: "Fractured Skies", "Fake Rain", "The Gold We're Digging"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Oxford Collapse
Hüsker Dü
Black Dice

Official Parts & Labor Website
Parts & Labor MySpace
Parts & Labor Info [Allmusic]
Jagjaguwar Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Yeah Yeah Yeahs: Is Is EP

Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Is Is EP
Interscope Records [2007]







Fire Note Says: Full of keepers - Is Is worth every minute!

Album Review:
It is hard to believe that the Is Is EP represents songs that the Yeah Yeah Yeahs wrote between their two full lengths Fever To Tell [2003] and Show Your Bones [2006]. Three of the tracks actually showed up on their 2004 live DVD but never made it any farther until now. Most bands have one, maybe two songs they left on the wayside during the recording process that don’t make an official album but the Is Is EP contains 5 songs that all could have landed on Show Your Bones. From the robotic opener “Rockers To Swallow” where it is mostly an instrumental meltdown with some Karen O ohs and ahs keeping the beat to the title track “Isis” which is totally catchy and ranks up their with some of their best songs. The Is Is EP just shows that the Yeah Yeah Yeahs are a band at the top of their game highlighted by an outstanding front woman that takes command of each song regardless of the style. This is a must for fans and easily could be a starting point for curious onlookers. It is great to see that even on an EP the Yeah Yeah Yeahs give it everything they have and the result is a superb listen.

Key Tracks: "10x10", "Down Boy", "Isis"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Day For Night
Joan Jett
The Kills

Yeah Yeah Yeahs: Show Your Bones [Fire Note Review 4/13/06]

Official Yeah Yeah Yeahs Website
Yeah Yeah Yeahs MySpace
Yeah Yeah Yeahs Info [Allmusic]
Interscope Records

-Reviewed by Reece Michael

Album Giveaway: Continue?

We said back in April that we would keep going on album giveaways until we died or interest seem to fade. Well we didn't die but not as many people have wanted the goodies lately so we are going to give album giveaways a rest for now. Of course, from time to time we will still run contests to see if anyone is still out there and feel free to let us know if stopping album giveaways is a horrible idea!

A big thanks to all the promoters and labels that helped support the idea. A special thanks to Sam at Filter for always leading the charge!

Stay cool in the heat and let reviews live!
Staff

The Magic Numbers: Those The Brokes

The Magic Numbers
Those The Brokes
Astralwerks Records [2007]







Fire Note Says: Sophomore album shows the other side of The Magic Numbers.

Album Review:
Following up a very successful debut is never an easy task and maybe that is why The Magic Numbers released Those The Brokes in the UK just a little over a year after their Mercury prize nominated self-titled album. Those The Brokes has now landed on US soil and what will strike you immediately is the feeling of a much more subdued and matured Magic Numbers coming through. Whereas The Magic Numbers [2005] was very bubbly and upbeat, Those The Brokes contains more complex song structures and straightforward ballads. It is almost as if The Magic Numbers delivered Part I on their debut and now have delivered Part II of a double album set representing their entire sound. With that said, siblings Romeo and Michelle Stodart still provide most of the vocals that set the tone of each track and the pace of the entire album. The music is flawless and a bit more refined than the first round. It will take several listens to appreciate Those The Brokes but if you give it some time, the reward is there.

Key Tracks: "Take A Chance", "Runnin' Out", "Undecided"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Imperial Teen
Fleetwood Mac
Camera Obscura

Official Magic Numbers Website
The Magic Numbers MySpace
The Magic Numbers Info [Allmusic]
Astralwerks Records

-Reviewed by Aidan Rox

Ben Weasel And His Iron String Quartet: These Ones Are Bitter

Ben Weasel And His Iron String Quartet
These Ones Are Bitter
Mendota Records [2007]






Fire Note Says: Possibly best punk rock release of 2007!

Album Review:
We have not heard from a solo Ben Weasel since his somewhat uneven debut Fidatevi [2002]. The former Screechin’ Weasel / Riverdale makes a huge punk rock return with the help of his Iron String Quartet with These Ones Are Bitter. This is power punk 101 and who better then to teach it like Ben Weasel. The songs are all tight, catchy and soaring power pop punk rock that instantly stick with you. Where his previous albums with the Weasel had a sort of snotty and bratty punk edge to them, a much more mature Ben has emerged and it shows on These Ones Are Bitter. The songs have a polished production from the help of All-American Reject Mike Kennerty, Weasel’s vocals are cleaner, stronger, and have a wider range then most of his previous releases and his songwriting is top notch. These Ones Are Bitter hums along at a perfect thirty-seven minutes and is currently only available via digital download through Ben’s label Mendota. It is actually a very good test of digital downloads because he also includes all of the artwork which is what is still currently missing from the bigger download sites. So if you have been itching for a new killer punk rock album lately look no further then Ben Weasel and His Iron String Quartet because I don’t thing you will find much else that can compare so far this year!

Key Tracks: "Got My Number", "Only In November", "Let Freedom Ring"

Bands With Similar Fire:
The Mr. T Experience
Ted Leo
MxPx

Official Ben Weasel Website
Ben Weasel MySpace
Ben Weasel Info [Allmusic]
Mendota Recording Co.

-Reviewed by Sam DaMatta

Buffalo Tom: Three Easy Pieces

Buffalo Tom
Three Easy Pieces
New West Records [2007]









Fire Note Says: Return of the Buffalo is very welcomed!

Album Review:
Buffalo Tom is back and Three Easy Pieces is a superb return to their early 90’s sound after lying quiet for nine years. What is crazy is that most college age kids today, that might be checking out Buffalo Tom for the first time, were only 5 or 6 years old when their classic “Taillights Fade” ruled the college airways. So this album initially will appeal to a slightly older generation that enjoyed that era and Three Easy Pieces does not disappoint. It finds Buffalo Tom reuniting because they had a passion to make music again and they give fans a little bit of everything that made them indie staples. There is a perfect balance of rockers and ballads that was always a Buffalo Tom standard and Bill Janovitz’s voice is as strong as ever ringing solid through each track. The bands cohesiveness and experiences shines on Three Easy Pieces because the musicianship is tight and the harmonies hit with perfection. Three Easy Pieces is a great listen all the way through and long time fans need to definitely check this album out because it will instantly satisfy. For new fans, starting here will not hurt which should lead them to work their way back to discover Buffalo Tom’s catalog.

Key Tracks: "Good Girl", "Three Easy Pieces", "You'll Never Catch Him"

Bands With Similar Fire:
The National
Dinosaur Jr.
The Lemonheads

Official Buffalo Tom Website
Buffalo Tom MySpace
Buffalo Tom Info [Allmusic]
New West Records

-Reviewed by Natalie Colibri

Fourth Of July: Fourth Of July On The Plains

Fourth Of July
Fourth Of July On The Plains
Range Life Records

Fire Note Says: Great indie rock debut making everyday a holiday!

Album Review:
Occasionally you take a listen to an album once and it instantly grabs you. That describes Fourth Of July’s debut, Fourth Of July On The Plains in one sentence. I can tell you that the Fourth Of July are not musically tight, they do not look like rock stars, and they don’t sing better than any American Idol winner but all of that does not matter for one second. Fourth Of July On The Plains is a fun and lighthearted affair that snags you because of its sincerity and power pop sharpness. Some of the ease and laid back feel to the album comes from the six piece bands family connection with brothers Brendan Hangauer (lead vocals and guitar), Patrick Hangauer (bass) and Kelly Hangauer (keyboards and trumpet; a fourth brother is their manager) leading the way. Another key component is the solid support of Adrianne Verhoeven’s backing vocals, which gives each track a little harmonic boost and opens the door for singing along. Fourth Of July are not going to win any awards but take my word that after one listen any indie head will latch on to this Lawrence, Kansas band and not let go!

Key Tracks: "Long Gone", "In Debt", "Be Careful"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Papas Fritas
Bishop Allen
Pavement

Fourth Of July MySpace
Fourth Of July Info [Allmusic]
Range Life Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Robbers On High Street: Grand Animals

Robbers On High Street
Grand Animals
New Line/Scratchie Records [2007]






Fire Note Says: ROHS deliver the goods on sophomore album!

Album Review:
Robbers On High Street could easily trick listeners into believing they are straight out of the UK with their British invasion song structures and Benjamin Trokan’s vocals. On their new sophomore album Grand Animals, the NYC band continues the facade. ROHS have definitely tried to evolve their sound this time around with the addition of different instruments like tubas, strings, horns and more keyboards. The musical expansion does not necessarily add or take away from the band but their success still relies on Trokan’s ability to sell the songs which on Grand Animals is not a problem. The first two tracks “Across Your Knee” and “The Fatalist” are instantly indie catchy and get better with each spin. “Crown Victoria” is next and it sounds like it came right out of The Kinks catalog which is never a bad sound. Overall, ROHS have released a good album that still retains their core traits while adding some nice variation. It may not be an album that new fans are going to jump into but for the current ROHS followers, Grand Animals will deliver and suffice.

Key Tracks: "Kick 'em In The Shins", "The Fatalist", "Across Your Knee"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Spoon
The Kinks
Longwave

Official Robbers On High Street Website
Robbers On High Street MySpace
Robbers On High Street Info [Allmusic]
New Line Records
Scratchie Records

Robbers On High Street: The Fatalist And Friend EP [Fire Note Review 12/14/06]

-Reviewed by Reece Michael

Album Giveaway: July 23 - July 27 (Robbers On High Street Prize Pack)

Look what we are giving away this week:

• New ROHS Grand Animals CD
• ROHS T-Shirt

Artist: Robbers On High Street
Album: Grand Animals
Label: New Line / Scratchie Records
Release: July 24, 2007

Official site
MySpace

"Crown Victoria" MP3


*Courtesy of Filter & New Line/Scratchie Records*

Against Me!: New Wave

Against Me!
New Wave
Warner Bros Records [2007]









Fire Note Says: Major label debut = Same killer Against Me! anthems!

Album Review:
Everyone always cringes when their favorite band signs to a major label. The same questions and concerns always come up about completely selling out or changing their sound to be more “radio friendly”. Now tell a bands favorite fan that they went out and got a super duper producer and see their tears of fright roll down their face! Guided By Voices had Ric Ocasek and Girls Against Boys had Nick Launay (INXS, Midnight Oil) which were perfect examples of bands & producers that faltered when it came to the bigger budget so now we present Against Me!. Well, Against Me! launch their major label debut New Wave with producer Butch Vig (Nirvana, Garbage) with a newer polished sound but totally full of a punk punch. From the opening self titled track, Tom Gabel’s voice is as powerful and commanding as albums past. The band just hums along behind him with a tightness that should be expected and helps makes New Wave complete. There are some new ventures and directions on New Wave such as the duet “Borne On The FM” with Tegan Quin (Tegan And Sara) and a contemplative closing track “The Ocean” but both fall right in alignment with the other harder tracks. For fans that were scared about a new direction don’t worry, this is still the same Against Me! and if anything the major label will do what it is supposed to – launch Against Me! to a bigger audience, which is well deserved.

Key Tracks: "Up The Cuts", "Stop!", "White People For Peace"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Jawbox
Dillinger Four
Hot Water Music

Official Against Me! Website
Against Me! MySpace
Against Me! Info [Allmusic]
Warner Bros Records

-Reviewed by Sam DaMatta

Eastern Conference Champions: Ameritown

Eastern Conference Champions
Ameritown
Suretone Records [2007]









Fire Note Says: Penn trio releases very fresh & fun sounding album!

Album Review:
The history on the guys that form EEC is that all three members have flirted with musical success on a major label in previous bands Laguardia and CKY. Laguardia was sort of a Radiohead blend and CKY did the Warp Tour with a sort of grunge sound. Mixing those two pasts seems a bit weird but the outcome is Eastern Conference Champions. Their sound is much more “alternative” than anything they previously released. The songs on their debut full length Ameritown have big rock possibilities but are very balanced with the keyboards and drums. What makes Ameritown fun to listen to is the witty and catchy lyrics that play right into some strategically placed overdubs and hum along anthems. EEC have released an album that is very enjoyable and make sure you hit repeat because it takes several spins to really get into their style.

Key Tracks: "Noah", "Nice Clean Shirt", "Yuppy Hipster"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Cake
Built To Spill
Beck

Official Eastern Conference Champions Website
Eastern Conference Champions MySpace
Eastern Conference Champions Info [Allmusic]
Suretone Records

-Reviewed by Liam Blazer

The Sapiens: Vs. The Hornet EP

The Sapiens
Vs. The Hornet EP
HEYOU! Records [2007]







Fire Note Says: Chicago band does not disappoint with rockin' Garage-Kinks vibe!

Album Review:
The Sapiens hail from Chicago and play a solid mix of Garage and British invasion rock that is fully represented on their new EP Vs. The Hornet. It is no surprise that the band includes The Kinks as an influence because their songs have similar qualities, such as lead singer Even Sears voice which howls along like a young Ray Davies and the harmonizing background vocals show off a band with indisputable pop smarts. The organ on “Desperate Measures” is more straight forward then out of the Muse playbook but gives The Sapiens a twist that you won’t find with many other current bands. The end result is a contagious concrete EP that is worth every minute you give it. Vs. The Hornet has been giving The Sapiens some serious buzz around the Chicago circuit and could easily springboard them onto the national scene – This EP definitely makes us look forward to a full length so make sure you get onboard now and give The Sapiens a spin!

Key Tracks: "Every Corner", "Void", "Desperate Measures"

Bands With Similar Fire:
The Mooney Suzuki
The Black Keys
The Kinks

Official Sapiens Website
The Sapiens MySpace
HEYOU! Records
Purchase EP @ CD Baby

-Reviewed by Aidan Rox

Bad Religion: New Maps Of Hell

Bad Religion
New Maps Of Hell
Epitaph Records [2007]









Fire Note Says: Warp Tour headliners show all the newbies how it should be done!

Album Review:
There is something very energizing about the thought of spinning Bad Religion’s fourteenth album New Maps Of Hell. They are one of the godfathers of punk rock and by comparison not many can match their longevity of over 20 years. The most important thing to note about Bad Religion is that they are just as relevant today as they were then and New Maps Of Hell does not alter their views on political, social, or economical issues. New Maps is chalked full of two and three minute power tracks that never let you catch your breath and like the one minute opener “52 Seconds” they show you immediately why they top the punk rock food chain. You might think by now the punks from Southern California might have lost their edge but what you still get and come to expect on New Maps Of Hell is the ever witty songwriting of Greg Graffin and Brett Gurewitz, solid tight musicianship and the steady powerful voice of Graffin. After sixteen songs and a blistering time of 38 minutes, Bad Religion is still as pissed as they ever have been at the surrounding world. This only gets translated to another strong outing and I actually might be afraid when Bad Religion releases an album because they are just happy. So nobody save the world alright!

Key Tracks: "52 Seconds", "New Dark Ages", "Prodigal Son"

Bands With Similar Fire:
NOFX
Rancid
All

Official Bad Religion Website
Bad Religion MySpace
Bad Religion Info [Allmusic]
Epitaph Records

Greg Graffin: Cold As The Clay [Fire Note Review 7/14/06]

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Abra Moore: On The Way

Abra Moore
On The Way
Sarathan Records [2007]







Fire Note Says: Great voice & great music from seasoned singer-songwriter!

Album Review:
Abra Moore is by no means a new name on the music scene. As one of the founding members of Poi Dog Pondering she toured the world and eventually landed in Austin. She released her first solo album Sing in 1995, was nominated for a Grammy for Strangest Places [1997] and now has released her fourth album On My Way. Abra Moore plays an acoustic folk style of music that sounds very contemporary with an alternative twist. Her voice can stand right next to any singer-songwriter that was featured in the Lilith Fair lineup and On My Way shows off her veteran experience and flows effortlessly track to track. Abra Moore may not be a household name yet but with just one big break the solid quality of On My Way could easily lead the masses to her side.

Key Tracks: "Sugarite", "I Believe", "Into The Sunset"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Heather Nova
Sara McLachlan
Tanya Donelly

Download "After All These Years" (mp3)

Buy at eMusic

Official Abra Moore Website
Abra Moore MySpace
Abra Moore Info [Allmusic]
Sarathan Records

-Reviewed by Reece Michael

Album Giveaway: July 16 - July 20 (Eastern Conference Champions Prize Pack)

Look what we are giving away this week:

Artist: Eastern Conference Champions
Album: Ameritown
Label: Suretone Records
Release: July 17, 2007

Official Website
MySpace



&

A Eastern Conference Champions Lithograph






*Courtesy of Filter & Suretone Records*

Jesse Harris: Feel

Jesse Harris
Feel
Velour Records [2007]







Fire Note Says: Better known for his songwriting multi-talented Harris puts himself on showcase with solid results.

Album Review:
You may not know much about Grammy-winning singer/songwriter Jesse Harris but you probably have already at some point heard his writing ability on the Norah Jones hit “Don’t Know Why”. His name will also be heard again in August, because he composed and produced the soundtrack to Ethan Hawke’s new film The Hottest State, which features the Black Keys, Bright Eyes, Cat Power, Feist, Willie Nelson and other major artists singing his material. That is all fine and good but Jesse Harris has his own music and you can now check it out on his brand new seventh album Feel. It is a nice collection of 14 tracks that vacillate between folk and rock qualities all driven by Harris’ mellow distinct voice. Feel is the perfect “sit back and relax album” that takes several spins to get into but Harris is the type of artist that you have playing in the background when you have friends over and everyone asks “Who is that?” What Feel really shows is that Harris is not just a guy who can write a good song but that his talent extends not only to film or credits but that he can release a solid radio friendly album and play the role of front man just the same to achieve success.

Key Tracks: "Walk On", "Fire On The Ocean", "Feel"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Josh Rouse
Freedy Johnston
Sufjan Stevens

Official Jesse Harris Website
Jesse Harris MySpace
Jesse Harris Info [Allmusic]
Velour Records

-Reviewed by Robyn Gatsby

The Smashing Pumpkins: Zeitgeist

The Smashing Pumpkins
Zeitgeist
Martha's Music/Reprise Records [2007]









Fire Note Says: Pumpkins return in name but still missing two members leaves Zeitgeist hanging.

Album Review:
We have always known that the Smashing Pumpkins basically was driven by one person with the name Billy Corgan. We also know that the name Smashing Pumpkins can be carried on by one person with the name Billy Corgan. What you soon realize though after taking a listen to Zeitgeist that Smashing Pumpkins really benefited from all the members not just two. Sure the voice is always the most important – I am sure that it would not be easy to find a Corgan copy and we have back Jimmy Chamberlin on drums but MIA D'Arcy and Iha leave this version of the Smashing Pumpkins or call it Zwan a bit empty. Not that Zeitgeist is all bad because it is not. Just having the Pumpkins name back out there and a rejuvenated Corgan make the album fun to listen to, but at the end the day it feels more rocked out than meaningful. That is what made Siamese Dream [1993] so killer was the cohesiveness of the band and it really felt like the message was real. Unfortunately for Zeitgeist, every track falls into the same rock genre and by the end you feel that there was not much variation, which leaves the album somewhat flat compared to the bands back catalog. Maybe for the next round everyone can bury the hatchet and get a full Pumpkins reunion to see if the magic returns.

Key Tracks: "Tarantula", "Doomsday Clock", "7 Shades Of Black"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Queens Of The Stone Age
Zwan
Black Sabbath

Official Smashing Pumpkins Website
Smashing Pumpkins MySpace
Smashing Pumpkins Info [Allmusic]
Reprise Records

-Reviewed by Natalie Colibri

Interpol: Our Love To Admire

Interpol
Our Love To Admire
Capitol Records [2007]









Fire Note Says: 3rd time around may not be a diamond but still is a charm!

Album Review:
Interpol’s third release Our Love To Admire and first for a major label does not bring much new to the table but maintains their status as the best brooding band around. You can tell there was a bigger budget, bigger production and more instruments used but when you really strip Our Love To Admire to the core what you find is a familiar darker 80’s sound that is 100% Interpol. This by no means is a bad thing but you do want a band to expand a bit and try some different avenues. Sure, on “Wrecking Ball” the boys use strings, keyboards and brass all in multiple arrangements giving the song a full fledge blow-out but on the opener “Pioneer To The Falls”, which also is the longest track on the disc, they repeat themselves several times and draw out the instrumental sections, that does nothing but put everyone to sleep before any type of action. This could have been a perfect 2 minute opener before the show starts. After the first track Our Love To Admire has nice pace and overall is still a solid listen. Don’t be afraid to pick this one up because it is still enjoyable but just don’t get over excited or it will sit on you shelf as you reach back for their stellar debut Turn On The Bright Lights [2002].

Key Tracks: "The Heinrich Maneuver", "Rest My Chemistry", "No I In Threesome"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Joy Division
The Cinematics
The Walkmen

Official Interpol Website
Interpol MySpace
Interpol Info [Allmusic]
Capitol Records

-Reviewed by Sam DaMatta

Spoon: Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga

Spoon
Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga
Merge Records [2007]









Fire Note Says: Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga - Grows Grows Grows on U U U!

Album Review:
Spoon is back with their highly anticipated 6^th full length Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga. Everyone’s favorite band from Austin gives you 10 songs of their standard jagged rock that will instantly grab your attention but will take multiple listens to really appreciate. I must admit at first listen I shrugged my shoulders and said “What’s next?” But like all albums I review, I put Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga back on the spinner and then the simplistic originality hit me and at a nice 38 minutes it just got better and better. It is not so much of a step forward as it is a step sideways with some little changes. I think on Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga the theme “less is more” holds true. On several songs the typical Spoon hooks have been replaced with other instrumentation and Britt Daniel’s calm voice but then that is quickly rectified usually on the following track like the bounciness of “You Got Yr. Cherry Bomb” and “The Underdog”. If you have been a longtime Spoon fan, Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga feels right at home and will easily hold you until their next offering. If you are new to their catalog I would recommend going back to Girls Can Tell [2001] and then work your way up – I guarantee you will appreciate each release more listening in chronological order.

Key Tracks: "The Underdog", "You Got Yr. Cherry Bomb", "The Ghost Of You Lingers"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Pavement
Ted Leo
Elvis Costello

Official Spoon Website
Spoon MySpace
Spoon Info [Allmusic]
Merge Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Mary Timony Band: The Shapes We Make

Mary Timony Band
The Shapes We Make
Kill Rock Stars [2007]







Fire Note Says: Adding the "Band" kicks it up a notch in the right direction for Timony!

Album Review:
After taking a listen to Mary Timony’s last solo album Ex Hex [2005], you could tell that she was drifting towards a bigger sound. So for her new album The Shapes We Make, Mary has created a band using her own namesake, giving her the full selection of tools to rock out. Right out of the gate, “Sharpshooter” and “Killed By The Telephone” set the tone with a spunky, intelligent and guitar driven pace which is very reminiscent of Timony’s Helium days. The Shapes We Make is a true evolution of all her back catalog with the inclusion of new wave keyboards, sharp turning rhythms and Timony’s distinct vocals. For those fans longing for the return of Helium, the Mary Timony Band will fill your void because it is not just another solo record but the launch of a new era. Medications band members Devin Ocampo and Chad Molter round out the roster bringing some of that Dischord Records experience and indie rock know-how into the project, really giving The Shapes We Make a full band effect. Mary Timony seems most at ease releasing this style of record and it suits her well because it sounds so familiar but represents a complete fresh point in her career that will only keep going up.

Key Tracks: "Sharpshooter", "Curious Minds", "Rockman"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Helium
Cat Power
Liz Phair

Official Mary Timony Website
Mary Timony MySpace
Mary Timony Info [Allmusic]
Kill Rock Stars

-Reviewed by Reece Michael

Album Giveaway: July 9 - July 13 (Jesse Harris: Feel)

Look what we are giving away this week:

Artist: Jesse Harris
Album: Feel
Label: Velour Records
Release: July 10, 2007

Official Website
MySpace
Media Player


"Feel" MP3

"I Don't Mind" MP3

Jesse Harris is one busy cat, and the spoils of his hard-work are popping up all over the place. The NYC songwriter (and Bright Eyes collaborator) is already touring behind his new solo album Feel (in preparation for its July 10th release date), and the songs he composed for Ethan Hawke’s film The Hottest State have been recorded by Willie Nelson, Cat Power, Feist, and The Black Keys, and are awaiting national exposure.

*Courtesy of Filter & Velour Records*

Fionn Regan: The End Of History

Fionn Regan
The End Of History
Lost Highway Records [2007]









Fire Note Says: Singer-songwriter from Dublin finally hits the US!

Album Review:
Fionn Regan is a soft-spoken 26 year old from Dublin that has delivered a very gripping album of mostly acoustic guitar numbers that brings back memories of a young Bob Dylan, Nick Drake or even Richard Thompson. His debut The End Of History actually was released in the UK last August but now will see a stateside release next week giving everyone a chance to hear what all the fuss has been about. The “fuss” is simple to capture because after taking just one spin of the album you will be compelled to hit repeat. The songs just have a very sincere unassuming quality to them that highlights Regan’s troubadour status and storytelling ability. There are other instruments present on The End Of History such as several strategically placed strings, piano and drums but much of this self-produced album finds Regan playing solo with double-tracked harmonies and just using his voice as the main focus and talent. You will find that Fionn Regan’s tunes are catchy, witty and honest, which should instantly capture a fan base and ensure him a promising career to follow.

Key Tracks: "Be Good Or Be Gone", "Put A Penny In The Slot", "Black Water Child"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Bright Eyes
Nick Drake
Jeff Buckley

Official Fionn Regan Website
Fionn Regan MySpace
Fionn Regan Info [Allmusic]
Lost Highway Records

-Reviewed by Natalie Colibri

Guided By Voices: Live From Austin TX (Austin City Limits)

Guided By Voices
Live From Austin TX: Austin City Limits
New West Records [2007]









Fire Note Says: On the stage is where GBV always shined and Bob got his drink on!

Album Review:
“We brought back Rock n Roll” declares Robert Pollard, fearless leader of Guided By Voices, as he launches into the next alcohol fueled track on this two disc 30 song live album and next installment of the Austin City Limits releases. Those kinds of statements and world views are essential to capture on tape if you really want to get and feel the vibe of a typical Guided By Voices show.

Recorded on the farewell tour in November of 1994, Live From Austin, TX does a nice job of officially documenting a Guided By Voices concert which tracks hop back and forth through the GBV discography giving any fan a solid collection of tunes. You really do get the a nice snapshot of a typical show with some forgotten lyrics, slurred speech, several band miscues and nothing but in your face track after track rock n roll.

“Say it! Learn it! Know it!" shouts Pollard and the choir responds “Gee, Bee Vee” on command, which gives you the feel of old school arena rock making you forget it was recorded on a PBS TV stage in Austin. Guided By Voices has always been modeled after the classic rock bands of past like The Who, Cheap Trick and even the Beatles but on their studio albums this never quite gets conveyed because they still feel like an independent band from Dayton, Ohio.

Live From Austin, TX will change fans minds that have not seen them live and reaffirm what us followers already know: The live show is where the true energy always was with the band and even trying to capture it on disc will not give you the typical 3 hour plus show and the thrill of counting the number of Rolling Rocks Pollard has emptied but it is still a nice collection to bring back those other fond memories and a must for any collector.

Key Tracks: "Pendulum", "Do The Earth", "Everybody Thinks I'm a Raincloud (When I'm Not Looking)"

Bands With Similar Fire:
The Who
Cheap Trick
The Police

Official GBV Website
GBV MySpace
GBV Info [Allmusic]
New West Records

-Reviewed by Liam Blazer

Happy July 4th!

Happy 4th of July everyone. We took today off so be sure to stop back tomorrow to fill your music review void!

Bottom Of The Hudson: Fantastic Hawk

Bottom Of The Hudson
Fantastic Hawk
Absolutely Kosher [2007]







Fire Note Says: Band now running with a full crew releases great indie record.

Album Review:
In name, Bottom Of The Hudson have been around since the late 90’s but now after several lineup changes, two full length releases and two EP's under their belt, Fantastic Hawk is the band's first proper album running on all cylinders. Eli Simon is still the main force behind Bottom Of The Hudson and his vocals calmly roll through the album setting the pace and focus but now it can be fully realized with the band support. Although, the band has entered a full fledged studio this time around their lo-fi sound still exists and has not been polished to extinction while leaving the 4-track in the closet. This vibe gives Fantastic Hawk the same intimate sound that you get listening to any of the earlier GBV or Sebadoh records because the band sounds relaxed playing what they want and not conforming to any industry standards. What I liked most about Fantastic Hawk was the surprising transitions that occur when the music moves from a whisper into a rock song with one moment, which can be found right away on the leadoff title track that only last a bit over 2 minutes but shows off this talent as the song creeps along and then out of nowhere roars off into a quick finale. Bottom Of The Hudson has released a solid full band debut in Fantastic Hawk and it deserves attention. It is an album that truly gets better with every listen and it will satisfy anyone that really wants to check out some good indie rock.

Key Tracks: "Pretty Much It", "Bee Hive", "Suffering Time"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Guided By Voices
Bob Mould
Rogue Wave

Buy at iTunes Music Store

Download "Bee Hive" (mp3)

Download "Handwriting" (mp3)

Official Bottom Of The Hudson Website
Bottom Of The Hudson MySpace
Bottom Of The Hudson Info [Allmusic]
Absolutely Kosher Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Velvet Revolver: Libertad

Velvet Revolver
Libertad
RCA Records [2007]







Fire Note Says: Seasoned veteran rockers show no signs of slowing down and kick out the jams!

Album Review:
We all know the story behind the creation of Velvet Revolver. Guns N Roses boys needed a new lead singer, so they go and get alt rocker STP front man Scott Weiland and poof – Velvet Revolver is born. Libertad (Spanish for “freedom”) marks the second album from this rock n roll outfit and gives you everything and more from a band of this nature. You know going in you do not need to question the ability of Slash playing guitar or how Weiland can belt out the vocals but really how they all work together because although commercially successful, Contraband [2004] was hit or miss. You could tell everyone in the band was trying to make the vocals work but there was still a question of “Is this STP or hard rock GNR?” On Libertad, that question is answered because the band figured it - it is neither. This is important because they have the freedom to do whatever they want and with help of longtime STP producer Brendan O’Brien, Libertad is much more cohesive and flowing then the band’s debut. Libertad is not going to win any big awards or be in too many critics Top 20 this year but I will tell you that it is a lot of fun. It is the perfect hard rock album to roll your windows down and just let it crank. All the way from the rockin’ first single “She Builds Quick Machines” to the surprisingly well done ELO cover “Can’t Get It Out Of My Head” and ending things with the little fun honky tonk hidden track “Don’t Drop That Dime” there is a little something for everyone and you really just have to take Libertad for what it is and leave it at face value. If you can’t do that then don’t bother checking it out but if you are ready for a simple good time then spend the afternoon with Velvet Revolver it will not disappoint!

Key Tracks: "She Builds Quick Machines", "American Man", "She Mine"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Audioslave
Smashing Pumpkins
Queens Of The Stone Age

Official Velvet Revolver Website
Velvet Revolver MySpace
Velvet Revolver Info [Allmusic]
RCA Records

-Reviewed by Reece Michael

Album Giveaway: July 2 - July 6 (The Polyphonic Spree: The Fragile Army)

Look what we are giving away this week:

Artist: The Polyphonic Spree
Album: The Fragile Army
Label: TVT Records
Release: June 26, 2007

Official Website
MySpace


Here is what we said:
The Polyphonic Spree: The Fragile Army [Fire Note Review 6/21/2007]

*Courtesy of TVT Records*