R.E.M.: Accelerate

R.E.M.
Accelerate
Warner Bros. Records [2008]









Fire Note Says: R.E.M. dig down deep and find their mojo!

Album Review:
Say what you want to say about R.E.M.’s post Bill Berry albums since 1996 but there were always parts that I enjoyed. “At My Most Beautiful” from Up [1998] is still one of the best ballad’s they ever wrote. With that said, most of the last three albums fell into the dreary and more electronic category and the R.E.M. we knew as a ground-breaking group was gone. Accelerate plans to erase those memories with a new vigor and revved up sound that has not been heard since Monster [1994]. On the band’s 14^th album, R.E.M. grabbed a new producer in Jacknife Lee (U2, Snow Patrol, Hives), has a power drummer in Bill Rieflin (Ministry, KMFDM) and a set of songs that not only sound good at high volume but have a velocity that flies through eleven songs in thirty-five minutes. Accelerate is a win-win for new fans, old fans, critics and the band themselves. Not because it is a “rock” record but because they sound so rejuvenated. Accelerate is a not a return to the more simple times of Murmur [1983] or Document [1987] but is a foot in the right direction of the records R.E.M. should be making. If you had a chance to catch the band live over the last several years this is the energy that was given off, not the electronic R.E.M. that was recorded on album. Much like U2 did with All That You Can Leave Behind [2000], R.E.M. has accomplished the same “return to form” on Accelerate. A great band that still has the goods to make records that made them famous. Every band is allowed to challenge itself artistically but returning to your roots and finding your mojo is what makes a great career band loved by all – That is R.E.M.!

Key Tracks: "Supernatural Superserious", "Houston", "Horse To Water"

Bands With Similar Fire:
U2
The Replacements
Green Day

Official R.E.M. Website
R.E.M. MySpace
R.E.M. Info [Allmusic]
Warner Bros. Records

-Reviewed by Reece Michael

The Raconteurs: Consolers Of The Lonely

The Raconteurs
Consolers Of The Lonely
Warner Bros. Records [2008]









Fire Note Says: I know it is still early but Consolers Of The Lonely is likely the best "true" rock record for 2008!

Album Review:
I know everyone was surprised last week when The Raconteurs announced their sophomore album Consolers Of The Lonely was not only finished but was coming out this past Tuesday. No promos, no videos, no radio singles – absolutely nothing but the album hitting the street. At first you might think this record may be like the movies that aren’t screened for critics because they suck but Consolers Of The Lonely is one of the best true to form rock records I have heard in awhile and I guarantee it will land in our Blazing Top 25 at years end. What I like most about this record is that it has a classic rock vibe to it with big guitars, loud drums, commanding lead vocals and thumping bass that is present regardless of the tracks tempo. Unlike their first record Broken Boy Soldiers [2006], Consolers does not have as many harmonic pieces but relies more on the striking front vocals from Jack White and Brendan Benson that bring to mind the way past greats Zeppelin or Aerosmith recorded. This back and forth of leads not only works in the bands favor but the rotation on the mic is seamless. What is most reminiscent here of the 70s sound is the big rock n roll songs like the title kickoff track and “Salute Your Solution”, which have solid screaming guitars that will knock you down and possess an unstoppable swagger that just oozes cool. The record is then balanced with several mid tempo numbers that offer the same confidence but compliment the harder edges. The band is musically tight and even though you could see this band rocking out back in the day, there are elements that modernize it, like the inclusion of trumpets on “The Switch And The Spur” and several White Stripes/Greenhornes moments that remind you of where these guys came from. Consolers Of The Lonely is full of high octane tracks and heavy hitters that quite frankly made it hard to pick favorites because each gets better with every spin. The timelessness of the album will give it life in your player well beyond this year and will easily be one of my favs for quite some time.

Key Tracks: "Salute Your Solution", "Hold Up", "Many Shades Of Black"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Led Zeppelin
Aerosmith
T. Rex

The Raconteurs: Broken Boy Soldiers [Fire Note Review 5/17/06]

Official Raconteurs Website
The Raconteurs MySpace
The Raconteurs Info [Allmusic]
Warner Bros. Records

-Reviewed by Aidan Rox

Head Of Femur: Great Plains

Head Of Femur
Great Plains
Greyday Records [2008]








Fire Note Says: Streamlined Head Of Femur does not miss a beat!

Album Review:
Sometimes getting too big can be a problem. By the time Head Of Femur completed their second album Hysterical Stars [2005] the band was a massive pop collective that at times had 20-plus musicians in its credits. After an extensive tour, lead singer Matt Focht and lead guitarist Mike Elsener decided that on album number three the chemistry needed a shake-up. So on Great Plains the band was condensed down to a core five piece and not only was the music stripped down but they used different approaches to songwriting. The end result is a more concise album that still has all of Head Of Femur’s big sound but with a more intimate attack. Great Plains retains plenty of orchestration and keyboards but with less action going on behind the vocals they get pushed to the front along with the perfect melodies, which automatically bring the audience into each song. The band offers many different tempos and flavors that range from power pop nuggets like “Jetway Junior” to the piano driven ballads such as “Covered Wagons”. Head Of Femur offers fans of the band a more focused sound that succeeds on all fronts and new listeners will be drawn in by the solid melodies and well thought lyrics that run throughout Great Plains.

Key Tracks: "Jetway Junior", "Covered Wagons", "Open The Door Lucille"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Dr. Dog
Guster
Bishop Allen

Official Head Of Femur Website
Head Of Femur MySpace
Head Of Femur Info [Allmusic]
Greyday Records

-Reviewed by Sam DaMatta

Be Your Own Pet: Get Awkward

Be Your Own Pet
Get Awkward
Universal Records [2008]







Fire Note Says: Get Awkward will punk up your life!

Album Review:
Be Your Own Pet may look like your typical young and snotty punk rock wannabies but after taking their sophomore album Get Awkward for a spin, you find out quickly that not only have they matured a bit since their debut but that their music is pretty damn catchy. They also now even have some controversy to raise their profile because their US label, Universal censored and deleted three of the album’s tracks because they were deemed too violent. So apparently, Be Your Own Pet and Ice T’s Body Count has something in common. How is that for hardcore? All of that aside and either with or without the three tracks (they are still on the UK edition) Get Awkward is a bona fide success with its sharp tongue lyrics and the pogo bouncing style of lead vocalist Jemina Pearl. Her sneer and attitude oozes out of this record and easily puts her up there with the elite of the riot girls. The pace is fast, the tracks are in your face, the lyrics are to the point, and Get Awkward is the punk record to own now, making Be Your Own Pet a band to watch out for as they take over 2008.

Key Tracks: "Heart Throb", "The Kelly Affair", "Food Fight!"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Arctic Monkeys
Sincola
The Muffs

Official Be Your Own Pet Website
Be Your Own Pet MySpace
Be Your Own Pet Info [Allmusic]
Universal Records

-Reviewed by Robyn Gatsby

Greg Laswell: How The Day Sounds [EP]

Greg Laswell
How The Day Sounds [EP]
Vanguard Records [2008]









Fire Note Says: An optimistic Laswell offers more substance than the typical EP release.

Album Review:
How The Day Sounds marks the return of Greg Laswell who we last featured back in 2006 on his excellent LP Through Toledo. Through Toledo was built out of heartbreak and was an automatic response to the abrupt departure of his wife and failed marriage. How The Day Sounds finds Greg in a rebuilding stage, healing and looking forward with titles like “Days Go On”, “Salvation Dear” and “Embrace Me”. Laswell’s sound remains the same with a modern laid back approach that infuses piano and perfect melodies into each track that is a combination of Elliot Smith and Coldplay. Each track has that likable radio quality to it and many of his songs have already been featured on network television. How The Day Sounds includes an expanded version of an album track with several new tracks from the recording sessions. It also includes a new version of “High And Low” which was a highlight on Through Toledo. Ultimately, Greg Laswell puts forth his best effort, so do not mark How The Day Sounds as a throwaway because it easily stands alone with its simplistic catchiness. This six track EP not only sets the stage for his new full length due this summer but is a perfect introduction to Laswell’s music if he is a new name to you.

Key Tracks: "How The Day Sounds", "Salvation Dear", "Embrace Me"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Travis
Ron Sexsmith
Matt Nathanson

Greg Laswell: Through Toledo [Fire Note Review 8/17/06]

Greg Laswell MySpace
Greg Laswell Info [Allmusic]
Vanguard Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Destroyer: Trouble In Dreams

Destroyer
Trouble In Dreams
Merge Records [2008]









Fire Note Says: Dan Bejar gives Trouble In Dreams the full band treatment!

Album Review:
Dan Bejar keeps very busy with his side project gone big time New Pornographers and his newer collaboration with Spencer Krug (Wolf Parade) in the indie darling band Swan Lake, but his longtime staple “solo” project has continually been Destroyer. Even though he always has talented musician support, many of the Destroyer albums sound like a one man show but on 2006’s Destroyer’s Rubies their sound was bigger and more expansive. Trouble In Dreams picks right back up where Rubies left off and includes some great shifting tempos, a full gamete of drums, horns and strings and the ever so important towering background vocals, which is all completely convincing that Destroyer is a band. Once again the lyrical content is absolutely intriguing and Bejar can maintain your interest on longer tracks like the six minute rock out track “My Favorite Year” or the spacey eight minute “Shooting Rockets” but balances the album with superb pop gems that hit the three to four minute mark throughout. Trouble In Dreams is another great disc in Bejar’s discography and it gets better with every spin showing that the full band treatment fits Destroyer down to the last chord.

Key Tracks: "Dark Leaves From A Thread", "Foam Hands", "Plaza Trinidad"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Robyn Hitchcock
Jeremy Enigk
Bob Dylan

Destroyer MySpace
Destroyer Info [Allmusic]
Merge Records

-Reviewed by Reece Michael

Glorytellers: Glorytellers

Glorytellers
Glorytellers
Southern Records [2008]







Fire Note Says: Karate frontman Geoff Farina goes solo - Sort Of.

Album Review:
Glorytellers is the new creation of singer-songwriter/guitarist Geoff Farina who is best known to many for his days as the frontman for the jazzy-indie jam rock band Karate. After spending the last fourteen years of rocking out as loudly as possible, Farina’s hearing began to suffer and decided that he could no longer play with the high stage volume that Karate required, ultimately leading to their retirement. That history is very important because as you tackle his new project, Glorytellers, the self-titled debut makes perfect sense. The album has the same style and vibe of a Karate record but is much more narrative and relaxed guitar driven. Glorytellers is also much more concise and keeps the tracks around the three minute mark unlike the more expansive side of Farina’s past projects. The end result is that Glorytellers goes into places that Karate could never reach such as the Latin flavor “Trovato Suono” or softer songs like the opener “Camouflage” and closer “Perennials”. Glorytellers really showcases Farina’s strong and appealing vocals, which guide every song as opposed to just complementing them, making their debut appealable to longtime Karate fans but opening the door to a whole new fanbase.

Key Tracks: "Camouflage", "Awake At The Wheel", "Tears Of..."

Bands With Similar Fire:
Karate
American Music Club
The Slip

Official Glorytellers Website
Glorytellers MySpace
Southern Records

-Reviewed by Aidan Rox

Chatham County Line: IV

Chatham County Line
IV
Yep Roc Records [2008]









Fire Note Says: Best album yet from these Raleigh good ol' boys!

Album Review:
There is always room for an alt-bluegrass band like Chatham County Line in my album arsenal. I don’t know about the casual listener but if you are like me you have a wide spectrum of genres that you enjoy. A band like Raleigh’s CCL fits perfectly on those laid back spring days that are quickly approaching and always fit in nicely when they pop up in shuffle play. It also doesn’t hurt that this is the bands forth album, hence the title IV, and it is possibly their best. The band themselves have always been musically sound and their previous albums have walked a fairly straight bluegrass line but on IV, CCL find a more expansive sound with bigger harmonies and a slightly more band vibe even though their core elements of keeping things mostly acoustic and the ever present steel guitar are in full force. Some credit for this should go to producer Chris Stamey because he was a master of power-pop with the dB’s but he did a great job of still letting CCL do their thing because IV is not a redirection, it is a refinement. With some of the bigger songs on the album there are still several instrumentals that showcase the bands roots and is a nod to longtime fans that this is still the band they have always enjoyed. If you are up for a nice pure modern bluegrass type album then Chatham County Line has released the record for you that not only sounds great now, but will sound great 10 months from now, with its timeless characteristics and harmonic catchiness.

Key Tracks: "Birmingham Jail", "The Carolinian", "Country Boy / City Boy"

Bands With Similar Fire:
The Avett Brothers
The Jayhawks
Old Crow Medicine Show

Official Chatham County Line Website
Chatham County Line MySpace
Chatham County Info [Allmusic]
Yep Roc Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

The Duke Spirit: Neptune

The Duke Spirit
Neptune
Shangri-La Music [2008]







Fire Note Says: The Duke Spirit are ready to give you a dose of their British invasion!

Album Review:
The Duke Spirit’s sophomore release Neptune is a solid and heartfelt 11-song offering of alternative bluesy female fronted rock. Liela Moss has a commanding voice that will immediately catch your attention the same way that a PJ Harvey or Karen O’s voice is instantly recognizable. She has the ability to tackle a song and take complete control. Her brooding and expressive voice delivers big on every track, regardless of tempo and the band is right behind her with pounding beats and thrilling guitar work. Neptune has a strong satisfying attitude in each track and it comes in different doses from grinding guitars on “Into The Fold” to the simple balladry of “Wooden Heart” and the walk tall struts featured in “The Step And The Walk”. The Duke Spirit have the ability to rev up any track but remain in complete check giving Neptune a balance which keeps listeners attention and makes repeat listens a must. The record was produced by Chris Goss (Queens Of Stone Age) and hits retail shelves April 8^th.

Key Tracks: "The Step And The Walk", "Send A Little Love Token", "This Ship Was Built To Last"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Heartless Bastards
The Kills
Yeah Yeah Yeahs

Official Duke Spirit Website
The Duke Spirit MySpace
The Duke Spirit Info [Allmusic]
Shangri-La Music

-Reviewed by Robyn Gatsby

The Jupiter Deluxe: The Jupiter Deluxe [EP]

The Jupiter Deluxe
The Jupiter Deluxe [EP]
Red Spot Music [2008]







Fire Note Says: Rock n' Roll to the core!

Album Review:
The Jupiter Deluxe offers a true American slice of rock n roll on their self-titled debut EP, which will keep you completely entertained with its straight up and forward assault. What the band offers is not necessarily unique but their vibe is timeless because they incorporate a hybrid of sounds that reflects a decade span from the 60’s to present day. Frontman Mark Rinzel has that perfect “ruffed up a bit” vocals that can hit the hooks in stride or tear it up solo, giving the EP an injection of swagger. The rest of the trio consist of Colin Grubb cranking out solid guitar riffs and the in your face drumming of Tommy DeVito. The Jupiter Deluxe offer 5 songs in 17 minutes that rock along and regardless of the setting sound great, especially the fiery-punk version of the Ray Charles classic “I Got A Woman”. With the right break and the recent resurgence of gritty rock n roll, The Jupiter Deluxe have the goods to be successful in the current modern era so make sure you check out the EP and be on the lookout for a full length.

Key Tracks: "Faceplant", "I Got A Woman", "Koreatown"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Cheap Trick
Marvelous 3
Buckcherry

The Jupiter Deluxe MySpace
Purchase EP @ CD Baby

-Reviewed by Sam DaMatta

Liam Finn: I'll Be Lightning

Liam Finn
I'll Be Lightning
Yep Roc Records [2008]







Fire Note Says: Liam Finn shows off his upbringing with a hook filled and catchy debut!

Album Review:
Children of successful musicians always have big shoes to fill and Liam Finn is no different. As the eldest son of Crowded House/Split Enz and solo artist, Neil Finn, Liam launches out on his own with I’ll Be Lightning, which yields solid results and vocally sounds spot on to something his Dad would have released. You might think it is a bit odd that Liam would mirror his dad so closely on his debut but he already did the rock n roll thing in his earlier band Betchadupa, which previously released several EPs and albums, so capturing his true spirit here is not a surprise. I also might think it would be curious if Liam went a different direction completely because this is the music the 24 year old has grown up with. I’ll Be Lightning contains all of the great components of a Crowded House to The Beatles and Liam plays just about every instrument on the record so even though it has a bigger sound it still comes off as a solo artists work. Regardless of his Dad’s success, Liam Finn is an emerging talent that not only has the catchy hooks of his influences but a young energy that really translates to the modern scene and holds up to repeat listens.

Key Tracks: "This Place Is Killing Me", "Better To Be", "Fire In Your Belly"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Neil Finn
Freedy Johnston
Sean Lennon

Official Liam Finn Website
Liam Finn MySpace
Liam Finn Info [Allmusic]
Yep Roc Records

-Reviewed by Reece Michael

Jim White: Transnormal Skiperoo

Jim White
Transnormal Skiperoo
Luaka Bop Records [2008]







Fire Note Says: Another great release from truly original artist!

Album Review:
Jim White is an artist that oozes cool. His alt-country swagger has been well documented on his previous albums Wrong-Eyed Jesus [1997], No Such Place [2001] and Drill A Hole In That Substrate [2004] which were all well received and critically acclaimed. Jim White’s new album Transnormal Skiperoo is named after a feeling that White describes as experiencing after years of feeling lost, alone and cursed. It is really about the feeling of how good it is to be alive, and not needing drugs, God or doomed romance to fuel him through the struggles of a normal day. With that said finding peace in the day doesn’t mean that White’s reflection on days past on Transnormal Skiperoo isn’t filled with shadowy and gloomy moments like the train-track suicide on “Take Me Away” or the battling of personal evil spirits on “Plywood Superman”. It is not all doom here and the upbeat side of Transnormal Skiperoo showcases White’s humor, which yields tall tales, exaggerations and just plain craziness throughout the lyrics giving the album the balance we expect from the man from Pensacola, Fla. Transnormal Skiperoo still has plenty of lyrical ammo that is fueled by and counters against his Pentecostal upbringing but it also shows more than ever that he has found a peace with his demons. Jim White originality stands out and shows us again why the critics love him, making him an artist and Transnormal Skiperoo and album that should be sought out by all.

Key Tracks: "A Town Called Amen", "Plywood Superman", "Crash Into The Sun"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Will Oldham
Bob Dylan
Nick Cave

Crash Into Sun [mp3]

Official Jim White Website
Jim White MySpace
Jim White Info [Allmusic]
Luaka Bop Records

-Reviewed by Aidan Rox

Haale: No Ceiling

Haale
No Ceiling
Channel A Music [2008]







Fire Note Says: Haale brings something familiar and something completely different, which makes her debut stand out!

Album Review:
Haale may be a new name on the scene to most but her debut album No Ceiling actually hits with some solid experience from releasing two attention-grabbing EPs in January of 2007, touring across the country, Europe, and at venues such as the Bonnaroo Festival, SXSW, and the Mimi Festival in France. She has performed at the David Byrne Nonesuch-sponsored series at Carnegie Hall, and recorded with Sean Lennon. So to many in the industry, she is a well known figure but to the public Haale needs some introduction. She was born in the Bronx to Iranian immigrant parents and sings like a more world based Tori Amos that incorporates Middle Eastern sounds into her overall modernized Western music. Haale’s vocals easily make No Ceiling stand out and the pleasant vibe they create make repeat listens an effortless task. Her ability to mix English with some Persian throughout the album builds a gorgeous border of sound, strings and guitar, which gives Haale that niche sound that can easily build a fan base with this solid and complete debut.

Key Tracks: "Middle Of Fire", "No Ceiling", Town On The Sea"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Tori Amos
Kristin Hersh
PJ Harvey

Official Haale Website
Haale MySpace
Haale Info [Allmusic]

-Reviewed by Robyn Gatsby

Gary Reynolds And The Brides Of Obscurity: Santiago's Vest

Gary Reynolds And The Brides Of Obscurity
Santiago's Vest
Electrokitty/In Music We Trust [2008]





Fire Note Says: Power-pop the way it used to be!

Album Review:
Gary Reynolds and The Brides Of Obscurity are a bit of a throwback and salute to the power pop of the 70’s. The groups second album, Santiago’s Vest does not have cushy harmonies or tons of running melodies but is supported by Gary Reynolds straight up vocals, lyrical strength and a bands dedication to getting it right. This came from a slightly different recording process, which had the band learning, recording and working out the tracks in the studio. The creative sessions yielded songs that were more produced and have an “Abby Road” mix that features a more prominent bass guitar. This style gives the record a nostalgic vibe to it and adds a swagger to catch your ear. Gary Reynolds and the Brides Of Obscurity are not going to change your world but the Seattle group is worth checking out because Santiago’s Vest is a great example of what solid songwriting and hard work can produce and the 70’s vibe actually sounds very “today” and is a refreshing break to the same old same old that probably is blaring from you iPod.

Key Tracks: "Rolling Over", "Everybody's Somewhere", "Wall Eyed Girl"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Elvis Costello
Mike Viola & The Candy Butchers
Joe Jackson

Official Gary Reynolds Website
Gary Reynolds MySpace
Electrokitty Records
In Music We Trust

-Reviewed by Liam Blazer

Stephen Malkmus & The Jicks: Real Emotional Trash

Stephen Malkmus & The Jicks
Real Emotional Trash
Matador Records [2008]









Fire Note Says: Malkmus pushes The Jicks to the front and lets the jams roll out!

Album Review:
Every time I listen to a new Malkmus record, I must admit that I still miss Pavement. Not because his solo records have been bad, it is just that Pavement was that enjoyable. Now that sets the bar high for every solo record that he releases but unlike some other notable front men’s solo albums, Stephen Malkmus does not stray too far from his talents and Real Emotional Trash retains his trademark quick lyrical changes and bouncy delivery. The noticeable difference on his forth solo outing is that the Jicks are back in full force, especially in the drums department with ex Sleater-Kinney and Quasi member Janet Weiss giving each track the precision it needs. On Malkmus’s last outing, Face The Truth [2005] the Jicks were around but did not play together on each track, so as a possible payback, Real Emotional Trash finds the band taking the lead on many of the tracks in the form of an all out jam. Many of the songs pass the five minute mark and the title track is a full ten minutes long. This is bad and good depending on your taste because the Jicks are musically tight and Malkmus is a natural leader but several of these lengthy tracks wear out their welcome and would have been great ending at the four minute mark. Just as some might see the length as a negative, Real Emotional Trash as an album, actually benefits because it has seamless transitions and ultimately makes the entire project seem cohesive. With all of that said, if you are not completely turned off by the longer jam on Real Emotional Trash it is still an enjoyable listen. It gives Malkmus fans something different to check out while retaining all of his positive traits that we have come to enjoy making Trash another keeper for the collection.

Key Tracks: "Baltimore", "Gardenia", "Dragonfly Pie"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Lou Barlow
Beck
Jarvis Cocker

Official Stephen Malkmus Website
Stephen Malkmus MySpace
Stephen Malkmus Info [Allmusic]
Matador Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Ghostland Observatory: Robotique Majestique

Ghostland Observatory
Robotique Majestique
Trashy Moped Records [2008]







Fire Note Says: Another batch of hard beats from Austin, TX duo!

Album Review:
Ghostland Observatory’s electro-rock dance show is not the kind of music you might expect from an Austin, Texas duo but that is exactly what you get on the groups third long player Robotique Majestique. The album continues their spastic style with a little more emphasis on cleaner production, heavy beats and front man Aaron Behrens vocal call outs. What I previously enjoyed from the band is that they do not mess around with long drawn out electronic compositions. That trait remains the same because they get in and get out with ten songs in forty minutes. Ghostland Observatory’s strength is that they bring something unique to the table and much like several others bands that have experimented with this combo, like Brainiac and The Faint; they have the ability to hit you in the face with a sense of urgency mixed with the infusion of drums and synths. If you are new to the band I would recommend checking out Paparazzi Lightning [2006] or their newer Austin City Limits performance DVD [2007] in conjunction with Robotique Majestique because Robotique is a little too slick for its own good and does not give the best representation for what the band hands out live, although it is still is catchy enough to be enjoyable and stand out in a shuffle playlist.

Key Tracks: "Heavy Heart", "Freeheart Lover", "Robotique Majestique"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Daft Punk
Electric Six
The Whip

Ghostland Observatory: Paparazzi Lightning [Fire Note Review 5/12/06]

Official Ghostland Observatory Website
Ghostland Observatory MySpace
Ghostland Observatory Info [Allmusic]
Trashy Moped Records

-Reviewed by Reece Michael

Jaymay: Autumn Fallin'

Jaymay
Autumn Fallin'
Blue Note Records [2008]







Fire Note Says: Another singer-songwriter to put on your add list!

Album Review:
The recent surge or new female singer-songwriters has been hard to keep up with but you might as well add Jaymay to your list because she is the real deal and thanks to Blue Note her debut record Autumn Fallin’ is being re-released next Tuesday. By taking Jaymay’s debut for a spin you will get to feel her life story covering seven months in New York about the ups and downs of relationships including the death of a friend. What may seem like somber material the compositions contain an end message of hope that guides the listener and forces them to reflect on their own situations and experiences. It is Jaymay’s standout vocals that make Autumn Fallin’ a winner and she not only can belt out the tunes but each line has a vulnerability to it that draws you into the songs intricate lyrics all the way down to the albums closer as she pleads “You Are The Only One I Love”. Even with many other female singer songwriting types competing for your ears, Jaymay should be sought out. Autumn Fallin’ will be a pleasant new discovery, which absolutely will not disappoint.

Key Tracks: "Blue Skies", "Sea Green, See Blue", "Hard To Say"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Kate Nash
Feist
Yael Naim

Official Jaymay Website
Jaymay MySpace
Jaymay Info [Allmusic]
Blue Note Records

-Reviewed by Natalie Colibri

The Teenage Prayers: Everyone Thinks You're The Best

The Teenage Prayers
Everyone Thinks You're The Best
Megaforce Records [2008]







Fire Note Says: The best bar band you knew nothing about!

Album Review:
Are you ready for a good time? Well on The Teenage Prayers new sophomore release Everyone Thinks You’re The Best the band is set to resurrect the rock n roll hey days of our past and give you plenty to hand clap, foot stomp and air guitar to. On the music spectrum, The Teenage Prayers fit somewhere between The Stones, The Kinks and an in your face New York Dolls sound. Straight out of the gate on the opening track “I Like It”, The Teenage Prayers hit you with an attitude and swagger that swells way above your expectations and sets you up for a wild ride. Tim Adams vocal delivery has different styles and ranges depending on the song and is the driving force behind the band’s unique album tempo changes that completely work. Trying to pin the band down into one genre is a not an easy task because at one moment they have a real soul rock vibe on “I’m In Love Again”, then they incorporate shout it out sing and response anthems on highlights “No Sex” and “Good Voodoo”, followed by a hint of reggae rock with "Heiroglyph". The key to remember is that all of these style changes stay within’ an old school covering of rock n roll and make The Teenage Prayers worth checking out, ultimately leaving Everyone Thinks You’re The Best to stand up tall to repeat listens.

Key Tracks: "I Like It", "No Sex", "Good Voodoo"

Bands With Similar Fire:
The Rolling Stones
The Exploders
New York Dolls

Official Teenage Prayers Website
The Teenage Prayers MySpace
Megaforce Records

-Reviewed by Liam Blazer

Gary Louris: Vagabonds

Gary Louris
Vagabonds
Rykodisc Records [2008]









Fire Note Says: Louris gets to show off his softer side on first solo album outside of The Jayhawks.

Album Review:
Gary Louris is of course known for his day job as the guitarist, songwriter and founding member of The Jayhawks. Vagabonds is his first solo record and its sound should not be a surprise to anyone because he stays the course with his country inspired roots and the vibe is comparable to the less pop sounding records in The Jayhawks catalog such as Hollywood Town Hall [1992] and the more recent Rainy Day Music [2003]. Quite frankly, if it ain’t broke don’t fix it and that is exactly what Louris accomplishes on Vagabonds. The solo record gives him the chance to be completely introspective and create the personal compositions that only fit Louris as the man not as a member of The Jayhawks. The style is still the same with catchy harmonies on “Omaha Nights” and “We’ll Get By” but there is a sense of quiet throughout Vagabonds that could only be created on a solo record, which works for Louris and succeeds highlighting his songwriting and vocal ability. Vagabonds is great debut record and an enjoyable listen for any takers but for longtime fans of The Jayhawks, it is a must that should be picked up.

Key Tracks: "Omaha Nights", "We'll Get By", "I Wanna Get High"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Gram Parsons
Mark Olson
Jay Farrar

Official Gary Louris Website
Gary Louris MySpace
Gary Louris Info [Allmusic]
Rykodisc Records

-Reviewed by Robyn Gatsby

The Gutter Twins: Saturnalia

The Gutter Twins
Saturnalia
Sub Pop Records [2008]









Fire Note Says: Two torn souls unite for one great record!

Album Review:
Calling The Gutter Twins a great new collaboration is like calling ketchup with mustard a great new idea. Greg Dulli and Mark Lanegan has been supporting each other for years, whether it is Lanegan showing up on The Twilight Singers records or Dulli lending background vocals to Lanegan’s solo outings, The Gutter Twins seems like a natural progression. In all reality, they were used to seeing each other on the scene with their previous musical machines The Afghan Whigs and Screaming Trees even at one time being both on Sub Pop Records. With all that said, Saturnalia is the guys first official venture as The Gutter Twins and it is exactly what you would expect from the duo with their sinister and richly deep vocal deliveries that take you back with their slow burning strength and the ability to rise into stellar harmonies, making every track a keeper. Also, if you have an expectation that there will be a new sound here - forget about it – and this is not a bad thing. The Gutter Twins switch back in forth between a Twilight Singers and solo Lanegan sound, mostly depending which troubadour is carrying the lead but the combination of their vocal power definitely adds something special. You also will find some familiar faces helping out the record including Joseph Arthur, Martina Topley-Bird, Troy Van Leeuwen (Queen of the Stone Age) and Twilight Singers Mathias Schneeberger and Dave Rosser. Instead of feeling like a new project, The Gutter Twins feels like the familiarity of returning home – hell they are even back on Sub Pop, so don’t even think you won’t enjoy this and just sit back and let the tunes flow!

Key Tracks: "Idle Hands", "Each To Each", "God's Children"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Soulsavers
The Twilight Singers
Nick Cave And The Bad Sees

Official Gutter Twins Website
The Gutter Twins MySpace
The Gutter Twins Info [Allmusic]
Sub Pop Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Flogging Molly: Float

Flogging Molly
Float
SideOneDummy Records [2008]









Fire Note Says: LA Irish folk-rockers Flogging Molly return refreshed, grounded and ready to raise a pint with ya!

Album Review:
It has been four long years since we have seen any new material from our favorite Irish rockers Flogging Molly. They have a distinct sound and an energetic frontman in Dave King that absolutely cannot be found anywhere else, so the release of Float is welcomed and in perfect time for any St. Patty day celebrations. Flogging Molly is one of the few bands I ever saw at the Warp tour that was able to capture and win the crowd over even though they are not your typical punk rock group and on Float they prove why. Their infusion of traditional Celtic instruments into rocking riffs and power vocals offers plenty of foot-tapping moments on Float with the one-two punch of the opening tracks “Requiem For A Dying Song” and “(No More) Paddy’s Lament”. Their energy oozes out form each track and makes for fun repeat listens. What you will find on Float that stands out from some of their previous work is a more straightforward guitar sound on tracks like “Man With No Country” and “Lightning Storm”, which pulls on King’s earlier days with the his hard rock band Fastway. What is retained is that the band still draws on the good and bad from their lives, which makes every song believable and more sincere. One spin of the title track will leave you reaching for the repeat button with its powerful cry of not giving up and the need to rise above years of lousy luck. This same type of sentiment rolls throughout Float and makes the album a solid return to form, which should be an instant purchase for anytime fans of the band and one of their most enjoyable albums yet.

Key Tracks: "(No More) Paddy's Lament", "Float", "Punch Drunk Grinning Soul"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Black 47
The Pogues
The Dubliners

Flogging Molly: Whiskey On Sunday [Fire Note Review 8/9/06]

Official Flogging Molly Website
Flogging Molly MySpace
Flogging Molly Info [Allmusic]
SideOneDummy Records

-Reviewed by Reece Michael