Pete & The Pirates: Little Death

Pete & The Pirates
Little Death
Stolen Recordings [2008]







Fire Note Says: Brit guitar pop still alive and kicking with Pete & The Pirates!

Album Review:
Pete & The Pirates are a prime example of a band that keeps things completely simple with catchy guitar riffs, memorable harmonies and stay with you lyrics on their debut full-length Little Death. They just seem like your average five guys from Reading that you would meet at the pub and happen to be in a band with their laid back approach to music. Sometimes taking yourself too seriously can be a hindrance to your overall presentation which leads to an album that fills lifeless and performances that feel flat. You won’t find that here with Pete & The Pirates because Little Death feels imperfectly cool with a more grainy production and even a band name that may be misleading (lead singer is Tom and two guys in the band are actually named Pete) but wins you over with its fast melodic punk pop that grabs you from the opening guitar strum. Most songs clock in just under the three minute mark so there is not much filler but the band does go in and out of some slower tempo tracks which set a nice pace and still give Little Death that UK stamp and sound. Pete & The Pirates release is a fun debut that gets better with every spin and really highlights that it does not take all the bells and whistles to make an album enjoyable.

Key Tracks: "Knots", "Mr. Understanding", "Ill Love"

Bands With Similar Fire:
The Futureheads
Young Knives
Mystery Jets

Official Pete & The Pirates Website
Pete & The Pirates MySpace
Stolen Recordings

-Reviewed by Reece Michael

The Revisionists: The Revisionists

The Revisionists
The Revisionists
Loveless Records [2008]







Fire Note Says: Not your average bar band!

Album Review:
The Revisionists may be a new band to the scene but the trio is no stranger to the rock world. Dan Lavery and Kevin Shepard were both members of the mid-90s post-grunge band Tonic and more recently Lavery has been playing bass for The Fray. Sam Jones directed the Wilco documentary I Am Trying To Break Your Heart and has produced other records on Loveless’ roster (Tom Brosseau, The Shackeltons). Bringing this experience to the table and having Lavery’s own recording studio at their disposal led to The Revisionists getting together weekly and jamming out the rock until the songs took shape. Most of the decisions were made fast, but more from instinct than haste, and tried to capture the fresh energy in the first take. This balance of freedom and experience shines thru on their self-titled debut that runs a perfect 10 songs in 34 minutes of guitar garage filled romps. It is an album that you can put on and take off which keeps your feet tapping’ the whole time and ensures that you come back for more.

Key Tracks: "See You Around", "Garden Home", "Mr. Stupid"

Bands With Similar Fire:
The Replacements
The Figgs
Big Star

Universal (mp3)
See You Around (mp3)

The Revisionists MySpace
Loveless Records

-Reviewed by Natalie Colibri

Reissue Special: Dennis Wilson; Liz Phair; Radiohead; Alabama 3

Dennis Wilson
Pacific Ocean Blue [Legacy Edition]
Epic/Legacy Records [1977; re:2008]
(2 CD Set)








What's New:
Remastered original 12-song album plus 4 previously unreleased bonus tracks; 17 tracks (all previously unreleased but one) from sessions for Bambu follow-up album that was never completed; Newly recorded version of "Holy Man" by Taylor Hawkins (Foo Fighters); Full color booklet includes previously unseen photos

Why Get It:
I would be surprised if many of our readers have ever heard this record but now you have the opportunity with this ever so superb packaged Legacy Edition. Pacific Ocean Blue was actually the first solo LP to be released by a member of The Beach Boys, which may be somewhat a surprise to some because Dennis was the drummer. This album was critically adored and at the point it was recorded Wilson’s voice was grainy, rough and soulful, which gave it a completely different vibe from the Beach Boys material. More importantly this reissue contains a second disc that was supposed to be Wilson’s sophomore record Bambu. It was never officially completed due to many personal problems and ultimately his drowning death in 1983. The Beach Boys played an important part in the history of indie rock and this record by Dennis Wilson, now available for the first time in more than a decade, is held up high to many as a classic and is a must hear for those seeking some history of rock knowledge!


Liz Phair
Exile In Guyville [15th Anniversary Edition]
ATO Records [1993; re:2008]
(CD/DVD Set)








What's New:
Remaster special edition that has 3 unreleased b-sides & the Guyville Redux DVD

Why Get It:
Exile In Guyville falls into the category of the perfect indie record. Liz Phair was this young talented singer that provided 18 songs that were felt like art with a solid indie power pop and folk base which all seemed sweet from the outside but had Phair’s not afraid approach to using profanity and dropping the F bomb more than a sailor. The remaster sounds great and the album still sounds fresh today. The documentary DVD examines the making of Exile and its impact that includes interviews from Brad Wood, John Cusack, Steve Albini, Chris Brokaw, Ira Glass, Matador's Gerard Cosloy, and Urge Overkill's Blackie Onassis and Nash Kato which are all very interesting and make the purchase that much better!

Radiohead
The Best Of [Special Edition]
Capitol Records [2008]
(2 CD Set)








What's New:
30 Tracks on 2 CDs covering the Capitol Years. The B-side "Talk Show Host" and the live acoustic solo Thom Yorke version of "True Love Waits" from the previously hinted-at I Might Be Wrong: Live Recordings.

Why Get It:
A long time from now, Radiohead will most certainly go down in history as one of the greatest bands of all time and after the not so friendly exit from Capitol Records the label decided to go ahead and cash in on some of that nostalgia right now with a 17 track single best of disc or the 30 track special edition version. Had the band been consulted the rating of this collection would have been higher plus I am sure the track listing would be different. It would of also been nice to wait a bit and capture some In Rainbow tracks plus some new ones as well. Regardless of all that red tape the songs played back to back sound great. Yes – I know Radiohead should be played all together by album but in the current shuffle world we live in these 30 tracks work just fine – Oh yeah I added some In Rainbow tracks to my playlist which makes it all the better!

Alabama 3
Hits And Exit Wounds
One Little Indian Records [2008]
(1 CD Set)








What's New:
17 song hit disc that features material from Exile On Coldharbour Lane, La Peste, Power In The Blood and Outlaw. It contains some previously unreleased material and the song US fans might recognize “Woke Up This Morning”, which is the opening theme to the beloved Sopranos.

Why Get It:
If you are not familiar with Alabama 3 (A3 in the US) that probably puts you in the majority over here in the States. They have a very large following across the seas and after taking this compilation for a spin you will know why. The band represents a solid mix of beat driven rock, blues and country that is very entertaining and great to listen too. This compilation is an actually a great introduction to the band and after hearing “Hello…I’m Johnny Cash” I believe you will be hooked. If you are into the UK thing and have never heard Alabama 3 seek this comp out – If you are looking for something new that has substance and earned critical praise over the years Hits And Exit Wounds will fill your void and open your ears to a whole new genre.

-Reviewed by Aidan Rox

Culture Reject: Culture Reject

Culture Reject
Culture Reject
White Whale Records [2008]









Fire Note Says: One guy from Toronto + some musician friends = good indie rock or Culture Reject!

Album Review:
I always have had the deepest respect for artists that are clearly multi-instrument talented. Michael O’Connell is one of those guys that specialize in playing any instrument that makes a noise, and plays all of them masterfully, which stands out as the force behind his moniker Culture Reject. It is also this love for a multitude of instrumentation that Culture Reject offers many different slices of music throughout its 11 tracks.

O’Connell does not tackle all of the instruments himself on the album but has a stable of talented musical friends that offer saxophone, cello, trumpet and background vocals with the most notable being Jim Guthrie (Islands, Royal City) on drums. His vocals are a real mix of James Mercer (Shins) and Isaac Brock (Modest Mouse) but where Culture Reject separates itself is that the album has a more World based influenced background from O’Connell’s days he spent in Africa and more recently in rural Cuba, where he found himself regularly joining in on spontaneous neighborhood jam sessions.

His travels provided the opportunity to hear his songs accompanied with instruments and infused with rhythms he had yet to consider. These influences are reflected on the debut for Culture Reject and with repeat listens, at a concise 35 minutes, the album becomes even more infectious, melodic and embraceable.

Key Tracks: "Inside The Cinema", "Blueprint", "Sister Susi"

Bands With Similar Fire:
The Shins
Sea Wolf
Modest Mouse

Culture Reject MySpace
White Whale Records

-Reviewed by Sam DaMatta

Crooked Still: Still Crooked

Crooked Still
Still Crooked
Signature Sounds








Fire Note Says: Crooked Still is a true leader of the pack in a surging folk revival movement!

Album Review:
Crooked Still’s third album Still Crooked hits shelves today and it is a shot across the bow that the neo-folk bluegrass movement is thriving and ready to cross into other genres. Crooked Still is able to use the traditional instruments of fiddle, banjo, cello and bass along with the stunning vocals of Aoife O’Donovan to create a modern hybrid folk that not only sounds great playing next to Alison Krauss but also new indie darlings Fleet Foxes or longtime staples like The Shins. If you have been following Crooked Still since their 2004 debut Hop High you may be aware that they have been thru some changes in the lineup with original cello player Rushad Eggleston departing and the band expanding from a quartet to a quintet by adding two new members in the mix giving the group an even more expansive sound. With solid musicians backing her up O’Donovan takes the reigns on Still Crooked and gives it her all with haunting and captivating vocals that make each song come alive, be it on the ballad “Captain Captain” to the upbeat rhythms of “The Absentee” her voice brings you in and does not let you go. It is this perfection that makes Crooked Still sound modern but yet classic and Still Crooked new but yet deep-rooted in tradition. If you are fan of this style go out and pick this album up, if you have liked some of the other more alt-folk bands out there, I encourage you to take a risk because Crooked Still will become your new favorite.

Key Tracks:"The Absentee", "Did You Sleep Well?", "Captain Captain"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Old Crow Medicine Show
Neko Case
Punch Brothers

Official Crooked Still Website
Crooked Still MySpace
Crooked Still Info [Allmusic]
Signature Sounds

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

The Takeover UK: It's All Happening [EP]

The Takeover UK
It's All Happening [EP]
Rykodisc [2008]








Fire Note Says: They hail from Pittsburgh, PA but their music invades from Britain!

Album Review:
For a new band an EP can be a great vehicle to grab listener’s attention right away and give them a perfect sampling of what you are all about. It’s All Happening does just that with ease for Pittsburgh’s The Takeover UK. Pittsburgh? That’s right this quartet is homegrown with a simple explanation about the name – The Takeover and The Takeovers were already taken! Not to mention the UK tag fits because It’s All Happening contains five songs that are straight British Invasion power pop that in American terms melds the energy of the Ramones with the sunny pop of The Beach Boys. The band is made for the stage and possesses instant radio catchiness in songs like “Ah La La” that has pulsing guitars with a harmonic chorus that will stay with you long after the EP is complete. The closer “Don’t Wait Up” not only is a hand clapping stomp but also has a children’s choir in the background along with some ripping saxophone that sort of encapsulates what The Takeover UK are all about – dueling power vocals, big hooks, sweeping choruses and a whole lot of fun! Definitely check this band out now and remember this is just a taste for what should be a solid debut when their full-length Running With The Wasters drops later this Fall.

Key Tracks: "Lean On It", "Ah La La", "Don't Wait Up"

Bands With Similar Fire:
The Kinks
Supergrass
The Heys

Official Takeover UK Website
The Takeover UK Myspace
Rykodisc

-Reviewed by Reece Michael

Boy Genius: Anchorage

Boy Genius
Anchorage
Self-Released [2008]









Fire Note Says: The way college radio used to sound!

Album Review:
At first listen Boy Genius may not impress you with their simple approach to indie rock on their debut full length Anchorage but I encourage you to listen again. It is this simplicity that starts to pull at your fingers, ears and brain to hit the repeat button. Boy Genius comes across like an early stages R.E.M. or Pavement with frontman Jason K’s delivery style and Anchorage’s somewhat raw production. This combination lets you focus on the solid lyrics and catchy melodic back n forth with vocalist Lisa K. Songs like “Radio Silence”, “Failing Gravity” and closer “Tied In Two” have a memorable quality to them that will fit into any indie playlist and stick with you long after they have ended. After covering the bands quality Eureka EP [2007] back in January it was nice to hear that Boy Genius expanded those ideas to release a debut album which has timeless appeal and capitalizes on their strength of playing it straight by just relying on core group elements to make Anchorage a success!

Key Tracks: "No Beginning", "Talk About Love", "Failing Gravity"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Pavement
The Little Ones
The New Pornographers

Boy Genius: Eureka EP [Fire Note Review 1/11/08]

Boy Genius MySpace
Purchase Boy Genius @ CD Baby

-Reviewed by Aidan Rox

Ricky Lee Robinson: Secret Love Tricks

Ricky Lee Robinson
Secret Love Tricks
Self-Released [2008]








Fire Note Says: One man show that will take you for a great ride!

Album Review:
Ricky Lee Robinson is one man rock machine out of Oakland and his third LP Secret Love Tricks is a concise piece of work packed full of pop nuggets that are sure to grab your attention. Robinson does it all from playing an amped up acoustic guitar while keeping the beats on his three pieced modified drum kit and then finding a spare limb to man the keyboards while creating a full band sound that would trick anyone if you have never seen him play live. Secret Love Tricks comes in right at the thirty-minute mark and its ten songs range from bluesy Jack White stomps such as “Locust Of Control” to catchy ballads like “Darling If He Drops You” which sounds right out of the Paul McCartney playbook. Ricky Lee Robinson is as talented as he is creative and Secret Love Tricks gets even better with repeat spins while being the perfect simple schematic for how to accomplish all things garage, blues, power pop and lo-fi when you are only one rockin’ dude from Oakland!

Key Tracks: "Secret Love Tricks", "Darling If He Drops You", "Jeans On"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Jack White
Chris Knox
Paul McCartney

Official Ricky Lee Robinson Website
Ricky Lee Robinson MySpace
Purchase Ricky Lee Robinson @ CD Baby

-Reviewed by Sam DaMatta

Coldplay: Viva La Vida Or Death And All His Friends

Coldplay
Viva La Vida Or Death And All His Friends
Capitol Records [2008]









Fire Note Says: Band takes fresh new approach on their own style for satisfying results!

Album Review:
I think we can easily call Coldplay’s fourth studio album Viva La Vida Or Death And All His Friends a calculated risk record. The band took almost everything you knew about them and tossed it out the window for this more arty approach to their music. They grabbed legendary producer Brian Eno, named the record after Mexican artist Frida Kahlo’s painting, experimented with an instrumental leadoff track “Life In Technicolor”, melded tracks together within tracks like “Lovers In Japan / Reign Of Fire”, “Yes / Chinese Sleep Chant” and the closer “Death And All His Friends / The Escapist” and replaced their staple stadium hooks and ballads with a more progressive and muscular vibe. Ultimately after several spins this new avenue works and Coldplay come out of this alive with not only their pride but songs that still have staying power like unlikely first single “Violent Hill”, a new concert must in “Lost!” (complete with handclapping) and many atmospheric stylistic tracks that will perfectly slide in and out of already hit singles live. The band should get credit for taking an Eno approach and accomplishing switching up their sound without sacrificing their core while all along being able to retain a faithful following that will live Viva La Vida up – over and over and over!

Key Tracks: "Violent Hill", "Lost!", "Viva La Vida"

Bands With Similar Fire:
David Bowie
Elbow
Peter Gabriel

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

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

/Passenger.: Wicked Man's Rest

/Passenger.
Wicked Man's Rest
Cooking Vinyl Records [2008]








Fire Note Says: UK buzz band ready to take the States!

Album Review:
We have heard the tag “next big thing” so many times before when a new UK band tries to break onto US shores that we expect them to usually hit with a whimper versus a punch. Hailing out of Brighton, Passenger is the latest band to ride into the US market with some press hype about their debut record Wicked Man’s Rest, which was released late 2007 in the UK. I can’t tell you whether they will succeed or not (still trying to figure out why Travis didn’t catch on) but Passenger offer up a nice debut that is full of catchy mid-tempo and perfectly orchestrated numbers that stick with you. The group is the creative collective of 22 year old vocalist Mike Rosenberg and Andrew Phillips, which is an award nominated composer, guitarist and producer, who has scored over 75 TV dramas, documentaries and features. It may seem like an odd mix but the two just clicked at a festival and what was to be Rosenberg’s solo disc turned into Passenger after rounding out the group with three additional members. What listener’s will need to immediately adjust to is Rosenberg’s unique, soft and nasal delivery style, which may take you back initially but in the end, his vocals are what keep you coming back for more. From the bouncy “Night Vision Binoculars” to the grinding intensity of “Do What You Like” and with a stellar thematic soft closer “Table For One”, Wicked Man’s Rest is a perfect debut that played in the right outlets will give Passenger the capability to catch on – everywhere!

Key Tracks: "Do What You Like", "Night Vision Binoculars", "Table For One"

Bands With Similar Fire:
JJ72
Travis
Starsailor

Night Vision Binoculars (mp3)

Official /Passenger. Website
/Passenger. MySpace
Cooking Vinyl Records

Buy at iTunes Music Store

-Reviewed by Robyn Gatsby

Robert Pollard: Robert Pollard Is Off To Business

Robert Pollard
Robert Pollard Is Off To Business
Guided By Voices, Inc. Records [2008]










Fire Note Says: It's a classic rock record kids - indulge!

Album Review:
We all know the long storied career of ex-Guided By Voices frontman Robert Pollard and his ever quest to create that one great rock radio record for the world to adore. With GBV it was supposed to be the Ric Ocasek produced Do The Collapse [1999] which had some great singles but was blasted critically. Since the retirement of GBV, Pollard has not stopped his workload with his side projects but Robert Pollard Is Off To Business is under his RP solo moniker and once again he attempts to launch his rockshow side to the masses. It may not seem possible but Off To Business peels yet another piece of Pollard’s onion. The album is a concise ten songs that average a whopping 3:30, which includes big rock hitters like “Gratification To Concrete” and “To The Path!” plus the bouncy GBV like “Weatherman And Skin Goddess”. Once again long time producer Todd Tobias is back and Off To Business will rank up there with one of Pollard’s all-time cleanest and slick sounding albums as well as one of his most focused and stellar vocal accomplishments. Off To Business will probably not reach the masses but it will please long time followers and make them dig for their Bic lighters because the tour is going to rock. Off To Business simply is proof that you can take the man away from GBV, but you can’t take the GBV out of the man!

Key Tracks: "Gratification To Concrete", "Weatherman And Skin Goddess", "The Original Heart"

Bands With Similar Fire:
The Who
The Clean
Genesis

Gratification To Concrete (mp3)

Official Robert Pollard Website
Robert Pollard Info [Allmusic]

Robert Pollard: Superman Was A Rocker [Fire Note Review 2/12/08]
Robert Pollard: Coast To Coast/Gargoyle [Fire Note Review 10/16/07]
Robert Pollard: Silverfish Trivia EP [Fire Note Review 4/23/07]
Robert Pollard: Normal Happiness [Fire Note Review 10/12/06]
Robert Pollard: From A Compound Eye [Fire Note Review 4/19/06]

-Reviewed by Reece Michael

Baskervilles: Twilight

Baskervilles
Twilight
Secret Crush Records [2008]







Fire Note Says: Enjoyable indie pop!

Album Review:
The Baskervilles are an indie quartet that hail from Harlem and Twilight is the bands sophomore release that is a collection of fourteen songs that were originally released as a series of singles for free that each featured sleeves created by important contemporary visual artists, including Wilhelm Sasnal, Ellen Berkenblit, Lothar Hempel and Andrew Guenther. Even though these songs hold their own as a single offering, Twilight showcases how well they play off each other and the cohesiveness of the band that delivers a modern indie sound with pop components of the 60s and the new wave blips of the 70s. The album was produced by Mitch Easter (R.E.M., Pavement), which was an easy selection because he has had great success working with bands that the Baskervilles sound emulates. The combination of the male/female vocals between Rob Keith and Stephanie Finucane are infectious and even when the songs have potential unhappy endings the upbeat melodies make it all better. The Baskervilles Twilight is not scene changing by any means but they are a solid band that has released a good album which fans of indie pop will respect and enjoy!

Key Tracks: "Caught In A Crosswalk", "A Little More Time", "Where Did My Summer Go?"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Imperial Teen
Mates Of State
The Apples In Stereo

A Little More Time (mp3)
Caught In A Crosswalk (mp3)

Official Baskervilles Website
Baskervilles MySpace
Baskervilles Info [Wikipedia]

-Reviewed by Aidan Rox

The Lions Rampant: Play Rock N Roll [EP]

The Lions Rampant
Play Rock N Roll [EP]
Self-Released [2008]









Fire Note Says: Garage rock played straight up!

Album Review:
The Midwest has earned its reputation for producing solid bluesy garage rock and Burlington, KY’s The Lions Rampant put a big exclamation mark behind that statement with their recent EP release Play Rock N Roll. It is the bands second self-released EP (you can download the first one for free here) and it contains seventeen minutes of straightforward pure rawkus fun! The key component about The Lions Rampant is that the three piece seem very ordinary but the energy they launch in their power chords get immediate attention and sends the listener into a Garage rock bliss. Lead singer Stuart MacKenzie’s soaring vocals lets loose on every track and the band has been gaining attention getting airplay on our favorite Internet station Woxy.com while being featured in several magazines as a band to watch, so if you are into the garage rock thing make sure you download yourself a copy of Play Rock N Roll for free at the band's website (EP download) because it won’t disappoint and it will keep you going until the band gets a full length out the door!

Key Tracks: "70-30", "Cryin' All The Time!", "Need A Man?"

Bands With Similar Fire:
The Greenhornes
The Makers
Jon Spencer Blues Explosion

Official Lions Rampant Website
The Lions Rampant MySpace

-Reviewed by Natalie Colibri

My Morning Jacket: Evil Urges

My Morning Jacket
Evil Urges
ATO Records [2008]









Fire Note Says: MMJ easily avoids creative slump on Evil Urges.

Album Review:
My Morning Jacket’s fifth full length release Evil Urges will definitely go down as one of the most conflicting reviewed records of the year. This is a direct response to Evil Urges stylistic changes, sound and tempo. Coming off a streak of critically hailed albums with It Still Moves [2003] and Z [2005] singer and lead songwriter Jim James said that for this record they wanted to move into a more experimental rock sound and release a record that fits their live sound. Evil Urges accomplishes the goal by mixing in a handful of different styles plus featuring some of the other band member’s vocals. “Evil Urges” kicks off the new album with higher pitched Prince like vocals and grinding guitar in the background followed by the pleasant and short Flaming Lips like "Touch Me I'm Going to Scream (Part 1)" that floats along before “Highly Suspicious” shakes things completely up with its funky beats and P-Funk like chorus that may actually work live but is initially very shocking to listen to. The key is that the first single “I’m Amazed” follows which almost erases your memory of any of the new changes because it flows along like a solid 70’s rock hit. Much of the rest of the album follows this 70’s sound like a modern day Eagles or Allman Brothers Band to a more rocking Springsteen style on “Amusement Park”. Evil Urges is a continuation from Z in that the songs are still contained in the three or four minute mark which keeps the pace moving, minus the sprawling eight minute almost closing track "Touch Me I'm Going to Scream (Part 2)". In all fairness to MMJ, Evil Urges has real potential to be an album that grows on you with each spin. It also should sound great live because that is ultimately where My Morning Jacket shines. I say let the controversy continue on Evil Urges and we will see if it succeeds in the end by creeping into critics top of year lists come December.

Key Tracks: "I'm Amazed", "Aluminum Park", "Touch Me I'm Going To Scream, Pt. 1"

Bands With Similar Fire:
The Allman Brothers Band
The Flaming Lips
Eagles

Official My Morning Jacket Website
My Morning Jacket MySpace
My Morning Jacket Info [Allmusic]
ATO Records

-Reviewed by Sam DaMatta

Nine Inch Nails: The Slip

Nine Inch Nails
The Slip
Self-Released [2008]









Fire Note Says: Reznor not only stays ahead of the industry with a unique release strategy but The Slip highlights what it really is all about – the music!

Album Review:
Here is a novel idea – Release your album in a high quality format with artwork for free and with very little notice. Sounds crazy right? No it is just the latest from pro-Internet user/sharer Trent Reznor and Nine Inch Nails. You now might be skeptical that these tracks are throwaways or demos but The Slip is one hundred percent new material that is some of NIN’s best work in years. Unlike the recent NIN release Ghosts I-IV [2008] which was full of sprawling instrumental tracks, The Slip is a concise and focused album that is the bands shortest full length output going all the back to Pretty Hate Machine [1989] running at a simple forty-four minutes. The album is sequenced like a giant wave with towering and bombastic songs up front like the classic sounding track “1,000,000” and first single “Discipline” to the wave falling and dying down, starting with the piano driven and soft spoken seventh track “Lights In The Sky”. This is followed with two instrumental tracks that have a combined twelve minute run which all ends splashing up on the beach with the cranked up closer “Demon Seed”. Not only is The Slip a big thank you for the support from Reznor but it showcases ideas well beyond the current music industry that actually work and I guarantee that when the album hits next month in physical format it will still do well plus a NIN tour that will be one not to miss!

Key Tracks: "1,000,000", "Discipline", "Demon Seed"

Bands With Similar Fire:
VAST
Ministry
KMFDM

Official Nine Inch Nails Website
Nine Inch Nails MySpace
Nine Inch Nails Info [Allmusic]

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Sloan: Parallel Play

Sloan
Parallel Play
Yep Roc Records [2008]









Fire Note Says: Another stellar release from the veteran Sloan!

Album Review:
Sloan is easily one of the most overlooked bands here in the States, which is a shame because they are a masterful power pop band from Nova Scotia that have poured their all into every one of their albums over the past seventeen years. Now on their ninth studio album, Parallel Play follows the multiple songwriter / vocals style of their 2006 thirty song opus Never Hear The End Of It and narrows the song offering to a simple thirteen tracks. From the first track “Believe” you get the classic Sloan rocker with layered harmonies and guitar driven pop that transitions right into the Beatlesque “Cheap Champaign” which has the Sloan bounciness right down to the “Ba Ba Ba” sing along chorus. From there Parallel Play rolls along like a perfect script giving each member their proper forum to showcase their songs while maintaining a sense of cohesiveness that this is a Sloan record. Fans will eat up Parallel Play from the catchiness of “All I Am Is All You’re Not” to the more experimental punkier song “Emergency 911” and the bluesy jamin' "Down In The Basement" which are new sounds but are not only fun but still work positively for the group. Sloan is a career band that releases consistently good albums and Parallel Play lives up to every bit of the expectations while only getting better with each spin as the hooks grab you harder each time around!

Key Tracks: "All I Aim Is All You're Not", "Cheap Champagne", "Down In The Basement"

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

Sloan: Never Hear The End Of It [Fire Note Review 12/22/06]

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

-Reviewed by Reece Michael

Supergrass: Diamond Hoo Ha

Supergrass
Diamond Hoo Ha
Astralwerks Records [2008]









Fire Note Says: All the sides of Supergrass show up on Diamond Hoo Ha!

Album Review:
Supergrass makes a storming return to US shelves next week with their sixth album Diamond Hoo Ha. The first thing fans will notice is that Supergrass is back in full revved up form as the first three tracks take off and remind you of why you liked Supergrass in the first place. On the bands last outing Road To Rouen [2005], the group was in a much different personal space which was reflected in their music that was longer, looser and more experimental. Diamond Hoo Ha does a nice job of returning to the energy that originally put this band on the map in the mid-nineties with the style of a group that has grown older and more mature in their music. You not only get that snotty youthful attitude on “Bad Blood” but also get a more orchestrated Supergrass with the solid closer “Butterfly”. Sure Diamond Hoo Ha does not have the spunk or newness of some of their earlier releases but it is a perfect balance of old and new Supergrass that makes an entertaining listen. Diamond Hoo Ha may not attract tons of new fans to the band but faithful followers will dig the record and if anything it has sent Supergrass back into the right direction that should lead to more great records from the band well into the future.

Key Tracks: "Rebel In You", "Diamond Hoo Ha Man", "Bad Blood"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Arctic Monkeys
The Kooks
The Fratellis

Official Supergrass Website
Supergrass MySpace
Supergrass Info [Wikipedia]
Astralwerks Records

-Reviewed by Aidan Rox

The Ting Tings: We Started Nothing

The Ting Tings
We Started Nothing
Columbia Records [2008]







Fire Note Says: Fun album for right now!

Album Review:
The Ting Tings are currently the “It” band as their debut We Started Nothing hit retail this week in the States and charted number one in the UK back in mid-May. The band has also had a huge push because their song “Shut Up And Let Me Go” has been featured in the all influential Apple commercials giving them the ultimate exposure. The Ting Tings are an English electro-indie-pop band that consists of the duo Katie White (vocals, guitar, bass drum) and Jules De Martino (drums, guitar, vocals) that explode each track with top energy hooks, beats and guitar. Each track circulates in and out of a new wave / dance pop which are catchy and perfect for television. Singer Karen White offers up an attitude that gives The Ting Tings some credibility because We Started Nothing is fun to play but ultimately may weigh heavier with repeat listens. The Ting Tings really are more of “singles” group because even though their ten songs offered here move by quickly they suffer some from consistency. Overall for their moment in spotlight We Started Nothing will please many and be around for awhile with its catchiness plus the real proof and pressure for The Ting Tings will be on their distant sophomore outing, so the band should sit back and enjoy the limelight right now!

Key Tracks: "Great DJ", "Shut Up And Let Me Go", "Fruit Machine"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Republica
Lilly Allen
Junior Senior

Official Ting Tings Website
The Ting Tings MySpace
The Ting Tings Info [Allmusic]
Columbia Records

-Reviewed by Robyn Gatsby

Weezer: Weezer (The Red Album)

Weezer
Weezer (The Red Album)
Geffen Records [2008]









Fire Note Says: The tongue and cheek Kings of alt rock return with the satisfying Red Album!

Album Review:
Anymore Weezer feels like your favorite shirt. You know when you put it on it just works. I knew when I popped in the newly released self-titled Red Album all of those great feelings that stretch back to 1994’s Blue Album would return. Mostly The Red Album gratifies these feelings and is another quick and witty entry into the bands catalog. The first three tracks on the album are classic Weezer with strong choruses, stick in your head melodies and wordplay that only Rivers Cuomo can create. Who would have thought that a song called “Pork And Beans” could be so catchy? With that The Red Album offers some new musical avenues with the over six minute closer "The Angel And The One" and by having other band members offer up their own tunes right in a row on the album and take the mic starting with guitarist Brian Bell “Thought I Knew”, to drummer Pat Wilson on “Automatic” and lastly “Cold Dark World” with bassist Scott Shriner. The songs all have support from Cuomo in the background but give the album some transition issues as we reach the end because of the quick stylistic switches. Overall The Red Album gives the listeners what they came for with some catchy tunes that will rule the airwaves for awhile but it still falls short of returning to ultimate Weezer form but is much better and many steps in the right direction compared to the overproduced Make Believe [2005] album.

Key Tracks: "Pork And Beans", "Troublemaker", "Dreamin'"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Jimmy Eat World
Nerf Herder
Cake

Official Weezer Website
Weezer MySpace
Weezer Info [Allmusic]
Geffen Records

-Reviewed by Sam DaMatta

Oppenheimer: Take The Whole Midrange And Boost It

Oppenheimer
Take The Whole Midrange And Boost It
Bar/None Records [2008]






Fire Note Says: Made for TV - Again!

Album Review:
Our favorite electro-indie duo Oppenheimer returns with their sophomore effort Take The Whole Midrange And Boost It straight from Belfast, which hits shelves today. The duo of Rocky O'Reilly and Shaun Robinson once again offer a batch of high energy synthesizer guitar driven pop that is upbeat, catchy and just plain fun to spin. The new album tackles all sorts of themes that range from politics to fireworks in New Jersey and even Cate Blanchett impersonators. Each song contains an synergy that is hard to explain in words because it melds multiple genres together to create a uniqueness that not many other bands can replicate. Their bubbly electronic pop sound has caught the ears of many including finding their way into television shows like How I Met Your Mother and Ugly Betty and commercial campaigns for Fujifilm and Nike, so there is a good chance that you are already familiar with the bands work but didn’t know it yet. Take The Whole Midrange And Boost It keeps things simple, short and concise which leads to its success because like their self-titled debut the band starts it up, whips you in and out of each track seamlessly, and closes the door leaving the listener completely satisfied and ready to play it again!

Key Tracks: "Look Up", "Cate Blanchett", "Take The Whole Midrange And Boost It"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Matt & Kim
The Seedy Seeds
Datarock

Oppenheimer: Oppenheimer [Fire Note Review 7/13/06]

Look Up (mp3)
Stephen McCauley For President (mp3)

Official Oppenheimer Website
Oppenheimer MySpace
Oppenheimer Info [Allmusic]
Bar/None Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

The Futureheads: This Is Not The World

The Futureheads
This Is Not The World
Nul Records [2008]









Fire Note Says: Album number three doesn't disappoint with the revved up Futureheads!

Album Review:
After separating from their record label, The Futureheads seized the moment, like so many other bands these days, and decided to do it on their own with the creation of Nul Records. Although now considered an independent release, fans would never know the difference because they grabbed producer Matin “Youth” Glover (Verve, Embrace, Music) that helped cultivate This Is Not The World into a sharp twelve songs in forty minutes with catchy hooks and crunchy classic guitars. If you have followed the young bands career you will know that their 2004 break out self-titled record was a more post-punk type of album, followed by the more Jam like News And Tributes [2006] album that was loved and hated by critics (we were on the love side), so coming into number three the band put it all on the line. The result is that The Futureheads meld their sound from the first two records into one confident complete package. With songs like “Think Tonight” the power cords are in full force and lead single “The Beginning Of The Twist” brings back the harder punk punch that grabs you right from the start. This Is Not The World is a fun listen that holds up and gets better with each spin bringing The Futureheads back to the forefront of the UK scene.

Key Tracks: "Think Tonight", "This Is Not The World", "The Beginning Of The Twist"

Bands With Similar Fire:
The Jam
Kaiser Chiefs
Elvis Costello

The Futureheads: News And Tributes [Fire Note Review 6/14/06]

Official Futureheads Website
The Futureheads MySpace
The Futureheads Info [Allmusic]

-Reviewed by Reece Michael