Theresa Andersson: Hummingbird, Go!

Theresa Andersson
Hummingbird, Go!
Basin Street Records [2008]








Fire Note Says: Don't know if "Kitchen Rock" is a genre or not but Andersson will make you think so!

Album Review:
After taking one look at the video for "Na Na Na" you know that you are dealing with a bit more then the typical female singer/songwriter type with Theresa Andersson's self set-up and one woman kitchen show you get immediately impressed - oh yeah, the music is pretty good too. Theresa Andersson originally hails from the Swedish island of Gotland but planted her US roots in New Orleans around 1990. Since that time she has released music on and off either backing up someone or releasing several different styled solo records. Hummingbird, Go! I believe finds the real Andersson with its graceful simplicity and splendid creativity, that will be a joy for every listener that decides to check her out. For the most part Hummingbird, Go! was recorded in Andersson's kitchen, which gives the record a cool echoing reverb and as you dig deeper into the sounds you realize things are not quite what you thought, like the vibraphone is actually soda pop bottles on "The Waltz" or instead of traditional keyboards she rubs the rims of wine glasses. This music trickery continues with mouth percussion, violin that sounds like slide guitar and even classical guitar used for bass giving each track a very fresh approach and live feel. Theresa Andersson is a unique artist that has come into her own on Hummingbird, Go! and no matter if she hits you with the bounce of "Na Na Na", the gorgeous Swedish duet with Ane Brun on "Innan Du Går" or the graceful folk in "God's Highway", she is an artist that brings the "it" style you should get to know before this year ends!

Key Tracks: "Na Na Na", "Birds Fly Away", "Innan Du Går"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Hello Saferide
Sara Culler
Heather Nova

Na Na Na (mp3)
Birds Fly Away (mp3)

Na Na Na (video)

Theresa Andersson MySpace
Theresa Andersson Info [Allmusic]
Basin Street Records

-Reviewed by Natalie Colibri

Passion Pit: Chunk Of Change [EP]

Passion Pit
Chunk Of Change [EP]
Frenchkiss Records [2008]









 Fire Drills Review:
What started out as a one man project from Michael Angelakos, Passion Pit has now developed into a full band and Chunk Of Change is their debut EP. They play a style of catchy electro-synth pop that is entertaining and catchy, which is why Passion Pit has been earning a lot of buzz lately. The six songs offered here average over four minutes in length so there is plenty of music to absorb and get a beat too. Chunk Of Change clearly sets up Passion Pit to be put on the 2009 full length album anticipation list due to its likability, so hear em now so you will know them then!

Key Track: "Cuddle Fuddle"

Band With Similar Fire: MGMT

Passion Pit MySpace

-Reviewed by Aidan Rox

Architects: Vice

Architects
Vice
Anodyne Records [2008]








Fire Drills Review:
Anyone who remembers the ska heyday and the Epitaph Hellcat imprint might remember The Gadjits. After ska went back underground the Kansas City group morphed their sound, added a guitarist and changed their name to the Architects. With a new direction the Architects have been putting out a solid mix of rock and punk since their debut in 2004. Vice is the Architects third record and is one of their best with songs that are gritty, melodic and infectious that puts them into the upper echelon of their peers.

Key Track: "Daddy Wore Black"

Band With Similar Fire: The Replacements

Architects MySpace

-Reviewed by Aidan Rox

Buena Vista Social Club: At Carnegie Hall

Buena Vista Social Club
At Carnegie Hall
Nonesuch Records [2008]








Fire Drills Review:
If you never have heard the Buena Vista Social Club self-titled record from 1997 stop now and seek it out. If you have then you will be excited to see this live release because clearly it is long overdue given that it was recorded in 1998. As we sit here now three main contributors - vocalist Ibrahim Ferrer, pianist Rubn Gonzalez, and guitarist/vocalist Compay Segundo have all passed away so it is even more essential to hear what these artists excelled at for years - the live show. It is an entertaining full 2 CD set that sounds great and captures a historic moment in time which can't be recreated again. This is the forum the Buena Vista Social Club music is supposed to be played in and At Carnegie Hall is the perfect disc to hear it!

Key Track: "Chan Chan"

Band With Similar Fire: Ry Cooder

De Camino a la Vereda (mp3)

Official Buena Vista Social Club
Buena Vista Social Club MySpace

More On This Album

-Reviewed by Aidan Rox

Kaiser Chiefs: Off With Their Heads

Kaiser Chiefs
Off With Their Heads
Motown/Universal Records [2008]









Fire Note Says: A brighter outlook on album number three fits the Kaiser Chiefs nicely!

Album Review:
The Kaiser Chiefs are one of those UK bands that have actually had some success in the US so their third album Off With Their Heads should be met with a positive reception by the faithful and has the potential to break them out even more. Last years release, Yours Truly, Angry Mob [2007] was a somewhat cynical and pissed off record that had its moments but ultimately failed to recapture the glory of the bands debut. Well for Off With Their Heads, I can only assume the Kaiser Chiefs drank some pints and simply relaxed a bit because the albums looseness and upswing spirit is actually its finest selling point. The band encapsulates the aura of several great UK bands before them without compromise on breezy songs like "Never Miss A Beat", "Good Days, Bad Days" and "Like It Too Much" that bring catchy choruses and a bounce that forces the bobbing of the head. This is the Kaiser Chiefs that I enjoy and although it is hard to imagine the band without the sprawling anthems and cranking out the guitar beats, which threatens their depth - it is also the very reason why I listen to them, so that is a good thing in my book!

Key Tracks: "Never Miss A Beat", "Like It Too Much", "Remember The Girl"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Blur
The Futureheads
The Jam

Kaiser Chiefs: Yours Truly, Angry Mob [Fire Note Review 3/16/07]

Official Kaiser Chiefs Website
Kaiser Chiefs MySpace
Kaiser Chiefs Info [Allmusic]
Motown/Universal Records

-Reviewed by Sam DaMatta

James: Hey Ma

James
Hey Ma
Decca Records [2008]








Fire Drills Review:
Hey Ma reunites the James gang from the Laid [1993] era and rekindles the spirit of their previous glory. The interesting thing about listening to James today versus then is that you realize how many bands were actually influenced by lead vocalist Tim Booth and the groups Smiths like style. Hey Ma is not a bad record, although it lacks a little bit of "wow" factor but fans of the band should easily fall in love with the album but it is highly unlikely it will bring that 90's success back.

Key Track: "Waterfall"

Band With Similar Fire: The Smiths

Official James Website
James MySpace

-Reviewed by Sam DaMatta

AC/DC: Black Ice

AC/DC
Black Ice
Columbia Records [2008]









Fire Drills Review:
It has been 8 years since we heard from these classic Aussie lads and it was too fun not to put up a quick review simply because AC/DC stands for a rock age of innocence that constantly talked about booze, women and money and then talked about booze, women and money again. The record was produced by Brendan O'Brien (Rage Against The Machine, Stone Temple Pilots, Pearl Jam) giving it some sort of rock cred and you know what - at the end of the day it is a total guilty pleasure. Black Ice won't be on any end of the year best of lists and it will probably end up on more wtf lists but I suggest to just crank up the volume and let it play like stupid cock rock should be played and enjoy it with a smile!

Key Track: "Rock N Roll Train"

Band With Similar Fire: KISS

Official AC/DC Website
AC/DC MySpace

-Reviewed by Sam DaMatta

Bloc Party: Intimacy

Bloc Party
Intimacy
Atlantic Records [2008]









Fire Note Says: A little spit and fire straight from London!

Album Review:
Intimacy is the third record from Bloc Party and it follows on the 20 month heels of the entertaining A Weekend In The City [2007]. Because of their fairly close release dates it is no surprise that Intimacy finds the band in the same sort of space but with a bit more angry tone for this go around. The first three tracks "Ares", "Mercury" and "Halo" hit with a staggering pulsating and pounding beat that knock you down with their explosion of energy that really highlights how rocking Bloc Party can be. They have always possessed the power to get the crowd moving and Intimacy is no different but this time just when you are thinking a track is similar to their excellent debut Silent Alarm [2005], a tempo change or vocal shift swoops in and expands the tracks boundaries like the soaring almost heavenly "Zephyrus". For the most part this process works but does leave the listener hanging on several occasions with some repetition as you move through the record. I believe Intimacy accomplishes several things with one being that it will produce singles because many of the tracks are completely infectious. Second - they will play better live then some of the material on A Weekend In The City. Lastly, Intimacy already gets you revved up for album number four because Bloc Party is just one of those bands that you know still has that grandiose best album to be delivered!

Key Tracks: "Mercury", "Zephyrus", "Halo"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Franz Ferdinand
Joy Division
The Rakes

Bloc Party: A Weekend In The City [Fire Note Review 2/12/07]

Official Bloc Party Website
Bloc Party MySpace
Bloc Party Info [Allmusic]
Atlantic Records

-Reviewed by Robyn Gatsby

Jay Reatard: Matador Singles '08

Jay Reatard
Matador Singles '08
Matador Records [2008]








Fire Drills Review:
Nothing like signing to a major indie label and getting to do whatever you want! That is exactly how we ended up with a singles record from Jay Reatard after he has spent most of the year releasing 7" singles. Matador Singles '08 collects all of them in one space and adds a bonus track that captures his crazy hyper lo-fi attack in one 33 minute package. The excitement here is that given how ripping and catchy these thirteen tracks are I can't wait to hear his full length!

Key Track: "See Saw"

Band With Similar Fire: Black Lips

Official Jay Reatard Website
Jay Reatard MySpace

-Reviewed by Robyn Gatsby

All The Saints: Fire On Corridor X

All The Saints
Fire On Corridor X
Touch And Go Records [2008]








Fire Drills Review:
This power trio just recently singed to Touch And Go, which has re-released their debut record Fire On Corridor X that is chalk full of fuzzed out drone rock. It is this post-rock vibe that keeps you on the edge of your seat with the solid sonic attack All The Saints lay down with their layered vocals, scorching guitar and pounding drums. What really will attract listeners to All The Saints is that even though they dish out a heavy dose of psychedelic rock most songs are contained to 3 or 4 minutes, which highlights the bands concise focus that never loses the listener in their dominant wall of noise!

Key Track: "Farmacia"

Band With Similar Fire: Dead Confederate

Sheffield (mp3)

All The Saints MySpace

-Reviewed by Robyn Gatsby

PAS/CAL: I Was Raised On Matthew, Mark, Luke & Laura

PAS/CAL
I Was Raised On Matthew, Mark, Luke & Laura
Le Grand Magistry Records [2008]






Fire Drills Review:
For fans of this Detroit group the full length from PAS/CAL is a true event after many encouraging EP releases and seven years in the making. Each track is very breezy and melodic giving the listener of I Was Raised On Matthew, Mark, Luke & Laura an heightened euphoric feeling after just one spin. PAS/CAL creates a very intelligent indie record, that anymore their sound falls into the unique category, so for a change of pace this is a debut that is worth your valuable time.

Key Track: "Summer Is Almost Here"

Band With Similar Fire: I'm From Barcelona

Official PAS/CAL Website
PAS/CAL MySpace

-Reviewed by Robyn Gatsby

Ryan Adams & The Cardinals: Cardinology

Ryan Adams & The Cardinals
Cardinology
Lost Highway Records [2008]









Fire Note Says: This is the type of album that Adams was meant to make!

Album Review:
Cardinology is Ryan Adams fourth release with his band and continues the solid musical focus he showed on his solo disc Easy Tiger [2007] last year. Originally Adams wanted Cardinology released under just The Cardinals moniker but ultimately (and probably wisely) the label wanted his name in front but what I believe it explains is exactly what you hear - a completely cohesive group effort. What made Easy Tiger stand out last year was its slightly polished and shined up production and the complete opposite is why Cardinology stands out because it sounds like a slice out of the CSY&N or The Band playbook with its layered harmonies, roots style and country elements injected into the rock. Adams has taken a rap over the years for his bad boy antics, drunken rants and getting pissed off everytime someone requested "Summer of '69" but he has always embraced his fans with an abundance of music that passes the test and you can always find his singer/songwriter talents within each record, which is definitely the case here. Cardinology shines because with Ryan Adams at the wheel 100%, the entire album transitions from track to track effortlessly, be it with the harmonic opener "Born Into A Light" or the U2 like rocker "Magick", the Cardinal driven steel guitar tracks or the heartfelt closing song about rehab "Stop" it is a record that just gets better every time you spin it!

Key Tracks: "Stop", "Born Into A Light", "Crossed Out Name"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Gram Parsons
Wilco
The Band

Ryan Adams & The Cardinals: Follow The Light EP [Fire Note Review 10/31/07]
Ryan Adams: Easy Tiger [Fire Note Review 6/28/07]

Official Ryan Adams Website
Ryan Adams MySpace
Ryan Adams Info [Allmusic]
Lost Highway Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Those Dancing Days: In Our Space Hero Suits

Those Dancing Days
In Our Space Hero Suits
Wichita Recordings [2008]

Fire Drills Review:
In Our Space Hero Suits is the debut from five Swedish high school girls known as Those Dancing Days and it packages their energetic pop into a likable 40 minutes. Linnea Jonsson's vocals are the true highlight on the record because they cut through the music and really drive each song where it needs to go. She never oversells her voice or the music and this calmness mixes well with the liveliness of the keyboarding and drumming that sets the upbeat tempo.

Key Track: "Home Sweet Home"

Band With Similar Fire: The Concretes

Official Those Dancing Days Website
Those Dancing Days MySpace

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Times New Viking: Stay Awake [EP]

Times New Viking
Stay Awake [EP]
Matador Records [2008]









Fire Drills Review:
Our favorite lo-fi group from Columbus Ohio got restless and released a quick 11 minute noise racket affair in the Stay Awake EP. Once again the volume is up, the lyrics are fuzzy and the hiss is cranked to eleven but I must say we wouldn't want Times New Viking any other way. This EP is perfect - you get in - you jam - you get the hell out!

Key Track: "Pagan Eyes"

Band With Similar Fire: Guided By Voices

Times New Viking: Rip It Off [Fire Note Review 1/24/08]
Times New Viking: Present The Paisley Reich [Fire Note Review 8/9/07]

Times New Viking MySpace

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

The Iguanas: If You Should Ever Fall On Hard Times

The Iguanas
If You Should Ever Fall On Hard Times
Yep Roc Records [2008]







Fire Drills Review:
New Orleans' eclectic sons the Iguanas are back with their post-Katrina ode to love, loss and the city they call home. If You Should Ever Fall On Hard Times, is the groups first album in five years and it is a celebration combination of Latin music, Caribbean rhythms, Tex-Mex and R&B swagger that is very consistent all the way through. The band struggled to complete this record due their displacement but it only takes one listen to discover that they did New Orleans proud!

Key Track: "Malas Vibras"

Band With Similar Fire: The Subdudes

Official Iguanas Website
The Iguanas MySpace

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Of Montreal: Skeletal Lamping

Of Montreal
Skeletal Lamping
Polyvinyl Records [2008]









Fire Note Says: The loyal will be entertained!

Album Review:
Following up last years excellent Hissing Fauna, Are You The Destroyer? [2007] was not going to be an easy task, so getting it over sooner than later for leader Kevin Barnes was probably a good idea. This speed could be the culprit of the uneven Skeletal Lamping, which almost tries too hard in many parts to capture a sexual indie vibe with the soul of Elton John and Prince, while maintaining a disco beat. What you do get immediately from this album is a quick hit of mixed styles that places Barnes in a very erratic state of vocals and music, which brings back memories of the Elephant 6 Collective heydays but almost is too much to comprehend. Skeletal Lamping still contains the catchy hooks, which keep your ear to the record but it shifts very quickly and the transitions almost make the record seem like one whole sixty minute track. The faithful to Of Montreal will still be entertained by Skeletal Lamping because it has some stand out singles, but its inconsistencies hold it back from being another great record and instead is simply the follow up to the great record Hissing Fauna.

Key Tracks: "Nonpareil Of Favor", "Id Engager", "Wicked Wisdom"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Takka Takka
Prince
The Spinto Band

Of Montreal: Hissing Fauna, Are You The Destroyer? [Fire Note Review 1/26/07]

Official Of Montreal Website
Of Montreal MySpace
Of Montreal Info [Allmusic]
Polyvinyl Records

-Reviewed by Reece Michael

It's A Musical: The Music Makes Me Sick

It's A Musical
The Music Makes Me Sick
Morr Music [2008]








Fire Drills Review:
It's A Musical is made up of duo Ella Blixt and Robert Kretzschmar that combine their vocals, keyboards, drums and some hired in bass players to round out the groups debut record The Music Makes Me Sick. You may have noticed that I did not mention guitar and that it because there is none, which frankly is not missed. The group puts out solid warm pop songs with the help of their layered harmonies and foot tapping beats to create a cozy record that simply sounds great and does not do too much wrong!

Key Track: "The Music Makes Me Sick"

Band With Similar Fire: Mates Of State

Bad Day (mp3)

Official It's A Musical Website
It's A Musical MySpace

-Reviewed by Reece Michael

Melvins: Nude With Boots

Melvins
Nude With Boots
Ipecac Records [2008]








Fire Drills Review:
The Melvins are a band that after 25 years and over 25 albums are still cranking them out and one of the remaining current groups that still have a connection to the magical Nirvana era. The group has had the luxury of releasing pretty much whatever they want stylistically and have spanned the genres but Nude With Boots is a straight forward return to their classic rock roots. Compare it to a Sabbath, Zeppelin or insert your favorite cock rock band but the Melvins tear it up on Nude With Boots and sound as fresh as they did day one, so if you are fan be sure to pick this record up!

Key Track: "The Kicking Machine"

Band With Similar Fire: Fu Manchu

Official Melvins Website
Melvins MySpace

-Reviewed by Reece Michael

Ratatat: LP3

Ratatat
LP3
XL Recordings [2008]








Fire Drills Review:
Bands like Ratatat are made for TV commercials and segments in shows with their unique blend of electronica rock, which has pulsing beats and more dueling guitars than any match up in Guitar Hero. The challenge for a band of this nature is keeping it fresh from record to record and for LP3 (literally album number three) the group does not stray from their guitar core but add to their sound. This time around the duo includes live drums and percussion throughout, but also attacks you with every type of keyboard like harpsichord, piano and Wurlitzer leaving another memorable output that will fit perfectly into your next party!

Key Track: "Falcon Jab"

Band With Similar Fire: El Ten Eleven

Official Ratatat Website
Ratatat MySpace

-Reviewed by Reece Michael

Oh My God: Fools Want Noise

Oh My God
Fools Want Noise
Split Red Records [2008]









Fire Note Says: Great cover and the title does not lie - Fools Want Noise has OMG going after a bigger audience!

Album Review:
Originally slated to be released last year, Fools Want Noise was delayed when Oh My God was in a serious van crash in Ohio that forced all the members into months of physical therapy. One year after the broken and displaced hands and fingers, the bionic knee installation, the cracked vertebrae and the hazily remembered helicopter rides to the hospital, OMG is getting back into the van and going out to support this record of bluesy alternative rock. Fools Want Noise is OMG’s first recording with guitar and their most pounding group of songs yet. The band still retains the jamming organ, grinding bass, and vocal hooks with lead singer Billy O'Neill having one of those unforgettable rock voices with every line possessing a likable quality to it and taking a complete commanding dominance when his voice is front and center. Fools Want Noise does not quite live up to the groups critically praised Interrogations And Confessions [2003] but by attempting new things Oh My God has showed growth and since they had all that down time the band has already written most of a whole new album that will be finished by the time they leave for tour and is expected in early 2009. There is no better time to discover them now!

Key Tracks: "Houston (Now You've Got A Problem)", "Fools Want Noise", "Get Out To Sea"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Living Colour
King's X
Foo Fighters

Houston (Now You've Got A Problem) (mp3)
Facewash (mp3)
But That's Just Me (Song For The Holidays) (mp3)

Official Oh My God Website
Oh My God MySpace
Oh My God Info [Allmusic]
Split Red Records

-Reviewed by Aidan Rox

Old Crow Medicine Show: Tennessee Pusher

Old Crow Medicine Show
Tennessee Pusher
Nettwerk Records [2008]








Fire Drills Review:
Tennessee Pusher is Nashville's Old Crow Medicine Show's third album and continues their consistent output of neo-folk records. The album returns to a more laid back backyard sound that was found on their self-tilted debut [2004] with a bit more simple harmonizing Americana vocals. OCMS have all the capabilities in the word and with their musicianship, songwriting skills, and creative vision I would guess that we haven't seen their best yet!

Key Track: "Caroline"

Band With Similar Fire: Chatham Country Line

Old Crow Medicine Show Website
Old Crow Medicine Show MySpace

-Reviewed By Aidan Rox

Lambchop: OH (Ohio)

Lambchop

OH (Ohio)
Merge Records [2008]









Fire Drills Review:
Leader Kurt Wagner has just released Lambchop's 1oth album titled OH (Ohio), which is another elegant record of blended country, rock and jazz. The always interesting factor of Lambchop is that Wagner has kept the lineup constantly rotating since 1994 and has always used a 10 plus ensemble of musicians to create his work, which gives each album a little different vibe. Because of this, trying to pin Lambchop into one genre gets tough but its blended mix is exactly what makes them especially unique and OH (Ohio) continues this trend of once again offering a solid output of music.

Key Track: "Popeye"

Band With Similar Fire: Giant Sand

Official Lambchop Website
Lambchop MySpace

-Reviewed by Aidan Rox

Sarah McLachlan: Closer -The Best Of Sarah McLachlan [Deluxe Edition]

Sarah McLachlan
Closer: The Best Of Sarah McLachlan [Deluxe Edition]
RCA Records [2008]







Fire Drills Review:
Closer: The Best Of Sarah McLachlan contains 27 tracks by McLachlan that includes a new track and several different remixes of songs. The album runs in order which lets you hear the evolvement of her material into the more radio friendly version that many people are familiar with. It are the early tracks that explain why McLachlan is where she is and should be what draws newer listeners back to her earlier work when she was considered more "alternative" versus adult alternative. There also is a single disc version that is more hit focused for the casual listener but I would still recommend grabbing the double disc!

Key Track: "U Want Me 2"

Band With Similar Fire: Charlotte Martin

Official Sarah McLachlan Website
Sarah McLachlan MySpace

-Reviewed by Robyn Gatsby

The Dears: Missiles

The Dears
Missiles
Dangerbird Records [2008]








Fire Note Says: The big sound is back without the band!

Album Review:
Losing most of your band during the making of an album does not really bode well for the outcome but that is what exactly happened to Montreal's The Dears, so the husband-and-wife team of Murray Lightburn and Natalia Yanchak took the reins solo and turned out Missiles, which is one of their most interesting pieces to date. The bigger sounds and orchestration of their earlier records were noticeably absent on Gang Of Losers [2006] and you quickly realize that they have found their way back into Missiles right from the beginning in the almost seven minute shoegazing opener "Disclaimer". Many of the eleven tracks cross the five minute mark and the 11 minute epic closer "Saviour" features a children's choir, which highlights the grandiose vibe of Missiles. Like the groups previous records, Missiles requires that you give it time and repeat listens because no one song immediately jumps out at you but as a collective they meld into something bigger. The current picture here for The Dears is that given the drama and circumstances surrounding the making of this record the duo pull it off but I believe moving forward with more time and less distraction, what's next is going to be very interesting!

Key Tracks: "Disclaimer", "Dream Job", "Crisis 1 & 2"

Bands With Similar Fire:
The Smiths
Radiohead
Echo & The Bunnymen

Official Dears Website
The Dears MySpace
The Dears Info [Allmusic]
Dangerbird Records

-Reviewed by Sam DaMatta

Jared Mees And The Grown Children: Caffeine, Alcohol, Sunshine, Money

Jared Mees And The Grown Children
Caffeine, Alcohol, Sunshine, Money
Tender Loving Empire Records [2008]





Fire Drills Review:
Portland, OR's Jared Mees brings a quick sophomore set of laid back indie rock with Caffeine, Alcohol, Sunshine, Money following last years If You Wanna Swim With The Sharks [2007]. The Grown Children are back which consist of Mees wife Brianne and many friends that create a revolving door of lineup changes but give the band an unpredictable performance every time they hit the stage. The album is full of sassy wordplay lyrics and catchy harmonies that have a country tinge to them while still creating a very upbeat indie vibe that just make you tap your feet and wait for the next track.

Key Track: "Bees"

Band With Similar Fire: Cracker

Jared Mees And The Grown Children MySpace

-Reviewed by Sam DaMatta