Eulogies: Tear The Fences Down

Eulogies
Tear The Fences Down
Dangerbird Records [2011]









Fire Note Says: Tear The Fences Down is driven by a heartbreaking story but Eulogies uses this outlet for positive healing and remembrance!

Album Review:
I can't even imagine how one would deal with the loss of a child but for Eulogies frontman Peter Walker, healing through song is his outlet, as their third record Tear The Fences Down is a dedication to Pablo Castelaz (son of Walker's business partner and Dangerbird co-founder Jeff Castelaz) who died at age 6, in 2009, from a rare form of cancer called bilateral Wilms’ Tumor. Walker was there when his longtime friend's child passed and like any parent, the experience tormented him to the core. Tear The Fences Down represents Walker's climb back from the depths and, probably to the listener's surprise, keeps Eulogies overall positive indie pop charm. Finding the light in this tragic event is what makes this record so solid, as its songwriting surpasses the bands earlier records and keeps you hanging on every word, as it pulls at your heart but gives you hope. Each song can elicit an emotional response right down to the record's closer on the simplistic acoustic "Little Else To Say", which has the chorus "You're gone, but you live on" and it highlights the point that lessons can be learned, even in death, and carrying forward those lessons is just as important as keeping the positive memory of the loved one lost in tact. Eulogies have easily created their best record to date and somewhere Pablo is smiling!

*Please visit The Pablove Foundation and help their mission to fund pediatric cancer research and advances in treatment, educate and empower cancer families, and improve the quality of life for children living with cancer through hospital play, music and arts programs.

Key Tracks: "How To Say Goodbye", "Out Of Style, Out Of Touch", "Little Else To Say"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Sea Wolf
Eels
Matt Pond PA

Eulogies: Here Anonymous [Fire Note Review 4/14/09]
Eulogies: Tempted To Do Nothing [EP] [10/9/08]
Eulogies: Eulogies [Fire Note Review 9/7/07]

The Pablove Foundation

Eulogies Website
Eulogies MySpace
Eulogies Facebook
Dangerbird Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

The Dismemberment Plan: Emergency & I [Vinyl Reissue]

The Dismemberment Plan
Emergency & I [Vinyl Reissue]
Barsuk Records [2011]









Fire Note Says: Essential record for your collection!

Album Review:
Washington, D.C.-based The Dismemberment Plan is easily one of the most under-appreciated bands in the land and Emergency & I is one of the best albums that people still know nothing about. Originally released in 1999, Emergency & I has slowly built a loyal fanbase over time, as it has been consistently hailed as one of the best albums in the 90's with its uniqueness. It goes where others did not dare with its shifting rhythms that could come at you from all different angles, such as their guitars, keyboards, and/or beats. The record had hints of jazz, while also charging ahead with sporadic noise bursts of punk and creating sophisticated arrangements that could always move on a dime. J. Robbins (Jawbox) produced the record and was the absolute right choice. Barsuk now has given the record its first-ever vinyl release on 180-gram audiophile-grade double vinyl, and packaged it in a beautiful gatefold sleeve with a giant full-color photo collage and some great in-depth liner notes from the all the band members, plus four rare bonus tracks. The extra tracks represent another good look at what the band was thinking at the time, as they all have the same general vibe but clearly they ended up on the cutting room floor because they do not rival the original Emergency & I material. Basically no matter what format you have this record in - you will be fine. It is an album that is well worth seeking out, as it is timeless and this vinyl package comes complete with a download which is a perfect way to go!

Key Tracks: "What Do You Want Me To Say?", "You Are Invited", "A Line Of Possibilities"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Brainiac
Les Savy Fav
Soul Coughing

The Dismemberment Plan Website
The Dismemberment Plan MySpace
The Dismemberment Plan Facebook
Barsuk Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

James Vincent McMorrow: Early In The Morning

James Vincent McMorrow
Early In The Morning
Vagrant Records [2011]









Fire Note Says: With a falsetto to kill for Irish singer/songwriter James Vincent McMorrow releases solid debut!

Album Review:
If I had a voice like James Vincent McMorrow you would never find me not singing. As his soft falsetto kicks off his debut, Early In The Morning you will find yourself instantly hooked with the more than catchy "If I Had A Boat" that increases with intensity as the song plateaus to a finish. This record actually has almost been out for a year in the UK, so it is nice to see Vagrant give it a US release, as the album is a true labor of love for McMorrow. James Vincent lived by the beach on his own for five months while creating these eleven tracks with one mic, some recording equipment and no real direction. Well it definitely turned out well, as the Dublin singer/songwriter uses his atmospheric vocal talent to tell his tales that enable the listener to visually see the story as if it were painted. This quality is hard to come by and having it makes McMorrow a strong force to reckon with, as every track possesses a certain likable sway to it that sticks with you well after the records conclusion. Early In The Morning is not completely perfect, as several tracks need a bit more then McMorrow's voice to lift them but these are still far and few between, as many artists could only hope their debut would be this good. James Vincent McMorrow is made for success and this record should be the portal to greater things to come - just sit back, listen, enjoy and watch!

Key Tracks: "If I Had A Boat", "And If My Heart Should Somehow Stop", "This Old Dark Machine"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Jeff Buckley
Bon Iver
Glen Hansard

James Vincent McMorrow Website
James Vincent McMorrow MySpace
James Vincent McMorrow Facebook
Vagrant Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Wanda Jackson: The Party Ain't Over

Wanda Jackson
The Party Ain't Over
Third Man/Nonesuch Records [2011]









Fire Note Says: You might get embarrassed trying to keep up with Wanda Jackson!

Album Review:
The immediate question with this record is could Jack White make lightning strike twice, as he brought in his selected band to work with the legendary Wanda Jackson, just like he did in 2004 with Loretta Lynn on the excellent Van Lear Rose [2004]. The answer is an easy yes but Wanda Jackson brings a totally different atmosphere to the table compared with Lynn. White was more of a guide on the Lynn album but with Wanda he has a direct impact on this much more rambunctious record. Not only does Wanda bring her sassy character to the album, Jack adds some scorching guitar and recruits a slew of talent to help out, with the more notable being the guys from the Raconteurs, Carl Boremel (My Morning Jacket) on pedal steel, and his wife Karen Elson on backing vocals. Song wise there is plenty to keep your feet tapping like the rocking Dylan cover "Thunder On The Mountain", the more sinister Amy Winehouse composition "You Know I'm No Good", the attitude driven "Busted" and the fun upbeat stompin' "Nervous Breakdown". The Party Ain't Over is a great title in so many ways but it really is a testament to Jackson's talent that keeps on shining and Jack White's ability to make anything he touches cool!

Key Tracks: "Thunder On The Mountain", "Nervous Breakdown", "Busted"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Neko Case
Loretta Lynn
Karen Elson

Wanda Jackson Website
Wanda Jackson MySpace
Wanda Jackson Facebook
Third Man Records
Nonesuch Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

The Get Up Kids: There Are Rules

The Get Up Kids
There Are Rules
Quality Hill Records [2011]









Fire Note Says: The Get Up Kids go a new direction that yields mixed results.

Album Review:
After the release of the Simple Science EP last year from The Get Up Kids, the anticipation was very high for the follow up full length There Are Rules, as it would break their seven year absence since Guilt Show [2004]. What not many expected was the elctro-rock avenue the band travels throughout this record and how it shuns their roots, as it provides a completely new side and sound to the band. Gone are the acoustic strummings of their previous mind grabbing tracks, gone is the sensitive lyrics lead by standout frontman Matt Pryor and gone are the hooks that kept you coming back to The Get Up Kids time after time. It is not that There Are Rules is a complete loss, as songs like "Birmingham" represent some of the most fierce energy the band has created in years and the closing track "Rememorable" plays fast but actually provides one of the only sing a long choruses on here. I understand The Get Up Kids need to separate themselves from the emo crowd and now that they have "aged" singing about heartache may not be their thing but trying to go too different is where the middle of this record goes wrong and the lack of enough memorable hooks, which they are known for, is just a simple disappointment.

Key Tracks: "Regent's Court", "Automatic", "Birmingham"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Devo
Hot Hot Heat
Depeche Mode

The Get Up Kids: Simple Science [EP] [Fire Note Review 5/13/10]
Matt Pryor: Confidence Man [Fire Note Review 7/25/08]

The Get Up Kids Website
The Get Up Kids MySpace
The Get Up Kids Facebook

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Mind Spiders: Mind Spiders

Mind Spiders
Mind Spiders
Dirtnap Records [2011]









Fire Note Says: Mind Spiders provide a bag of tricks that is catchy, intelligent and outright just fun to crank up!

Album Review:
Mind Spiders is the solo project from Marked Men's singer/guitarist Mark Ryan. It is a record that has no boundaries, as it contains elements of lo-fi, psychedelic, surf, 60's pop and experimental noise. With that said, Mind Spiders has great transitions as the record never just jumps into any one genre, as its songs morph more subtly into one another. Lead off track "Go!" is actually a Marked Men b-side from their last LP that starts the record with an in-your-face punk vibe followed by the upbeat Brit invasion style rocker "Don't Let Her Go" that brings you a memorable lo-fi chorus and rolling keyboards. By the time the theremin hits next on "Mind Spiders Theme" you realize that you are in for a rollercoaster ride of indie rock! Mind Spiders provides plenty of solid songwriting that features Ryan playing most of the instruments himself and gives the listener an album that is catchy, intelligent and outright just fun to crank up!

Key Tracks: "No Romance", "Don't Let Her Go", "Neurotic Gold"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Jay Reatard
Cloud Nothings
The Black Hollies

Marked Men: Ghosts [Fire Note Review 3/5/09]

Mind Spiders MySpace
Mind Spiders Facebook
Dirtnap Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Iron & Wine: Kiss Each Other Clean

Iron & Wine
Kiss Each Other Clean
Warner Bros. Records [2011]









Fire Note Says: Iron & Wine let vocalist Sam Beam do his thing on the engaging Kiss Each Other Clean!

Album Review:
Kiss Each Other Clean is Iron & Wine's follow up to the critically hailed The Shepherd's Dog [2007] and once again brings an array of instruments to the event. Iron & Wine founder Sam Beam really changed up his previous record's quiet tones on Shepherd's Dog, which worked out so well that he continues down the same path here on Kiss Each Other Clean. Since the bigger sound is not a surprise this go around, the difference here is that Beam increases the focus on his vocals and pushes them to the forefront. This new role plays into his knack for creating catchy tunes and with stronger vocals comes stronger melodies that fill each song with unforgettable lines. The opening track "Walking Far From Home" will have you singing along in seconds while the soft beat in "Monkeys Uptown" will have your feet tapping and humming the chorus like you have known the song for years. It is this type of connection that Iron & Wine's honest approach elicits and even with several songs including horns, electric piano and scrolling guitar lines, Sam Beam's vocals and lyrics completely elevate each track. At the end of the day, Iron & Wine have always relied on one instrument being Sam Beam's voice and even though Kiss Each Other Clean may not equal the grandeur of The Shepherd's Dog, Beam's vocals still are once again a lesson to others that sometimes that is all you really need because no matter what arrangements you place around it, his vocals will always have you coming back for more!

Key Tracks: "Walking Far From Home", "Monkeys Uptown", "Rabbit Will Run"

Bands With Similar Fire:
David Bazan
Bon Iver
Destroyer

Iron & Wine: Around The Well [Fire Note Review 5/18/09]
Iron & Wine: The Shepherd's Dog [Fire Note Review 10/5/07]

Iron & Wine Website
Iron & Wine MySpace
Iron & Wine Facebook
Warner Bros. Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

The Jayhawks: Hollywood Town Hall [Expanded Edition] / Tomorrow The Green Grass [Legacy Edition]

The Jayhawks
Hollywood Town Hall [Expanded Edition]
Tomorrow The Green Grass [Legacy Edition]
American/Legacy Recordings [2011]



Fire Note Says: Both these albums from The Jayhawks are an Americana must for your collection!

Album Review:
Minneapolis's Jayhawks should have been huge with their charming slice of Americana that was driven by the supreme melodies of Mark Olson and Gary Louris. It didn't play out that way of course but they still had a substantial following and released seven studio records with moderate success. Hollywood Town Hall [1992] and Tomorrow The Green Grass [1995] were their first two major label releases and as it turned out - they were their best. Hollywood is more straight forward and slightly better, as Tomorrow was their follow up and contained a bit more experimenting, although it holds their biggest hit "Blue". Both records have now been reissued with extras, as Hollywood adds 5 unreleased songs that really neither add nor detract from the original album but they are good to hear, while Tomorrow The Green Grass adds an entire second disc, which longtime Jayhawks fans will want to hear as it captures The Mystery Demos. This disc is a look into their song process and not only unveils some already released tracks in a more acoustic form but also songs that have never been heard before. Other tracks here have been used in different projects, as one song ended up on a Golden Smog album while another found its way onto the Olson/Louris record Ready For The Flood [2009]. "Blue" even makes a rough acoustic appearance on the second half of "Sleep While You Can", as the more rocking song just ends as "Blue" takes over for the remaining 2 minutes. The Jayhawks may not have received all of the credit or had massive album sales but one thing is for sure as you go back and check these records out you realize that both albums are timeless, helped boost the Americana genre and paved the way for many groups to come.

Key Tracks: "Won't Be Coming Home", "Mother Trust You Walk To The Store", "She Picks The Violets"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Chatham County Line
Uncle Tupelo
The Avett Brothers

The Jayhawks: Music from the North Country - The Jayhawks Anthology [Deluxe Edition] [Fire Note Review 7/8/09]
Mark Olson & Gary Louris: Ready For The Flood [Fire Note Review 2/9/09]
Gary Louris: Vagabonds [Fire Note Review 3/5/08]

The Jayhawks Website
The Jayhawks Facebook
American Recordings
Legacy Recordings

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Destroyer: Kaputt

Destroyer
Kaputt
Merge Records [2011]









Fire Note Says: Destroyer's ninth album Kaputt is a jazzy poetic great listen!

Album Review:
Over the years Dan Bejar has been involved in some really great projects but Destroyer has always been his solo baby and his ninth record Kaputt represents one of his best. The album is mature, complex, poetic, jazzy, and addictive all wrapped into a 9 song, 50 minute affair. It's unique sound is what will immediately draw you in on opening track "Chinatown" with its breezy 80's type synthesizer effects and rolling trumpet matched with Bejar's relaxed storytelling vocals paired with the vibe matching female voice of Sibel Thrasher. This laid back swagger is what drives Kaputt, as it never seems to be in a hurry and lets each song just evolve, which highlights the magic of the music because it makes the listener ok with the pace and totally wanting more. The soft guitar strumming in the beginning of "Suicide Demo For Kara Walker" is not only graceful but the perfect intro to the track's casual beats and Bejar's confident tone. Most of Kaputt's compositions hoover in the 4 minute range but it does have several songs that pass the six minute mark, while the the closing epic "Bay Of Pigs" is just over eleven. Kaputt really is all about the story, which dictates each track's length and with all of the hush jazzy undertones, pop up melodies and memorable lyrics no track ever feels like it stays too long or ends too quickly. Kaputt is another exceptional record from Destroyer, as Dan Bejar's talent shines brightly again and although its standout sound may not be for everyone it certainly should be respected and will be one of the better releases we hear this year!

Key Tracks: "Downtown", "Suicide Demo For Kara Walker", "Chinatown"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Bryan Ferry
Luna
Donald Fagen

Destroyer: Trouble In Dreams [Fire Note Review 3/28/08]

Destroyer MySpace
Destroyer Facebook
Merge Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Apex Manor: The Year Of Magical Drinking

Apex Manor
The Year Of Magical Drinking
Merge Records [2011]









Fire Note Says: Solid power pop debut record from Pasadena's Apex Manor!

Album Review:
The Year Of Magical Drinking is the debut record from Apex Manor, which was founded by Ross Flournoy after the 2009 demise of his Merge Records band The Broken West. Apex Manor does not totally separate itself from The Broken West as The Year Of Magical Drinking is a full on power pop rock n roll album but it does bring more restraint in places like on the swaying ballad "Burn Me Alive" and the soft "My My Mind" that will remind you of Wilco. Of course, the upbeat pop rock numbers like "Under The Gun" and the Replacements like "Teenage Blood" is where Apex Manor shine as The Year Of Magical Drinking clearly is driven by the joy of making music. You can tell that whatever bad karma happened with the quick disintegration of The Broken West is now gone, as Flournoy has healed with this record and his new found enthusiasm makes every foot tapping melody that much better and memorable here, as Apex Manor give you the first solid power pop record of 2011!

Key Tracks: "Teenage Blood", "Under The Gun", "I Know These Waters Well"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Julie Ocean
Brendan Benson
Velvet Crush

Apex Manor Website
Apex Manor MySpace
Apex Manor Facebook
Merge Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Cloud Nothings: Cloud Nothings

Cloud Nothings
Cloud Nothings
Carpark Records [2011]









Fire Note Says: This is the type of indie rock record that everyone secretly wishes they could make!

Album Review:
Sometimes getting out of the basement is a good thing and that is exactly what 19 year old Dylan Baldi, aka Cloud Nothings, did when he signed to Carpark Records to release a studio recorded full length. Making lo-fi indie rock on his computer in his parents basement was what got Baldi to this point but now with the guidance of producer Chester Gwazda (Dan Deacon, Future Islands), Cloud Nothings comes alive with an energetic set of eleven songs that possesses a little lo-fi backbone but burst out of your speakers with feverish guitar, loud drums and big sing a long choruses.

The record flies by at 28 minutes but is instantly likable with its upfront honest approach as Baldi plays all of the instruments and sings his lungs out on every track. This might sound simple but Cloud Nothings has snappy perfect transitions, strong emotive qualities and plenty of booming memorable melodies to keep you coming back for more!

Key Tracks: "Should Have", "Nothing's Wrong", "Not Important"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Superchunk
Wavves
Beach Fossils

Cloud Nothings MySpace
Cloud Nothings Facebook
Carpark Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Woodsman: Rare Forms

Woodsman
Rare Forms
Lefse Records [2011]









Fire Note Says: Be careful not to float away as Denver quartet Woodsman comes at you chillwave style on their new full length Rare Forms!

Album Review:
Woodsman is a quartet from Denver that plays an experimental ambient post-psychedelic rock which contains two totemic percussionists and two sonic animators who employ electric guitars, feedback loops, and recorded samples to build the dreamy astral soundscapes that define their sound. That description sounds a bit confusing but Woodsman bring back attention to the chillwave genre, as their music pushes its borders on every track and features heavily filtered vocals with simplistic melodic lines that act as the secondary show on Rare Forms. Woodsman are admittedly influenced by hazy mountain passes, the experimental films of Stan Brakhage and the early 1970’s improvisational recordings of Miles Davis and it shows track after track, as they simply transport the listener to a different realm and their vocals fade in and out while their music sways. This swagger continues throughout Rare Forms and Woodsman always display complete control which is important because even though they float you out - they can always pull you back in at their discretion - that control is what makes Rare Forms shine!

Key Tracks: "Beat The Heat", "Insects", "All The Cards Fell In Place"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Neon Indian
Memory Tapes
Small Black

Woodsman Website
Woodsman MySpace
Woodsman Facebook
Lefse Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Say Hi: Um, Uh Oh

Say Hi
Um, Uh Oh
Barsuk Records [2011]









Fire Note Says: Say Hi continues an expansion of their sound with spectacular results!

Album Review:
When your new record's first track repeats the chorus "There's a trigger somewhere, let's pull it" and it actually puts a bounce in the listener's step, as well as makes them sing along, you might be onto something. That is exactly how Say Hi's seventh full length Um, Uh Oh kicks off on the catchy "Dots On Maps" and the record just continues its grooving swagger from there. One man show Eric Elbogen and his moniker Say Hi has slowly been evolving over the years and with each progressive album his sound has become much more vibrant. Um, Uh Oh continues this growth, as it represents his most focused, rich, dark and bluesy record to date and probably his best. All of his previous indie approaches still exist on Um, Uh Oh but now there is a more mature sinister side to Say Hi's music that really takes the listener for a ride, as the propulsiveness of its tracks not only give the album depth but an intensity that has not been present on his records before. On "Devils" there is a menacing bass line that just makes the track dirty good while "Take Ya' Dancin'" could be a new Strokes tune. There are several emotional numbers that give the record balance and overall Um, Uh Oh's 35 minutes never wears out its welcome because its seamless transitions keep you interested. Say Hi has always produced solid small indie type records but now on Um, Uh Oh, Elbogen has finally succeeded in bringing his sound to a much bigger room, as Say Hi is set to take off in 2011!

Key Tracks: "Dots On Maps", "Devils", "Take Ya' Dancin'"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Eels
The Postal Service
Nada Surf

Say Hi: Oohs & Aahs [Fire Note Review 2/27/09]
Say Hi: The Wishes And The Glitch [Fire Note Review 1/16/08]

Say Hi Website
Say Hi MySpace
Say Hi Facebook
Barsuk Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Daniel Martin Moore: In The Cool Of The Day

Daniel Martin Moore
In The Cool Of The Day
Sub Pop Records [2011]









Fire Note Says: Daniel Martin Moore shares some personal history, love, and faith on his new folk-gospel record In The Cool Of The Day.

Album Review:
A gospel album on Sub Pop Records? Are you scratching your head? Well that is exactly what we have here with singer/songwriter Daniel Martin Moore's new record In The Cool Of The Day. It is a record of time-tested, family gospel favorites that Moore remembered growing up and he has now reinterpreted them along with a few new tunes of his own in the same vein. The record features his pals Ben Sollee on cello and Jim James (My Morning Jacket) playing banjo along with a list of other talented musicians. Some potential listeners and even fans of Moore may be scared off here with the content but the record is very laid back, breezy and not "preachy". In The Cool Of The Day showcases Moore's sheer talent and I must admit, guts, as this is an adventurous sophomore outing considering he is still not a household name. At the end of the day it is hard to knock this album, as Daniel Martin Moore truly wears his passion on his sleeve and you will instantly respect the gorgeous presentation he frames these songs into. It is not an album that will appeal to everyone and probably not to some of Moore's current fanbase but I will tell you - checking this record out will give everyone a little faith.

Key Tracks: "Up Above My Head", "In The Cool Of The Day", "O My Soul"

Bands With Similar Fire:
M. Ward
Harry Smith
Damien Jurado

Ben Sollee And Daniel Martin Moore: Dear Companion [Fire Note Review 2/18/10]
Daniel Martin Moore: Stray Age [Fire Note Review 10/13/08]

Daniel Martin Moore Website
Daniel Martin Moore MySpace
Daniel Martin Moore Facebook
Sub Pop Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

The Decemberists: The King Is Dead

The Decemberists
The King Is Dead
EMI/Capitol Records [2011]









Fire Note Says: The Decemberists return to simpler times with great success on The King Is Dead!

Album Review:
After The Decemberists last two cerebral concept full lengths, the band takes a leisurely breathe of fresh air and shifts musical direction on the groups sixth album The King Is Dead. This record is extremely loose and simple that focuses on an indie Americana sound with strong songwriting and memorable choruses. The Decemberists even step outside the group here and feature Peter Buck (R.E.M.) playing on three tracks, while Gillian Welch sings on seven of the compositions. All of this creates ten exciting songs that have a typically very serious frontman Colin Meloy sounding re-energized and youthful, while The King Is Dead represents their shortest record to date clocking in at 40 minutes. This effort has returned The Decemberists focus back to their true strength of writing basic solid songs. With all of the more arty side of the band gone you now get a distinct opening drum beat in foot tapper "Don't Carry It All" to a simple gorgeousness in the acoustic "January Hymn". The King Is Dead still rocks out on rolling tracks "Down By The Water" and "Calamity Song", while letting Meloy's stories still be told on the catchy "Rox In The Box". This record truly represents The Decemberists initial "college album" roots and should invite some old fans back to the party that fell off over the last several years. The King Is Dead is an enjoyable listen that has plenty of replay value and once again shines a bright light on the talented Decemberists!

Key Tracks: "Don't Carry It All", "Down By The Water", "Rox In The Box"

Bands With Similar Fire:
R.E.M.
Wilco
Gram Parsons

The Decemberists: The Hazards Of Love [Fire Note Review 3/25/09]
The Decemberists: Always The Bridesmaid - A Singles Series [Fire Note Review 11/6/08]
Colin Meloy: Colin Meloy Sings Live! [Fire Note Review 5/19/08]
The Decemberists: The Crane Wife [Fire Note Review 10/2/06]

The Decemberists Website
The Decemberists MySpace
The Decemberists Facebook
Captiol Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Broken Records: Let Me Come Home

Broken Records
Let Me Come Home
4AD Records [2011]









Fire Note Says: Broken Records provide plenty of dark moods and brooding vocals.

Album Review:
Broken Records have been consistenly compared to Aracde Fire as the Scottish band creates brooding and explosive tunes like their Canadian comparisson. The comparrison stops there as Broken Records creates a much darker mood and at times has a more spoken vocal, much like The National. Broken Records frontman Jamie Sutherland consistenly launches his baritone voice over the instruments in a fashion where he is completly out front and vulnerable. This gives the tunes more of a torn and haunted feeling which also gives them energy. This same vibe can also backfire a bit on Broken Records because at times the group sounds too over the top and like they are trying too hard to be emotional. The album also really lacks that one track to keep you coming back. Broken Records is a band that shows promise on their sophomore album and if they keep at it they just might have all the right tools to make something great. Let Me Come Home has its moments but there is a growing number of bands that have this brooding sound and Broken Records will need to improve in the song department in order to make some waves in all parts of the globe!

Key Tracks: "A Darkness Rises Up", "You Know You're Not Dead", "A Leaving Song"

Bands With Similar Fire:
The National
Interpol
The Killers

Broken Records Website
Broken Records MySpace
Broken Records Facebook
4AD Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Fergus & Geronimo: Unlearn

Fergus & Geronimo
Unlearn
Hardly Art Records [2011]









Fire Note Says: Unlearn gives you eleven different flavors of Denton's Fergus & Geronimo.

Album Review:
Jason Kelly and Andrew Savage make up Fergus & Geronimo (named after characters in the movie War Of The Buttons) and they want you to take the title of their debut very seriously so that you Unlearn your expectations from full lengths. The duo take a very "single" minded approach on their debut as each of the eleven tracks presented here have a unique sound. From the British invasion mixed retro psychedelic pieces in opener "Girls With English Accents" to the soul crooning on "Powerful Lovin'", Fergus & Geronimo keep you guessing what is next. The band rocks out on later tracks "The World Never Stops" and "Baby Don't You Cry", while the closing title track sounds like a continuation of "Leader Of The Pack". The band accomplishes letting each track be its own but the album still suffers from its up and down inconsistencies. The hard transitions detract from the quality of each track and make Unlearn more of a shuffle record then one you will enjoy absorbing. Unlearn finishes just under a very neat 30 minutes as the group does not overdue any one idea and in many cases have fun lyrics to support their indie mayhem. In the age of the shuffle, this piecework may not hinder the group too much but I would like to see what they can do if they embraced an album approach because most of tracks here are winners which translates into still making Fergus & Geronimo a band to check out.

Key Tracks: "Where The Walls Are Made Of Grass", "The World Never Stops", "Girls With English Accents"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Frank Zappa
Beck
Harlem

Fergus & Geronimo MySpace
Fergus & Geronimo Facebook
Hardly Art Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony