Beady Eye: Different Gear, Still Speeding

Beady Eye
Different Gear, Still Speeding
Dangerbird Records [2011]









Fire Note Says: The Oasis gang (minus Noel) returns with a rocking and rolling new band called Beady Eye.

Album Review:
If you didn't know already, Beady Eye is basically Oasis without lead songwriter Noel Gallagher. The band is the creation of brother Liam, and his Oasis mates Gem Archer, Andy Bell and Chris Sharrock. The group comes at you re-energized with their 13 track debut of Brit-Rock called Different Gear, Still Speeding that was produced by Steve Lillywhite (U2, Dave Matthews, The Smiths). This album had every chance to fail miserably with the no proven songwriter, coming from a well know band that has sold over 70 million albums worldwide, and teaming up with a producer that is known for his polish but Beady Eye succeeds well beyond what I think most will give them credit for, as Different Gear, Still Speeding is a fun Brit-rock album that at its best brings back some solid memories of classic Who and at its worst maybe borrows a bit too much, at times, from the guys idols - The Beatles. With that said, Beady Eye also sound like every incarnation of Lennon/McCartney at certain points but that is not always a bad thing as "The Roller" sticks in your head, "Kill For A Dream" is a solid sounding Oasis like ballad, while "Bring The Light" is a fun raving bar stomper that comes complete with rolling piano and Liam having fun with call outs with the backup singers. It are these moments that keep Beady Eye from drowning in their own ego but Different Gear, Still Speeding is still held back a bit from "Standing On The Edge Of The Noise" sounding really close to The Beatles "Get Back", "Beatles And Stones" coming off too pretentious and the album being about three songs too long. The key part with Beady Eye is that if you have liked Oasis, you will like Beady Eye and the group shows promise finding a new path, that I would like to see explored more because love him or hate him, Liam Gallagher is still one of the best cocky singers around with a great voice and bandmates that can rock out. For that, Beady Eye may not be stellar but it isn't that bad either!

Key Tracks: "The Roller", "Bring The Light", "Four Letter

Bands With Similar Fire:
The Who
Oasis
Wings

Beady Eye Website
Beady Eye MySpace
Beady Eye Facebook
Dangerbird Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

The Dirtbombs: Party Store

The Dirtbombs
Party Store
In The Red Records [2011]









Fire Note Says: Detroit's Dirtbombs release cover album of Motor City's techno scene.

Album Review:
Before you go out and purchase the new Dirtbombs record you nee to know that Party Store is a cover album. You might think it is still up your alley because one of The Dirtbombs best garage rock offerings was their own take on soul with Ultraglide In Black [2001] but with Party Store, Detroit's Dirtbombs pay homage to the Motor City's techno scene. Lead singer Mike Collins has always been a fan of the music and here they give the synth heavy tracks a guitar infusion. The band still stays true to the songs overall structure and form, but album highlight "Good Life" shines because, not only is it one of the few vocal tracks on the record, but it lets Collins strut his stuff as the band gives this track real punch. The only real misstep for me on this record is the inclusion of the 22 minute "Bug In The Bass Bin" that sits right in the middle of the record's nine tracks and commits a foul by not bringing enough spirit, energy or newness to the track. If you are going to spend that much time with a track it better have some noticeable highs and lows. Overall this covers record is a neat concept for The Dirtbombs but it may not draw their fans in. It does show how diverse The Dirtbombs can be and really does highlight their musical talent as some of the reworked songs here represent some of The Dirtbombs best work to date.

Key Tracks: "Good Life", "Tear The Club Up", "Jaguar"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Bloc Party
New Order
The Rakes

The Dirtbombs: We Have You Surrounded [Fire Note Review 2/22/08]

The Dirtbombs Website
The Dirtbombs MySpace
The Dirtbombs Facebook
In The Red Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Danielson: Best Of Gloucester County

Danielson
Best Of Gloucester County
Sounds Familyre [2011]









Fire Note Says: Danielson makes energetic return on Best Of Gloucester County.

Album Review:
It has been five years since we last enjoyed an album from Daniel Smith, aka Danielson, as Best Of Gloucester County marks his return to the scene. Ships [2006] scored a spot in our top 25 that year, so much excitement came with the announcement of the new record. Right from opening track, "Complimentary Dismemberment Insurance", you know that this album is going to be a bit different, as the song possesses an explosive folk-rock that has Smith sounding energized and ready to take back the indie scene by storm. It also may surprise fans that Best Of... comes along without some of Smith's longtime family collaborators namely his brothers and childhood friends. His sisters and wife still make an appearance plus the indie trio of Sufjan Stevens, Jens Lekman and Serena-Maneesh's Emil Nikolaisen, so don't think for one second that Best Of Gloucester County is hurting for musical talent. The album actually contains some of Danielson's biggest sounding songs and theatrics with many bursting vocal tracks like the in your face "Grow Up". Also on the slow burner "You Sleep Good Now", Danielson shines with the ability to intensely crawl a song along then quickly springing the chorus on you which just sticks. It are these moments that remind you of why you liked Danielson in the first place. Best Of Gloucester County is not without its flaws, as some tracks like "Olympic Portions" and "People's Partay" play too much with a formula that does not need tweaked and try a bit too hard to be arty. Overall, even the more risky songs here can still give off rewards and the return of a rejuvenated Danielson should be hailed!

Key Tracks: "Grow Up", "You Sleep Good Now", "Complimentary Dismemberment Insurance"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Daniel Johnston
Modest Mouse
Of Montreal

Danielson: Ships [Fire Note Review 6/23/06]

Danielson Website
Danielson MySpace
Danielson Facebook
Sounds Familyre Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

DeVotchKa: 100 Lovers

DeVotchKa
100 Lovers
ANTI- Records [2011]









Fire Note Says: DeVotchKa goes down some new avenues on fifth long player 100 Lovers.

Album Review:
Ever since DeVotchKa had a Grammy nomination for Little Miss Sunshine I believe the bar for the Denver group was set incredibly high. Their music has been used in countless films, TV shows and commercials but so far they can not seem to break out to the indie masses. The bands fifth album, 100 Lovers, will make a good run at it, with its overall burning Arcade Fire type intensity that strays away a bit more from some of their eclectic gypsy tinged sounds found on earlier recordings. 100 Lovers was produced by Craig Schumacher (Calexico, Neko Case) and the album takes on the smooth stylings of other bands he has worked with. This dynamic sets up some conflicts because DeVotchKa, at times, seem a bit lost in their own world. Do you let the horns play, do you crank up the chorus or do you go a bit more mellow and let some of your world influences take over? These are all questions that don't necessarily get answered here and it sends the record's flow into different directions. There are some strong tracks that could really win over some new fans and with some refinement and a bit more direction 100 Lovers could have been stellar. Regardless, I believe the intense surging tracks are a solid path for DeVotchKa to explore more and as they continue to work their strengths into one focused sound they might still have that pinnacle album in them.

Key Tracks: "The Common Good", "The Man From San Sebastian", "All The Sand In All The Sea"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Calexico
Arcade Fire
Edward Sharpe

DeVotchKa Website
DeVotchKa MySpace
DeVotchKa Facebook
ANTI- Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

G. Love: Fixin' To Die

G. Love
Fixin' To Die
Brushfire Records [2011]









Fire Note Says: If you are all out of Special Sauce just add some Avett Brothers!

Album Review:
Indie hip-hop blues man G. Love has released consistent groove funk records since 1994, so just the thought of him teaming up with the folk hipness that is the Avett Brothers was an exciting idea. Fixin' To Die not only finds The Avetts producing the record but also playing and singing on it throughout, so as you can imagine, this completely changes things up for G. Love and helps him rediscover his roots and create a record that stands alone in his catalog. There are still several tracks that employ his old school style like "Just Fine" that features the familiar G. Love soft spoken almost rap type vocal on top of a nice flowing groove but for the most part Fixin' To Die is a straight up folk hybrid record that will have you looking at G. Love in an entirely new light. His cover of Bukka White's "Fixin' To Die" is a spot on clap along joy, while "Milk And Sugar" places his standard catchy and simplistic story telling lyrics over a banjo that is a stellar romp all the way to the end. There is a surprising knee slapping cover of Paul Simon's "50 Ways To Leave Your Lover" which seems odd but actually fits into the records loose and fun vibe without any issue. Having The Avett Brothers on board for this record elevates G. Love's game, as his rejuvenated energy comes through track after track here and gives Fixin' To Die tons of replay value. If you have been a long time fan of G. Love you will still dig this record but its different genre sound and Avett Brother help should invite an entirely new group to his party. Fixin' To Die does a nice job of blending the artists talents into one focused sound and should send some rightfully deserved attention back to G. Love that he has not seen for some time!

Key Tracks: "Fixin' To Die", "You've Got To Die", "Home"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Langhorne Slim
The Avett Brothers
Johnny Flynn

G. Love Website
G. Love MySpace
G. Love Facebook
Brushfire Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Hayes Carll: KMAG YOYO (& Other American Stories)

Hayes Carll
KMAG YOYO (& Other American Stories)
Lost Highway Records [2011]









Fire Note Says: You can call it Honkey-Tonk, Country Rock, "Real" Country or Americana Folk but one thing is for certain about Texas singer/Songwriter Hayes Carll - he is legit!

Album Review:
For those of you who didn't know or didn't care, there is a big difference from the country music you hear on today's radio versus what I like to call "real" country. Hayes Carll is "real" country and thanks to my local NPR station his newest record KMAG YOYO (& Other American Stories) fell into my lap and has not left my rotation yet. He is such on honest artist that just has a great southern drawl and stories to tell that make you want to sit and listen. The record kicks off with the rowdy "Stomp And Holler" that immediately grabs your attention with its fast guitar and Carll's swinging vocal attitude. The title track is a revved up non-stop foot tapping story about a GI in Afghanistan that is set to the pace of Dylan's "Subterranean Homesick Blues", which highlights Carll's songwriting, timing and country rock swagger. "Bottle In My Hand" features Carll's pals Todd Snider and Corb Lund that allows them to play off each others vocals which turns out to be completely engaging. It is an example of how the entire record works on you as Hayes Carll continues his charge representing the way country should be, as KMAG YOYO (& Other American Stories) is timeless, fun and memorable!

Key Tracks: "KMAG YOYO", "Bottle In My Hand", "Stomp And Holler"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Townes Van Zandt
Steve Earle
Drive-By Truckers

Hayes Carll Website
Hayes Carll MySpace
Hayes Carll Facebook
Lost Highway Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Tim Cohen: Magic Trick

Tim Cohen
Magic Trick
Captured Tracks Records [2011]









Fire Note Says: The prolific Tim Cohen shines again on the light-hearted Magic Trick!

Album Review:
Fresh & Onlys frontman Tim Cohen's third solo release, Magic Trick, allows him the freedom to explore a more lo-fi pop sound that still has some of the 60's psychedelia from his main band but ultimately is a much lighter affair. The songs all come to life with Cohen's smooth delivery and bouncy touch like on album highlight "Hey Little One" you can almost skip to the track, while the female sing-a-long backing vocals help keep the beat. You will not find the more garage elements or dark western twang that are staples in The Fresh & Onlys vibe, which might surprise some fans, but Cohen goes down so many different avenues on Magic Trick that it does exactly what you want from a solo effort - offers something completely different. There is no doubt that Tim Cohen benefits from his prolific songwriting, as this is his six LP in three years when you combine all of his efforts not even counting his 7" releases, which helps Magic Trick shine because as well as being productive the songs here are good. This success also boosts the confidence of Tim Cohen because every track on Magic Trick comes off totally sincere, easy to understand and believable. This is not easy to pull off and with Magic Trick's likable flow, Tim Cohen is definitely an artist to keep watching and enjoying no matter what moniker he releases material under!

Key Tracks: "Don't Give Up", "I Looked Up", "Hey Little One"

Bands With Similar Fire:
The Magnetic Fields
Jens Lekman
The Love Language

The Fresh & Onlys: Play It Strange [Fire Note Review 11/2/10]

Tim Cohen Website
Tim Cohen MySpace
Tim Cohen Facebook
Captured Tracks Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

The Luyas: Too Beautiful To Work

The Luyas
Too Beautiful To Work
Dead Oceans [2011]









Fire Note Says: Montreal quartet The Luyas push the indie limits on sophomore record Too Beautiful To Work.

Album Review:
The Luyas are an odd little band from Montreal that mix the pleasant and simple female vocals of Jessie Stein with steady rhythms, experimental instrumentation and deconstructed song structures. Their sophomore record Too Beautiful To Work takes a multitude of risks, as each track possesses a background of intensity that never goes over the top but keeps you interested while Stein's almost spoken sung lyrics take you through wave after wave of instrumentation. The record at times sounds progressive, as the electronics in both "Cold Canada" and the title track push a very futuristic momentum, while a song like "What Mercy Is" soars with simple orchestration. The Luyas truly stand out from the crowd on songs like "Tiny Head" and "Spherical Mattress" as each track hits you constantly with new sounds with both electronic and percussion. It is this jaggedness that works for each track while Stein's vocals transition to the background and the other members of the Luyas step up to the front with controlled but yet deconstructed whizzes and whirls of noise. The Luyas will not be for everyone because they do push limits and song structure boundaries but for all the indie fans that love unique and surprise, Too Beautiful To Work offers something to make you smile. Just the simple fact that Jessie Stein plays a moodswinger should be enough for all those out there who love the musical fringe to check The Luyas out!

Key Tracks: "Too Beautiful To Work", "Tiny Head", "Cold Canada"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Deefhoof
Radiohead
The Dodos

The Luyas Website
The Luyas MySpace
The Luyas Facebook
Dead Oceans

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Radiohead: The King Of Limbs

Radiohead
The King Of Limbs
Self-Released [2011]









Fire Note Says: Once again Radiohead takes you by surprise and sends you on a sonic journey!

Album Review:
In typical Radiohead fashion, the band announced early last week that their new record The King Of Limbs was not only completed but that it would be released on Saturday. This time the pay what you want model used for In Rainbows [2007] was ditched but Radiohead still created a buzz and then everyone received another surprise when the record was released a day early. It is this type of business model that not everyone can pull off but with all the crazy hype that followed the announcement last week it seemed like a great idea for Radiohead and the true winners here are the fans. Everyone received the album at the same time, which today is unheard of but actually is really cool as publications scramble to muster up a review. Sure we like to have albums for a little while, so this is a bit quicker then the standard review as I am sure The King Of Limbs is an album that could change opinions 3, 6, and 9 months from now. I say this because right from the opening blips and pulses in "Bloom", Radiohead sets the listener up for another marathon to the finish. The 8 tracks and 37 minutes is the shortest record they have released but The King Of Limbs is just as complex and intense as previous outings. Like everyone else, I have been living and breathing this new record since last Friday and it truly gets better every time I go through it. What strikes me the most, is how The King Of Limbs progresses from its more upfront erratic beats and synth chirps to Thom Yorke's vocals being more the focal point on the last three tracks. It is this transition and balance that makes The King Of Limbs strong. The record is not a guitar album like some have craved, it is not OK Computer Part II and it is not going to change lives but The King Of Limbs and Radiohead accomplish releasing another mesmerizing and morphing record that takes on different personalities depending on when and how you listen to it. This is the Radiohead you want - you may just not always know it!

Key Tracks: "Lotus Flower", "Codex", "Little By Little"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Flying Lotus
James Blake
Foals

Radiohead: Collector's Edition Reissues (Round 2) [Fire Note Review 9/2/09]
Radiohead: Collector's Edition Reissues (Round 1) [Fire Note Review 3/27/09]
Radiohead: The Best Of [Fire Note Review 6/26/08]
Radiohead: In Rainbows [Fire Note Review 10/22/07]

Radiohead Website
Radiohead MySpace
Radiohead Facebook

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

The Civil Wars: Barton Hollow

The Civil Wars
Barton Hollow
Sensibility Music [2011]









Fire Note Says: The Civil Wars debut is a tone perfect Americana stroll that provides plenty of highlights!

Album Review:
The Civil Wars consists of Alabamian, John Paul White and California native Joy Williams merging their forces in East Nashville and creating their memorable debut record Barton Hollow. The duo play a very simple and honest Americana style that finds them trading vocals and creating a solid synergy that keeps this record floating along for its 40 minutes.

On tracks like "Poison & Wine" their professional relationship takes a very different path, as their emotions are real and the passion by which they sing the track make you believe that they are a married couple on the brink of destruction. It is this emotional response that The Civil Wars elicit from each and every track here, that not only makes Barton Hollow believable but succeed.

The Civil Wars are proof that good songwriting, tone perfect vocals and mostly acoustic arrangements are all any band needs for a great record - their debut Barton Hollow backs this up!


Key Tracks: "Poison & Wine", "Barton Hollow", "20 Years"

Bands With Similar Fire:
The Swell Season
Robert Plant | Alison Krauss
Mumford & Sons

The Civil Wars Website
The Civil Wars MySpace
The Civil Wars Facebook
Sensibility Music

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

The Builders And The Butchers: Dead Reckoning

The Builders And The Butchers
Dead Reckoning
Badman Recording Co. [2011]









Fire Note Says: Let Portland's The Builders And The Butchers take you back on their intense and timeless third studio record Dead Reckoning!

Album Review:
Dead Reckoning is The Builders And The Butchers third studio record of their hybrid neo-folk, which once again has lead singer Ryan Sollee driving its 12 songs of absolute good and evil, addiction and religion. It is a record that compares the times we currently live in to the the state of America in the 1930s, so all the feelings you would expect are here with an electric intensity provided by the recording style of the album. The band tried to capture the true essence of the music so they recorded Dead Reckoning playing together live with minimal overdubbing. This basically found Sollee handling vocals and guitar in one room, while the rest of the band played in another. This approach succeeds as Dead Reckoning is the bands most accessible album to date and on closing track "Family Tree", as Sollee sings that his family tree goes straight down you can chime in and feel like you are right there singing backup. This dynamic pays off on more than one track and with The Builders And The Butchers already having a heightened intensity, Dead Reckoning jumps out of your speakers with every guitar strum, every banjo pluck, every breathe into the harmonica and every organ pounding key. Dead Reckoning is an album that gives something new with every spin but only takes one to get hooked as The Builders And The Butchers get ready to expand their audience!

Key Tracks: "Lullaby", "Moon Is On The March", "Family Tree"

Bands With Similar Fire:
The Scud Mountain Boys
16 Horsepower
The Decemberists

The Builders And The Butchers: Salvation Is A Deep Dark Well [Fire Note Review 7/29/09]

The Builders And The Butchers Website
The Builders And The Butchers MySpace
The Builders And The Butchers Facebook
Badman Recording Co.

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Johnny Cash: Bootleg Vol. II - From Memphis To Hollywood

Johnny Cash
Bootleg Vol. II: From Memphis To Hollywood
Columbia/Legacy Recordings [2011]









Fire Note Says: Another great look back into the history of Johnny Cash as Bootleg Vol. II showcases another 57 tracks from his musical treasure chest!

Album Review:
It should be no surprise that Johnny Cash has a plethora of music stashed away in the vaults and Bootleg Vol. II brings out another 57 songs to enjoy. The 2 CD set covers Cash right from the beginning, as disc one contains 11 ultra-rare recordings from Memphis radio broadcasts on KWEM, several previously unreleased demos recorded prior to his signing with Sun Records and a handful of Sun Records rarities. The demos are solid with early takes on "I Walk The Line" and "Get Rhythm" included but the KWEM radio spots are the real treasure here. It was just such a different era for musicians, as Cash pitches for Home Equipment Company while inviting fans to write a postcard to Johnny Cash and the Tennessee Two to play a song for them next time and guaranteeing that if they didn't know the song - they would learn it. The second disc loads you up with 25 non-album singles, b-sides and outtakes with 11 of them previously unreleased in the US. The casual Cash fan may not appreciate Bootleg Vol. II but for anyone just a little bit interested in Johnny Cash they can find delights around every corner here, as most of the tracks will bring a smile and start a conversation about why Cash was so great!

Key Tracks: "Five Minutes To Live", "Get Rhythm (Demo)", "KWEM Radio Announcements"

Johnny Cash: American VI - Ain't No Grave [Fire Note Review 2/24/10]
Johnny Cash: American V - A Hundred Highways [Fire Note Review 7/4/06]

Johnny Cash Website
Johnny Cash MySpace
Johnny Cash Facebook
Columbia/Legacy Recordings

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Johnny Cash Prize Package Giveaway!

Attention Fire Note Readers:

Here is your chance to win the new Johnny Cash Bootleg Vol 2 double disc set courtesy of Columbia/Legacy Recordings along with some other cool items like a limited poster and tee!







Entry is simple:
Send us an email to thefirenote@gmail.com with the subject: Happy Birthday Johnny (Feb 26th is his actual B day).

Please include your name and mailing address. Last day for entry is March 5th. 1 winner will be randomly selected. Contest limited to US addresses only.

Prize Package Contents below:

• 1 Johnny Cash From Memphis To Hollywood: Bootleg Vol. 2 CD
  
• 1 12X12 Limited Edition Bootleg Vol. 2 poster
  
• 1 Limited Edition Bootleg Vol. 2 tee
• 1 Johnny Cash American IV: The Man Comes Around CD
  
• 1 Johnny Cash American V: A Hundred Highways CD
  

Johnny Cash: Bootleg Vol. II - From Memphis To Hollywood [Fire Note Review 2/21/11]

Sean Rowe: Magic

Sean Rowe
Magic
ANTI- Records [2011]









Fire Note Says: One listen to Sean Rowe's voice and you will be hooked too!

Album Review:
Sean Rowe has a completely unique baritone that will instantly attract notice on his ANTI- Records debut Magic. It is an album that immediately grabs you with its subtle intensity and direct lyrical focus. Rowe's commanding sound leaves you nowhere else to go except straight to his stories like on “Night,” which spotlights a conversation between an ailing father and son, while the track “Wet,” is written from the perspective of a boy watching his mother in an abusive relationship. Most of the songs here move slow and steady but both upbeat tracks "Jonathan" and "Wrong Side Of The Bed" are album highlights. On both songs, Rowe shows off his range, which moves way beyond what you might think given his consistent sound and gives Magic a nice change of pace at just the right moment. Sean Rowe's strength comes from his voice but Magic also is boosted from his sensational songwriting and the records timeless appeal. Sean Rowe is a new talent that should shine bright in 2011 and Magic only represents a new starting point for a career that should see some longevity!

Key Tracks: "Jonathan", "Wrong Side Of The Bed", "Night"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Leonard Cohen
Nick Cave
Tom Waits

Sean Rowe Website
Sean Rowe MySpace
Sean Rowe Facebook
ANTI- Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Chikita Violenta: TRE3S

Chikita Violenta
TRE3S
Arts & Crafts Records [2011]









Fire Note Says: Mexico City foursome Chikita Violenta bring you solid indie on their Arts & Crafts debut.

Album Review:
The first thing that makes Chikita Violenta interesting is that the indie rock foursome hail from Mexico City. The band recorded TRE3S over three journeys up North to Canada and received solid collaborative help on the album from Wintersleep’s Loel Campbell, The Most Serene Republic’s Tony Nesbitt-Larking and Broken Social Scene’s Lisa Lobsinger, while having it produced and mixed by Dave Newfeld (Broken Social Scene, Super Furry Animals). Chikita Violenta have tons of energy and they contain it within each of records tracks with swirling sonic attacks that take the listener off their feet but then let you grab hold to a catchy chorus there, a vocal harmony here and even participate in a hand clap on occasion, if you so desire. TRE3S has a fresh synergy to it and it represents Chikita Violenta's third full length so they are experienced, hungry and eager to showcase that indie rock can surface South of the border too - don't deny them the chance and check this record out if given the opportunity!

Key Tracks: "All I Need's A Little More", "My Connection", "Tired"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Modest Mouse
Broken Social Scene
Built To Spill

Chikita Violenta Website
Chikita Violenta MySpace
Chikita Violenta Facebook
Arts & Crafts Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Mogwai: Hardcore Will Never Die, But You Will

Mogwai
Hardcore Will Never Die, But You Will
Sub Pop Records [2011]









Fire Note Says: Another progressive post-rock record from Scotland's Mogwai.

Album Review:
I must admit that I never thought we would see seven records from the mostly instrumental post-rock band Mogwai. I make this statement not because they are not good at what they do but because it takes sheer perseverance for a band of this nature to maintain a solid fanbase, continually impress critics and keep things fresh enough from album to album to stir the interest of newcomers. Hardcore Will Never Die, But You Will flexes their now veteran status, as it pushes some previous limits on first single "Mexican Grand Prix", that contains a forceful swirling of noise and beats around whispering vocals and it is as musically controlled as it is frantic. One of the elements of longevity for Mogwai has been their fearless approach to change and on Hardcore Will Never Die... this characteristic still remains in tact because this record truly sounds like the band at their most refined and mature compared to previous offerings. This is very evident on the gorgeous sprawling "Death Rays", which has the capability to take your breath away with its catchy guitar lines and quick atmospheric hills and valleys. "How To Be A Werewolf" is another fine example of how Mogwai give you a very powerful song without overdoing it and blend their musical attack so that the track is smooth but yet exploding in both volume and instruments. Mogwai has and always will be an acquired taste solely by the nature of their compositions but even though some tracks here on Hardcore meander a bit too much the overall package represents another progression and confident album that showcases why Mogwai are still leaders in this genre.

Key Tracks: "Mexican Grand Prix", "Death Rays", "How To Be A Werewolf"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Maserati
Godspeed You! Black Emperor
Tortoise

Mogwai Website
Mogwai MySpace
Mogwai Facebook
Sub Pop Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Eddie Spaghetti: Sundowner

Eddie Spaghetti
Sundowner
Bloodshot Records [2011]









Fire Note Says: Supersuckers frontman Eddie Spaghetti gives you one good honkey-tonk of a time on his third solo LP Sundowner!

Album Review:
Supersuckers frontman Eddie Spaghetti makes a return with his third solo album Sundowner and first for Bloodshot Records. The record is a freewheelin' country fried party that includes mostly covers injected with Spaghetti's ragged voice and carefree attitude. This lighthearted approach is what helps Sundowner succeed because you easily can hear Eddie's admiration for the artists he covers without trying to over sell it. He tackles some of country's biggest class acts on Johnny Cash's "What Do I Care?", "Cowboy Boots" from Dave Dudley, and Willie Nelson's "Always On My Mind", while the more unique offerings come from converting the punk rock of Dwarves "Everybody's Girl" and morphing the Rat Pack's Dean Martin track "Party Dolls And Wine" into a strolling honkey-tonk number. As you might expect, the cover tracks on Sundowner outshine Spaghetti's originals but his songwriting still holds its own as a novice might have a hard time picking them out because the styles throughout the record transition very smoothly. Eddie really shines here when the tracks on Sundowner juice up the tempo like on the Lee Harvey Oswald Band track "Jesus Never Lived On Mars" and Del Reeves "Girl On The Billboard" because they sound completely natural. Sundowner is not going to impress you with a groundbreaking sound but it will win you over quickly because Spaghetti has respectful fun on each and every track, as this album is more of a celebration of the music that is dear to him and an invitation to the party for you that guarantees a great time over its 33 minutes!

Key Tracks: "Girl On The Billboard", "Jesus Never Lived On Mars", "Never Thought I Would"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Joe Ely
Old 97's
Junior Brown

Eddie Spaghetti Website
Eddie Spaghetti Facebook
Bloodshot Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Drive-By Truckers: Go-Go Boots

Drive-By Truckers
Go-Go Boots
ATO Records [2011]









Fire Note Says: Drive-By Truckers ninth studio record Go-Go Boots delivers another consistent performance.

Album Review:
Go-Go Boots is the Drive-By Truckers ninth studio album and is the second part to last years The Big To-Do [2010]. The band initially recorded a slew of tracks which they thought were all keepers so the solution was to split them up over two albums. What is interesting is that even though all the songs came from the same sessions there is a distinct difference between the two records. The Big To-Do flexed a more rock muscle, while Go-Go Boots has a much more country soul to it that of course is a Drive-By Truckers strength. All three of the bands singer/songwriters, Patterson Hood, Mike Cooley and Shonna Tucker, once again have individual contributions to this record with still over half being Hood driven, which gives the record a nice balance. Go-Go Boots also pays tribute to Muscle Shoals Sound Rhythm Section player Eddie Hinton as they cover two of his compositions and both are album highlights. As always, the Drive-By Truckers bring along interesting stories, as they cover preachers with bad reputations, stalkers and an ex-cop while even having several tracks pass the seven minute mark to tell their tale. Go-Go Boots is a classic sounding Drive-By Truckers album so there is no reason for fans not to check it out. Go-Go Boots still suffers a bit like The Big To-Do did in the aspect of it lacking a true catchy single but absorbing the hour long record still has its rewards because the band has such a consistent talent that makes it hard not to like them. Go-Go Boots might not grab a bunch of new fans but the bottom line here is that this record is 100% Truckers and if you simply like em then you wouldn't want it to sound any other way.

Key Tracks: "Used To Be A Cop", "Go-Go Boots", "Everybody Needs Love"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Uncle Tupelo
Steve Earle
Backyard Tire Fire

Drive-By Truckers: The Big To-Do [Fire Note Review 3/12/10]
Drive-By Truckers: The Fine Print (A Collection Of Oddities And Rarities 2003-2008); Live From Austin TX [Fire Note Review 9/3/09]
Patterson Hood: Murdering Oscar (And Other Love Songs) [Fire Note Review 6/24/09]
Drive-By Truckers: Brighter Than Creation's Dark [Fire Note Review 2/11/08]
Drive-By Truckers: A Blessing And A Curse [Fire Note Review 4/18/06]

Drive-By Truckers Website
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Drive-By Truckers Facebook
ATO Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony