Timber Timbre: Creep On Creepin' On

Timber Timbre
Creep On Creepin' On
Arts & Crafts Records [2011]

Fire Note Says: Timber Timbre bring their Gothic rockabilly blues to an entire new level!

Album Review:
The self-titled record from Timber Timbre had many different critical opinions, both good and bad, as their self-described Gothic rockabilly blues sound was unique, unsettling and for us - excellent. Well on the follow up, Timber Timbre have cultivated their sound and live up to the albums title, Creep On Creepin' On with a chilling frenzy and heated intensity that surpasses the 2009 release. The time keeping piano playing in the background on opening track "Bad Ritual" sets the tone, as everytime the keys are pressed, you just know something is going to happen. The title track hits the album on the head as lead singer Taylor Kirk croons "I'll just creep on creepin' on" over the strolling number that is erily off key but completely addicting. "Black Water" continues this flashback 50's doo-wop vibe that runs strong in its background, as you let Kirk's baritone take you over with his strained pleas for some sunshine. Creep On Creepin' On initially sounds simple but it actually is layered with complex arrangements which you quickly realize after repeat listens, as it sinks into your head all the way from the album's three distorted instrumental noise tracks to the background screams in "Too Old To Die Young" or the roaming sax on "Do I Have Power". Timber Timbre might not grab ever yone but building on their atmospheric crawling style, Creep On Creepin' On is a delight with its complete uniqueness, riveting anxiousness and its "just let it play" vibe that should carry this record in our playlist throughout 2011.

Key Tracks: "Bad Ritual", "Creep On Creepin' On", "Black Water"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Nick Cave
The Twilight Singers
Morphine

Timber Timbre: Timber Timbre [Fire Note Review 8/7/09]

Timber Timbre Website
Timber Timbre MySpace
Timber Timbre Facebook
Arts & Crafts Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Erland & The Carnival: Nightingale

Erland & The Carnival
Nightingale
Full Time Hobby/Yep Roc Records [2011]

Fire Note Says: Erland & The Carnival offer unbalanced record with some great moments.

Album Review:
Erland & The Carnival are comprised of guitarist Simon Tong (The Verve, Blur, The Good, The Bad & The Queen), folk guitarist/singer Erland Cooper and drummer/engineer David Nock (Orb, The Cult) as Nightingale is the groups sophomore outing. It is a record that has all the right elements and talent to be successful but tries a bit hard to find its groove. Each member has their own unique background, which I believe plays a bit into the records schizophrenic 48

minutes. The catchy opening track "So Tired In The Morning" has you going in the rightdirection with its skilled guitar hooks and intense drum beats that lets Cooper's vocals move up and down with the songs intensity. If this style was consistent we would be talking about one of the better albums released this year. Unfortunately, arrangements change drastically from track to track and start to lose the listener. With that in mind, Erland & The Carnival find some other avenues that really work for them, like on the upbeat rock in "This Night" and the smooth New Order like "Springtime". All of these styles are pulled off masterfully by the band but Nightingale is too inconsistent throughout and can loose the listener before they even hit some of the stellar tracks. Erland & The Carnival are a solid band that with more focus on one sound could easily return with an album that everyone won't be able to put down.

Key Tracks: "So Tired In The Morning", "This Night", "Springtime"

Bands With Similar Fire:
The Coral
Super Furry Animals
Cut Copy

Erland & The Carnival Website
Erland & The Carnival MySpace
Erland & The Carnival Facebook
Yep Roc Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Peter Bjorn And John: Gimme Some

Peter Bjorn And John
Gimme Some
Star Time International [2011]









Fire Note Says: Gimme Some represents a return to upbeat pop form for Swedish trio Peter Bjorn And John.

Album Review:
Every band that really "makes it" commercially and critically always struggles on their subsequent albums to regain that glory. Swedish trio Peter Bjorn And John are no exception, as the whistling single "Young Folks" put them on the map but was supported by the excellent songs around it that formed Writer's Block [2007]. Their followup smartly changed direction some and came off more serious, which yielded some great moments but still couldn't match Writer's cohesiveness. It should not surprise too many then that Gimme Some returns the group to plenty of uptempo tracks, more guitar play and an injection of musical caffeine. Personally, I enjoyed Peter Bjorn And John shaking things up on Living Things [2009] but Gimme Some plays to their strengths. It has the more sunny popster songs like the bouncy "Dig A Little Deeper", while their guitar power shines on the more punk driven "Breaker Breaker" and "Black Book". Gimme Some is definitely free of restrictions and finds Peter Bjorn And John having fun. It is not the record that defines their career but it is catchy, memorable and worthy of repeat listens, which is usually all a band can ask for!

Key Tracks: "Black Book", "Second Chance", "Lies"

Bands With Similar Fire:
The Posies
The Russian Futurists
Fancey

Peter Bjorn And John: Living Thing [Fire Note Review 3/30/09]
Peter Bjorn And John: Writer's Block [Fire Note Review 2/21/07]

Peter Bjorn And John Website
Peter Bjorn And John MySpace
Peter Bjorn And John Facebook
Star Time International

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Hunx And His Punx: Too Young To Be In Love

Hunx And His Punx
Too Young To Be In Love
Hardly Art Records [2011]









Fire Note Says: Hunx And His Punx bring it old school but this still ain't your parents 50's rock n roll party!

Album Review:
Right from the swaying opening "ohhs" and "ahhs" on first track "Lovers Lane", you might think you are getting a modern retread of "Be My Baby" meets "Leader Of The Pack" with the full length debut from Hunx And His Punx but this really is anything but the truth, as the song just sets the tone for the razor sharp attitude coming your way. Its layered sing along vocals powered by Shannon Shaw creates the platform, as the nasally vocals of Seth Bogart (aka Hunx) drive each track. This freewheelin' throwback sound and minimal production allows Too Young To Be In Love to thrive, as the focus stays on the lyrics, vocals and background singers. This dynamic is even more interesting, as this sort of 60's girl group is fronted by the flamboyant Bogart that incorporates 50's teenage rock and songs that really just have a pop undertone. This guy/gal connection is what makes Too Young To Be In Love work, especially on the explosive "Bad Boy" and the surprising and stellar slow closer "Blow Me Away". The record was produced by one of the founding members of Richard Hell and the Voidoids in Ivan Julian and it may not be for everyone, as Bogart's vocals may wear on some listeners nerves but Hunx And His Punx provides a solid 31 minute listen and contains enough fun and unique tracks, that simply don't try hard to be good. This swagger is the selling point for Too Young To Be In Love and makes Hunx And His Punx one of the more unique groups on the scene right now!

Key Tracks: "The Curse Of Being Young", "Bad Boy", "Blow Me Away"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Shannon And The Clams
Ramones
The Jesus And Mary Chain

Hunx And His Punx Website
Hunx And His Punx MySpace
Hunx And His Punx Facebook
Hardly Art Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

The Mountain Goats: All Eternals Deck

The Mountain Goats
All Eternals Deck
Merge Records [2011]









Fire Note Says: The Mountain Goats fully embrace their trio status and showcase it on the excellent All Eternals Deck!

Album Review:
All Eternals Deck represents the official third album from John Darnielle's more rock focused trio version of his longstanding band The Mountain Goats, that includes bassist Peter Hughes and Superchunk drummer Jon Wurster. This record, more so then previous efforts, feels and sounds like their most truly cohesive album to date, as The Mountain Goats have spent plenty of quality time as a real unit over the last several years and it shows. It comes through most, as you take All Eternals Deck at its full 42 minute running time because regardless of tempo, you still can hear all three member's parts. On the excellent Life Of The World To Come [2009] this was not always the case because Hughes and Wurster actually sat some of the tracks out. Basically, when you don't play in the game the entire time the noticeable teamwork falls through cracks. This alone helps set All Eternals Deck a notch up from a band aspect but as Darnielle becomes more comfortable just being the lead vocal, his confidence has also become more dynamic. Each song here lyrically soars as Darnielle's delivery is spot on, inviting and intriguing. Right from the interesting opening track "Damn The Vampires" to the rocker "Estate Sale Sign", you realize that The Mountain Goats are on the perfect course while still throwing some new pieces like the trio of male choristers that back up the quirky and great "High Hawk Season", while the background string section in "Outer Scorpion Squadron" lets Darnielle's voice get the much deserved spotlight. The Mountain Goats have found their strength with this fully realized trio and All Eternals Deck benefits song after song here, which only gets stronger and better with repeat plays!

Key Tracks: "Damn The Vampires", "Outer Scorpion Squadron", "Age Of Kings"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Iron & Wine
Barton Carroll
The Weakerthans

The Mountain Goats: The Life Of The World To Come [Fire Note Review 12/9/09]

The Mountain Goats Website
The Mountain Goats MySpace
The Mountain Goats Facebook
Merge Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Generationals: Actor-Caster

Generationals
Actor-Caster
Park The Van Records [2011]










Fire Note Says: More new wave indie pop from New Orleans Generationals.

Album Review:
Ted Joyner and Grant Widmer (formerly of Eames Era) are back with their sophomore Generationals full length Actor-Caster, which continues their laid back indie pop. The album's 10 tracks follow their debuts Con Law [2009] affection for the 60's, as the songs were recorded with analog equipment and tape machines but have the incorporated electronic elements that bring the music into 2011. From the breezy "Dirty Mister Dirty", to the rocked up opening track "Ten-Twenty-Ten" and with the Beatlesque "Black And White", the Generationals seem to have more focus on Actor-Caster. The record still does not have that killer quality to it, which also was lacking on their debut, and holds Actor-Caster back from being great. Overall some of the songs would sound great in a shuffle playlist because individually they are catchy but the album's transitions don't work in its favor. Generationals by no means will change the music community but Actor-Caster showcases their niche and truly mixes classic with current. It is still a recommended listen if you are up for something new and it is unique enough to keep you coming back even if it is just a few singles.

Key Tracks: "Ten-Twenty-Ten", "Greenleaf", "Dirty Mister Dirty"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Pulsars
Aztec Camera
Self

Generationals: Con Law [Fire Note Review 7/30/09]

Generationals Website
Generationals MySpace
Generationals Facebook
Park The Van Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

The Boxer Rebellion: The Cold Still

The Boxer Rebellion
The Cold Still
Self-Released [2011]









Fire Note Says: The Boxer Rebellion play it a bit safe on third LP The Cold Still.

Album Review:
You must give London-based Boxer Rebellion credit for their continued success without any label support as their third album The Cold Still follows suit and once again is self-released by the band. The Boxer Rebellion have all the right sounds, as their sweeping tracks will remind you of some of the UK's biggest groups such as Elbow, Snow Patrol and on The Cold Still, even Radiohead. This both can be good and bad as sounding similar to the name brand well boost your followers but if you can't separate yourself, you will never grab the critics. Union [2009] did a fairly good job of taking The Boxer Rebellion to that next level but The Cold Still finds the group playing it a bit safe. They never quite rise above the expected mid-tempo pace here but there are a few highlights along the way that still make The Cold Still worth your time. The controlled intensity in "Step Out Of The Car" is memorable, while the closing balladesqe track "Doubt" certainly showcases a band that has talent, as it sprawls out into a big ending. The Boxer Rebellion did not surpass their last record with The Cold Still but if you already were a fan then there is plenty to like. It also is a record that with just the right spin, a song here could break them big for good and make The Boxer Rebellion a household name but just the same, this record could also easily fade away.

Key Tracks: "Step Out Of The Car", "Cause For Alarm", "Organ Song"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Elbow
Radiohead
The National

The Boxer Rebellion: Union [Fire Note Review 1/22/09]

The Boxer Rebellion Website
The Boxer Rebellion MySpace
The Boxer Rebellion Facebook

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

The Sounds: Something To Die For

The Sounds
Something To Die For
SideOneDummy Records [2011]









Fire Note Says: The Sounds emphasize the dance beats on fourth album Something To Die For.

Album Review:
I must say that I was excited when I found out that Sweden's The Sounds were releasing their fourth record, Something To Die For, on the more punk based label SideOneDummy. I figured it might be the record that takes their pop side and energizes into something new and fresh with lots of attitude. The surprise on Something To Die For is that The Sounds stir things up with additional electronic and dance beats, that at first listen were a bit too sugar sweet. I can respect trying new things but on Something To Die For, The Sounds aim at commercial success with this happier dance attitude at the expense of what made their early records solid - their ability to rock. The saving grace for me on Something To Die For, is that if I took these 10 tracks and stripped out the dance beats, the songs really play well. The lyrics are catchy, the songs all have an edgy swagger to them and Maja Ivarsson's voice is absolutely stellar. I can see Something To Die For splitting The Sounds fanbase in half, as some will totally enjoy shaking their rump to every tune and the other half will just keep wanting to like it. The Sounds are a talented group that I would like to see return to their earlier form because at the end of the day the electronic dance beats here are front and center instead of holding down the undertone, which leaves Something To Die For without much of a replay value for me.

Key Tracks: "The No No Song", "Something To Die For", "Won't Let Them Tear Us Apart"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Metric
Bloc Party
Ladytron

The Sounds: Crossing The Rubicon [Fire Note Review 6/1/09]

The Sounds Website
The Sounds MySpace
The Sounds Facebook
SideOneDummy Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Obits: Moody, Standard And Poor

Obits
Moody, Standard And Poor
Sub Pop Records [2011]









Fire Note Says: No getting around it - Obits will rock you!

Album Review:
Obits are back with their sophomore album Moody, Standard And Poor and it finds the band completely hitting their stride. Formed out of the musicians who once fronted Drive Like Jehu, Edsel, Hot Snakes, and Pitchfork, Obits continue their indie rock and garage influenced punk sound, only this go around, it is delivered with a fiercer confidence and snarling swagger that is undeniably entertaining! It is clear right from the opening toe tapper "You Gotta Lose" that Obits are not out to create a new genre but uphold the rock standards they helped create. At one time, the Obits style of punk, garage, surf and rock was much more abundant on the scene but in 2011 they are easily at the head of the pack. So much so, that Moody, Standard And Poor might change some teenager's musical ideals if this is their first introduction to the genre, as Obits sharp guitar lines, power rhythms and kick ass vocals will shock their mind for the albums 35 minute running time. In fact, by the time you hit the visceral mid album number "No Fly List", you will be completely sold on Obits supremacy at their skill sets. Moody, Standard And Poor may not garner tons of critical praise because it does not offer much new musically to the world but that is the actual strength of Obits. This is a record that stands tall among its peers and pretty much tells everyone else to kiss it. That describes Moody, Standard And Poor in a nutshell and Obits too - basically just put the record on and crank it up!

Key Tracks: "No Fly List", "I Want Results", "Shift Operator"

Bands With Similar Fire:
The Makers
Black Lips
The Intelligence

Obits: I Blame You [Fire Note Review 3/24/09]
Obits: One Cross Apiece 7" [Fire Note Review 2/17/09]

Obits Website
Obits MySpace
Obits Facebook
Sub Pop Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

STRFKR: Reptilians

Starfucker
Reptillians
Polyvinyl Records [2011]









Fire Note Says: Starfucker mature on new long player Reptilians that represents their best to date!

Album Review:
First off, I am sure this Portland band never gets as much press as their music deserves because of their name. Starfucker is not really the band you can discuss around the dinner table but their synth-pop driven LP, Reptilians, could be absorbed and liked by everyone there. The record has many highlights that set this type of record a notch up from rest with its great hooks, bouncy pulsating synth lines and the addition of a live drummer to warm up the total sound. All of this works and pushes this relatively young 4 year old band forward from their previous efforts. Reptilians also showcases stronger songwriter from the band, as the record follows a more themed base line that tackles death and the possible end of the world throughout its twelve tracks. This of course does not stop Starfucker from still being completely likable and presenting you with catchy tracks but the focus on Reptilians gives them a more serious side that I don't believe ever came through before and should rid any critics of calling their music cute. Reptilians feels and sounds like a transition record for Starfucker that could lead to bigger success, as they are finally finding their own path and true sound where they stop sounding like other bands and become the standard to be compared to, as this album represents their best to date!

Key Tracks: "Bury Us Alive", "Astoria", "Julius"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Cut Copy
Passion Pit
Hot Chip

Starfucker MySpace
Starfucker Facebook
Polyvinyl Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Elbow: Build A Rocket Boys!

Elbow
Build A Rocket Boys!
Polydor/Fiction Records [2011]









Fire Note Says: Elbow follows up their Mercury Prize winner with a much quieter outlook on life.

Album Review:
Elbow's return here comes with some pressure, as Build A Rocket Boys! follows up their excellent Mercury Prize winning album The Seldom Seen Kid [2008]. How do you top an album that reaches that sort of critical and commercial success? You probably don't but no fear for Elbow fans as this group has been around since 2001, so the approach to their fifth long player is no different, as they simply set out to release quality music. One thing you will notice right away about Build A Rocket Boys! is that the record is much more stripped down and puts a huge focus on lead singer Guy Garvey's smooth vocals. This is clearly not a bad thing, as his voice can be mesmerizing on its own and when it is layered, like on the tricky "With Love", complete with choir, it becomes even more important. Lyrically, Elbow have always leaned a little towards the doomy side of things but with the band in a much different space, Build A Rocket Boys! has the group looking back and remembering the good old days. Build A Rocket Boys! will not immediately take you over like Seldom Seem Kid did, as the entire affair is much more subdued and is more of a grower. You will not get the big picture without giving this record several spins and its songs are much longer like the eight minute opening track "The Birds" as its total running time hits at almost 52 minutes with essentially 10 songs (there is a quick Birds reprise near the end so it is really 11). Elbow probably did one of the smartest moves here by changing the formula a bit and releasing such a quiet record. It is hard to compare it to anything else they have released so it is unique and Build A Rocket Boys! is still a great piece of work. It is not as engaging as The Seldom Seen Kid but the album offers rewards upon repeat listens and just slowly might earn more respect, as Elbow and singer Guy Garvey deliver on a much different level.

Key Tracks: "Neat Little Rows", "Lippy Kids", "Open Arms"

Bands With Similar Fire:
South
Travis
Doves

Elbow: The Seldom Seen Kid [Fire Note Review 4/22/08]

Elbow Website
Elbow MySpace
Elbow Facebook
Fiction Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Pearl Jam: Live On Ten Legs

Pearl Jam
Live On Ten Legs
Monkeywrench Records [2011]









Fire Note Says: Pearl Jam can still generate an energetic live experience.

Album Review:
Live On Ten Legs collects tracks recorded between 2003 and 2010 and although not probably necessary given all of the Pearl Jam bootlegs out there this record does a nice job re-creating the live experience through its 18 tracks. There are old staples you should expect, such as "State Of Love And Trust" and "Jeremy", there are tracks off their most recent record Backspacer [2009] and two surprise covers with Joe Strummer's "Arms Aloft" and Public Image Ltd's "Public Image". Pearl Jam's energetic live show has never been a question and Live On Ten Legs backs it up, as each and every song here is given 110% from the band. The songs all have more punch and it will surprise you how tracks from 1991 play and transition well with the 2009 material. Live On Ten Legs may not be for everyone but it is a great playlist and for fans, the cover tunes and Backspacer material should be a reason to pick this up.

Key Tracks: "Arms Aloft", "Animal", "Spin The Black Circle"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Soundgarden
Foo Fighters
U2

Pearl Jam: Backspacer [Fire Note Review 9/23/09]
Pearl Jam: Ten [Legacy Edition] [Fire Note Review 4/6/09]
Pearl Jam: Pearl Jam [Fire Note Review 5/2/06]

Pearl Jam Website
Pearl Jam MySpace
Pearl Jam Facebook
Monkeywrench Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Mars Classroom: The New Theory Of Everything

Mars Classroom
The New Theory Of Everything
Happy Jack Rock Records [2011]









Fire Note Says: New Robert Pollard collaboration with Gary Waleik (Big Dipper, Volcano Suns) and Robert Beerman (Pell Mell).

Album Review:
We could spend tons of time here telling you how Robert Pollard releases a crap load of music but I think we will skip it this go around as you already probably know the drill. Mars Classroom represents Polllard's new collaboration with Gary Waleik and Robert Beerman. You may or may not know who these guys are but Waleik played guitar in the late 80's for one of Bob's favorite groups Big Dipper and Beerman was the drummer in the 90's instrumental group Pell Mell. Fast forward to 2011 and Mars Classroom musically blends the trio's past into a fairly straightforward indie rock record that features Waleik's knack for creating perfect sections for melody over his sharp turning song structures. This gives the album a very nice flow, as its mid-tempo tracks are interesting, memorable and at times catchy. The New Theory Of Everything was created using a standard Pollard method, which had Waleik creating the music and Bob taking responsibility for the lyrics. Compared to his last several releases, Mars Classroom does not seem nearly as produced, as every component stays fairly simple. This highlights each musician's duties, as Pollard's vocals are crystal clear, Waleik's guitar shines throughout and the steady beats from Beerman hold each track in place. There is a little bit of everything for everyone here as kick off track "New Theory" has a soaring chorus that instantly sticks, "There Never Was A Sea Of Love" showcases Waleik's guitar work, "Pre Med's A Trip" has an edge to it with its jagged song structure and Pollard's cool attitude and flip lyrics, while the slow burning closing track "Wish You Were Young" will have you remembering this record well after its conclusion. Mars Classroom may never escape from the Pollard fan base gate but it is truly another solid and consistent record in his 2011 release resume that is a must for followers and certainly would play well on any college radio station!

Key Tracks: "New Theory", "Pre Meds A Trip", "Wish You Were Young"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Flying Nuns
The Wrens
Spoon

Lifeguards: Waving At Astronauts [Fire Note Review 2/9/11]
Robert Pollard: Space City Kicks: [Fire Note Review 1/12/11]
Guided By Voices: Live In Daytron ?6˚ [Fire Note Review 1/10/11]

Robert Pollard Website
Robert Pollard MySpace
Robert Pollard Facebook
Happy Jack Rock Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Memphis: Here Comes A City

Memphis
Here Comes A City
Arts & Crafts Records [2011]









Fire Note Review: Memphis create a nice flowing melancholy pop record on their third LP Here Comes A City.

Album Review:
Torquil Campbell and Chris Dumont have been making music together since the late 1990's. This pre-dates Campbell's success in Stars but Here Comes A City represents only the third long-player from the group. Their music has a very melancholy pop feel to it that also lets its songs float a bit by surrounding them with atmospheric instrumental pieces. The album is very honest and simple, as it plays well to the ear even though Memphis lyrically provide a dim picture on city life. Many of the tracks have a strolling swagger to them regardless of the subject matter as "Wait!" clearly points out in a catchy chorus "I don't love you anymore." Here Comes A City only suffers a bit during its song transitions and some of the earthy instrumentals mess with the more upbeat rhythm paced songs, which is where Memphis shines. For this style of music, Memphis does a nice job but it still is a record that will need to fight for remembrance, as too many of the tracks here leave your memory too quickly. With more focus on this project, I believe that Campbell and Dumont could easily find greater success, as Here Comes A City only just sounds like the beginning.

Key Tracks: "Apocalypse Pop Song", "I Am The Photographer", "Wait!"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Teenage Fanclub
Broken Social Scene
The Ocean Blue

Memphis MySpace
Memphis Facebook
Arts & Crafts Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Leeroy Stagger: Little Victories

Leeroy Stagger
Little Victories
Rebeltone Records [2011]









Fire Note Says: Leeroy Stagger tries to bring you down but his talent won't allow it on his sixth full length Little Victories.

Album Review:
Want to discover a singer/songwriter that absolutely won't let your Americana ear down? Then look no more and check out the sixth long player, Little Victories, from Canadian Leeroy Stagger backed by his solid band The Wildflowers. I will warn you that Little Victories is one of the best depressing records I have listened to in quite some time, as many of the songs here reflect on Stagger's current perspective on life, as he questions several aspects of love, his musical career and if you can even be happy. It may sound like just getting the bottle out and drinking might be more appropriate but Little Victories is the sound of a man and his band at the top of their game. The songwriting is top notch, the playing is extremely tight and you can feel the intensity behind every strum and every line. Right from opening track, "Everyones On Drugs", you get the notion Little Victories might not be the feelgood album of the summer but the track possesses one catchy chorus that will have you humming along in seconds. "Waste Of A Wedding" is a good ol' rocker that probably will resonate with many, as it documents a failed marriage, while the quiet soft "Poor Little Rock Star" highlights Stagger's range, as his more hush delivery is completely engaging. Not every track on Little Victories is a downer, as the more heartfelt "I Believe In Love" still shows Stagger has a glimmer of hope even though he follows it with the excellent piano ballad "Love Will Let You Down" that should quickly bring you back to life's realities. No matter how you spin it, Little Victories is a great slice of Americana that has it all and even though it may not have tons of sugary topics the record will impress you, as Stagger and his extremely competent backing band The Wildflowers deliver on every track and make the album one of his best to date!

Key Tracks: "Everyones On Drugs", "Hardtown", "Waste Of A Wedding"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Steve Earle
Drive-By Truckers
Ryan Adams

Leeroy Stagger: Everything Is Real [Fire Note Review 7/15/09]
Easton Stagger Phillips: One For The Ditch [Fire Note Review 1/13/09]

Leeroy Stagger Website
Leeroy Stagger MySpace
Leeroy Stagger Facebook
Rebeltone Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Maggie Björklund: Coming Home

Maggie Björklund
Coming Home
Bloodshot Records [2011]









Fire Note Says: Maggie Björklund presents her American debut Coming Home that simply oozes warmth and talent!

Album Review:
Danish singer/pedal steel guitarist Maggie Björklund's American debut album Coming Home is loaded with musical talent and has such a free flowing brilliance to it that you can not do anything but sit back and enjoy the soft ride. It does not hurt this album that Björklund has some talented friends to help her out as the boys from Calexico support the record, while Mark Lanegan (Gutter Twins, Screaming Trees), Jon Auer (Posies) and Rachel Flotard (Visqueen) all supply memorable vocals. The entire album has that western flavor to it, as Björklund's pedal steel is a true highlight throughout the record but when complemented by the Neko Case like vocals of Rachel Flotard on "Summer Romance" the perfect desert storm is created. Mark Lanegan sounds at home, as he sings on the title track with his familiar croon and I think one of the most surprising fits here is the more power pop voice of Jon Auer, as it completely works on the foot tapping "Playground Stars" and melds the two styles together. Overall, Maggie Björklund may not be for everyone but Coming Home showcases her musical talents on every track and shows that regardless of the vocals, which can even be her own, her vision, passion and dedication to the art, time and time again bursts through and gives you a record that is perfect to just let play, sip down your favorite drink and let the day waste away!

Key Tracks: "Summer Romance (w/ Rachel Flotard)", "Playground Stars (w/ Jon Auer)", "Wasteland"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Neko Case
Friends Of Dean Martinez
Calexico

Maggie Björklund Website
Maggie Björklund MySpace
Maggie Björklund Facebook
Bloodshot Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

The Strokes: Angles

The Strokes
Angles
RCA Records [2011]









Fire Note Says: The Strokes reclaim some swagger on the solid Angles!

Album Review:
The Strokes debut, Is This It [2001], will always be the album the boys from NYC must live up to everytime they release a record. For many bands, this is like a dog trying to catch his own tail - it can't be done but they keep on tryin'. The Strokes were applauded for the effort on Room On Fire [2003], as it continued most of their debut's vibe, while First Impressions Of Earth [2006] was just a disappoint to most, as it found the band in several transitions and simply trying to break their own mold. Well, after just about everyone in the band has released a solo record of some sort, that never totally captured the bands magic, The Strokes return with their first album in five years simply titled Angles. I will warn you right now that Angles is not Is This It but what the record represents is band maturity, musical growth and the return of their don't give an F - we are the Strokes attitude. Right from the opening punch of catchy "Machu Picchu", the band infuses a bit of reggae that completely works that then transitions to the more classic sounding Strokes tune and first single "Under Cover Of Darkness". As you approach the midway point on Angles, "Taken For A Fool" gives you the intricate guitar work that makes you quickly realize that this is the album that you were hoping The Strokes would make. It has their swagger back that Impressions so deeply missed. The progressive parts on Angles, such as the synth lead "Games" or the almost robotic "You're So Right", might have some fans hitting next but the tracks still fit and have more of a Strokes stamp on them then you might think possible. It is this slight experimenting that allows the intense "Metabolism" to exist, as Casablancas's howl soars over the complex musical arrangements within the track and highlight that the Strokes are still relevent in 2011. Angles is a solid return to the scene for The Strokes that many probably never thought would happen and it could be just the stepping stone the band needs to climb the hill for yet another pinicale ablum in the near future!

Key Tracks: "Machu Picchu", "Under Cover Of Darkness", "Metabolism"

Bands With Similar Fire:
The Cars
New York Dolls
The Police

Julian Casablancas: Phrazes For The Young [Fire Note Review 11/3/09]
Nickel Eye: The Time Of The Assassins [Fire Note Review 3/23/09]
Little Joy: Little Joy [Fire Note Review 12/4/08]
Albert Hammond, Jr.: ¿Cómo Te Llama? [Fire Note Review 7/16/08]
Albert Hammond, Jr.: Yours To Keep [Fire Note Says 3/5/07]

The Strokes Website
The Strokes MySpace
The Strokes Facebook
RCA Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

The Fleshtones: Brooklyn Sound Solution

The Fleshtones
Brooklyn Sound Solution
Yep Roc Records [2011]









Fire Note Says: The Fleshtones and Lenny Kaye give a short lesson on how rock should sound!

Album Review:
The Fleshtones have been grinding out garage rock before garage rock was even called garage rock, and on Brooklyn Sound Solution the historic band teams up with longtime Patti Smith Group guitarist and the brain behind the 1972 sixties garage rock compilation Nuggets - Lenny Kaye. This record easily shows why 30 year old groups should still release records because Brooklyn Sound Solution is another lesson and reminder of how cool this style of music can really be. From the edgy rocking cover of the Beatles "Day Tripper" to the scorching instrumental of Ted Taylor's "You Give Me Nothing To Go On" this record free flows the rock. This energy also exists on The Fleshtones original "Bite Of My Soul" and never slows down in its 12 tracks in 30 minutes pace. It is the ease at which Kaye and The Fleshtones take on these 12 tracks that really makes Brooklyn Sound Solution work and not only does the collaboration create an interesting and enjoyable record for longtime fans but it could be a true introduction of classic garage to a whole new generation.

Key Tracks: "I Wish You Would", "Bite Of My Soul", "Rats In My Kitchen"

Bands With Similar Fire:
The Seeds
MC5
The Greenhornes

The Fleshtones Website
The Fleshtones MySpace
The Fleshtones Facebook
Yep Roc Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony