Passion Pit: Chunk Of Change [EP]

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








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

Key Track: "Cuddle Fuddle"

Band With Similar Fire: MGMT

Passion Pit MySpace

-Reviewed by Aidan Rox

Architects: Vice

Architects
Vice
Anodyne Records [2008]








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

Key Track: "Daddy Wore Black"

Band With Similar Fire: The Replacements

Architects MySpace

-Reviewed by Aidan Rox

Buena Vista Social Club: At Carnegie Hall

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








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

Key Track: "Chan Chan"

Band With Similar Fire: Ry Cooder

De Camino a la Vereda (mp3)

Official Buena Vista Social Club
Buena Vista Social Club MySpace

More On This Album

-Reviewed by Aidan Rox

James: Hey Ma

James
Hey Ma
Decca Records [2008]








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

Key Track: "Waterfall"

Band With Similar Fire: The Smiths

Official James Website
James MySpace

-Reviewed by Sam DaMatta

AC/DC: Black Ice

AC/DC
Black Ice
Columbia Records [2008]








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

Key Track: "Rock N Roll Train"

Band With Similar Fire: KISS

Official AC/DC Website
AC/DC MySpace

-Reviewed by Sam DaMatta

Jay Reatard: Matador Singles '08

Review has moved here to The Fire Note!

All The Saints: Fire On Corridor X

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








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

Key Track: "Farmacia"

Band With Similar Fire: Dead Confederate

Sheffield (mp3)

All The Saints MySpace

-Reviewed by Robyn Gatsby

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

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






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

Key Track: "Summer Is Almost Here"

Band With Similar Fire: I'm From Barcelona

Official PAS/CAL Website
PAS/CAL MySpace

-Reviewed by Robyn Gatsby

Those Dancing Days: In Our Space Hero Suits

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








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

Key Track: "Home Sweet Home"

Band With Similar Fire: The Concretes

Official Those Dancing Days Website
Those Dancing Days MySpace

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Times New Viking: Stay Awake [EP]

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








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

Key Track: "Pagan Eyes"

Band With Similar Fire: Guided By Voices

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

Times New Viking MySpace

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

The Iguanas: If You Should Ever Fall On Hard Times

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







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

Key Track: "Malas Vibras"

Band With Similar Fire: The Subdudes

Official Iguanas Website
The Iguanas MySpace

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

It's A Musical: The Music Makes Me Sick

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








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

Key Track: "The Music Makes Me Sick"

Band With Similar Fire: Mates Of State

Bad Day (mp3)

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

-Reviewed by Reece Michael

Melvins: Nude With Boots

Melvins
Nude With Boots
Ipecac Records [2008]








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

Key Track: "The Kicking Machine"

Band With Similar Fire: Fu Manchu

Official Melvins Website
Melvins MySpace

-Reviewed by Reece Michael

Ratatat: LP3

Ratatat
LP3
XL Recordings [2008]








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

Key Track: "Falcon Jab"

Band With Similar Fire: El Ten Eleven

Official Ratatat Website
Ratatat MySpace

-Reviewed by Reece Michael

Old Crow Medicine Show: Tennessee Pusher

Old Crow Medicine Show
Tennessee Pusher
Nettwerk Records [2008]








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

Key Track: "Caroline"

Band With Similar Fire: Chatham Country Line

Old Crow Medicine Show Website
Old Crow Medicine Show MySpace

-Reviewed By Aidan Rox

Lambchop: OH (Ohio)

Lambchop
OH (Ohio)
Merge Records [2008]








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

Key Track: "Popeye"

Band With Similar Fire: Giant Sand

Official Lambchop Website
Lambchop MySpace

-Reviewed by Aidan Rox

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

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







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

Key Track: "U Want Me 2"

Band With Similar Fire: Charlotte Martin

Official Sarah McLachlan Website
Sarah McLachlan MySpace

-Reviewed by Robyn Gatsby

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

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





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

Key Track: "Bees"

Band With Similar Fire: Cracker

Jared Mees And The Grown Children MySpace

-Reviewed by Sam DaMatta

Silver Jews: Lookout Mountain, Lookout Sea

Silver Jews
Lookout Mountain, Lookout Sea
Drag City Records [2008]








Fire Drills Review:
Many times the material on Silver Jews records has deep thought and deep meaning but Lookout Mountain, Lookout Sea seems to find David Berman in a much more lighthearted mood. The songs have a greater bounce to them then several previous efforts and are balanced with a production that is somewhat muzzled and fuzzy sounding that still gives the Silver Jews a lo-fi vibe. Fans will enjoy this record because it is a quality offering but there are no stand out tracks that knock you over so it may not grab any new listeners compared to the excellent Tanglewood Numbers [2005].

Key Track: "Strange Victory, Strange Defeat"

Band With Similar Fire: Bonnie "Prince" Billy

Official Silver Jews Website
Silver Jews MySpace

-Reviewed by Sam DaMatta

Attack! Attack! UK: Attack! Attack! UK

Attack! Attack! UK
Attack! Attack! UK
Rock Ridge Music [2008]








Fire Drills Review:
Attack! Attack! UK is a new band out of Wales that has influences that range from 80s punk, '90s grunge, pop rock and new wave with everything from Stereophonics to AC/DC, The Police, The Ramones, and the Sex Pistols included. This sets the base line for their sound and it can be heard throughout their self-titled debut, which was produced by Stuart Richardson of the Lostprophets. Attack! Attack! is filled with catchy hooks and quick underlining punk anthems that can turn the amps up in a hot second while still retaining the ability to cool the engines when they need to hit the notes!

Key Track: "This Is A Test"

Band With Similar Fire: Motion City Soundtrack

Official Attack! Attack! UK
Attack! Attack! UK MySpace

-Reviewed by Natalie Colibri

The Western States Motel: Painted Birds Flying In The Orange Mirror Sun [EP]

The Western States Motel
Painted Birds Flying In The Orange Mirror Sun [EP]
Firebird Field Recordings [2008]






Fire Drills Review:
Our favorite somewhat undiscovered Californian Carl Jordan is back with his band The Western States Motel and their new EP with a really long title. It contains five tracks of pleasant sunny harmonic pop songs similar to the ones that made their self-titled debut so infectious. The EP shows a progression in songwriting and complexity within the tracks that one would never know that, like their debut, it was recorded in Jordan's home. If you are into indie pop bands and a Shins like sound then this is a group that should be on your radar - again!

Key Track: "Oh World"

Band With Similar Fire: The Shins

The Western States Motel: The Western States Motel [Fire Note Review 2/17/07]

Official Western States Motel Website
The Western States Motel MySpace

-Reviewed by Natalie Colibri

Bob Dylan: Tell Tale Signs (The Bootleg Series Vol. 8 - Rare And Unreleased 1989-2006)

Review has moved here to The Fire Note!

Wilco & Fleet Foxes: I Shall Be Released [Single]

Wilco & Fleet Foxes
I Shall Be Released [Single]
Self-Released [2008]







Fire Drills Review:
Does it get much better than a Dylan song covered by the classic adored Wilco and the newly adored Fleet Foxes? Does it get much better then the single being free from Wilco's website as long as you pledge to vote? All answers to the above are no! As far as covers goes it is a pretty straight forward rendition except for the live energy surrounding the song, plus the group harmonies showcase what could be a killer supergroup! This fall into the category of can't go wrong.

Download the free Single

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Me First And The Gimme Gimmes: Have Another Ball!

Me First And The Gimme Gimmes
Have Another Ball!
Fat Wreck Chords [2008]








Fire Drills Review:
I don't know if it is adding a Ramones vibe to James Taylor "You've Got A Friend" or just a plain punk cover of Hall & Oates "Rich Girl" that makes Have Another Ball! completely infectious but it just does. This is now our favorite punk cover bands seventh album and it ranks right up there with the best. Have Another Ball! is another speed rush of 12 cover songs in 30 minutes that is the sequel to their debut Have A Ball [1997], which has many of the same artists covered and is guaranteed to put a smile on your face right down to last yell out of "Yeahhh!" from Fat Mike!

Key Track: "Only The Good Die Young"

Band With Similar Fire: NOFX

Me First And The Gimme Gimmes: Love Their Country [Fire Note Review 10/17/06]

Official Me First And The Gimme Gimmes Website
Me First And The Gimme Gimmes MySpace

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Josh Rouse: The Best Of The Rykodisc Years

Josh Rouse
The Best Of The Rykodisc Years
Rhino/Ryko Records [2008]








Fire Drills Review:
It is hard to believe that Nebraska-born Josh Rouse is not way bigger of an artist then her is with the quality guitar folk pop that he has released over the years. The Best Of captures tracks from Rouse's five albums and two EPs from the Rykodisc years along with 7 previously unreleased tracks. People that have heard of Rouse should pick this up for the rarities and nice collection of tracks - new people to the Rouse party could easily start here and then go back and discover his excellent debut Dressed Up Like Nebraska [1998].

Key Track: "Dressed Up Like Nebraska"

Band With Similar Fire: Freedy Johnston

Official Josh Rouse Website
Josh Rouse MySpace

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Crystal Antlers: Crystal Antlers [EP]

Crystal Antlers
Crystal Antlers [EP]
Touch & Go Records [2008]








Fire Drills Review:
Signing to Touch & Go was a great thing for many of us because this self-titled and self released EP should be heard by as many people that distribution can reach because it is a true lesson in what psych-rock should sound like. I also believe to garner this sound the band recruited the right producer in Ikey Owens as he is the keyboardist in Mars Volta, so he knows a little about creating a groove. Consistently the Crystal Antlers deliver on their debut and accomplish melding different genres on this 6 song, 25 minute juggernaut of reverb and noise all driven from the commanding vocals of Jonny Bell that never lets down and never gives in. Their debut is supposed to drop early 2009 and we have already put it on the "most anticipated release" list but trust me though when I say the EP should hold you over till then because it is a musical blast!

Key Track: "A Thousand Eyes"

Band With Similar Fire: Les Savy Fav

Crystal Antlers MySpace

-Reviewed by Reece Michael