Happy Thanksgiving!!

We hope everyone has a great holiday and we are taking today and tomorrow off. The Fire Note will return this Monday December 1st.

Guns N' Roses: Chinese Democracy

Guns N' Roses
Chinese Democracy
Geffen Records [2008]








Fire Note Says: Way better than you might think!

Album Review:
Every year that has passed since the Illusion albums released in 1991 has made Guns N' Roses follow up Chinese Democracy a quiet joke among the record industry because of its moving release dates, crazy budget, Axl Roses seclusion, revolving door of musicians and producers not to mention free Dr. Pepper. With all of that baggage and high expectations Chinese Democracy was doomed to fail with critics but ultimately longtime fans will be the winner here. As expected reviews have been all over the place but I think you need to listen to Chinese Democracy for what it is - one big grandiose hard rock record that shows the dedication of one man striving for perfection and throughout its 71 minute running time it represents the years that have passed bye. From the really hard pulsing gadgetry on "Shackler's Revenge" to the more R&B groovy "If The World", the vulnerable bluesy ballad "Sorry", the graceful piano driven "This I Love", a very upbeat poppy "Street Of Dreams", very interesting sampling in "Madagascar" and my favorite in your face grinding rock track "I.R.S.", there really is a multitude of sounds and styles here that at times feel a bit schizophrenic but that is ok because they all sound sonically solid and at the end of the day it is great to here the Axl howl. Is Chinese Democracy the savior of all rock? No. Was it worth the wait? Yes. Do we expect more? Yes. In a perfect world it would be nice to see the original GnR bury the hatchet, reunite and not only support this record but crank out a quick, loud, dirty and fast follow up to it that turns rock upside down - probably won't ever happen but I know that just the thought made you smile - those thoughts are what makes Chinese Democracy and Axl in their own category!

Key Tracks: "I.R.S.", "If The World", "Better"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Metallica
Buckcherry
My Chemical Romance

Official Guns N' Roses Website
Guns N' Roses MySpace
Guns N' Roses Info [Allmusic]
Geffen Records

-Reviewed by Sam DaMatta

Dillinger Four: Civil War

Dillinger Four
Civil War
Fat Wreck Chords [2008]








Fire Drills Review:
One of our favorite Minneapolis punk bands the Dillinger Four make a return with Civil War after a lengthy six years since their last release. This is their second album for Fat Wreck Chords and their punk is as strong as ever but being a more mature band the groups lyrics are now a bit more socially conscious. Everything from the government to the economy is covered on Civil War (catchy title) and the record finds the band at the top of their game and ready for a full come back to the scene, which we welcome with open arms!

Key Tracks: "Minimum Wage Is A Gateway Drug"

Band With Similar Fire: Bad Religion

Official Dillinger Four Website
Dillinger Four MySpace

-Reviewed by Sam DaMatta

Joan As Police Woman: To Survive

Joan As Police Woman
To Survive
Cheap Lullaby Records [2008]








Fire Drills Review:
Joan Wasser has one of those voices that truly stands out in a crowd and on her new long player To Survive she once again will amaze you with her soft harmonies and raw emotion.
Compared to her break through album Real Life [2006], To Survive sounds more produced and smoother with its transitions while still retaining the personal qualities. In a music world where there are many female singer/songwriter types it is harder and harder to be unique but Joan As Police Woman just does and is worth every minute you give her!

Key Track: "Holiday"

Band With Similar Fire: Jolie Holland

Official Joan As Police Woman Website
Joan As Police Woman MySpace

-Reviewed by Natalie Colibri

The Killers: Day & Age

The Killers
Day & Age
Island Records [2008]









Fire Note Says: This is what The Killers are made of!

Album Review:
The Killers threw everyone a curve ball on their sophomore record Sam's Town [2006] with its strong Springsteen roots and de-emphasis on the stylistic dance rock that propelled them to the top of the scene with their debut Hot Fuss [2004]. On the band's third record of all new material, Day & Age completely rectifies any notion that the dance beat assault was gone for good because it brings the 80's synth side of the band straight to the forefront and sets a stage to rock you out. The first three tracks are catchy and memorable, which set the tone for the rest of the record. "Spaceman" has a triumphant chorus and speed that will instantly stick, while first single "Human" feels grandiose and big time radio, while still retaining a retro cool vibe. If the overall mood of Sam's Town was serious then the mood of Day & Age is have a good time. Every track feels upbeat and free of any care or concern for what critics or fans want and only focus on the needs of The Killers. This attitude creates a record that gets better with every spin and Day & Age crafts songs that span many genres ranging from the 60's to present day making The Killers a band for all ages to enjoy!

Key Tracks: "Human", "Spaceman", "Neon Tiger"

Bands With Similar Fire:
David Bowie
New Order
ELO

The Killers: Sam's Town [Fire Note Review 10/4/06]

Official Killers Website
The Killers MySpace
The Killers Info [Allmusic]
Island Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Corey Crowder: Gold And The Sand

Corey Crowder
Gold And The Sand
Tooth & Nail Records [2008]








Fire Drills Review:
You would be hard pressed to find another artist like Corey Crowder on the typically more punk label Tooth & Nail's roster because of his folk acoustic guitar that sometimes rides the thin line of being classified what we will just whisper as country. His southern roots have already made their way onto television as his music has been featured in One Tree Hill, The Real World and The Biggest Loser. His lyrical outlook is positive and songs on Gold And The Sand cover love, life hopes and simple reality making this record instantly identifiable and an enjoyable listen for all who partake. Oh yeah - he has a pretty good voice too!

Key Track: "Leaving You"

Band With Similar Fire: Joe Purdy

Official Corey Crowder Website
Corey Crowder MySpace

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Rivers Cuomo: Alone II - The Home Recordings Of Rivers Cuomo

Rivers Cuomo
Alone II: The Home Recordings Of Rivers Cuomo
Geffen Records [2008]









Fire Drills Review:
I believe the priceless album cover says it all for Weezer frontman Rivers Cuomo's second Alone release of home recordings. It is this free spirit that has kept Weezer going for all these years and this second offering of demo tracks written from 1992-2007 are completely entertaining no matter if they are 5o seconds or 4 minutes. Mostly this release will attract fans and notable songs on this album include a cover of the Beach Boys' song "Don't Worry Baby", and three more songs from the long lost unreleased album and supposed real follow up to The Blue Album [1994] - Songs From The Black Hole [unreleased].

Key Track: "I Was Scared"

Band With Similar Fire: Ben Kweller

Official Rivers Cuomo Website
Rivers Cuomo MySpace

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Various: Original Music Featured On Gossip Girl No 1

Various Artists
Original Music Featured On Gossip Girl No. 1
Atlantic Records [2008]







Fire Drills Review:
Everyone knows how important music is to TV shows and sometimes the music propels the show and bands to an entire new level - just ask Death Cab. The OC was known for its music, just like Grey's Anatomy and now the new kid on the block is the CW's Gossip Girl. Every week the show is a who's who of indie rock and this release captures many of those bands like The Kills, The Kooks, Oppenhiemer and The Republic Tigers at the top of their game. Of course it is easy to connect the dots on all of these shows because of music producer Alexandra Patsavas running the show, which clearly we like her taste. The Gossip Girl soundtrack does not offer much in the department of collectible tracks from these artists because most of the songs can be found somewhere else or on the bands most recent album but as a collective it is a nice batch of indie music that like the show should turn anyone who listens into the featured bands best new fan.

Official Gossip Girl Music Website
Atlantic Records

-Reviewed by Natalie Colibri

The Underlings: Operational Excellence

The Underlings
Operational Excellence
Daily Records [2008]








Fire Drills Review:
I am not sure what else comes from Eugene, Oregon but they have a solid indie rock band in their local bars called The Underlings. Their record Operational Excellence is a combination of by the books guitar, bass and drums, which has an energetic edge to it that never hits the punk strides of The Ramones but is more comparable to the early days of Cheap Trick. The Underlings have been building a reputation as one of the top live bands in their region and Operational Excellence will only boost that notion because the songs sound clean on disc but clearly are built to explode live!

Key Track: "Runnin' From The Cops"

Band With Similar Fire: Cheap Trick

The Underlings MySpace

-Reviewed by Reece Michael

The (International) Noise Conspiracy: The Cross Of My Calling

The (International) Noise Conspiracy
The Cross Of My Calling
Vagrant Records [2008]







Fire Note Says: The band has matured since their earlier punk days - and that is not a bad thing.

Album Review:
The (International) Noise Conspiracy sort of went away after two stellar political punk albums with the last being A New Morning, Changing Weather [2001] because their 2004 Rick Rubin produced effort Armed Love [2004] did not even make it to the US until 2005 due to several conflicts and the record changing musical direction from their previous work. On the bands fourth full-length, The Cross Of My Calling, the bands direction picks up where Armed Love stopped and Rick Rubin once again is in the background guiding this talented band through their more mature sounding rock record. It is almost like The (International) Noise Conspiracy took a listen to their earlier harder edge records and decided its not them anymore - remember this band rose out of the demise of punk hardcore Refused. I can get with change and after spinning through The Cross Of My Calling several times the new vibe starts to grow on you. The new found soul and funk grooves shine out at different moments through the entire record and on "Boredom Of Safety" they get a big help on backing vocals from garage soul singer herself, The BellRays' Lisa Kekaula. On other tracks the band pays homage to The Doors and even go as far to include the same organ solo found on "Riders On The Storm" in "Child Of God". The band totally admits the inclusion and their tribute to Morrison and the band, which give the album a retro edge. The Cross Of My Calling will be a hard album for the bands core group to swallow but you can't knock a band that morphs sound over a spread of seven years. If you liked Armed Love then you will be into this album and it is strong enough to build an entire new legion of fans.

Key Tracks: "I Am The Dynamite", "Child Of God", "Assassination Of Myself"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Ted Leo
The Doors
The Shys

Official The (International) Noise Conspiracy Website
The (International) Noise Conspiracy MySpace
The (International) Noise Conspiracy Info [Allmusic]
Vagrant Records

-Reviewed by Reece Michael

Catfish Haven: Devastator

Catfish Haven
Devastator
Secretly Canadian Records [2008]







Fire Drills Review:
Catfish Haven's second full length record Devastator is another complete blues rock experience from the Chicago band. Lead singer George Hunter is the main force behind this record with his soaring voice and croon similar to a young Joe Cocker that carries each track through its 70's vibe. Devastator has a very live feel to it and with sing a long moments, soul flavored ballads and a cover that peaks your interest, Catfish Haven offer a record that will enthrall their fans and grab some new ones along the way!

Key Track: "Set In Stone"

Band With Similar Fire: Kings Of Leon

Official Catfish Haven Website
Catfish Haven MySpace

-Reviewed by Reece Michael

Jennifer O'Connor: Here With Me

Jennifer O'Connor
Here With Me
Matador Records [2008]








Fire Drills Review:
Jennifer O'Connor is pretty much what you see is what you get. She is not flashy, she is not that upbeat and her music is pretty straightforward. With all of those somewhat underwhelming statements what you should know is that Jennifer O'Connor has a superb voice with well penned songs that capture pure feelings and raw emotion, which simply stun the listener and helps Here With Me hit all of these highlights right on the head!

Key Track: "Xmas Party"

Band With Similar Fire: Jenny Lewis

Official Jennifer O'Connor Website
Jennifer O'Connor MySpace

-Reviewed by Reece Michael

Los Campesinos!: We Are Beautiful, We Are Doomed

Los Campesinos!
We Are Beautiful, We Are Doomed
Arts & Crafts Records [2008]









Fire Note Says: Two great releases in 2008 - Los Campesinos! are hot!

Album Review:
There has been a lot said over the last several years about the ever sinking music business and its faults and fixes but Los Campesinos! might actually be onto something. That something is to just release as much music as possible in the shortest amount of time and keep going. We Are Beautiful, We Are Doomed drops approximately eight months after the bands debut full length Hold on Now, Youngster... [2008] hit the airways and it is just as infectious. Short time lines is the way classic rock bands like Aerosmith and Zepplin released albums so why not let the artists of today do the same because Los Campesinos! are living proof that if you create solid tunes releasing albums this close does nothing but build your fanbase and keep your name out there in the buzz. We Are Beautiful, We Are Doomed is short at 32 minutes but its 10 songs easily offers more than some bands can hand out in 60. Los Campesinos! proves that they are fun, smart, creative and absolutely catchy with their sing a long indie pop, call outs that rev you up and the back n forth male / female vocals that get you on board with their style of rock right from the beginning. Mark it up - We Are Beautiful, We Are Doomed is another stellar release from the Los Campesinos! and that is just counting this year!

Key Tracks: "Miserabilia", "We Are Beautiful, We Are Doomed", "Documented Minor Emotional Breakdown #1"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Art Brut
Love Is All
Harvey Danger

Official Los Campesinos! Website
Los Campesinos! MySpace
Los Campesinos! Info [Allmusic]
Arts & Crafts Records

-Reviewed by Aidan Rox

The Soft Hands: Hours Pass By

The Soft Hands
Hours Pass By
Fidotrust Records [2008]








Fire Drills Review:
The Soft Hands play a sort of angular post punk indie rock that you would never guess would come out of Long Beach. Hours Pass By is an album that is based on a traditional underground punk that calls up memories of the Minutemen and Wire while containing a cutting edge style of Camper Van and Spoon. This classic meets modern mix pushes Hours Pass By into the next level and with repeat spins gets better and better while highlighting The Soft Hands as a band to watch into 2009!

Key Track: "I'm On Fire"

Band With Similar Fire: Wire

Official Soft Hands Website
The Soft Hands MySpace

-Reviewed by Aidan Rox

Dead To Me: Little Brother [EP]

Dead To Me
Little Brother [EP]
Fat Wreck Chords [2008]









Fire Drills Review:
Dead To Me rose in 2006 from the ashes of the punk band One Man Army. This EP is their first release since their debut full length Cuban Ballerina [2006] and it is a solid straight-forward rock-punk blend. All of the songs have that edge to them that you expect from a band in this genre but Dead To Me have several surprise hidden like the unexpected reggae in title track that makes this EP's 13 minutes worth every minute.

Key Track: "Don't Wanna"

Band With Similar Fire: Alkaline Trio

Dead To Me MySpace

-Reviewed by Aidan Rox

Matt Duke: Kingdom Underground

Matt Duke
Kingdom Underground
Rykodisc [2008]








Fire Drills Review:
One look at this cover and you think that Matt Duke could be your best friend, college roommate or even the guy bringing you pizza. It is this instant likability that translates to his simple singer/songwriter release Kingdom Underground. It has a balance of up tempo tracks and ballads that sound good to the ear. Is this album going to change your world - no - will it put you in a good mood - yes!

Key Track: "30 Some Days"

Band With Similar Fire: Mat Kearney

Official Matt Duke Website
Matt Duke MySpace

-Reviewed by Aidan Rox

Love Is All: A Hundred Things Keep Me Up At Night

Love Is All
A Hundred Things Keep Me Up At Night
Whats Your Rupture? Records [2008]









Fire Note Says: A snapshot of Love Is All hitting on all of their creative cylinders.

Album Review:
The sophomore slump has never been a myth with more bands than not failing to live up the hype after a killer debut. It seems nowadays the pressure to perform is even greater for groups but Love Is All has simply destroyed the myth with the release of A Hundred Things Keep Me Up At Night because it is not only as catchy and cool as their debut Nine Times That Same Song [2006] but it may even be better. The key to Love Is All's success is following the old saying "if it ain't broke don't fix it" because they continue to use the same formula of high energy beats and fuzzed out vocals from frontwoman Josephine Olausson, which has similar appeal like before but with some extra teeth to her snappy delivery. What takes A Hundred Things Keep Me Up At Night to the next level is the slightly cleaner production and more straight forward drums that allows the catchy pop side of Love Is All shine out of the distortion as well as the snare beats that give each track a clear tempo. A Hundred Things Keep Me Up At Night captures Love Is All at the top of their game and at a perfectly tidy 32 minutes the record never wears out its welcome and has you reaching for the repeat button with lightning speed to enjoy it for another round.

Key Tracks: "Sea Sick", "New Beginnings", "19 Floors"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Deerhoof
Vivian Girls
Los Campesinos!

Official Love Is All Website
Love Is All MySpace
Love Is All Info [Allmusic]
Whats Your Rupture? Records

-Reviewed by Sam DaMatta

White Lies: Death [EP]

White Lies
Death [EP]
Geffen Records [2008]









Fire Drills Review:
The hype just keeps building for this trio's full length debut To Lose A Life due in January and the Death EP will continue to fuel the fire. The group not only offers up another solid dark edged and moody slice of their rock sound but it includes a b-side and several remixes of the single. It is the remixes that encourage the listener of what is to come because it shows off that the groups music is more than one dimension which should translate into a bright future!

Key Track: "Death (Crystal Castles Remix)"

Band With Similar Fire: The Killers

Death (Crystal Castles Remix) [mp3]

White Lies: Unfinished Business (Single) [Fire Drill Review 9/4/08]

Official White Lies Website
White Lies MySpace

-Reviewed by Sam DaMatta

Vivian Girls: Vivian Girls

Vivian Girls
Vivian Girls
Mauled By Tigers/In The Red Records [2008]









Fire Note Says: It may be a quick ride but it is worth every fast minute!

Album Review:
Considering the self-titled debut album from the Vivian Girls is a mere 10 songs in 21 minutes it can easily flash by in an instance. The problem is that you will definitely hit repeat because this album may be short in time but it is long on ideas and its lo-fi garage style rocks it out for the entire set. The all girl trio from Brooklyn are cleverly able to disguise their melodies under a fuzzy haze that actually forces you to listen a bit closer and in doing so it brings you into the Vivian Girls world. They have the ability to sound classic and right out of the California 60's with their harmonizing while remaining completely modern with their speed and precise beats giving Vivian Girls an instant likeability and timeless appeal.

Key Tracks: "Where Do You Run To", "Such A Joke", "Damaged"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Times New Viking
Slumber Party
Red Aunts

Official Vivian Girls Website
Vivian Girls MySpace
Vivian Girls Info [Allmusic]
Mauled By Tigers Records

-Reviewed by Natalie Colibri

Joel Plaskett Emergency: Ashtray Rock

Joel Plaskett Emergency
Ashtray Rock
MapleMusic [2007]








Fire Drills Review:
This album is still only available as an import from Canada but it just recently reached our doorstep and thought it was worthy of a review even though it came out over a year ago. Joel Plaskett is the former lead singer of alt band Thrush Hermit and his solo efforts definitely sound more singer/songwriter but with a punch provided by his band the Emergency. Ashtray Rock is a small concept album about the wonders of growing up and following youths that experience the full circle of relationships from love, friendship and stabbing each other in the back. Plaskett's delivery is light hearted but catchy and the music is upbeat making repeat plays enjoyable.

Key Track: "Drunk Teenagers"

Band With Similar Fire: Ben Folds

Official Joel Plaskett Emergency Website
Joel Plaskett Emergency MySpace

-Reviewed by Natalie Colibri

Autumn: Velvet Sky

Autumn
Velvet Sky
Self-Released [2008]








Fire Drills Review:
Autumn Boukadakis has one of those voices that is instantly appealing. On her sophomore record Velvet Sky she not only shows off her vocals but also her piano playing ability backing up her degree in classical piano from the University of Texas in Austin. Along with seven new originals Autumn offers up a killer version of Patty Griffin's "Nobody's Crying" which solidifies her mark on the Americana scene with a strong cross over pop attraction that should be heard.

Key Track: "Trains I Missed"

Band With Similar Fire: Shelby Lynne

Official Autumn Website
Autumn MySpace

-Reviewed by Natalie Colibri

Scarlet BLONDE: Bedroom Superstars

Scarlet BLONDE
Bedroom Superstars
HyperMedia Recordings [2008]








Fire Drills Review:
Bedroom Superstars is England's Scarlet BLONDE's debut mini-album before their full length Acerbic hits in early 09. The record is a mix of new wave, rock and electro fronted by the power vocals of Dawn Firth that really drives each song into a grinding frenzy. After taking Bedroom Superstars for a spin it is hard to believe that this is just a duo because each track has a full band vibe and fills space with multiple angles of sound that hit just as hard with two as they would with five members.

Key Track: "Instant Mash"

Band With Similar Fire: Republica

A Simple Song (mp3)

Official Scarlet BLONDE Website
Scarlet BLONDE MySpace

-Reviewed by Natalie Colibri

Local H: Twelve Angry Months

Local H
Twelve Angry Months
Shout! Factory Records [2008]








Fire Note Says: Twelve Angry Months turns a negative into a positive - hopefully for everyone involved!

Album Review:
I think it goes without saying that breakups suck. How long do they suck? Well for Local H's Scott Lucas it takes at least 12 months hence the bands title of their seventh full length Twelve Angry Months. You can basically consider it a rock concept album as each track covers a progressive month in what we can call recovery. Now don't get to lost or caught up in the ordering because it does not stop the onslaught of Local H rock that they set forth. What comes out of the entire bitter breakup and album making process is a clear focus and passion that simply is hard to catch on record - unless its real. From talking about needing to split up the record collection including his Kyuss records that she never liked before they met in "The One With Kid" to wishing that she has a lonely life on "White Belt Boys" and ultimately settling the battle down in the nine minute closer "Hand To Mouth", the record easily covers all of the emotions. Twelve Angry Months is a solid piece of work because everyone has experienced the pain of breaking up somewhere in their life and you can appreciate the heart on the sleeve approach while never turning down the amps or compromising their true rock sound - this is called healing - Local H style!

Key Tracks: "White Belt Boys", "The One With Kid", "Machine Shed Wrestling"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Fu Manchu
Kyuss
Audioslave

Desperately Seeking Michelle Contest!
Is your name Michelle? Do you know a Michelle? Local H wants you to show the world why "nobody's got it like Michelle." Submit your photo to be used in their new "Michelle (again)" video. Contest ends 12/5/08. Click the link below for details on how to submit your photo.

Contest Details

Official Local H Website
Local H MySpace
Local H Info [Allmusic]
Shout! Factory Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Bridge And Tunnel: East / West

Bridge And Tunnel
East / West
No Idea Records [2008]









Fire Drills Review:
The post-punk sound lives on with Bridge And Tunnel's interplaying guitars and hard edged melodies. The New York group takes a little different approach because on several tracks the female vocals get the shining light which puts Bridge And Tunnel out on limb more by themselves compared to other bands in this genre. Overall East/West is a quality listen all the way through and gets better with each spin while reminding you that bands like these have slowly went underground so it's great to see Bridge And Tunnel breaking out with some deserved hype!

Key Track: "Call To The Comptroller’s Office"

Band With Similar Fire: Hot Water Music

Official Bridge And Tunnel Website
Bridge And Tunnel MySpace

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Switchfoot: The Best Yet

Switchfoot
The Best Yet
Columbia/Legacy Records [2008]







Fire Drills Review:
I can fully admit that I have never been into the whole christian based rock thing so it was easy for me to dismiss Switchfoot very early on in their career. The Best Yet came to my doorstep, which I gave a fair spin and fans and non-fans should actually take listen because it represents a nice collection of their songs from all six albums and includes the track "This Is Home" from The Chronicles Of Narnia: Prince Caspian [2008]. The Best Yet starts with a 1-2-3 of hits giving you "Dare You To Move", "Meant To Live", and "Stars" that tells you what Switchfoot are all about and keeps you around for the rest! This is what I get for judging a book by its cover.

Key Track: "Stars"

Band With Similar Fire: Collective Soul

Official Switchfoot Website
Switchfoot MySpace

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Live: Live At The Paradiso - Amsterdam

Live
Live At The Paradiso: Amsterdam
Vanguard Records [2008]







Fire Drills Review:
Live is a band I have always enjoyed since their debut record Mental Jewelry [1991]. When Throwing Copper [1994] propelled them into the mainstream it looked like always filling arenas would be their destiny but somewhat average releases over the years have stifled their growth. What a fan could always count on is their high energy live performance and At The Paradiso captures that along with some loud singing fans that know every word. There are also two new solid tracks added to this release but fans of the band will take pleasure in the concert recording and remember why they loved Live in the first place!

Key Track: "I Walk The Line"

Band With Similar Fire: Everclear

Official Live Website
Live MySpace

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony