Lightships: Electric Cables

Lightships
Electric Cables
Domino/Geographic Records [2012]









Fire Note Says: The debut LP from Lightships, Electric Cables begs to be played over and over.

Album Review:
I'm a Gerard Love guy, I always have been. If you were to point a gun to my head and ask me to tell you my favorite Teenage Fanclub song, I would say "I Need Direction", from their 2000 LP Howdy, without hesitation. So when I heard that Love had a new project, Lightships, expectations went thru the room. Love has crafted an album, along with fellow members of Teenage Fanclub (past and present), The Pastels, and Belle and Sebastian, that lives up to the high expectations and often surpasses them.

Electric Cables doesn't sound exactly like you would expect it to on first listen. This doesn't sound like what a Teenage Fanclub album would sound like if Love wrote and sang all of the songs. All of the hallmarks that he brings to the Fanclub table are still there, the great harmonies and melodies, the supple bass lines, but the presentation is different. This is not the Big Star influenced power pop of yesteryear. This is dreamy psychedelic music, often invoking a hazy dreamlike quality. Songs like "Silver And Gold" float along just barely there, dreamlike, until the fuzzed out chorus kicks in. "Girasol" brings to mind the best Byrds influenced country rock of the Howdy era, but adds a flute to up the psychedelia.

The record ends on an extremely high note, closing with perhaps the best track on the album, "Sunlight To The Dawn". This song perfectly sums up everything that the band does best, a slower tempo, a beautiful melody and a psychedelic spiraling guitar line, with a lush bed provided by the bass and flute. It's one you immediately want to hear again, in fact, the entire record begs to be repeated again and again!

Key Tracks: "Sunlight To The Dawn", "Girasol", "Silver And Gold"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Teenage Fanclub
Jonny
Pernice Brothers

Lightships Website
Lightships Facebook
Domino Records

-Reviewed by Kevin Poindexter

Billy Bragg & Wilco: Mermaid Avenue - The Complete Sessions

Billy Bragg & Wilco
Mermaid Avenue: The Complete Sessions
Nonesuch Records [2012]









Fire Note Says: If you thought that Billy Bragg and Wilco were really into Woody Guthrie before wait until you get your ears on this new release, The Complete Sessions, which brings the total output up to 47 tracks.

Album Review:
It is hard to believe that it has been 14 years since Billy Bragg and Wilco gorgeously created music for previously unheard lyrics from legend Woody Guthrie in the original release Mermaid Avenue [1998]. It not only contained one of the best Wilco songs to date in "California Stars" but was a true highlight for both artists that still holds up extremely well today.

Mermaid Avenue Volume II released in 2000 as a follow up and even though it had some stand out tracks it paled a bit in comparison to the original. This was somewhat expected because it made sense to select the best tracks for your debut, especially if you didn't know a second volume was going to happen. Now fast-forward to the present and this release now contains a third installment with 17 more tracks recorded at that time to give fans the full picture.

The third installment once again can't come close to the debut but it still provides quality tracks like "When The Roses Bloom Again" that first appeared on the score by Jeff Tweedy to the 2002 film Chelsea Walls and "The Jolly Banker" which seems to fit today's political themes. The bigger plus about The Complete Sessions is that absorbing 47 tracks gives you a much more expansive picture of Guthrie. You realize that he was a very multi-dimensional songwriter even though most would remember him for his more political statement penned songs. As one complete session the tracks on volume one, two and three come off more cohesive than before and work well together. You really will notice this if you put the album on shuffle. Taking on all 47 tracks in one sitting Mermaid Avenue: The Complete Sessions is front loaded but with the talent of Bragg and Wilco behind it the entire collection of material shines as a stand alone artistic statement and most certainly always will - You just really can not go wrong owning every track!

Key Tracks: "California Stars", "When The Roses Bloom Again", "My Flying Saucer"

Billy Bragg Website
Wilco Website
Billy Bragg Facebook
Wilco Facebook
Nonesuch Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Brendan Benson: What Kind Of World

Brendan Benson
What Kind Of World
Readymade Records [2012]









 Fire Note Says: Benson is back with his fifth solo record What Kind Of World that is full of his power pop charm.

Album Review:
Benson is best known as the voice beside Jack White in The Raconteurs but back in 1996 he released a stellar debut called One Mississippi that was filled to the brim with a catchy guitar driven power pop and then he followed it up with the equally enjoyable Lapalco in 2002! Benson now comes at you with a much more mature and controlled pace on What Kind Of World.

It is an album that Benson recorded and self-produced in his current hometown of Nashville which made the entire process much easier for him. You can hear his relaxed self in the opening title track as its mid tempo slowly builds its intensity before transitioning into the sprawling ballad "Bad For Me". These are shining tracks of what Benson does best.

Later in the record Benson once again beams when he kicks up the guitars and comes at you full steam like on "Here In The Deadlights" or the more crunching work in "Thru The Ceiling". These tracks stand out as Benson is a true master of the big chorus. What Kind Of World suffers most though when Benson plays the singer/songwriter more straight up and does not add anything in to grab the listener. The issue for this is that I doubt What Kind Of World will grab many new followers but the good news for fans is that this does not happen that often and will still be a must listen for them. I don't know if a power pop record can play it too safe but that is my overall feeling on the fifth long player from singer/songwriter Brendan Benson as it just does not have a consistent edge. Even though What Kind Of World does not reclaim Benson's early mojo it does set a nice path for his future that is only one big hook away from big time success!

Key Tracks: "Bad For Me", "Here In The Deadlights","Thru The Ceiling"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Ken Stringfellow
Cheap Trick
Alex Chilton

Brendan Benson: My Old, Familiar Friend [Fire Note Review 8/19/09]

Brendan Benson Website
Brendan Benson Facebook
Readymade Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

The Flaming Lips: The Flaming Lips & Heady Fwends [Record Store Day 2012]

The Flaming Lips
The Flaming Lips And Heady Fwends
Warner Bros. Records [2012]
(Limited 2 LP Multi-Color Vinyl)
(Record Store Day Exclusive)







Fire Note Says: The Flaming Lips collaboration album not only was one of the best releases on Record Store Day but potentially is one of the better releases for the year!

Album Review:
At first it just seemed like another crazy Flaming Lips thing that was built on their earlier limited collaborative EP vinyl releases but Heady Fwends not only turned out some big names but pushes everyone's comfort zone here to the edge and makes for a very entertaining ride. Some may have dismissed Heady Fwends as being too RSD gimmicky with Ke$ha, Biz Markie and Chirs Martin joining the fun or too forced to be cool with Bon Iver, Nick Cave, and Jim James on the bill but the end result actually turns out to be psychedelic, smooth, cerebral and a sonic vinyl experience.

The album succeeds because Lips leader Wayne Coyne has normalized everyone on this album into his world. No one here steals the show and everyone adds to the project. This enables very smooth transitions and even though Ke$ha is next to Bon Iver and Nick Cave rolls into the noise rockers Lightning Bolt track, they all seem like that is the way it should have happened. In fact, if this was an official Flaming Lips record nobody probably would have questioned it.

Smartly the 2 LP kicks off with the most questionable venture with Ke$ha that is superbly whacked out for the first 2 minutes with computer beats then breaks down and lets her bring the song forward featuring her vocals which sound great before the track returns to the destruction of the earth for its remaining 30 seconds. Bon Iver is up next with "Ashes In The Air" that has a robotic drum beat and distorted vocals before Justin Vernon starts to echo Coyne's lyrics before a floating chorus takes over the track. It is definitely something different for Bon Iver but right up The Flaming Lips alley. Other standout moments that increase Heady Fwends replay value is the catchy big chorus by Aussie Psychedelic rockers Tame Impala on "Children Of The Moon", the giant fuzz filled track "That Ain't My Trip" featuring Jim James (My Morning Jacket), Nick Cave bringing his Grinderman edge to "You, Man? Human???" and the killer 10 minute cover version of Roberta Flack's "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face with Erykah Badu that is distorted and spacey but yet highlights Badu's flawless vocals.

Heady Fwends really turned out to be an album that was made for your headphones and turntable. All of these collaborations play well here including the closing ballad duet with Chris Martin (Coldplay), titled "I Don't Want You To Die". It is the perfect ending to a great musical adventure that even concludes with Martin saying "I love the Flaming Lips" - guess what? We do too!

Key Tracks: "That Ain't My Trip" (w/ Jim James), "Ashes In The Air" (w/ Bon Iver), "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" (w/ Erykah Badu)

Bands With Similar Fire:
Pink Floyd
Radiohead
Yo La Tengo

The Flaming Lips: Embryonic [Fire Note Review 10/15/09]

The Flaming Lips Website
The Flaming Lips Facebook
Warner Bros. Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Torche: Harmonicraft

Torche
Harmonicraft
Volcom Entertainment [2012]









 Fire Note Says: Torche continues to evolve as Harmonicraft contains some great edgy rock moments.

Album Review:
This is an album that I bet people have been waiting for and didn't even know it as the Miami band Torche returns with one of their most accessible rock records to date. The album does not set any new rules for the genre but definitely is miles beyond anything currently being crammed down your throat on the radio as it features hard riffs, solid hooks and concise song structures.

Right from the opening track "Letting Go" you get a song that vocally soars while having a heavy metal riff pulsing through its core which makes it the perfect intro for the one of the best tracks on the record in "Kicking". This track combines a punk rhythm with the heavy guitar before the song goes into a big anthem chorus that makes the track instantly catchy before it quickly changes direction again with a strong finish. If Torche would have made an entire album out of a track like this Harmonicraft would be one of the best records this year.

The minute and half "Walk It Off" shows off Torche's  skill regardless of constraints as the song packs a solid punch in its short running time while a track like "Snakes Are Charmed" goes the complete opposite as it sounds like a big stadium rocker that completely works with its slower steady pulses.

The only real piece that holds Harmonicraft back from a higher rating from me are several tracks found in the last third of the record that sound too similar to other songs on the album. If you lined several of them up I would never keep their song titles separate as they do not stand out like some of the highlighted tracks. Torche still has put together a modern rock/metal record that succeeds on many levels and most certainly will be an album that gets some summer "windows down" air time because it rocks out for its entire 38 minutes!

Key Tracks: "Kicking", "Snakes Are Charmed", "Walk It Off"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Foo Fighters
Queens Of The Stone Age
The Bronx

Torche Website
Torche Facebook
Volcom Entertaiment

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Birdy: Birdy

Birdy
Birdy
Warner Bros. Records [2012]









Fire Note Says: 15 year old Birdy will surprise you with her soaring delivery and good taste in cover songs.

Album Review:
I could have easily let this record go by the way side but after hearing just a little bit of Birdy's cover of Bon Iver's "Skinny Love" I was hooked. Birdy is actually 15 year old British singer Jasmine Van Den Bogaerde who was discovered at age 12 when she won the Open Mic UK in 2008. You would never guess her age by listening though because she has the strong vocals of a Fiona Apple or Adele as she makes each song on her self-titled debut soar.

With that intro you might wonder why the rating is so low but Birdy is mostly a covers record with 10 out of the 11 tracks not being her own. This takes away some from the album's creativeness in spite of her stellar voice. With that said I bet the common music listener could not identify at least half of this album as Birdy tackles songs by Phoenix, Fleet Foxes, The xx, The National, The Postal Service and Cherry Ghost to just name a few.

Her versions are fairly straightforward as they are mostly piano based and slowed down. This same style might wear on some listeners for the entire 44 minute running time but most of the tracks thrive under this arrangement and hold your interest. Her debut has been out in the UK since late last year but just released recently in the States release. Birdy also had a track appear on The Hunger Games soundtrack so I would believe that she only has one way to go at such a young age and talent - and that would be up.

Key Tracks: "Skinny Love", "Shelter", "White Winter Hymnal"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Fiona Apple
Charlotte Martin
Adele

Birdy Website
Birdy Facebook
Warner Bros. Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Jack White: Blunderbuss

Jack White
Blunderbuss
Columbia/Third Man Records [2012]









 Fire Note Says: Jack White releases his debut solo record Blunderbuss that aims to entertain from beginning to end!

Album Review:
Right from the opening Rhodes piano playing you just have a sense that one of the true sides of Jack White has just been unleashed to the masses. This is the vibe you get on the rolling first number "Missing Pieces" on his first solo record Blunderbuss before we get into the superbly hard rocking "Sixteen Saltines". With its big guitar and hard edge it truly should satisfy anyone out there longing for some smidgen of a White Stripes sound on Blunderbuss. After that rock explosion though, Stripes fans may be disappointed but I feel it is at that very point Blunderbuss truly gets interesting.

It is here that Jack White lets different flavors of his likings and instruments take over such as the upright bass in "Freedom At 21", the Wurlitzer electric piano on "Love Interruption", pedal steel during the title track and perfectly placed normal white ivory on the stellar burning ballad "Hypocritical Kiss". This of course only gets you through the first 6 tracks of the 13 compositions here and leaves room for some fiddle and mandolin in the last half. White's combination and use of all these instruments gives Blunderbuss its free spirit and likability.

What also makes Blunderbuss a success is its expertise refinement. I think it would have actually been easy for White to give everyone a full rocked out record like the Stripes but here Jack makes each track smolder with his confidence, instrument swagger and solid song structures. His cover of Little Willie John's track "I'm Shakin'" is executed with the utmost respect and superb female backing vocals that includes his ex-wife Karen Elson while the closing track "Take Me With You When You Go" features the same trio of background vocals as the song cruises along until about the 2 minute mark when an upbeat piano quickly switches into a full guitar solo and White kicking the song up a notch vocally. This type of transition is what you want to hear and White delivers on track after track.

Blunderbuss is a record that may not immediately awe fans but I guarantee it has staying power. This is an album that will play well at the end of the year, the next year and the years after that. Jack White offers up his take on folk, blues and most certainly rock on Blunderbuss that not only will have you coming back but turning up the volume at the most peculiar times - and that is exactly why this release is essential!

Key Tracks: "Sixteen Saltines", "Hypocritical Kiss", "I'm Shakin'"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Bill Monroe
Dan Auerbach
Bob Dylan

Jack White: Sixteen Saltines 7" [Fire Note Review 3/22/12]
Jack White: Love Interruption 7" [Fire Note Review 2/17/12]
The Dead Weather: Sea Of Cowards: Live At Third Man Records [Fire Note Review 10/14/10]
The Dead Weather: Sea Of Cowards [Fire Note Review 5/10/10]
The Dead Weather: Horehound [Fire Note Review 7/13/09]
The Dead Weather: Treat Me Like Your Mother [Single] [Fire Note Review 6/9/09]
The Raconteurs: Live In London [Fire Note Review 1/10/10]
The Raconteurs: Old Enough [ft. Ricky Skaggs And Ashley Monroe] (Single) [Fire Note Review 12/9/08]
The Raconteurs: Consolers Of The Lonely [Fire Note Review 3/28/08]
The Raconteurs: Broken Boy Soldiers [Fire Note Review 5/17/06]
The White Stripes: Under Great White Northern Lights B-Shows [Fire Note Review 7/6/10]
The White Stripes: Under Great White Northern Lights [Fire Note Review 3/17/10]
The White Stripes: Icky Thump [Fire Note Review 6/19/07]

Jack White Website
Jack White Facebook
Columbia Records
Third Man Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

The Black Angles: Watch Out Boy 7" [Record Store Day 2012]

The Black Angels
Watch Out Boy/I'd Rather Be Lonely 7"
Blue Horizon Records [2012]
(Record Store Day Exclusive)









Fire Note Says: The Black Angels offer up a solid 7" that is one of the more under the radar releases from Record Store Day 2012!

Album Review: 
The Black Angels return here on their exclusive Record Store Day 7 inch release with two new laid back tracks on orange vinyl. "Watch Out Boy" is a solid slow burning ballad which may surprise fans of how its pop tendencies are out in front with its catchy psychedelic strumming in the background which makes the song pleasantly float along. "I'd Rather Be Lonely" is another more pop friendly recording that has a retro bounce to it as the vocals are captured with a slight lo-fi echo. The song feels complete with a hand clap beat that rolls along for a satisfying conclusion. The added bonus to this release is that the digital download comes with a bonus superb cover of The Zombies "She's Not There" which The Black Angels perfectly fit into their neo-psych groove. If you have liked The Black Angels in the past then this is one collectible you should seek out!

Bands With Similar Fire:
The Ripe
Spacemen 3
Black Moth Super Rainbow

The Black Angels: Phosphene Dream [Fire Note Review 9/16/10]
The Black Angels: Directions To See A Ghost [Fire Note Review 9/8/08]
The Black Angels: Passover [Fire Note Review 5/15/06] [#14 Top 25 of 2006]

The Black Angels Website
The Black Angels Facebook
Blue Horizon Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Bear in Heaven: I Love You, It's Cool

Bear in Heaven
I Love You, It's Cool
Dead Oceans Records [2012]









Fire Note Says: Bear in Heaven bring you another musical blend on their third long player I Love You, It's Cool.

Album Review:
Brooklyn's Bear in Heaven keep you guessing and moving on their third long player I Love You, It's Cool. It is another record of their own style of indie rock that blends dance, prog, electronic, pop and synths into one cohesive output.

The group once again maintains most of their songs in the 4 minute range which I believe helps keep the listener's focus but also allows Bear in Heaven to still push the song structures with true prog moments.  On "Space Remains" the track features a constant battle to keep the vocal levels above the music while the closer "Sweetness & Sickness" follows the same pattern with a very slo-core vibe that just fades out after its 6 minutes.

After first listen you won't be satisfied with I Love You, It's Cool because it is a record that you must feel again. On a second take, songs start to stand out like single "The Reflection Of You" features Jon Philpot propelling his voice out of the track at moments that gives the song a pulse around the haze of its synths. "Sinful Nature" also possesses the same edginess to its song structure as Philpot's vocals soar as the synths and beats scale down. These tracks capture you much like all of their excellent sophomore record Beast Rest Forth Mouth [2009] did but overall I Love You, It's Cool doesn't deliver consistently to top that album or be its equal.

Instead, Bear in Heaven made a record that fans will still really like and honestly is a slow grower that does get better with more spins. The album will definitely have you coming back for its singles and even though it is not their best to date, Bear in Heaven still show off tons of talent that will hold your interest.

Key Tracks: "Sinful Nature", "The Reflection Of You", "Warm Water"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Frankie Rose
Spiritualized
Tanlines

Bear in Heaven: Beast Rest Forth Mouth [Fire Note Review 11/13/09] [#22 Top 50 of 2009]

Bear in Heaven Website
Bear in Heaven Facebook
Dead Oceans Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

T. Rex: Electric Warrior [Super Deluxe Edition]

T. Rex
Electric Warrior [Super Deluxe Edition]
A&M/ Universal Music Group [2012]
(2 CD / 1 DVD Set)








Fire Note Says: A classic you should have in your collection!

Album Review:

T. Rex's Electric Warrior [1971] is one of those records that is always talked about but I guarantee most hipster kids out there have never sat down with the album that essentially launched the UK glam rock movement, influenced countless mainstream artists and its essence can be heard in hundreds of indie, hard rock, punk and new wave albums from the 70's to present. Of course with such a big reputation it is only fitting that the record once again be treated to the Deluxe Edition treatment found here on the new 2 CD / 1 DVD set as you will hear T. Rex sounding as fresh today as they did 40 years ago.

The Super Deluxe Version offers the listener a fully remastered version of Electric Warrior from original producer Tony Visconti that is presented with four bonus tracks which all soar out of your speakers. The second disc though is what long time fans will want to hear as it features an alternative version of Electric Warrior comprised from previously unreleased demos and out-takes plus 9 other unreleased songs highlighted by a cover of Carl Perkins’ rockabilly classic “Honey Don’t”. There is also an acoustic home demo of "Get It On" that gives you a true inside look at the making of a classic plus "The Electric Warrior" poem which kicks it all off that Marc Bolan recited for a US radio promo spot.

Lastly, the included DVD is what really makes the Super Deluxe Edition as it features rare and unreleased TV performances and promos by the group. This is great footage that gives you a sense of what the 70's were like as the band rocks out a version of "Get It On" on the British television show Top of the Pops, December 20th, 1971 which also features Elton John cranking on the ivories. The video footage also lets you see why Marc Bolan was such a star as his stage presence was huge!

I know that people get tired of buying the same album over and over but I think if one collection lived up to the Super Deluxe treatment, Electric Warrior is well done as I don't think you will feel cheated. The collection is housed in a lavish box which is foil blocked that contains the two CDs, DVD, and a 32 page hardback book featuring a brand new essay from Bolan biographer Mark Paytress (including new interviews with those who were close to Marc). The box also includes reproductions of rare photos and memorabilia. 

Clearly new listeners to Electric Warrior just need to get a hold of the album to be impressed but the extras definitely help you get the entire picture. Tony Visconit's remastered version of the album is also being released on vinyl for the very first time as a double LP which should sound great. Regardless of what version you grab just make sure you have one!

Key Tracks: "Honey Don't", "Get It On (Acoustic Home Demo)", "Life's A Gas (Working Version)"

T. Rex Facebook
Universal Music Group

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Mac DeMarco: Rock And Roll Night Club

Mac DeMarco
Rock And Roll Night Club
Captured Tracks Records [2012]









Fire Note Says: A fun lo-fi romp thru the twisted pop mind of Mac DeMarco!

Album Review:
Did you ever wonder what it would sound like if Ween and Deerhunter got together and covered Lou Reed's Transformer [1972]? Neither did I, but then I heard this new EP (12 tracks in just under 32 minutes) from Mac DeMarco, and I was convinced that it was entirely possible.

DeMarco knows how to write a catchy hook, and he has a croon as smooth as honey. He also knows how to make that guitar jangle in just the way that I am a complete sucker for. Some of the songs are goofy, "Baby's Wearing Blue Jeans", about making out with a girl and making her keep her jeans on, and the extremely catchy "Moving Like Mike", perhaps an ode to the dance moves of the King of Pop himself. Regardless of what the songs are actually about, they get stuck in your head, and that's what it's all about. This is an album that you will keep coming back to again and again. It's an enjoyable listen from start to finish.

I do have one minor problem with Rock And Roll Night Club that kept me from giving it an even higher score. "Baby's Wearing Blue Jeans" and "One More Tear To Cry" are virtually identical in vocal phrasing and melody. The words to this song are interchangeable; that in and of itself is not the biggest crime on earth, but it's even more noticeable because the songs are sequenced right next to each other on the record! Both are good songs, they just could have been spread out. A minor quibble really with an otherwise excellent record!

Key Tracks: "Baby's Wearing Blue Jeans", "Moving Like Mike", "European Vegas"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Deerhunter
Ween
Lotus Plaza

Mac DeMarco Website
Mac DeMarco Facebook
Captured Tracks Records

-Reviewed by Kevin Poindexter

Mona: Mona

Mona
Mona
Mercury Records [2012]









Fire Note Says: Mona's debut is full of anthem radio friendly numbers that just might grab your ear.

Album Review:
Dayton, OH + Nashville, TN = Part of BBC's Sound of 2011 and NME's Best New Bands of 2010. What? Well that is exactly the back story with Mona. Back in 2005 this group won the Dayton Band Playoffs and ever since have been traveling up the music radar across seas straight from their new hometown of Nashville. This self-titled debut actually was released in the UK almost a year ago but just recently hit the shelves in the States.

You might wonder why the delay here or why such the hype over there but I think we can chalk it up to that is just the way music is sometimes. Mona plays a very anthem radio-friendly style of rock that is easy to grab and walks the line between sounding like the UK's Stereophonics and having a bit of the Southern rock undertone such as Kings Of Leon.

I believe the most appealing part of Mona is that you can hear their hard work in theses 13 tracks that all have a genuine desire pushing them out. This helps carry the record even though the music can sound too familiar and too generic at certain points. That of course does not mean that Mona can't hit you with a big hook as songs like "Lean Into The Fall?" and "Listen To Your Love" can have you humming along in seconds.

Mona may not change the music scene with this debut but it does show some promise and explain why the UK have put them on the map. The band recently was tagged to open for Noel Gallagher's US tour and most certainly will stay on the radar to see if they can grab a bigger following over here. Time will tell and we will be interested to hear where Mona goes next.

Key Tracks: "Lean Into The Fall", "Listen To Your Love", "Taboo Lights"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Stereophonics
Kings Of Leon
Young The Giant

Mona Website
Mona Facebook
Mercury Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Spiritualized: Sweet Heart Sweet Light

Spiritualized
Sweet Heart Sweet Light
Fat Possum Records [2012]









Fire Note Says: Spiritualized return with the excellent Sweet Heart Sweet Light that most definitely will be one of the best releases this year!

Album Review:
15 years is a long time to hit all the right keys but I feel the seventh long player from Spiritualized accomplished just that as Sweet Heart Sweet Light is Jason Pierce's best record since his unforgettable Ladies And Gentlemen We Are Floating In Space [1997]. This might come to some fans surprise as Sweet Heart took over eight months to just mix.

Much of this delay was from Pierce's chemotherapy treatments to combat a degenerative liver disease. (Apparently he is OK now.) You would think that dealing with a serious health condition would have a direct impact for an artist and that clearly happened on Sweet Heart. The record really could have went either way with Pierce in that condition such as ultra depressing, spaced out or choppy. Instead, Sweet Heart comes across as an inspiring piece of art that captures the essence of his past successes and is a superb 60 minutes of music.

Everything here seems to work like the simple sweetness of the orchestrated intro "Huh?" and the laid back rocker "Hey Jane" that is an album highlight for its almost 9 minute total running time as it has attitude, pep and a confidence that has never been this close to the Spiritualized surface in recent albums. Pierce's outlook is not always sunny side up on Sweet Heart as "Little Girl" has him singing the line "Sometimes I wish that I was dead" while "Too Late" once again addresses his struggles with finding love.

All of these pieces work together and drive Sweet Heart Sweet Light to its spectacular listening point. In fact, "So Long You Pretty Thing" closes the record down and incorporates everything Spiritualized has to offer in its 8 minutes with horns, a backing choir and then at the 4:20 minute mark the song transforms into a big sing along refrain that not only feels perfect but leaves you so satisfied that a repeat play is an immediate thought. The bottom line on Sweet Heart Sweet Light is that it was well worth the wait and once again places Spiritualized up into the elite category of artists that everyone always places them into!

Key Tracks: "Hey Jane", "So Long You Pretty Thing", "Too Late"

Bands With Similar Fire:
The Flaming Lips
Lou Reed
Atlas Sound

Spiritualized Website
Spiritualized Facebook
Fat Possum Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Alabama Shakes: Boys & Girls

Alabama Shakes
Boys & Girls
ATO Records [2012]









Fire Note Says: Alabama Shakes wrap their style of blues, soul and rock into their excellent debut Boys & Girls!

Album Review:
Here is a band that has received tons of early hype and their debut Boys & Girls totally lives up to the early excitement. Fronted by the dynamic singer, songwriter and guitarist Brittany Howard the Alabama Shakes actually assembled in high school back in 2009 and have been on the fast track up ever since.

The band combines a 70's rock and soul that is a true combination of Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings meets The Black Keys with a groovin' twist. This sound is driven by Howard's fierce presence throughout the record as she pours real feeling into each and every track that can be felt this side of the speaker. When she belts out "I Ain't The Same" you know that the shit is real or on "Heartbreaker" you can easily identify with the raw emotion of a love leaving her life.

Of course Boys & Girls succeeds because not only can Howard sell each track but the band is spot on backing her up with their note perfection support. They also shine on tracks like first single "Hold On" and "Rise To The Sun" that rock it out a bit more and hit you from all angles. Regardless of the tempo the Alabama Shakes have a sparking energy that surrounds them on this debut and at 36 minutes it treats you nice all the way through and quickly will have you ready to do it again!

Key Tracks: "Hold On", "Rise To The Sun", "I Ain't The Same"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Heartless Bastards
The Black Keys
Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings

Alabama Shakes Website
Alabama Shakes Facebook
ATO Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Graham Coxon: A+E

Graham Coxon
A+E
Parlophone Records [2012]









Fire Note Says: Graham Coxon blends his Britpop roots with synths, guitars and drum beats for the entertaining long player A+E!

Album Review:
This new solo record from Graham Coxon is almost perfectly timed as Damon Albarn just recently announced that Blur would not probably be recording any new material. This of course adds extra focus to the guitarist's solo work and his new long player A+E that leaves the folk psych found on his last outing The Spinning Top [2009] well behind.

The good news is that the extra focus should be welcomed here because A+E creatively strikes hard and not only offers Coxon's unique artistic vision but it incorporates his knack for solid Britpop that circulates throughout the ten tracks. It is this combo and how the focus of A+E is not on Coxon's talented guitar work but on drum beats and synth machines. The bouncy "What'll It Take" highlights this as the song's rhythm is what makes you want to come back along with his almost straight forward rock vocals.

The tiny musical additions found here really help A+E become a better listen as the dark pulse in the beginning of "The Truth" automatically grabs you as Coxon's somewhat lo-fi vocals slide into the track while the more rapid fire guitar work and quick stair stepping vocals in "Running For Your Life" remind you quickly of how catchy Britpop can be when the hand clap section has your feet tapping and head bobbing. The strong groove that supports the closer "Ooh, Yeh Yeh" kicks the song up a notch as Graham Coxon has never sounded more confident.

A+E is energetic, loud and a catchy listen all the way through. The album is only 10 tracks but is almost 50 minutes long as it loads its songs up with twists and turns but never strays too far that it loses its listeners. This is important as A+E is probably one of Graham Coxon's most accessible records since Happiness In Magazines [2004] and only gets better after repeat listens with its smooth transitions and ear grabbing beats that not only take you back to the Blur hey days but propel you forward into this century!

Key Tracks: "What'll It Take", "Running For Your Life", "Ooh, Yeh Yeh"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Albert Hammond Jr.
Paul Weller
Peter Doherty

Graham Coxon Website
Graham Coxon Facebook
Parlophone Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Justin Townes Earle: Nothing’s Gonna Change The Way You Feel About Me Now

Justin Townes Earle
Nothing’s Gonna Change The Way You Feel About Me Now
Bloodshot Records [2012]









Fire Note Says: Earle returns from hard times with a somber and soulful record!

Album Review:
While in the past Justin Townes Earle's mixture of Americana has focused on folk, blues, and upbeat rock 'n' roll, Nothing’s Gonna Change The Way You Feel About Me Now mixes his rock with more than a bit of soul to help deliver some mature, well-written and very somber reflections on love, loss and struggles.

Earle's listeners know enough about both his progress as a talented songwriter and his struggles with addiction and trouble over the years, to expect Earle not to stay on the same musical path for too long. Earle's new record Nothing's Gonna Change definitely delivers on that expectation.

This time the guitars are a bit toned down, making room for piano, organ and Memphis-style horns to punctuate his reflections of longing for forgiveness for the past. On "Am I Lonely Tonight" he hears his father Steve Earle on the radio and wishes they could reconnect, hoping that would provide some relief from his loneliness and regrets.

"Baby's Got A Bad Idea" picks up the pace for a moment with a rough and rocking take on a love too strong for him to handle. "Maria" is a standout track, about letting go of love, supported by a strong and catchy melody.

On the album's closer "Movin' On" Earle makes it clear that while much of the 30 years of his life have been difficult he's going to put it behind him as much as he can, carrying on with his life however it may unfold.

Key Tracks: "Look The Other Way", "Maria", "Memphis In The Rain"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Steve Earle
Van Morrison
Guy Clark

Justin Townes Earle: Harlem River Blues [Fire Note Review 12/1/10] [#32 Top 50 of 2010]
Justin Townes Earle: Midnight At The Movies [Fire Note Review 5/11/09]

Justin Townes Earle Website
Justin Townes Earle Facebook
Bloodshot Records

-Reviewed by Nick Kizirnis (www.nickykay.com)

Dry The River: Shallow Bed

Dry The River
Shallow Bed
RCA Records [2012]









Fire Note Says: Dry The River release an impressive debut that should quickly catch your ear.

Album Review:
East London's Dry The River have the right sound at the right time as the group offers up a true mix of swaying Brit rock with an infusion of current indie folk. The band propels lead singer Peter Liddle out front with his immediately infectious voice and takes the listener on a sonic journey.

It is Liddle's catchy warble in his voice that really grabs the listener here and just feels familiar. Dry The River is very good at starting off tracks calm and building the song up from within as they reach a climax both musically and vocally. This is the style that makes Shallow Bed work on so many different tracks and is highlighted in the single "New Ceremony" as the song quickly explodes at the 1:45 mark into a grandiose moment that is memorable.

Now to say Dry The River is coming out of nowhere with this debut is probably not being truthful as it was produced by Peter Katis (The National, Interpol) and is on the major record label RCA. I don't think this should scare anyone but I guarantee the band will take some heat in the credit department for this but after one listen you will know why there was a large interest in Dry The River. The band not only succeeds sonically but when you back it up with quality lyrics Dry The River stands even taller. "Bible Belt" tells the haunting story of how alcoholism rips a family apart while there are tales of depression and a failing marriage while other songs are a bit more uplifting.

Some of this "go bigger or go home" attitude does hold Shallow Bed back some from being great as I think Dry The River's sound starts to blur from track to track. The first three tracks out of the gate really stand out along with "Bible Belt" and the almost closer "Weights & Measures" so there is some room for improvement on Shallow Bed. Dry The River has released a solid debut that lives up to the hype and they most certainly will be a band to watch as their skills continue to grow that only just started on Shallow Bed.

Key Tracks: "Bible Belt", "New Ceremony", "Weights & Measures"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Elbow
Mumford & Sons
Gene

Dry The River Website
Dry The River Facebook
RCA Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony