Matt Pond The Lives Inside The Lines In Your Hands BMG [2013] Fire Note Says: Matt Pond returns, sans PA, with an immaculately-produced set of 10 pop/rock songs. Album Review: I had heard of Matt Pond PA (Matt Pond’s “band”) before writing this review, but hadn’t really listened to much of their material—they were on … Read more
The Ruby Suns Christopher Sub Pop Records [2013] Fire Note Says: Christopher is a chilled out dance pop filled with hooks and melody. Album Review: When Sea Lion was released in 2008, The Ruby Suns seemed to be a band on the brink. “Oh, Mojave” from that album was featured in a Windows Vista commercial … Read more
Adam Green & Binki Shapiro Adam Green & Binki Shapiro Rounder Records [2013] Fire Note Says: Adam Green & Binki Shapiro add a joyful sound to emotional heartbreak. Album Review: I don’t think that many people have moved past The Moldy Peaches years when referring to Adam Green but if you have been following his … Read more
Various Artists Django Unchained OST Universal Republic Records [2012] Fire Note Says: Quentin Tarantino gives us something we entirely expected. Album Review: To begin with, the film: it’s thoroughly contrived and thus boring, especially in the second half. You know how when you’re an hour into a film and you think the set up is … Read more
How To Destroy Angels An Omen EP Columbia Records [2012] Fire Note Says: Reznor’s new How to Destroy Angels EP is a blend between beautiful and forgettable. Album Review: Back in the 90’s, Reznor and others through music, art, and music video made being an angst ridden freak an interesting idea. But with Nine Inch … Read more
We Are The Physics Your Friend, The Atom This Is Fake DIY Records [2012] Fire Note Says: We Are The Physics turns up the speed and volume on Your Friend, The Atom. Album Review: We Are The Physics are a four-piece outfit from Glasgow, Scotland. Your Friend, The Atom is their second full-length release, following … Read more
Soundgarden King Animal Universal Music Group [2012] Fire Note Says: Soundgarden return after 16 years with a fan satisfying album. Album Review: We have already seen plenty of classic groups come back together in 2012 and now Soundgarden add to the list after a 16 year absence since a studio record. As one of the … Read more
Mumford & Sons Babel Glassnote Records [2012] Fire Note Says: Highly anticipated sophomore record from UK’s Mumford & Sons has its moments. Album Review: Since the release of their debut Sigh No More, I am not sure anyone totally predicted the Mumford explosion that has taken place over the last several years but here we … Read more
Grizzly Bear Shields Warp Records [2012] Fire Note Says: While it feels like the framework of greatness is there, Grizzly Bear’s new album, Shields, doesn’t quite match their last top performer Veckatimest. Album Review: Grizzly Bear’s last record, Veckatimest [2009], topped the chart and was number one in our 2009 Blazing Top 50 year end … Read more
Brendan BensonWhat Kind Of WorldReadymade Records [2012] 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 … Read more