Old 97’s Graveyard Whistling ATO Records [2017] Fire Note Says: Old 97’s embrace their roots! Album Review: Drinkin’, whiskey, cars, trouble, women, God and Texas – Dallas, Texas that is. That has been the story of the Old 97’s since their first record, Hitchhike To Rome which was released back in 1994. A parallel story … Read more
King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard Flying Microtonal Banana ATO Records [2017] Who: The Fire Note was very lucky to get a jump on story telling psych lords King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard. Coming from Melbourne, Australia this septet has had us captivated since their acclaimed release I’m In Your Mind Fuzz all the … Read more
Drive-By Truckers American Band ATO Records [2016] Fire Note Says: Politically charged album from one of America’s best bands! Album Review: It has been said that the only two things in life you can count on are death and taxes. Well I’m saying there are at least three things, death, taxes, and Drive-By Truckers. The … Read more
We couldn’t be pleased more to hear that one of our favorite Aussie bands, King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard, are once again returning quickly with a new album titled Flying Microtonal Banana. The band’s first LP of 2017 will be released on February 24th via ATO and Flightless. The Melbourne-based group plans to release … Read more
King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard Paper Mâché Dream Balloon ATO Records [2015] Fire Note Says: KGATLW goes all flute on you with plenty of quirky and catchy outcomes. Album Review: Hopefully we have featured King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard enough lately that you shouldn’t be scared of the name because they definitely stands … Read more
Drive-By Truckers It’s Great To Be Alive! ATO Records [2015] Fire Note Says: Southern storytellers weave their ultimate tale on epic 35 song triple live album! Album Review: A convincing argument could be made that the Drive-By Truckers are the best American rock band of the past 15 years or so. DBT seems to be … Read more
Lucero All A Man Should Do ATO Records [2015] Fire Note Says: Lucero tones down the party for a minute with their spirited Memphis soul. Album Review: Lucero is easily one of the hardest working bands out there and have been grinding the highways since the late 90’s. The group continues to struggle with life … Read more
Our favorite psych troubadours King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard have a new album coming out still this year! Paper Mâché Dream Balloon hits the streets on November 13th and there are several vinyl options that you can decide on – but make it quick as their limited offerings do not last long. At their … Read more
Rhett Miller The Traveler ATO Records [2015] Fire Drill Album Review: I have always been a fan of the Old 97’s so it typically is not that hard to enjoy frontman Rhett Miller’s solo work either. The Traveler is his seventh outing with just his name on the spine and I must say – it … Read more
Kopecky Drug For The Modern Age ATO Records [2015] Fire Note Says: Kopecky streamlines both their name and their style. Album Review: I became aware of the Kopecky Family Band’s 2012 debut album, Kids Raising Kids, last year and was immediately enchanted. The Nashville band’s mix of pop with Americana twists was fresh and lively, … Read more
Alabama Shakes Sound & Color ATO Records [2015] Fire Note Says: Alabama Shakes take you on another pendulum ride full of raw expression. Album Review: Three years ago, when Alabama Shakes came out of nowhere to rock the world with their debut, Boys & Girls, driven by soulful R&B-influenced roots rock and the stunningly unique … Read more
Benjamin Booker Benjamin Booker ATO Records [2014] Fire Note Says: Benjamin Booker’s debut LP is ambitious and fun. Album Review: Benjamin Booker might have put out the best blues-rock album in 2014. In a year in which such high-profile acts like The Black Keys, Jack White, and Black Pistol Fire put out new albums, this … Read more
Old 97’s Most Messed Up ATO Records [2014] Fire Note Says: Old 97’s bring a catchy recklessness to their tenth album Most Messed Up. Album Review: I still remember when the Old 97’s style of rambunctious alt-country music was being hailed as the freshest thing on the block back in 1994. I am not sure … Read more
Kaiser Chiefs Education, Education, Education, & War ATO Records [2014] Fire Note Says: Don’t write off Kaiser Chiefs yet, there is still some gas left in the tank! Album Review: I’ve never been able to fully buy in to the Kaiser Chiefs, and I have been trying for a long time. Employment certainly had its … Read more
Drive-By Truckers English Oceans ATO Records [2014] Fire Note Says: The Drive-By Truckers hit another gear on English Oceans. Album Review: Right off the bat, you realize that things have changed for the Drive-By Truckers, and not just personnel, though the band has certainly had a major overhaul in the years since A Blessing and … Read more
Midlake Antiphon ATO Records [2013] Fire Note Says: The Midlake reboot reasserts their claim to being the best ever soft rock band out of Denton. Album Review: A band in crisis sometimes finds its way and survives. Sometimes even excel. Midlake found themselves without the services of lead singer and songwriter Tim Smith halfway through … Read more
J. Roddy Walston & The Business Essential Tremors ATO Records [2013] Fire Note Says: J. Roddy Walston & The Business show why they are one of the best bar bands in the land! Album Review: There is something about the raw sounding J. Roddy Walston that I just enjoy. His relaxed style bar rock has … Read more
Okkervil River The Silver Gymnasium ATO Records [2013] Fire Note Says: Okkervil River maintains their consistency on LP #7, The Silver Gymnasium. Album Review: Firing up the new Okkervil River LP (The Silver Gymnasium) was like slipping into one of my favorite sweatshirts. Instantly familiar and comforting, Will Sheff greeted me after not hearing from … Read more
Jonny Fritz Dad Country ATO Records [2013] Fire Note Says: Jonny Fritz finds a more serious side on his ATO debut Dad Country. Album Review: Jonny Fritz (formerly Jonny Corndawg) plays a very straightforward and honest “country” music on his third album, Dad Country, and first for ATO Records. Fritz states that his songs are … Read more
Kopecky Family Band Kids Raising Kids ATO Records [2013] Fire Note Says: Nashville’s Kopecky Family Band will surprise you with their complex and upbeat sounding California pop. Album Review: Don’t let the name fool you as Nashville’s Kopecky Family Band (family here = close circle of friends) may sound like the next indie folk band … Read more
Below is a cover of John Denver’s “Prisoners” performed by J Mascis and Sharon Van Etten from the forthcoming album The Music Is You: A Tribute To John Denver out April 2 on ATO. You can also see the album trailer for the tribute below.
The Bronx The Bronx (IV) ATO Records [2013] Fire Note Says: What can only be described as pure, unadulterated skate punk. Album Review: This is the fourth self-titled record from L.A. punk rockers, The Bronx. It’s also the first album of punk material they’ve released since 2008, taking a two-album break from their norm to … Read more