Lydia LovelessNothing’s Gonna Stand In My Way AgainBloodshot Records [2023] In the summer of 2022, when we were all trying to figure out how to feel comfortable being together in close proximity at indoor concerts, Lydia Loveless played an opening set for the Drive-By Truckers at the Masonic Hall in downtown Dayton. I don’t know … Read more
William Elliott Whitmore I’m With YouBloodshot Records [2020] You would likely be forgiven if you mistook Iowa-based singer/songwriter William Elliott Whitmore for someone much older. While still in his early 40’s, Whitmore’s straight forward folk and country roots, would feel right at home alongside the decades old output of Woody Guthrie, Jimmie Rogers, or A.P. … Read more
William Elliott Whitmore will release his eight full-length album I’m With You on October 16 via Bloodshot Records. On his first release of original material since 2015’s Radium Death (ANTI-), Whitmore widens the horizon of his True North folksongs and twangy punked-up country, aided by his world-weary voice, country-baked banjo and hard-strummed guitar. The video for the first single “My Mind Can Be … Read more
Rookie RookieBloodshot Records [2020] The debut album of 6-piece Chicago band Rookie comes out of the box just dripping with references to a much earlier time in rock music history. From the opening crunchy guitar chords of “Hold On Tight,” it’s clear this band’s goals are to relive in a fresh way the musical highlights … Read more
The Yawpers Human Question Bloodshot Records [2019] Fire Note Says: The Yawpers return with a primal scream of roots rock originality that demands to be heard. Album Review: That the Denver-based trio took their name from a piece of Walt Whitman poetry should tell us something, but don’t think quiet library reading rooms. “I sound … Read more
The Mekons Deserted Bloodshot Records [2019] Fire Note Says: The punk rock collective that is The Mekons drives us into the desert for a sing-along pub crawl that mixes punk, country and classic rock, in their 4th decade on Deserted. Album Review: There is a loose, playful, devil-may-care quality to The Mekons’ approach to punk, … Read more
Laura Jane Grace & The Devouring Mothers Bought To Rot Bloodshot Records [2018] Fire Note Says: Laura Jane Grace steps away from Against Me! for a more personal, intimate and immediate album backed with her rhythm section, The Devouring Mothers. Album Review: When Laura Jane Grace sang Transgender Dysphoria Blues with her band Against Me!, … Read more
The The Bottle Rockets Bit Logic Bloodshot Records [2018] Fire Note Says: Another fine rockin’ country album from these St. Louis pros. Album Review: If the alt-country Bottle Rockets ever have need for a patron saint, they explain in “Bad Time to Be an Outlaw,” from their 13th album, Bit Logic, their prayer asks “What … Read more
Murder By Death The Other Shore Bloodshot Records [2018] Who: Murder By Death hail from Bloomington, Indiana and take their name from the 1976 Robert Moore film of the same name. Their first album, Like the Exorcist, but More Breakdancing was released in 2002. Since then they’ve released 7 more albums and have a restaurant … Read more
Robbie Fulks & Linda Gail Lewis Wild! Wild! Wild! Bloodshot Records [2018] Fire Note Says: Together, Lewis & Fulks recall what made that revolutionary music so appealing. Album Review: The collaboration of alt country singer/songwriter Robbie Fulks and Linda Gail Lewis, the little sister, piano protégé and touring partner of Jerry Lee “The Killer” Lewis … Read more
Barrence Whitfield & The Savages Soul Flowers Of Titan Bloodshot Records [2018] Fire Note Says: Barrence Whitfield & The Savages play oldschool R&B with the energy of garage-rock punkers, serving up passion and intensity, giving life to familiar blues riffs. Album Review: Soul Flowers Of Titan, the fourth album from Boston-based R&B soul shouter Barrence … Read more
Ruby Boots Don’t Talk About It Bloodshot Records [2018] Fire Note Says: Aussie country rocker with promise debuts States-side for Bloodshot Records. Album Review: The second album from Ruby Boots roars out of the gate with “It’s So Cruel,” a cow-punk rocker that recalls the energy of Jason & The Scorchers. But before you get … Read more
Lydia Loveless Boy Crazy And Single(s) Bloodshot Records [2017] Fire Note Says: Columbus native, Lydia Loveless combines her 2013 EP, Boy Crazy, with singles and covers recorded through 2015 to deliver her brand of Americana for the first time on CD and vinyl. Album Review: If you’re thinking it hasn’t even been a year since … Read more
Ha Ha Tonka Heart-Shaped Mountain Bloodshot Records [2017] Fire Note Says: Stretching the category of roots rock, Ha Ha Tonka mix a variety 80’s classic alternative sounds with an organic country rock flare. Album Review: A decade into their relationship with Bloodshot Records, Ha Ha Tonka release their 5th album of rootsy Mid-American college rock … Read more
Lydia Loveless Real Bloodshot Records [2016] Fire Note Says: In a more polished, pop oriented release, Lydia Loveless proves she’s the real thing. Album Review: With Real, the fourth full-length album from the Columbus OH native, Lydia Loveless continues to sing of love’s challenging foibles in rock & roll in a voice with a strong … Read more
The Yawpers American Man Bloodshot Records [2015] Fire Drill Album Review: The Yawpers highlight all that is good with the rowdy bar band vibe as they pull off a Steve Earle fronts Old 97s sound with a blue collar work ethic of Uncle Tupelo. American Man is just that kind of record as the group’s … Read more
The Bottle Rockets South Broadway Athletic Club Bloodshot Records [2015] Fire Note Says: South Broadway Athletic Club is what maturity looks like. Album Review: It’s been 6 years since the last studio album of originals for Bottle Rockets, but 23 years into their recording career the St. Louis Americana quartet remains true to their classic … Read more
Ryan Adams Heartbreaker Bloodshot Records Released: September 5, 2000 Producer: Ethan Johns Length: 51:57 I remember picking up this record 15 years ago and being really excited as I was already into alt-country at the time and familiar with Whiskeytown, so buying frontman Ryan Adams’ solo record debut seemed like a no-brainer. Then the first … Read more
Barrence Whitfield & The Savages Under The Savage Sky Bloodshot Records [2015] Fire Drill Album Review: Many of us were not around for the early Barrence Whitfield era back in the 80’s but all you really need to know is that his punk rock soul is pure. On his sophomore release for Bloodshot, Under The … Read more
Murder By Death Big Dark Love Bloodshot Records [2015] Fire Note Says: Murder By Death stay true to the title with the looming Big Dark Love. Album Review: Without even hearing the background story on Murder By Death’s seventh record, Big Dark Love, you just know the band is coming at you like a tsunami … Read more
Various Artists While No One Was Looking: Toasting 20 Years Of Bloodshot Records Bloodshot Records [2014] Fire Note Says: Happy Birthday Bloodshot Records! Album Review: Twenty years is definitely something to be proud of and for Chicago’s Bloodshot Records they get a standing ovation. Bloodshot has had an endless catalog of great artists that include … Read more
Cory Branan The No-Hit Wonder Bloodshot Records [2014] Fire Note Says: Cory Branan brings his friends along for a fun ride! Album Review: Call his music country, call it Americana, call it folk, call it whatever you want but artist Cory Branan is a sincere, hardworking and talented singer songwriter that shines even brighter on … Read more
Bobby Bare Jr. Undefeated Bloodshot Records [2014] Fire Note Says: Undefeated is full of dark tales and nasty breakups, but laced with the wit and wisdom that only Bare can provide. Album Review: I don’t think I have ever instantly fallen in love with a Bobby Bare Jr album. I didn’t instantly fall in love … Read more
Scott H. Biram Nothin’ But Blood Bloodshot Records [2014] Fire Note Says: Scott H. Biram contemplates what’s next on the hard living Nothin’ But Blood. Album Review: Hard living can have its consequences and one man jam band Scott H. Biram knows it all too well. On his new record, Nothin’ But Blood, Biram starts … Read more
Lydia Loveless Somewhere Else Bloodshot Records [2014] Fire Note Says: Loveless is a true original – raw, edgy and willing to rock! Album Review: You might say that country/punk rock, singer/songwriter Lydia Loveless wears her heart on her sleeves on the songs on this her third full-length album. And you might say that’s an understatement. … Read more