Woodsman Orphan My Name Is Ishmael Ali Obscure Me Records [2013] Fire Note Says: Charmingly sloppy backwoods psych-folk for the Elephant 6 crowd. Album Review: Anyone who pays attention to the music scene will have noticed the explosion of bearded folk rock acts that have gained notoriety in the last few years. Fleet Foxes, Band … Read more
R.E.M. Live In Greensboro EP Warner Bros. Records [2013] Fire Note Says: R.E.M. gives a taste of their musicianship on the Live in Greensboro EP. Album Review: As part of Record Store Day 2013, an EP from R.E.M. was released that included live tracks taken from performances in Greensboro, NC in 1989. These tracks are … Read more
Various Artists The Rough Guide To Psychedelic Brazil World Music Network [2013] Fire Note Says: An excellently sequenced compilation that showcases the genre’s diversity and creativity. Album Review: One of several collections released by World Music Network for Record Store Day 2013, The Rough Guide to Psychedelic Brazil has a lot in common with its … Read more
Grateful Dead Rare Cuts & Oddities 1966 Rhino/Grateful Dead Records [2013] Fire Note Says: The Dead play a young garage band auditioning for a spot on Nuggets. Album Review: Whatever your view of the Grateful Dead (sloppy hippie noodlers or greatest band on earth), many people often dismiss them based on their reputation alone, which … Read more
Big Star Nothing Can Hurt Me Omnivore Recordings [2013] Fire Note Says: Nothing Can Hurt Me is a treasure trove of alternate mixes of classic Big Star tracks. Album Review: I think it’s fairly safe to assume that most readers of The Fire Note, are well acquainted with Big Star. Their discography isn’t vast, only … Read more
Various Artists The Rough Guide To Latin Psychedelia World Music Network [2013] Fire Note Says: Latin rhythms meet slightly acidic arrangements—if you don’t like Santana, move on. Album Review: Released as a special 180g vinyl edition for Record Store Day, The Rough Guide to Latin Psychedelia casts a wide net over the genre, throwing together … Read more
Various Artists Sub Pop 1000 Sub Pop Records [2013] Fire Note Says: Sub Pop 1000 gives you 10 artists that are well worth checking out! Album Review: It probably shouldn’t surpise anyone that I enjoy new music. I listen and write constantly about new music so when this fresh compilation from Sub Pop hit my … Read more
Thee Oh Sees Moon Sick EP Castle Face Records [2013] Fire Note Says: Thee Oh Sees’ 2013 RSD Moon Sick EP has a novel charm. Album Review: What is the Moon Sick EP from Thee Oh Sees? Well I’m glad you asked. This release contains songs that landed on the cutting room floor from the … Read more
Tame Impala Tame Impala EP Modular Recordings [2013] Fire Note Says: Tame Impala’s 2008 self-titled EP is a great reminder of why everyone took notice in the first place. Album Review: Check back to my Record Store Day 2013 list and you’ll find this release at the top. Well there happens to be a good … Read more
Robert Pollard Cock Blocking The Romantics Happy Jack Rock Records [2013] The Cock Blocking The Romantics Singles Collection features twelve 7-inch singles that originally were released independently from Robert Pollard as a monthly series back in 2007-2008. The A sides are songs from Robert Pollard’s 2007 simultaneous releases on Merge Records, Standard Gargoyle Decisions and … Read more
Buffalo Killers Ohio Grass Alive Natural Sounds Records [2013] Fire Note Says: This 6 song Record Store Day release captures the essence of Cincinnati’s Buffalo Killers. Album Review: The Buffalo Killers have been perfecting their warm classic rock sound over their last several albums which hit a high point on last summer’s fourth full length … Read more