Leeroy Stagger Truth Be Sold Gold Lake Records [2013] Fire Note Says: Leeroy Stagger’s Truth Be Sold is one of the better Americana records you will hear this year! Album Review: I think everyone who listens to a vast amount of music always has one or two artists in their back pocket that are relatively … Read more
Gladiola Off You Go Self-Released [2013] Fire Note Says: Gladiola’s third album Off You Go is a mode. Album Review: Gladiola is an independent band in the truest sense. They self-produced and self-released their latest LP Off You Go. The band is based out of Massachusetts and consists of Bill Madden-Fuoco (vocals and guitar), Chris … Read more
Future Bible Heroes Partygoing Merge Records [2013] Fire Note Says: After an eleven year hiatus Stephin Merritt revives the Future Bible Heroes brand. And it was worth the wait. Album Review: Stephin Merritt is a titan. The Mount Rushmore of indie is almost certainly carved with his face on it (along with Pollard, Malkmus and … Read more
The Builders And The Butchers Western Medicine Badman Recording Co. [2013] Fire Note Says: More High Plains drama from Portland via Alaska desert folk rockers. Album Review: Soaked in the soil and dusty from the desert, head Builder/Butcher Ryan Sollee is an intense singer and truly an acquired taste. His strange relationship with pitch and … Read more
Ben Folds Five Live Sony Records [2013] Fire Note Says: Ben Folds Five puts out a fan-pleasing but uneven live album. Album Review: One of the songs that I most identify with high school is “Underground.” I remember driving my blue Chevy Beretta to school, listening to the radio (94.1) and there being this weird … Read more
The Lonelyhearts Years In The Great Interior Maximum Ames Records [2013] Fire Note Says: There’s a lot more going on with The Lonelyhearts than a first listen might suggest. Album Review: The practice of writing good and interesting lyrics is somewhat of a lost art. Folk singers were the true torch carriers throughout much of … Read more
Filter The Sun Comes Out Tonight Wind-Up Records [2013] Fire Note Says: With feet firmly planted in the 1990s, Filter makes a fresh, nostalgic album. Album Review: It’s safe to say Filter commercially peaked on their first two albums, which produced the singles “Hey Man Nice Shot” and “Take a Picture.” I can still see … Read more
Eleanor Friedberger Personal Record Merge Records [2013] Fire Note Says: Sophomore album Personal Record secures Eleanor Friedberger’s full time status as a solo act. Album Review: With The Fiery Furnaces on a hiatus it seems like the perfect time for Eleanor Friedberger to release her sophomore album Personal Record. The record once again highlights her … Read more
City And Colour The Hurry And The Harm 10 Spot [2013] Fire Note Says: City and Colour’s fourth LP is vibrant and forthright. Album Review: City and Colour’s primary member is Dallas Green, former lead singer of the band Alexisonfire (and not the former baseball manager though that would be awesome). City and Colour used … Read more
Rogue Wave Nightingale Floors Vagrant Records [2013] Fire Note Says: The new Rogue Wave serves as a kind of return to form – with mixed results. Album Review: Zach Schwartz (aka Zach Rogue) has had the kind of career most indie rock bands at the beginning of the 21st century could have only dreamed of … Read more
Naam Vow Tee Pee Records [2013] Fire Note Says: Brooklyn’s Naam works to stand out with their groovy Vow. Album Review: Naam is a band that’s put me in quite a pickle. Their second LP Vow was really trying very hard to get me to like it. With influences ranging from Wolfmother to Graveyard, from … Read more
The Maine Forever Halloween Eighty One Twenty Three [2013] Fire Note Says: The Maine utilize Brendan Benson’s board skills for a catchy fourth LP. Album Review: If someone ever asked me if there is criteria on reviewing a record I would just answer sure. Of course they will ask for more detail and I will … Read more
Camera Obscura Desire Lines 4AD Records [2013] Fire Note Says: Camera Obscura keep their sound familiar and fresh on their fifth LP. Album Review: Camera Obscura have been making music for the past 15 years; their newest release Desire Lines is instantly identifiable with the sound they have created over that time period. The Scottish … Read more
Queens Of The Stone Age …Like Clockwork Matador Records [2013] Fire Note Says: Queens of the Stone Age …Like Clockwork, hits right on time. Album Review: Queens of the Stone Age front man Josh Homme is—to put it bluntly—the man. He’s accrued many a famous friend, having rocked out with the best from John Paul … Read more