Indoor Fireworks

You Think That You Can Do Without Me. I Can't Do Anything At All. You Think That You Can Do Without Me. But I Don't Believe In Sundays...

2008-03-25T20:02:00.006-06:00

I’m probably not the best candidate to review a Counting Crows album; only because my opinion would most undoubtedly be biased. See, Adam Duritz writes about a lot of my favorite things in life: women, falling in love, falling out of love, unrequited love, urequited lust, drinking, and the West coast. And when I explained this to my sister in law, she just kind of shrugged because she doesn't really condone that kind of mentality anymore. Sadly, she must have forgotten all those times we drove around in my car with the windows down and the AC blasting while we screeched along to August & Everything After, wasted out of our minds. While I don’t think Saturday Nights & Sunday Mornings is their best album (that would be This Desert Life) I do feel that it’s the album they’ve always been striving for. Utilizing the spot on idea of splitting the album into “halves” ends up suiting their style quite well because it eliminates the need to create a perfect tracklisting. CC are most definitely an "album" kind of group and SN&SM's continues on their quest to perfect it. For your listening (dis)pleasure:

Counting Crows: 1492 (highly rec'd!!)

Counting Crows: When I Dream Of Michaelangelo (highly rec'd!!)

I Think Too Much. The Alphabet, They Dance A Pirouette In My Head. A Chance Remark, Becomes The Spark. And Maybe Luck Has Come Again.

2007-11-05T22:05:00.000-06:00

This really had all the makings of a stellar album. Melancholy subject matter, languid melodies, and a yearning for paradise lost. After all, Time On Earth is Crowded House's first album of new material in over 11 years. Spurred on after the untimely death of founding Paul Hester, Neil Finn & Nick Seymour decided to take their pop legacy for another spin and while slightly uneven, TOE isn't quite the reunion album CH fans had hoped for. After all, Finn has been on a successful run as of late, what with his two amazing solo and one live album showcasing a more darker, window stained sound that seemed like a naural progression for his trademark dreamy pop. So, while not exactly a throwaway collection by any means, TOE assembles a batch of songs that don't immediately grab the listener as quickly the way past albums reached out for you. Also sorely missing is the humor Hester brought to the equation, leaving the rest of the band trying to deal with a glaringly obvious hole in their sound. Still though, if you were ever a fan of CH in the past, you guranteed to find something to latch onto. For your listening (dis)pleasure:

Crowded House: Say That Again (highly rec'd!!)

Crowded House: Nobody Wants To

Crowded House: Silent House (highly rec'd!!)

Crowded House: Transit Lounge

***BETCHA DIDN'T KNOW THAT...

a) Finn wrote "Silent House" with and for the Dixie Chicks. Here's their version off of Taking The Long Way:

Dixie Chicks: Silent House

b) Finn sang back up on one Sheryl Crow's most popular tracks. Really. She's since returned the favor on his 2nd solo effort One Nil.

Sheryl Crow: Everyday Is A Winding Road

Half Of You Is Heavenly, Showin' Off Your Purity. The Rest Of You Is From The Stream, Like A Land Where They Both Meet.

2007-10-03T07:28:00.000-06:00

Sometimes. coming back to something you love is hard after you've been away for awhile. An abundance of questions begin to swirl in your fervent mind; like do I still have anything worthwhile to say? Does anybody even care that I've been gone? And more importantly will what I say be as good as the things I've said in the past? Feel free to jump into the nightmare...the water's warm. I've discussed many times before the sophomore slump that artists face after encountering the unexpected runaway success of their debut album and I can only imagine singer/songwriter KT Tunstall going through at least some kind of ego torture exercise while recording her follow up album Drastic Fantastic. Sometimes coming across as over eager, DF still manages to balance and showcase Tunstall's strong talents in melodies and saccahrine sweet choruses. There are plenty of melancholic moments on display, chronicling her loopy rise from virtually unknown coffee house strummer to VH1's It Girl. Stronger tracks like the mellow tear jerker White Bird capture this expertly, while more uptempo songs like the "I'll show you!" of If Only keep the album from wallowing in self pity. While not exactly the pitch perfect follow up fans might have been expecting, Tunstall definetely shows that while she stumbled slightly in her ideas with this one, she's still going to pick herself up and try again. For your listening (dis)pleasure:

KT Tunstall: White Bird

KT Tunstall: Little Favours

KT Tunstall: Saving My Face

KT Tunstall: If Only

:::BONUS! LIVE ACOUSTIC VIDEO OF WHITE BIRD:::

Did You Never Call? I Waited For Your Call. These Rivers Of Suggestion Are Driving Me Away.

2007-08-18T10:48:00.000-06:00

I know someone who once accused Michael Stipe of being a fraud. As she recounted her story which mainly consisted of her razzing R.E.M.'s lead singer through a hole in the fence backstage for forgetting the words to Find The River while performing in Las Vegas I thought to myself; is this kind of behavior something I would've condoned when I was younger? Or rather when I was more naive? I used to think that musicans were untouchable. The images force fed to me on MTV led me to believe that my heros could do no wrong, that whether they fucked up or let some poor fan down they could and would be excused. I'd like to think that in my formative years I would've done the same thing as the hero of this story: called someone out on their obvious fuck up and not relented until they rectified the situation. Even though she didn't know me back then, she'd probably pat me on the head and, with a sly smile say "sure you would've tiger. Sure you would've." For your listening (dis)pleasure, songs off of R.E.M.'s Eponymous collection:

R.E.M. : So. Central Rain (highly rec'd!!)

R.E.M. : Fall On Me (highly rec'd!!)

R.E.M. : Talk About The Passion

R.E.M. : The One I Love

::BONUS TRACKS: Favorite songs NOT on Eponymous::

R.E.M. : I Am Superman

R.E.M. : Perfect Circle (highly rec'd!!)

::Video for So. Central Rain::

Y'know, I Feel Like I Could Assasinate You By Boredom Or Something. I Need Some Adventure, Some Of That Je Ne Sais Q'uois. I Need Some Fishbone.

2007-08-15T21:15:00.000-06:00

I'm not sure if they know it, but Cory White and Monster Zero are directly responsible for fostering my deep love of Fishbone. Confused? Let me explain. Flip your yearbook pages back to 1989. I was a sophomore in high school, playing drums in a Cure cover band called Oed's Cat. One afternoon as we lolled around our rehearsal space, in walked our intrepid lead singer Cory White. Late as usual. Gone was the long blonde hair and paisley shirts we'd grown accustomed to. In their place were black Doc Martens, flat front black pants and a short, angular haircut. After our initial shock subsided, Cory announced we were no longer going to be covering the mopey, English pop we'd slaved so hard to ape over the last 6 months and instead would be playing Ska music. As he popped in The Specials debut album and the intials strains of Nite Klub filled the room, I knew right then and there I was hooked. Hearing that album led me to The English Beat, Madness, early Bob Marley, and Toots & The Maytals. But it wasn't until later on that year, summer to be exact, that I heard Fishbone. My friends and I were a pretty lucky lot; growing up in Southern California, ocean at your doorstep, sunshine almost year round. We also had access to a house band of sorts; several seniors who played together under the Monster Zero moniker. With a setlist comprised of Primus, Madness, and a host of their own ska inspired originals, MZ turned our young ears onto bands that to this day still see regular rotation on my stereo. Especially Fishbone. With their version of Ma & Pa still ringing in my ears, I made the trek to my local record store and began to devour their back catlogue. Armed with an explosive mix of ska, reggae, rock, and punk Fishbone managed to alter the musical landscape of a young, pasty red head who thought the sun rose and set to the strains of New Wave. I got to meet Fishbone years later when I was DJ'ing in college. They palyed a show at the bar I was spinning in and I recounted the story about Cory and his overnight transformation to lead singer/sax player Angelo Moore. We shared a laugh and a beer over it and even though I considered myself a huge fan of the band, I couldn't help but feel like Cory and the members of MZ would have appreciated the moment much more than I did. For your listening (dis)pleasure:

Fishbone: Ugly (highly rec'd!!)

Fishbone: Cholly

Fishbone: Ma & Pa (highly rec'd!!)

Fishbone: Everyday Sunshine

::BONUS TRACKS::

Fishbone: Fishy Swa Ska (highly rec'd!!)

Fishbone: Love And Bullshit

Fishbone: It's A Wonderful Life (We Gonna Have A Good Time)

Heaven Is A Feeling I Get In Your Arms.

2007-08-04T13:48:00.000-06:00

Instructions for Saturday night:

Step 1: Draw the curtains and light some candles.

Step 2: Pour some red wine.

Step 3: Put on Bat For Lashes Mercury nominated debut album Fur & Gold.

Step 4: Sink into a comfortable, hazy oblivion for the rest of the evening.

For your listening (dis)pleasure:

Bat For Lashes: What's A Girl To Do? (highly rec'd!!)

Bat For Lashes: Trophy (highly rec'd!!)

Bat For Lashes: Sarah

Bat For Lashes: Horse & I

Friday Five Alive Mix

2007-07-27T10:45:00.000-06:00

Welcome to another edition of Friday Five Alive here at Indoor Fireworks. Here are 4 (sorry!) tracks guaranteed to get you ready for the weekend. Dig the post new wave/psuedo LCD Soundsystem stylings of Calvin Harris. For your listening (dis)pleasure:

Calvin Harris: Merry Making At My Place (highly rec'd!!)

Calvin Harris: Certified

Calvin Harris: Acceptable In The 80's (highly rec'd!!)

Calvin Harris: Love Souvenir

::Video for Merry Making At My Place::

Someone That I Met But I Hardly Knew. He Said That Everyone Loves A Defective Heart.

2007-07-21T08:38:00.000-06:00

To be honest with you, the first time I heard Spoon I was pissed. A couple of years ago, a colleague of my wife, knowing my passion for music, dubbed copies of Girls Can Tell & Kill The Moonlight for me. And after sitting through both albums straight through I was mad as hell. How could I have overlooked, slept on, or just plain never been exposed to the brilliance of Britt Daniel until then? I felt cheated. Since that time Spoon have vaulted into my hallowed top 5 which, considering their peers, is no easy feat. With the release of their stellar new disc Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga, Spoon have crafted an insular and heavily melodic piece of work that holds it's own against any of their previous efforts. Not as expansive as Gimme Fiction, Spoon still remain one of the only bands who can use minimalism and stop gaps in their songwriting to make the tracks seem full. Building off the use of dark themes introduced in 2005's epic GF, Daniel and drummer Jim Eno have once again concoted a staggeringly essential pop record for fans of the band as well as a great introduction for any upcoming ones. Unless Radiohead release something this year, we've got a straight up tie between Spoon and The Shins for album of the year. For your listening (dis)pleasure:

Spoon: You Got Yr. Cherry Bomb (highly rec'd!!)

Spoon: Finer Feelings

Spoon: Don't Make Me A Target

Spoon: Eddie's Ragga (highly rec'd!!)

Nothings Changed, I Still Love You. Oh I Still Love You. Only Slightly, Only Slightly Less Than I Used To. My Love.

2007-07-20T20:31:00.000-06:00

I wish I had made this album. For your listening (dis)pleasure:

Mark Ronson: Stop Me Medley feat. Nathaniel Merriweather (highly rec'd!!)

Mark Ronson: Just feat. Phantom Planet (highly rec'd!!)

Mark Ronson: Valerie feat Amy Winehouse (highly rec'd!!)

Mark Ronson: God Put A Smile On Your Face feat. The Daptone Horns (highly rec'd!!)

::BONUS TRACKS::

Amy Winehouse: Valerie (live)

Mark Ronson: Stop Me Medley feat. Nathaniel Merriweather (original extended mix)

Margaritas & Michael McDonald: Land Of Talk live @ The Cavern June 19th, 2007

2007-06-23T08:55:00.000-06:00

I've got a tip for all you fans of Land Of Talk: the band loves margaritas. If they're swinging through your town do yourself a favor and offer them up some frosty concoctions from our friends south of the border. It will absolutely make their day. I recently had the opportunity to sit down with LOT at their stop in Dallas, and over the course of several cocktails and about a pack and a half of cigarettes chat with them regarding their recent surge in popularity ("We have fans in China!"), the current state of Montreal's music scene ("Still viable even after the pillaging that took place during the last few years") and their favorite songs to listen to while driving in the touring van ("I Keep Forgetting by Michael McDonald. No joke").

On the cusp of wrapping up their 25 date North American tour, the band were quite reflective on the last fews years. Having recently inked a deal with UK indie stalwarts One Little Indian while at the same time losing their original drummer, Elizabeth Powell and Co. are ready for the exciting challenges ahead but still weary of what they lost to get to this point in their career. After their final stop in the US, the band heads back to Montreal to tie up some loose ends and then just as quickly as they arrived, head to the UK for 3 weeks worth of gigs. OLI will re-release their debut with several new tracks but a new album probably won't see the light of day until next summer.

During the course of our hour together, LOT kept circling back to the subject of their fan base. Small but fiercely loyal, fans of the band camped out in front of The Cavern's tiny stage hours before the band plugged in but once they did, LOT treated them to a blistering, stellar performance. Feeling the effects of the margaritas (One fan asked what was in them, and Elizabeth, ever the quick witted frontwoman replied "One shot of awesome!" It was priceless.) LOT tore into tracks from ACBH as well as two new songs. Combining a sound that closely resembles The Prentenders on qualuudes, Land Of Talk readily showcased a true love of their craft and for each other. Do yourself a favor: invite your friends over, mix up a batch of margaritas, and dig the pop fuzz stylings of Land Of Talk. You can thank me later. For your listening (dis)pleasure:

Land Of Talk: Magnetic Hill

Land Of Talk: Sea Foam

Land Of Talk: Summer Special (highly rec'd!!)

There Was Nothing Left To Anticipate. The Drive Over Was Better Than The Date. But Somehow I Still Can't Forget That Night.

2007-06-19T10:47:00.000-06:00

Sometimes wearing your influences on your sleeves is a good thing. Take This Is Me Smiling, for instance. Combining a healthy dose of Ben Folds' humour and zing, a dash of Elliott Smith's wistful whisper, and a scoop of power pop emo and you've concocted a nice little debut album. With songs that surely translate well to the stage, TIMS come across as band that truly enjoys playing together. For your listening (dis)pleasure:

This Is Me Smiling: Feelin' The Time Pass By (highly rec'd!!)

This Is Me Smiling: Goodbye To Each New Day

This Is Me Smiling: Prettier (highly rec'd!!)

This Is Me Smiling: Mixin' Up Adjectives

::CONCERT ALERT::

If you're in Dallas tonight, make it a point to check out Land of Talk at The Cavern. I know I will.

Land Of Talk: Summer Special

I Just Can't Recall What Started Off. Or How To Begin Again. I Ain't Here To Break Ya. Just See How Far It Will Bend. Again And Again And Again.

2007-06-12T21:00:00.000-06:00

There are two specific things I want to do when I listen to Queens Of The Stoneage. Drink and fuck. Seriously. As soon as the needle drops on the opening track, I've got shots lined up and I'm ready to make some serious love. I'm talking back up against the wall, panties at your ankles, heavy breathing kind of sex. You feel me? I thought so. Lead QOTSA Josh Homme always stood by his creed that the band was all about making music for the ladies, and their sublime new release Era Vulgaris doesn't do much to dispell that rumour. Chock full of swaggering hooks and deep, groove inducing beats, EV showcases QOTSA at their very best. After everyone pretty much slept on their previous stellar album Lullabies To Paralyze, one would think that Josh Homme & Co. would pack it in. Fortunately for you they decided otherwise. Invigorated by his star turn in Eagles Of Death Metal's sophomore album, Homme found his way back to the cocksucker blues. Do yourself a favor: grab your girl, grab this album, and grab a bottle of whiskey. The skeletons in your closet will thank you. For your listening (dis)pleasure:

Queens Of The Stoneage: Make It Wit Chu (highly rec'd!!)

Queens Of The Stoneage: 3's & 7's (highly rec'd!!)

Queens Of The Stoneage: Sick, Sick, Sick

Queens Of The Stoneage: I'm Designer

::BONUS TRACK::

Queens Of The Stoneage: Make It Wit Chu (live) (highly rec'd!!)

Such A Long Time Ago And Such A Good Time. I Could Have Gone On Forever With Just Those Memories.

2007-06-05T22:01:00.000-06:00

Memories are a funny thing, aren't they? They can come flooding back in an instant, transporting you back in time to remind you of things long forgotten. So when my old high school buddy and current Virginia resident Russ Glenn emailed me I was plesantly surprised to find out that his rudimentary guitar skills I remembered from 15 years ago had blossomed into a truly formidable talent. Was this modern day troubador really the same person who once schooled me on the finer points of the Dead Kennedy's and Oingo Boingo? Singing a different tune these days, Glenn now puts pen to paper to write melodic, soothing odes that crawl inside the reccesses of your subconcious and root there for days at a time. Imagine a less bragadocious Dave Matthews or a less hyperactive Jason Mraz and you're halfway to grasping Russ's obvious gift. For your listening (dis)pleasure:

Russ Glenn: Blind (highly rec'd!!)

Russ Glenn: (Don't Say) Goodnight

::FYI::

Yours truly is the blogger of the week at the awesome BreakThru Radio. Do yourself a favor and spend some time perusing their site which includes some pretty fantastic BreakThru DJ's.

The Temptations, The Sin. If We Lay Down, They Will Win. Playing The Victim Card.

2007-06-02T11:21:00.000-06:00

It's finally a beautiful sunny day here in the Big D so there's really nothing to keep me inside today. Green grass and pollen, here I come! I would be remiss however, if I didn't share with you the post 80's stylings of Atlanta's Snowden. Toggling between groove inducing beats and paint peeling guitar licks (Victim Card) to plaintive odes to chemical comedowns (Come Around), Snowden are the perfect soundtrack for sitting on your front porch and imbibing. Have a cold beer and shot of whiskey on me. For your listening (dis)pleasure:

Snowden: Victim Card (highly rec'd!!)

Snowden: Anti Anti

Snowden: Come Around

Snowden: Dreams (Stutter remix) (Fleetwood Mac cover) (highly rec'd!!)

I Won't Thank Myself. I Made A Fine Display. I'll Raise My Hands And Yours To Sing This Song Or Any Other One. `Cause They're All The Same.

2007-05-22T19:07:00.000-06:00

Listening to Fields, I can't help but feel slightly disappointed. Not in their music mind you. But with the fact that they're not fucking huge right now. Imagine The Sundays with a slightly heavier but more hopeful sound or a more focused My Bloody Valentine and you're halfway there. Throw in some gorgeous vocal interplay by keyboardist Thoruun Antonia and guitarist Jamie Putnam and stellar production by Michael Bienhorn (Soundgarden, Hole, Herbie Hancock) and voila: you've got one heck of a stellar major label debut. Sorry for the brief review but I'm out of town in Philly and short on time. For your listening (dis)pleasure:

Fields: Song For The Fields

Fields: If You Fail We All Fail (highly rec'd!!)

Fields: Skulls And Flesh And More

Fields: You Don't Need This Song (highly rec'd!!)

Stop And Wait A Sec. Oh When You Look At Me Like That My Darling, What Did You Expect? I Probably Still Adore You With Your Hands Around My Neck.

2007-05-21T19:00:00.000-06:00

I miss your laugh. That deep throated cackle that wore thin on some people, you told me once. How that's possible I have no idea. I adored it. The reason I bring this up is that I magine you laughing when I tell you how much I dig the new Arctic Monkey's album. "The Arctic Monkey's? You trendy prick" is how I imagine you responding. "But wait," I plead,eager to to change your mind. "This isn't the sophomore album you'd expect. It's dark and full of substance. A real leap forward for the group. No longer are their lyrics permeated with second hand recounts of mates nights out and rubbish birds. This is the real deal. Life through the eyes of of a band thrust unexpectedly into the limelight. Failed romances. Fleeting dailiances." I imagine you'd nod your head and slip the album into your stereo, eager to see if I'm preaching bullshit or the truth. But you know better than to second guess me. For your listening (dis) pleasure:

Arctic Monkeys: 505 (highly rec'd!!)

Arctic Monkeys: Fluorescent Adolescent (highly rec'd!!)

Arctic Monkeys: Brianstorm

Arctic Monkeys: Do Me A Favour (highly rec'd !!)

Friday Five Alive Mix

2007-05-18T08:30:00.000-06:00

I know that the new album doesn't drop until mid-July but I can't help myself. I've been Spoon-ified as of late. Between previewing the phenomenal new tracks and digging through their back catalogue I just can't seem to get enough. Enjoy this mix of new tracks and rare gems. For your listening (dis)pleasure:

Spoon: You Got Yr. Cherry Bomb (new and highly rec'd !!)

Spoon: My First Time Vol. 3

Spoon: Revenge! (highly rec'd!!)

Spoon: I Didn't Come Here To Die

Spoon: I Turn My Camera On (John McEntire remix)

I Haven't Wanted To Do Anything For A Long Time. But Whatever You Got Right Now Would Probably Suit Me Fine.

2007-05-13T13:52:00.000-06:00

It always ratchets me down a couple of notches but I can't help it. I love listening to Elliott Smith. The twin doppelganger voices, the piercing guitar, the intense and hushed melodies. It's a fucking bummer but I do it anyway, like a lovesick junkie. In our house Sundays are always reserved for record store excursions and today proved bountiful with the purchase of Smith's second posthumous release New Moon. A double album that mines through Elliott's vault of unreleased gems, NM comes across more as an unearthed full album and not like a handful of tracks hastily cobbled together for mass consumption and dollar wasting. Seaching through record bins for that tiny kernel of aural joy isn't unlike spending time going through an artist's unreleased material, and you can feel the time and love put into this project. Perfect for those lazy days when the only thing that can bring you comfort is the sound of an old friend's voice. For your listening (dis)pleasure:

Elliott Smith: Angel In The Snow (highly rec'd!!)

Elliott Smith: Going Nowhere

Elliott Smith: Whatever (Folk Song In C) (highly rec'd!!)

Elliott Smith: Miss Misery (Early Version)

Got A Cricket For A Conscience, Always Looks The Other Way. A Cocaine Soul Starts Seeming Like An Empty Cabaret.

2007-05-11T17:15:00.000-06:00

There is something spectral present on Bright Eyes new disc Cassadaga. That much I know. While attempting to detox/record this new album, main BE Conor Oberst was directed to the album's namesake; an area of Florida known for it's tremendous psychic community. It's mark on Oberst is evident, because the minute you cue up the first track you literally feel the auras seep through your speakers, covering you like a warm afghan. If it's at all possible to physically transmit emotions through music then Cassadaga could very well land up as research material for a senior thesis. Working once again with longtime producer (and now full time BE member) Mike Mogis, Oberst has crafted an insanely cohesive record; a literal hybrid of the sounds found on his last two dual releases I'm Wide Awake It's Morning & Digital Ash In A Digital Urn. Looking to shed his boy wonder image, CO's work on Cassadaga represents a huge step forward for the band not only in terms of songwriting but also in the maturity of the band's sound. A definite contender for album of the year. For your listening (dis)pleasure:

Bright Eyes: Make A Plan To Love Me (highly rec'd!!)

Bright Eyes: Coat Check Dream Song

Bright Eyes: If The Brakeman Turns My Way (highly rec'd!!)

Bright Eyes: Cleanse Song

I Won't Close My Eyes. When I Know That I'm Right. When I'm Drowning In Tears. I Won't Turn Off My Light

2007-05-03T19:26:00.000-06:00

Before they started hocking commercialized (albeit pretty damned good) cover versions of Neil Diamond and Jimmy Cliff songs, UB40 were actually a fairly formidable act in the UK. Mixing culturally concious yet dub laden tracks, UB40 stormed the charts in the late 70's early and 80's with snapshot songs about the dreary state of affairs in England. I'm not sure if they were specifically looking to break through in the states with Labour Of Love but whatever the case their reggae sounds flooded my 5th grade bedroom and haven't really left since. Delving into their back catlologue, I was intorduced to this gem of a compilation which expertly chronicles their pre-red wine days with singles and extended versions and remixes of some of their better singles. For your listening (dis)pleasure:

UB40: One In Ten (highly rec'd!!)

UB40: Food For Thought

UB40: I Won't Close My Eyes (highly rec'd!!)

UB40: I've Got Mine (Extended Version)

It Doesn't Matter If We All Die. Ambition In The Back Of A Black Car. In A High Building There Is So Much To Do. Going Home Time, A Story On The Radio

2007-05-01T18:02:00.000-06:00

Before Radiohead took permanent residency as my favorite band, it was all about The Cure. Specifically, the "unholy trio" of 1980's Seventeen Seconds, 1981's Faith, and finally 1982's Pornography. While I freely admit that Disintegration changed my life, it was Pornography that resonated the most with me. Combining stark production with a droning wall of murk, this was the album that showcased Robert Smith's burgeoning talent behind the boards and his ability to create such a riveting landscape of gloom. Listening to the album today, one can distictly pick up the sounds of a man unravelling; totally confident inside of his music but utterly off the rails in his personal life. Smith's made no bones about the fortress of booze he and the band hid behind during the recording of this album and it shows. Insular in sound but still a giant leap forward for the group, Pornography is a snapshot of a young band struggling to come to grips with their direction. And succeeding. For your listening (dis)pleasure:

The Cure: One Hundred Years (highly rec'd!!)

The Cure: The Figurehead

The Cure: The Hanging Garden

The Cure: A Strange Day (highly rec'd!!)

::BONUS TRACKS::

The Cure: One Hundred Years (live in D.C. 1984)

The Cure: The Hanging Garden (live in D.C. 1984)

Take A Picture Of Me, Show It To Everyone. No More Pictures Of You, No More Love No More Setting Sun.

2007-04-02T21:34:00.000-06:00

You want to know why 12 Memories is my favorite Travis album? Probably because not too many other people consider it theirs. As the most underrated album in their catologue, Fran Healy & Co. expertly transmit feelings of dread, loss, depression and confusion while dragging the listener down the drain with them. We're talking shit creek with no paddles. 12M also finds the band at their performing peak; playing with such intensity and drive that you almost feel like you're in a cramped recording studio with the band, hovering and hunched over your own misery. This record came to me at a time in my life when I was unsure of myself and my surroundings. It fed off my fear and propelled me into a tailspin that that took a lot of effort to pull out of. But looking back, I have a special place in my heart for this collection of songs. Even though they scarred my heart. For your listening (dis)pleasure:

Travis: Somewhere Else

Travis: Happy To Hang Around

Travis: Quicksand

Travis: Love Will Come Through

{{BONUS!!! New track off of the forthcoming Boy With No Name out May 7th}}

Travis: Closer

In An Ocean Of Noise. I First Heard Your Voice. Ringing Like A Bell. As If I Had A Choice (Oh Well).

2007-03-29T08:57:00.000-06:00

I like to consider myself a fairly astute music fan, y'know? And I say that without a trace of ego. I don't expect bands that I enjoy listening to to rehash their sound album after album without taking some sort of chance with their sound. I expect to be challenged at some level, and after previewing several tracks from Arcade Fire's sophmore album Neon Bible last year, I felt exactly the opposite. I wasn't moved. I wasn't grabbed by the collar and dragged to their point. And it was a little depressing. After all, when one releases a debut as stellar as Funeral where else do you have to fall but down? But I soon realized where my error lay. I had only gleaned a small piece of the puzzle. NB is NOT a singles album; it's meant to be experienced as a whole where each track expertly segues into the next. No, it's not Funeral and no it's not better than it's predecessor. But why would you want it to be? If that album was about death and it's aftermath, then Neon Bible is about dying. A glorious mess of an album that actually convinces the listener they're unravelling along with the band, only to be resurrected by the time the final notes play out. This is Arcade Fire at their most daring, taking a chance with their signature sound and succeeding on their own terms. For your listening (dis)pleasure:

Arcade Fire: Ocean Of Noise

Arcade Fire: Keep The Car Running

Arcade Fire: Black Mirror

Arcade Fire: Neon Bible

Look At Those Girls So Young, So Young Still Piss Their Pants. Like All Dogs Mangy. When The Hearts Skips Lazy.

2007-03-27T14:27:00.000-06:00

As I slipped the cd into my stereo and began to listen, it was almost as if I was there with them. Witnessing Land Of Talk play. In a small dive bar, I could almost feel the floors, littered with spilt beer and sweat sticking to the soles of my shoes. Thick smoke filling the room. My throat burning after a shot of whiskey. Godamn this is one hell of an album. LOT hail from my hometown of Montreal and have created quite a buzz in the last few months with their full length album Applause Cheer Boo Hiss. Combining the sass and fuzz laden hooks of Sonic Youth with some killer melodies, ACBH is one of those rare albums that actually crib from it's influences without coming across as cheeky or overly ambitious. For your listening (dis)pleasure:

Land Of Talk: Summer Special

Land Of Talk: Sea Foam

Land Of Talk: Magnetic Hill

We Only Said Goodbye With Words, I Died A Hundred Times. You Go Back To Her, And I Go Back To Black.

2007-03-11T17:37:00.000-06:00

I don't think my heart was ready for Amy Winehouse. Listening to her sophomore album Back To Black (Universal) over the last couple of days, I kept coming back to one thought: this woman really is in pain. And the worst kind at that: the heartwrench of love lost. Nevermind all the attention being paid to her rabid drinking; Winehouse is flat out one of the best soul singers to come on the scene in the last several years. I don't know anyone who can convey the dark feelings of having your heart ripped out with such authority and such grandeur. Shifting from the jazzy stylings of her debut album Frank, AW decided to tap into her love for 60's girl groups and filter it through her decidely knock down drag out gorgeous voice. Part Nina Simone, part Lauryn Hill and all boozy lust, Winehouse along with producers Mark Ronson and Salaam Remi, have put together one of the first must have albums of the year and a whopper of a challenge for female singers in 2007: top this. If you can. For your listening (dis)pleasure:

Amy Winehouse: Just Friends

Amy Winehouse: Back To Black

Amy Winehouse: You Know I'm No Good

Amy Winehouse: Wake Up Alone

Also, be sure to check out Amy Winehouse at SXSW this year!

Friday Five Alive Mix

2007-03-02T08:45:00.000-06:00

Welcome to the return of the Friday Five Alive mix here at Indoor Fireworks. For your listening (dis)pleasure, four tracks guaranteed to get you ready for the weekend and one stunner to help you come down:

Joss Stone: Put Your Hands On Me Baby

Working For A Nuclear Free City: Troubled Son

Amy Winehouse: You Know I'm No Good

Nine Inch Nails: My Violent Heart

Nicole Atkins: The Way It Is

::CONTEST UPDATE::

Congrats goes out to Kenny who will be the proud receipient of Money Mark's new disc Brand New By Tomorrow. Kenny wisely chose one of the better MM/Beastie Boys collabos with "Groove Holmes."

Beastie Boys: Groove Holmes feat. Money Mark

::CONTEST UPDATE::

You Think No One Understands A Word You Say But I Do. You're Beautiful Black Butterfly. You Say You Have To Touch The Sun. Then You'll Return To Me.

2007-02-26T20:59:00.000-06:00

I like having low expectations of people. That way you can never set yourself up for disappointment. I admit it's a very safe, albeit boring way to live one's life but over the last few years it's suited me just fine. Take keyboardist/multinstrumentalist Money Mark for example. For years, he very ably recorded and toured with the Beastie Boys; laying down Hammond B-3 licks that added a little extra funk when they seemed destined to veer down a Dali Lama-ish path. He's put out a couple of lo-fi solo albums replete with jazzy experimentations and groovy dubs. But all of a sudden, out of left field, he drops Brand New By Tommorow (Brushfire Records) and totally blows me away. In stores 2/27, BNBT is an album that almost at once wraps it's warm vibe around you and threatens to smother the listener with layers of toasty goodness. Utilizing ace session musicians Carole Kaye (Beach Boys) and Jim Keltner (Travelling Wilburys, Michael Penn) to compliment his own contemporary take on Beatlesque melodies, Money Mark has quietly reinvented himself as a serious singer-songwriter. I don't forsee many aimless instrumental albums in his future. For your listening (dis)pleasure:

Money Mark: Everyday I Day A Little

Money Mark: Color Of Your Blues

Money Mark: Pick Up The Pieces

Money Mark: Black Butterfly

::CONTEST ALERT::

I happen to have in my possession an extra copy of Money Mark's new album Brand New By Tommorow to give away. To win, simply reply in the comments section with your email address, telling me your favorite Beastie Boys track that has MM on it. I'll pick a winner this Friday. Bon Chance!

::CONTEST ALERT::

We're In It Together, We Can Make It Better. Don't Sweat A Thing With No Vendetta. I Rhyme In A Graph Style, Carve Every Letter.

2007-02-23T22:53:00.000-06:00

Toronto based rapper k-os is a tricky artist to pin down. You can't really put him into a category because he spans so many different styles. Hip hop, rock, reggae, blues, and even a little ska. As a Canadian living in the US of A, it's refreshing to hear "hip hop" that doesn't revolve solely around bitches, hoes, money, and blow. Y'know what I mean? Careening through a potpurri of rhythm and hues, k-os (knowledge of self) successfully navigates his way through Atlantis: Hymns For Disco like a man on a mission. At times spotty but by no means wasteful, k-os might have benefited from some outside prodution help on this album. Cramming multiple styles into one song may fare better for someone like, say, Wyclef Jean or DJ Shadow, and A:HFD at times comes across as scattered. However, don't let that deter you: we've definetely got a winner on our hands. For your listening (dis)pleasure:

k-os: Electrik Heatwill-The Sekwill

k-os: Equalizer

k-os: Cat Diesel

k-os: Black Ice (Hymn 4 Disco)

::BONUS TRACK::

k-os: Bed's Too Big (Police cover)

If I Had All The Money In The World. Well I Would Change A Few Things. Like The Car And The House. And The Girl.

2007-02-17T16:03:00.000-06:00

There are two things that strike you upon listening to the Winter Kids. First off, they are so English, so aristocratic in their sound that it practically bleeds out of your speakers. Secondly, they are damn good. Much much better than Art Brut and nearly as flawless as their predecessors in Pulp. With their debut album Memoirs (Hungry Kid) about to drop in the UK, Winter Kids are poised to bring their smart art pop Stateside with shows in NYC and SXSW. Wearing their youth and lovelorn hearts on their sleeves, WK's confidently weave together breezy melodies and pointy toed beats with great success. One of the better pop releases so far this year. For your listening (dis)pleasure:

Winter Kids: Hear Me Out

Winter Kids: All The Money

Winter Kids: Somebody Else's Clothes

Winter Kids: Tape It

I Wrote All The Right Things For You. But They Were Not Convincing. I Shared All The Same Dreams As You. But Yours Were All In Vain.

2007-02-03T13:02:00.000-06:00

The pop landscape is littered with singer-songwriters. Peruse through my archives and you'll see. So how does one go about seperating themselves from the throngs of over ambitious, under whelming, and just plain awful contemporaries? Well, for starters you release an exquisite e.p. like Tim Williams did. Merchant Heart is merely a glimpse into his upcoming full length album entitled When Work Is Done (Dovecoat Records) that should see the light of day very soon. More approachable than Ray LaMontagne but possessing a greater pop sheen, Williams constructs sparse tracks that slowly evolve after repeated spins. While not covering any new ground, Williams voice and skill at writing melodies still manages to be engaging enough to capture your attention; almost as if he's invited you in for some hot cocoa on a blustery day. Once you've warmed up, you're ready for another cup. For your listening (dis)pleasure:

Tim Williams: Novel

Tim Williams: The Hat

Are You Prepared For The Atom Bomb? Are You Prepared For My Aching Arms? Are You Prepared, Are You Prepared?

2007-01-28T21:33:00.000-06:00

Maybe it was the welcome presence of sunlight that did it. Maybe it was the calm chill in the air. Whatever the reason, today was the perfect day to listen to The Bird And The Bee. All that was missing was a parasol and a mai tai. Mostly a vanity project for LA studio vet Greg Kurstin ( Ben Harper, The Flaming Lips, Peaches, Lily Allen) and solo artist Inara George ( daughter of Lowell George, frontman for the eclectic 70's southern rock band Little Feat,) their self titled debut album is a welcome burst of 60's Tropicalia goodness but with classic pop conventions. Imagine if you will, the Postal Service fronted by both Imogen Heap and Latetia Sadier (Stereolab) with production duties handled by a fedora clad Beck. Sound like an intriguing journey? You're not alone. For your listening (dis)pleasure:

The Bird And The Bee: Again & Again

The Bird And The Bee: La La La

The Bird And The Bee: Fucking Boyfriend

The Bird And The Bee: Preparedness

Of All The Churning Random Hearts Under The Sun, Eventually Fading Into Night. These Two Are Opening Now As We Lie, I Touch You Wonderful Alive.

2007-01-23T18:55:00.000-06:00

I'd like to take a moment and thank The Shins. After the breakout success of their sophomore album Chutes Too Narrow caught everyone by surprise, I have no doubt pressure was applied to the band to enter a recording studio and pump out CTN II. While 3 years is a long time to wait for a worthy successor, James Mercer and Co. do not disappoint on the recently released and drop dead gorgeous Wincing The Night Away. Displaying a newfound maturity and love for Midi machines and 80's atmospherics, The Shins have taken the time to craft an extremely compelling and accomplished album. While the majority of the tracks leap out of your stereo with saccharine sweet hooks and clever lyrics, there are a handful of more somber numbers that require repeated doses. Don't delude yourself into believing negative reviews: unless Radiohead release their next album this year or The Arcade Fire's upcoming Neon Bible isn't as subpar as the tracks I've previewed suggest, WTNA is hands down the best release so far this year. For your highly recommended listening (dis)pleasure:

The Shins: Sleeping Lessons

The Shins: Girl Sailor

The Shins: Sea Legs

The Shins: Red Rabbits

And For A Ten Minute Dream In The Passenger's Seat. While The World Was Flying By. You Haven't Been Gone Very Long. But It Feels Like A Lifetime.

2007-01-15T22:04:00.000-06:00

I'm not what you'd call a "typical" Bright Eyes fan. My favorite album is Digital Ash In A Digital Urn, I've never seen them live, and I've worked my way backwards through their catalogue. Go figure. What does make my relationship with the band's legion of fans symbiotic is my utter adoration for Conor Oberst's songwriting skills. Picking up a copy of the live release Motion Sickness: Live Recordings only reinforced the fact that we are dealing with an artist that can effortlessly capture the 3am intensity and raging emotion that lie within the broken hearted as if he were making a sandwich. Layer after of layer of longing and restlessness. It really is quite amazing. Captured during several European dates, MS is a powerful display of Oberst and his crack backing band roaring through tracks off of Lifted & I'm Wide Awake It's Morning. A great addition to your BE collection. For your listening (dis)pleasure:

Bright Eyes: We Are Nowhere And It's Now (live)

Bright Eyes: True Blue (live)

Bright Eyes: Old Soul Song (live)

Bright Eyes: When The President Talks To God (live)

These Days, My Hangman's Hunger Makes My Gut Kick. My Sleeping Mind Could Map It Blind. A Flask, A Key, A Bag, A Fifth.

2007-01-07T13:19:00.000-06:00

Sometimes, you just don't want to think too much. Not everything needs to be wrapped up in a bright bow of complexity, demanding that you invest more than you're willing to. Simplicity is safe. Ignorance is bliss. As I sit here on a chilly Sunday afternoon watching the wind blow the leaves around something fierce, I am content in my musical choice for the moment: Put Your Ghost To Rest, the 4th album by Kevin Devine. If you can imgine a Ben Gibbard (Death Cab For Cutie) solo album produced by a slick Conor Oberst then you're halfway to appreciating the understated beauty of this pop gem. Plaintive guitar strums lead to full on cavity inducing chorues laced with just the right amount of melancholy; perfect for reminicing about all the times you wished you told her you loved her so. For your listening (dis)pleasure:

Kevin Devine: Brooklyn Boy

Kevin Devine: You'll Only End Up Joining Them

Kevin Devine: Go Haunt Someone Else

Kevin Devine: Just Stay

She Never Moved So I Just Whispered Goodbye. She Reminded Me Of You When You Cry. And I Didn't Mean To Make You Cry.

2007-01-04T21:53:00.000-06:00

I lament Michael Penn's decline in mainstream popularity. I really do. After the phenomenal success of his debut album March, it seemed like Mr. Penn slowly spiraled out of the public's conciousness. And it's a shame really. Over the years he's steadily put out one stellar album after another, started scoring movies, and began touring with his equally talented wife. So if people choose to remember him for his only hit No Myth then so be it. There are worse ways to be remembered. Expertly produced by studio whiz Tony Berg (Squeeze, P.I.L., Aimee Mann,) Penn crafted an undeniably catchy album that saw his Dylan-esque lyrics and velvety smooth vocals beautifully paired with tight, polished tracks. If this is uncharted territory for you, use these songs as a starting point into the visceral world of Michael Penn. For your listening (dis)pleasure:

Michael Penn: No Myth

Michael Penn: This & That

Michael Penn: Innocent One

Michael Penn: Brave New World

It Tells Me True I Want A Connection To. Someone Something. Edge Of A Knife Been Missing It All My Life. Someone Something.

2006-12-20T09:55:00.000-06:00

After AD so kindly reminded me of my love for good quality live recordings, I trolled through some of my more recent findings for something to share with everyone. Enter Spoon. One of my favorite frontmen, Britt Daniel posseses a rare songwriting quality: he hits `em out of the park everytime. It's quite an odd occasion when I skip over a song on any of their albums, let alone the dozens of live recordings that I have. Thanks to the generosity of Bay Taper I bring you Spoon live at The Greek Theater in Berkely, CA circa August of 2006. For your listening (dis)pleasure:

Spoon: The Beast And Dragon, Adored

Spoon: The Two Sides Of Monsieur Valentine

Spoon: Stay Don't Go

Spoon: Jonathon Fisk

Spoon: I Turn My Camera On

Spoon: Tune Up & "Thanks"

Spoon: Rhythm & Soul (NEW!)

Spoon: Paper Tiger

Spoon: Someone Something

Spoon: They Never Got You

Spoon: I Summon You

Spoon: The Way We Get By

I Bought You Mail Order. My Plain Wrapper Baby. Your Skin Is Like Vinyl. The Perfect Companion.

2006-12-19T15:01:00.000-06:00

We've all been there. Echo's of "last call!" ringing fresh in our ears, our thirst for liquor still raging inside. We crave something more. We crave after hours excitement. If the masses end up back at your abode, there are two issues one must deal with: do we have enough booze and more importantly do we have enough good music to keep the party going to the breakadawn? If the answer to the latter is no, have no fear. Perfection is just around the corner. Back To Mine is a compilation series that polls your favorite artists on what they like to groove to when the vision begins to blur and the judgement calls become questionable. Previous participants include Everything But The Girl, Groove Armada, Orbital, and Faithless to name a few. One of my favorite appearances is from New Order. Back To Mine: New Order finds Bernard Sumner and Co. mining their their crates for some sublime after hours grooves from the likes of Primal Scream, Can, Captain Beefheart, and Doves. Acting as both a soundtrack to the wee small hours of the morning as well as a musical history lesson, BTM has enabled me to discover a wealth of new bands, remixes, and hard to find cuts. For your listening (dis)pleasure, 4 of my favorite tracks:

Roxy Music: In Every Dream Home A Heartache

Primal Scream: Higher Than The Sun

Can: Mushroom

Donna Summer: I Feel Love (Patrick Cowley Mix)

Indoor Fireworks Presents: The Top 25 Albums of 2006

2006-12-12T09:50:00.000-06:00

Another year. Another best of list. While I had a blast listening to my tried and true, 2006 also provided me the opportunity to discover a whole helluva lot of new music. I created the following best of list based on how much spin time these albums saw over the course of 12 months or so. Hope you like it. It's Ok if you don't. Thanks for reading Indoor Fireworks this year, here's to a great `07! For your listening (dis)pleasure:

25.

Nelly Furtado...Loose (Geffen/Mosely Muisc Group)

Thanks to producer Timbaland's spacey beats and freeze-dried synth lines, Furtado put together what should have been her stellar sophomore album.

Nelly Furtado: Say It Right

24.

Pearl Jam...s/t (J Records)

Don't call it a comeback! Just call it one of their strongest and most cohesive albums since the mid 90's.

Pearl Jam: Gone

23.

SCANNeRS...Violence Is Golden (Dim Mak)

For those still lamenting the demise of Elastica, salavation has come in the form of this London quartet. A stunning debut filled with plenty of hooks, fuzz, and the intense erotic wail of lead singer/bassist Sarah Daly.

SCANNeRS: In My Dreams

22.

Gomez...How We Operate (ATO)

Creative relief came in the form of new label ATO and legendary producer Gil Norton; who allowed Gomez to spread their wings and flex their melodic muscle. The group's best album to date.

Gomez: All Too Much

21.

The Strokes...First Impressions Of Earth (RCA)

While not covering any new ground, The Strokes continue in their quest to bring razor sharp garage rock to the masses. If you liked either of their two previous releases, then FIOE will slide nicely into your collection.

The Strokes: You Only Live Once

20.

Sean Lennon...Friendly Fire (Capitol/EMI)

With the release of his excellent sophomore album, Lennon manages to at once shed his father's shadow and embrace it at the same time. A stellar collection of breezy pop songs that continue to unveil their beauty after repeated listens.

Sean Lennon: On Again, Off Again

19.

Band Of Horses...Everything All The Time (Sub Pop)

Looking for that perfect album to listen to while watching the rain collect into puddles outside your window? Then look no further. A shimmering debut filled with all the reverb Jim James of My Morning Jacket tossed from the Z sessions.

Band Of Horses: The Funeral

18.

Ben Harper...Both Sides Of The Gun (Virgin)

Think the double album format is dead? Try telling that to Ben Harper, who deftly writes, arragnes, performs, and produces one of his best albums. From bluesy rockers to his signature Wisenborn slide ballads, BSOTG shows everyone that he continues to be a force to be reckoned with.

Ben Harper: Engraved Invitation

17.

The Raconteurs...Broken Boy Soldiers (XL)

Somewhere, Meg White is crying. You would be too if your meal ticket just put out his strongest album in 5 years. Without you.

The Raconteurs...Store Bought Bones

16.

The Roots...Game Theory (Def Jam)

Explosive and more focused than 2004's The Tipping Point, GT showcases a more galvanized Roots band matching world views with Funkadelic style beats and, in one of the best samples of the year, Radiohead's You & Whose Army.

The Roots: Here I Come

15.

Placebo...Meds (Astralwerks)

While not as experimental as previous albums, Meds nonetheless find Placebo stripping down their confessional glam rock to reveal the stunning and brutal honesty that used to lay beneath layers of ambiguity.

Placebo: Follow The Cops Back Home

14.

The Dresden Dolls...Yes, Virginia (Roadrunner)

They're cooler than you and have a sound big enough to clobber The White Stripes with. Somewhere Meg White is still crying.

The Dresden Dolls: Dirty Business

13.

Beck...The Information (Interscope)

Proof that Beck is so talented that he can shelve even his most potent material. Originally bypassed for the more old school Guero, TI finds Beck in a schizophrenic mood, shifting from straight up blues to the slacker hip hop that originally made him famous.

Beck: Cellphone's Dead

12.

Neko Case...Fox Confessor Brings The Flood (Anti)

Two words are all that's needed to describe this album: Haunting masterpiece.

Neko Case: Star Witness

11.

Cold War Kids...Up In Rags e.p. (Monarchy Music)

One band that deserved all the blogger hype it got this year. This jaunty, blues infused e.p. hung around my stereo for the better part of the year. Only 6 songs in length, UIR still packs enough punch to merit repeated spins.

Cold War Kids: We Used To Vacation

10.

The Killers: Sam's Town (Island)

While The Killers may have discovered their love jones for Bruce Springsteen, they also uncovered a newfound maturity while recording their sophomore offering. More gritty and full bodied than Hot Fuss, ST is the sound of a young band growing up right in front of our very eyes.

The Killers: Bones

9.

People Under The Stairs...Stepfather (Red Urban)

Easily their most cohesive album to date, PUTS show the hip hop world that West Coast rap can still be creative and influential without having Dre behind the boards.

People Under The Stairs: Tuxedo Rap

8.

We Are Scientists...With Love And Squalor (Virgin)

Hook filled choruses. Coiled lyrics about lost loves. All style and substance, WAS show Bloc Party and The Rapture how cribbing from the 80's is really done.

We Are Scientists: Lousy Reputation

7.

Sound Team...Movie Monster (Capitol)

How these guys ended up so far below everyone's radar I'll never understand. Combining passionate lyrics and ethereal post indie rock, ST come up with the sleeper album of 2006. You really are missing out if this isn't part of your collection.

Sound Team: Back In Town

6.

The Stills...Without Feathers (Vice)

Displaying a more rustic vibe than their debut, WF's showcases The Stills taking the road less travelled and succeeding. Don't jump on the bandwagon of naysayers who claim this album doesn't live up to it's predecessor. It's pure pop loveliness with a hint of melancholia thrown in for good measure.

The Stills: Destroyer

5.

Thom Yorke...The Eraser (XL)

Cutting loose from his bandmates in Radiohead, Thom Yorke enlists longtime producer Nigel Godrich to help flesh out tracks that never saw the light of day on any major RH release. The results, while uneven at times are quite stellar overall. With his effects-less vocals front and center, Yorke displays a naked emotion sometimes absent from his other songs. With Radiohead's shadow looming large over him, Yorke successfully manages to carve out a his own little place in the wide world of music.

Thom Yorke: The Eraser

4.

Jenny Lewis with The Watson Twins...Rabbit Furcoat (Team Love)

J-Lew stops hanging out with her boys in Rilo Kiley. Instead starts hanging out with Bright Eye's Conor Oberst. Signs to his indie label. Takes some notes. Makes the best album Bright Eyes never made.

Jenny Lewis with The Watson Twins: You Are What You Love

3.

Division Day...Beartrap Island (self released)

Major record label: Hi. Can I help you?
Me: Yes. You can pull your head out of your ass.
MRL: Excuse me?
Me: You heard me. Do yourself a favor and sign Division Day right now.
MRL: Division Day? Never heard of `em.
Me: Why am I not surprised? You got your head up your ass.
MRL: Are they any good?
Me: Are they any good? Are you kidding me? Clever lyrics? Check. Tight, syncopatic arrangements? Check? Stellar musicianship? Check. Blazing live shows? Double check!
MRL: Wow. You really seem to know a lot about good music!
Me: Yes. Yes I do. Now go pull your head out of your ass and sign these guys!
MRL: On my way!

Division Day: Hand To The Sound

2.

Margot And The Nuclear So & So's...The Dust Of Retreat (Artemis)

The best album Arcade Fire never released. I couldn't remove this from my stereo even if I had wanted to. The ideal experimental pop record for hopeless romantics everywhere.

Margot And The Nuclear So & So's: Quiet As A Mouse

1.

Vicious Vicious...Don't Look So Surprised (Redemption Record Co.)

Passionate. Playful. Sexy. This is how AMG describes Vicious Vicious. The. Best. Damn. Album. Of. The. Year. That's how I describe Don't Look So Surprised. Encompassing more sonic styles than even Beck, Erik Applwick and a revolving cast of musicians have created a love letter to, well, love. Applwick really needs to stop dicking around playing bass in Tapes N' Tapes and start working on a follow up to DLSS. He's got quite a following now.

Vicious Vicious: Under California Skies

Looking Back At Sunsets On The East Side. We Lost Track Of The Time. Dreams Aren't What They Used To Be. Some Things Sat By So Carelessly.

2006-12-07T09:43:00.000-06:00

When it comes to cover songs I can get very agitated very quickly. It's a gift, a treat if you will, to have the opportunity to commit to wax someone else's song. You're being given the chance to reinterpret another's words, their feelings and inner most secrets and when it's not taken with the utmost sincerity I lose it. I've slogged through many a Depeche Mode "tribute" album only to discover half-assed bands making half assed attempts at reworking classic songs. Butchering the soundtrack to my childhood if you will. So when I received a copy of The OC Mix 6: Covering Our Tracks I proceeded with caution. I mean let's be honest: it's The O.C. for fuck's sake. However, I can admit when I've made an error in judgement and this would be one of them. Culling together a fairly stellar group of artists ranging from Rogue Wave to Band Of Horses, COT successfully pairs these groups with songs that fit their style and sound. From the airy groove of Rock Kill's Kid's cover of Spoon's I Turn My Camera On and Rogue Wave's complete alt-reworking of the Pixies Debaser, there are plenty of choice tracks to rejoice over. For your listening (dis)pleasure:

Tally Hall: Smile Like You Mean It

Band Of Horses: The End's Not Near

Rogue Wave: Debaser

Rock Kills Kid: I Turn My Camera On

I May Be Soft In Your Palm But I'll Soon Grow Hungry For A Fight And I Will Not Let You Win.

2006-12-06T16:46:00.000-06:00

It's been awhile since I literally fell out of my chair, but after reading Heather's post on the free Cold War Kid's live cover ep it nearly happened. Precariously regaining my balance, I hauled ass over to the CWK's site to preview two of my favorite songs ever recorded: Fiona Apple's Fast As You Can & Elvis Costello's Indoor Fireworks which coincidentally; is this blog's namesake. Do yourself a favor and set aside a few moments to dig on some great covers by one of my favorite bands of the year. For your listening (dis)pleasure:

Cold War Kids: Indoor Fireworks (live)

Cold War Kids: Fast As You Can (live)

Middle Distance Runner: The Indoor Fireworks Interview

2006-11-30T10:41:00.000-06:00

Few bands can successfully balance the very fine line between cheekiness and sincerity when it comes to their music. So when you stumble across one that actually gets it you feel vindicated, like there is hope that someone can drag the music industry out of it's dreadful state. D.C.'s Middle Distance Runner are just the group to take on this heady task. Spend some quality time with their debut album Plane In Flames and you'll see what I mean. Pop hooks, melancholic melodies, and sharp lyrics will propel this album to the forefront of your stereo. The guys were kind enough to answer some queries of mine recently and what you'll find is a young group not afraid to wear their influences on their sleeves. Or tell their drummer to lay off the salsa beats. For your reading (dis)pleasure:

Indoor Fireworks:Tell me a little about the local music scene in D.C. & how MDR fits into the picture. How has it influenced the band?

Steve Kilroy: Nothing in DC really sounds the same to me (ourselves included), so I don't really know how to describe the DC scene without talking about every band. For the same reason, it's hard to say how much we're "influenced" by other bands, at least musically. It's hard for me to even tell if we have a "scene", per se. I know we're friends with other bands and we enjoy each others' music, but there's really not a lot that's musically common between us, so I'll let someone else decide if we have a scene.

Jay Smith: There is a really cool Americana thing going on and that consists of some really exceptional bands that I think are going to do well for themselves, and a really cool electronic culture happening which seems to mostly be six degrees of separation from Thievery Cooperation. There is also a surprising amount of experimental noise stuff going on that you kind of have to search out. Most of the influence from the DC music scene, and I am speaking for myself, is from the critiquing that comes from other people that I respect from other bands. Also when you have people like Brian from Cedars and Chris from Soft Complex making such incredible guitar tones it really makes you step up to your game and not get too comfortable. I thought we had a corner on the ambient market until I met those guys. Telograph, too -- they just get better and better. I can't wait to hear what they are going to release with their new album.

Ian Glinka: It's better than the music scene in Pittsburgh, I'll tell you that much. I'm from Pittsburgh, and for as much as I hear people bitch and complain about the DC scene, most of them don't know how good they have it. It's not too small, but it's not too big either, and geographically, it's pretty well centered. Granted, it's not as "on the map" as New York, LA or Austin, but I like it for the same reasons I quit playing soccer once they started making us try-out for the team... it's probably a little easier to be noticed here than in the big three. It's fun and it makes for a comfortable home-base.

Allan Chappelear: The local music scene is great right now! There's this hot new band Middle Distance Runner. It has influenced me because their guitarist Allan Chappelear is amazing and really good at all kinds of stuff.

IF: MDR have a decidedly unique sound but yet still veer between straight up pop and alternative rock. Who are some of your influences and how have they played a hand in your songwriting?

SK: I think the straight up pop is more Erik's and my style. We grew up listening to and liking melodic stuff mostly. Personally, I always liked pop and folk; stuff that wasn't that instrumental, which makes sense, since I'm the singer. I pay a lot of attention to lyrics and vocal melodies. Blur played a big part in my musical adolescence, teaching me how to be cheeky and poppy but remain credible. They cover a lot of ground and keep their identity, which I like a lot. I'd like to always sound like myself, but make a lot of different noises. The trick is making it seamless in terms of your identity.

Erik Dean: I grew up listening to a lot of terrible classic rock and brit pop. I think I got the confidence to write songs after I had heard Graham Coxon's(Blur) solo album. At some point I got into folk music. Damon Albarn (Blur) writes amazing melodies...he's my favorite. Dance music has always influenced me too....by dance music I mean anything you can dance to....not necesarily C+C Music Factory, although, well, nevermind.

JS: I think we all kind of feel sort of the same but about different kinds of music. We all have shameless pop tendencies, but we also listen to some pretty out-there stuff. We don't want to be a band that plays one particular style of music just to fit in a niche. Case in point is "Naturally," probably our most pop-sounding song. I'm assuming Steve wrote that from a lot of his brit-rock/folk background. It was really too poppy for me at first and I struggled to come up with a part for that. I ended up playing that shimmery guitar part which is pretty much a mixture of Brian Eno, Jon Brion and Cocteau Twins, to give it as much color and interest as possible and try to keep it from sounding too straightforward. On the other side of the stage Allan is pulling out George Harrison sounds, more classic stuff, not only because he is influenced by that, but also because that's what the song needed for balance.

IF: You self produced your album Plane In Flames. How did that come about and what are your feelings about the final product?

SK: Erik did that and I think he did a bang-up job. That came about through lack of money and lack of trust in other people. I don't really trust anyone in the music industry to do anything for us without fucking it up or wasting a lot of money, so we do everything ourselves.

ED: We started off recording because we were in need of a demo cd. So we went into it thinking it was just gonna be a cheap demo to help us book shows. We'd planned on recording 3 songs....then we bumped it up to 5 songs...then someone thought we should keep recording more and the final project ended up sounding suprisingly good. It makes me excited to think how much better things could be if we had the luxury of time and money.

IG: I love it. I probably love it more than is socially acceptable. We got our first copies from the duplicator in May ... and it's December and I STILL listen to it more than I should. I think it's okay because I still kind of view myself as a fan of this band. I joined up with them last year and had already heard some of the songs before I was even in the band, so it's kind of a strange relationship. As for the recording of the album, 99% of the credit should go to our drummer, Erik. He pretty much recorded, produced, mixed, you-name-it on this album. We had the mastering done by a Berklee grad friend of mine back in Pittsburgh named Barak Shpiez who did a hell of a job and really rounded the whole thing out. But I can't stress how impressed I was with what Erik was able to do with a basement, some good microphones and a lot of Aspirin.

IF: Who taught you how to play your respective instruments?

SK: My mother taught me to play guitar. John Sessums and The Beatles played a large part as well. I taught myself to play piano and I'm still learning how to sing.

ED: I took some lessons on drums and learned a lot of useless fills and time-signatures. I learned everything else on my own.

JS: My dad got me started on The Beatles. I just kept going after that by myself with funding from my dad's pawnshop swindles to buy me gear.

IG: Well -- let me put it to you this way ... I'm the bass player in the band, and I don't own a bass or a bass amp. All the equipment is Erik's and to be honest, I don't really know what I'm doing. I'm a guitar player. Always have been and always thought I would be. But bass is kind of like a guitar. It's just bigger.

AC: Ehhh…..The internet?

IF: Best concert you've been to?

SK: Shit. Field Day Festival, Giants Stadium, June 7, 2003. Erik, my girlfriend, and I drove all the way up there to see a two-day festival that was condensed into a one-day stadium show due to poor planning. My girlfriend and I were on the rocks at the time, and the ride up to New York was a little tense. To make matters worse, she felt sick driving up and was near tears when we got in line. We realized that our tickets were stadium seating, and Erik's were field level, so we split up and began walking up to our seats. On our way there, she and I saw a crack in the guard rails, and I convinced her to make a dash with me for the field. We got through and ran up the field to where Erik was, about 30 feet from the stage. In a stadium packed tight with people, in the persistent drizzle, we stood for fourteen hours, stomping our feet and leaning on each other, growing more and more tired and disgruntled as we stood through torturous sets by Liz Phair and Underworld, among others. Finally, when Beck was supposed to come on, we instead got a festival official who told us that Beck had fallen on the way to the stage, hurt his hand, and would not be performing. On the verge of a breakdown, we relished the arrival of Blur, where Damon Albarn stepped out from under the canopy of stage lights to wet his leisure suit with us commoners. Then came The Beastie Boys, and halfway through their set the rain stopped. BB's set meandered and faltered, but never without humor, and never lost the now screaming audience. When they had finished, we stood shivering, a mass of tens of thousands of people, clapping in unison and warm only out of fatigue. I'm sure our bodies were shutting down at this point, dumping the last good endorphins into our blood to make our imminent demise more comfortable. And then, they arrived. Radiohead. Back-lit by vertical green lights, it was like they came to Earth to abduct us for two hours. My girlfriend, through the steady pogo of the waterlogged crowd, couldn't quite see the band. I let her stand on my feet to see, and she cried at the gesture. It was honestly one of the most important days of my life. When they left the stage for the last time, we shuffled out of the stadium, unable to bend our knees to walk up the stairs, and completely happy.

JS: Bring down the house show - Meatbeat Manifesto, old 9:30 Club (D.C.). Every single person in that place was moving. You couldn't help it. I have never seen an electronic band actually rock like that.

IG: Radiohead in Columbus Ohio back in 2001 .... I paid WAY TOO MUCH on ebay for my front row ticket, so even if it wasn't the best concert I'd ever been to, I'd still say it was. I got to see them fuck up the beginning of a song twice in a row and have to restart it from the top both times. Once you see RADIOHEAD fuck up on stage, it kind of puts things into perspective in a very unusually uplifting way.

AC: Tie between Sigur Ros and the Flaming Lips. Both at 9:30 club.

IF: Walk me through your songwriting process? Is it a band collaboration or more segregated?

SK: When I write a song, I like to get a complete idea down in a demo that I can show to the band. I hate working through songs in a group setting if I don't have the basic structure mapped out. It might be because I get too attached to songs, or it might be because I can't think with a lot of noise, or it might be both. Who knows.

ED: Sometimes I make home recordings of partial songs...usually just melodies and chords; sometimes rough ideas of lyrics. I email the demos to Steve. Fortunately he knows me really well and can usually interpret my babble and convert it to coherent lyrics. Other times Steve just laughs at my demos and plays a song that he's written, usually turning out better than mine. WE then pick some good ones and show them to the rest of the band. They are usually called "stupid" or "too Spanish sounding". We argue a bit and then eventually add more instruments. Fleshing out the songs in this band sometimes takes 2 days and other times it takes two years.

AC: Steve and Erik usual make demos separately. Then they pass them over to us for input. They are usually "too stupid" or "too Spanish" (respectively.) I may make suggestion or two to Steve. He goes "Hmmmm," and then I yell at Erik for playing Latin beats on all our songs. Ian laughs, Jay cries. Then we all do whatever we want and viola: you have an MDR song.

IF: If MDR could put together a dream tour, who would you play with?

ED: MDR would headline a tour with four supporting bands that only covered our songs. They would also be arrogant assholes.

IG: I would want Blur there. Steve would bring Jimmy Buffet or some other singer/songwriter asshole. Jay would bring Depeche Mode or some kind of goth industrial group with vampire ladies in it. Erik would call up the members of Menudo to regroup so they could all play fucking salsa beats together and Allan would definitely give David Lee Roth a ring.

AC: MDR supported by Van Halen and Prince. The ultimate babe getting tour. I bet steve says Bob Dylan. Ian will say Oasis. Jay will say the Cocteau twins or something. Erik will say Buena vista Social Club so he can play timbales like he does in his dreams.

SK: Radiohead, Blur, Super Furry Animals, Sufjan Stevens, Iron and Wine, Beck, Sigur Ros, Magnetic Fields, The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Guitar Wolf, Wilco, Death By Sexy, The Hard Tomorrows, Oasis, etc. It's late and I'm really tired now so I'm going to stop even though there are a whole lot more. That concert question took a long time to answer. Anyway, goodnight, bowl of blog.

For your listening (dis)pleasure, songs off of Middle Distance Runner's debut album Plane In Flames:

Middle Distance Runner: Hooks

Middle Distance Runner: Naturally

Middle Distance Runner: Up In A Tree

Middle Distance Runner: The Madness

If It's Good To Complicate Then Both Of Us Are Doing Fine. Just Keep Your Eyes On Your Part And Leave Me Alone To Mine.

2006-11-29T20:58:00.000-06:00

Sometimes my head gets too crowded with music. Bands old and new have to clamor above the din to be heard. One thing I've noticed I do more often now is drive in silence. Just to give my poor brain a rest. One new release, however, had no problem finding it's way to the forefront of my conciousness: Light Grenades by Incubus. I don't give a shit what any other music fan says; I absolutely adore these guys. Besides sporting what is arguably the tighest rhythm section and mad genius guitar player around, Incubus' ace in the hole is lead singer Brandon Boyd. Possessing some serious pipes and intriguing lyrical panache, Boyd is able bridge the gap between serious music geek and hardcore head banger. Acting as a solid bookend to Morning View and A Crow Left Of The Murder, LG continues to tweak and bend a unique sound Incubus began brewing on Make Yourself with great effect. Razor tight grooves wrap around sinewy guitar lines that literally sound like Mike Eizinger strangling his instrument. As a group, Incubus have a firm grasp on their identity, expertly alternating between longing ballads and rumbling riffs. A definite addition to my top albums of 2006 (coming soon!)For your listening (dis)pleasure:

Incubus: Anna Molly

Incubus: Diamonds And Coal

Incubus: Love Hurts

Incubus: Earth To Bella (Part 1)

Build A New House Down By The Sea. Get To The Place We Were Meant To Be. You'll Know It When You Smile.

2006-11-24T22:22:00.000-06:00

Giving thanks and/or being thankful for the special things in your life is such a simple premise, isn't it? Funny how it takes a national holiday once a year to spur these thoughts on. Nonetheless, I spent some time yesterday thinking about what I'm most humbly appreciative for. Besides the obligatory family, health, etc... my thoughts kept coming back to one thing: music. It dawned on me that 99.9% of my life is filled with music, or a melody, or a memory. Music is what makes me who I am, and it was these thoughts that lead me to catalogue albums that I'm eternally grateful for. One such album is Goodbye Jumbo by World Party. Essentially a one man band consisting of Karl Wallinger, WP's sophomore disc combined elements of soul, psychedelic rock, and stark, flowing ballads. Having achieved some level of notoriety with their debut single Ship of Fools, World Party returned with an album that was more focused than it's predecessor. With tighter production and assistance from future Sheryl Crow collaborator Jeff Trott, Wallinger created a stunningly simple pop ode to spirituality and love; cleverly realizing the duality that ties the two together. For your listening (dis)pleasure:

World Party: Is It Too Late

World Party: When The Rainbow Comes

World Party: Ain't Gonna Come `Til I'm Ready

World Party: Put The Message In The Box

It's Like My Skin Turned Inside Out. And There's No Silver Here In This Cloud. It's Like A love That's Turning Sour. It's Letting Go. This Is A Low.

2006-11-07T19:19:00.000-06:00

Ok, I have a confession to make. I've got it bad. So bad in fact, that the Scanners debut album Violence Is Golden has threatened to overtake my stereo. It's almost as if they've sent a warning to every other album I own: "Try and get him to play you and you will be destroyed." So far it seems to be working. 2006 has been a spectacular year for debuts, and VIG is nothing short of just that: a spectacular display of unsettling grooves, dark melodies, and killer hooks. Lead singer/bassist Sarah Daley has one of the more erotic voices in rock, and when she hits it full stride you feel it deep in the core of your soul. If I were you I'd have your ex's phone number handy while listening to the Scanners. You're definetely gonna be making some calls. For your listening (dis)pleasure:

Scanners: Low Life

Scanners: In My Dreams

Scanners: Joy

Scanners: Raw

You're Left Alone With Something. And I Hope For You It's One Thing. That You And Yours Can Hold And Hold As Something Special.

2006-11-06T22:22:00.000-06:00

I never thought I'd ever utter these words, but goddamn Nirvana. Goddamn Kurt Cobain and his lousy timing. Had he not been so brilliant, so urgent, and so neccessary, more people might have heard of Sugar. Indie god Bob Mould; having shuttered the windows on Husker Du, quietly put together one of the finest pop rock groups of the last 20 years. Through two albums and three years of touring, Mould & Co. managed to build off the already rabid HD fanbase by comitting to wax pure pop joy, replete with massive distortion and saccharine sweet hooks. On their debut album Copper Blue, Sugar display power pop charm doled out in 3 minute blasts; never letting up until your cd player begs unplugging. For your listening (dis)pleasure:

Sugar: The Slim

Sugar: If I Can't Change Your Mind

Sugar: Hoover Dam

Sugar: Helpless

You're All I Want. You're All I Want. You're All I'll Find. You Have My Heart Forever.

2006-11-03T11:15:00.000-06:00

I am a firm believer in using your connections to get what you want in life. It's all about who you know and not what you know, right? In the case of San Diego's Future of Forestry, knowing someone who knows Ken Andrews is like having your birthday, Christmas, Hannukah, and Halloween all wrapped up in one giant package. For those not in the know, Andrews was 1/2 of Failure, a one man show in the excellent ON, and producer for such artists as Pete Yorn, Year of the Rabbit and countless others. Bringing his A game to their debut e.p. Andrews and the members of FOF mash together smooth, glossy production and cool, razor sharp songwriting. Incorporating the quieter moments of Deftones with the loud, crashing distortion of Andrews' rookie band Failure, FOF have laid down firm roots in the pop landscape. For your listening (dis)pleasure:

Future Of Forestry: Stilled

Future Of Forestry: Open Wide

Future Of Forestry: All I Want

The Fireplace In Our Hearts. Connected From The Start.

2006-11-01T10:45:00.000-06:00

Lately I've been getting into record labels as much as the bands they house. One such find is Credential Recordings out of Tennessee. True purveyors of good pop music, a recent package from them contained not only the stellar Future of Forestry but the mellow, gliding Lost Ocean. This Bakersfield, CA quartet's recently released e.p. Night To Life is a fluid display of pop charm and fantastic musicianship. With terrific attention to detail, Lost Ocean have deftly crafted one of the year's most exciting albums. For your listening (dis)pleasure:

Lost Ocean: Lights

Lost Ocean: You Are

Told A Lie About Yourself, It Felt So Good To Deceive. You Pulled The Wool Over Everyone, Told Them Whatever They'd Believe.

2006-10-26T08:43:00.000-06:00

Well, well, well. Looks like someone's been listening to The Beatles White Album on repeat. On their upcoming release So Divided, ...And You Will Know Us By The Trail of Dead flex their melodic skills by channeling the fuzzed out, dirty rock that dominates one of the best Beatles albums. Laying off the pummeling sound they are known for, TOD instead rely on hooks that lay in wait just beneath the surface of the track; only to reveal themselves after repeated spins. While I am a huge fan of Source Tags & Codes, So Divided may just end up being my favorite album in their catalogue. For your listening (dis)pleasure:

...And You Will Know Us By The Trail of Dead: Wasted State Of Mind

...And You Will Know Us By The Trail of Dead: Witches Web

...And You Will Know Us By The Trail of Dead: Naked Sun

...And You Will Know Us By TheTrail of Dead: Life

::EDIT::

If you happen to swing by TOD's website (which you should) you will be greeted by a post from lead singer Conrad Keely. Apparently, the album leaked a little while ago and the band is none too pleased. As a premptive measure, I want to let everyone know that I received an advance copy from their PR company and DID NOT snag it online.

You May Miss Me One Day. You May Wish You Hadn't Stayed. You May Forget Me. You May Never Let Me Go.

2006-10-24T19:39:00.000-06:00

Let me tell you why I like Sean Lennon. Because he's loaded. Thanks to a generous inheritance from his father, the late John Lennon, Sean never has to worry about money for the rest of his life. And it's this very reason that enables him to make such compelling music. Pure, honest, and insanely catchy. There is no fretting over commercial success. If you like what he lays down on wax, cool. If you don't, hey that's great as well. He makes no bones about who he makes music for: himself and a select group of fans, and on his recently released sophomore album Friendly Fire he more than hit the mark. Filled with lush, harmony laden tracks and an impressive display of naked lyrics, FF oozes out of the speakers and into your heart. A song cycle based loosely on his relationship and subsequent breakup with actress Bijou Phillips, Lennon takes a chance in letting the listener in on some seriously private moments and emotions; to great success. If you're looking for a sublime pop album to fall in love with, look no further. For your listening (dis)pleasure:

Sean Lennon: On Again, Off Again

Sean Lennon: Parachute

Sean Lennon: Headlights

Sean Lennon: Dead Meat

On another note, I've started writing albums reviews for the excellent Silent Uproar site. Check it out!

We're Having A Party. Everybody Having A Good Time, Yeah. The Gang's All Here, We're Dancing There, Loopy With This Baby Of Mine.

2006-10-19T17:40:00.000-06:00

Listening to The Walkmen always seems to put me in a good mood. Their brand of sloppy yet controlled chaos wafts through my speakers like a perfectly poured Black & Tan. Smooth at first but filling once you get past the first layer. Godamnnit I need to go into rehab. After the release of their third full length; the excellent A Hundred Miles Off", The Walkmen decided to head back into the studio and cut a spot on rendition of the Harry Nilson/John Lennon classic "Pussycats". A lot of love went into the making of this album and from the languid opening cut of Jimmy Cliff's Many Rivers To Cross to the rollicking cover of Loop de Loop, the listener gets the overwhelming sensation of actually being in the studio with the band for every note committed to tape. For your listening (dis)pleasure:

The Walkmen: Many Rivers To Cross

The Walkmen: Loop De Loop

The Walkmen: Save The Last Dance

::CONTEST ALERT::

The fine folks over at Record Collection are pairing with Indoor Fireworks to offer a sweet Walkmen contest. One lucky winner will receive the follow prize package:

The Walkmen - "Pussy Cats" starring the Walkmen
The Walkmen limited edition numbered silkscreened poster
The Walkmen - A Hundred Miles Off"

If you're feeling lucky, email me at indoorfireworksonline@gmail.com and let me know why you should be chosen. Be creative. I'll announce the winner on Monday.

I'll Always Love You, You're Mine. Numb Is The New High, All Memories Die Out `Til Nothing & Nowhere Is Golden.

2006-10-02T18:45:00.000-06:00

Listening to Emily Haines makes me woozy. Her voice cascading around my head and seeping into my skull like a drunk night out; my equilibrium out of whack. It's quite rare that an artist can have such an immediate effect on me, but Ms. Haines has an uncanny knack for subtly drawing you into her quiet world. Before you know it you're humming along to a song you've only listened to once. She's that good. Taking a break from her duties as frontwoman for Metric, Haines spent the last 4 years recording her upcoming debut solo album Knives Don't Have Your Back in a host of studios around the US and Canada. With her stellar backing band The Soft Skeleton (which includes members of Sparklehorse, Broken Social Scene, and Metric,) Haines has assembled a charming collection of hooky melancholic songs that beg to be listened to over and over again. For your listening (dis)pleasure:

Emily Haines & The Soft Skeleton: Doctor Blind

Emily Haines & The Soft Skeleton: Nothing & Nowhere

Emily Haines & The Soft Skeleton: Our Hell

Emily Haines & The Soft Skeleton: Reading In Bed

We've Seen The Sunrise With New Eyes. We've Seen The Damage Of Gossip And True Lies.

2006-09-21T20:26:00.000-06:00

I like Ben Kweller. He's like the little brother you ignore, until the day you discover he's raided your record collection and is now writing pretty fucking amazing pop songs. Bastard. On his new self titled release, Kweller once again puts together a nifty package of quirky love songs and contemplative ballads. Opting to play all the instruments himself, BK successfully pulls off a solo album that comes across sounding like a full band. Not insular in the least and 100% more mature than his previous efforts, BK is full of life, love, and raucousness. For your listening (dis)pleasure:

Ben Kweller: Thirteen

Ben Kweller: Penny On The Train Track

Ben Kweller: Magic

Ben Kweller: Nothing Happening

We Took 15 Steps, But 15 Wrong. Through Packs Of Wolves And Wild Dogs.

2006-09-17T14:41:00.000-06:00

We're at Austin City Limts and boy, I gotta tell you: it's humid. Braving the swamp like condtions we've managed to check out a great sets by The Stills and KT Tunstall. Up next: Matisyahu and Ben Harper.

Attention I Can Hardly Stand. Move Up Real Close But Don't Hold My Hand. They Will Never Understand. You Be My Girl, I'll Be Your Man.

2006-09-09T07:57:00.000-06:00

Oh, Simon Dawes. What a glorious pop mess you are. Imagine Donald Fagen of Steely Dan writing lyrics for Wilco instead of Jeff Tweedy and you're halfway to witnessing how SD's debut album Carnivore shimmies it's way through psychedelic folk cock rock. Sandwiched in between crackling melodies and razor tight hooks are four young men who proudly wear their influences on their sleeves; to great effect. Whether you're a fan of Spoon's more adventurous leanings or The Beatles Abbey Road period this album is a definite gem of an addition to your collection. For your listening (dis)pleasure:

Simon Dawes: Save Your Ticket

Simon Dawes: Got A Light?

Simon Dawes: Behind The Bleachers

Simon Dawes: Salute The Institution

So You Dodge The Lady Killer Who Came Creepin' `Cross The Floor. Then You're Caught Up In A Whirlwind. You Get Blown Right Out The Door.

2006-09-07T20:00:00.000-06:00

Showcasing a countrified sound that would later resurface on Almost Blue, Elvis Costello's reissue of My Aim Is True includes some absolutely phenomenal cuts not included on the original release. Costello's stylistic approach to lyrics and his vocal emoting lend themselves well to the traditional sounds of Nashville country and remind us why he's the pre-eminent singer/songwriter of the last 25 years. Also included is a stellar acoustic version of Blame It On Cain. For your listening (dis)pleasure:

Elvis Costello: Imagination (Is A Powerful Deceiver)

Elvis Costello: Stranger In The House

Elvis Costello: Radio Sweetheart

Elvis Costello: Blame It On Cain (acoustic alternate)

What Do You Owe Me? The Price Of Your Piece Of Mind. You'd Love My Bed. You Took The Other Instead.

2006-09-05T20:03:00.000-06:00

It's such a personal thing, isn't it? How one compiles a list of their favorite albums. Lyrics and melodies forever attached to a memory and filed away; only to be resurrected every time the first strains of sound reaches your ears. 13 by Blur is one such album for me. Taking a huge risk, Blur continued dessimation of their trade mark Brit pop sound; a journey initiated with their previous self titled masterpiece. But something about 13 struck a chord with me. Buried beneath the fuzzed out melodies and stunningly warped production courtesy of William Orbit were some strikingly personal lyrics about the loss of love. My favorite subject. Damon Albarn went through some fairly traumatic times during the recording of this album: the break up of his longtime relationship with Elastica's Justine Frischmann and, unbeknownst to the listener, his partnership with guitarist Graham Coxon. 13 would be the last time the two appeared on a Blur album together. For your listening (dis)pleasure, four tracks off of one of my favorite Blur albums:

Blur: 1992

Blur: Coffee & TV

Blur: Mellow Song

Blur: No Distance Left To Run

And It's Not True. And It's Not Fair. And It's Not You. And It's Not California Here.

2006-08-29T20:46:00.000-06:00

Channeling a young Joni Mitchell something fierce, lead singer Sally Ellyson and the rest of Hem have quietly put together the sleeper album of the summer with Funnel Cloud. Displaying a hushed, sonic beauty and deft musicianship, Hem is what the Cowboy Junkies would sound like if they tinkered more in the studio. On ecstacy. Armed with swooning melodies and Ellyson's haunting voice, this talented group of Manhattanites have definetely set the bar pretty high for their contemporaries. Anyone willing to step up? For your listening (dis)pleasure:

Hem: Not California

Hem: We'll Meet Along The Way

Hem: Reservoir

Hem: Hotel Fire

It's Been Three Years Since I Saw That Lonely Smile. Bound To Be A Thousand More `Til I Can Find, A Face I Loved As Much As Yours.

2006-08-26T10:01:00.001-06:00

Sometimes, kicking back and enjoying the moment enables you to see things with more clarity. Such was the case with As Tall As Lions self titled sophomore album. Initially dismissed as too lite and entirely too familiar , the album rattled around my house until I decided to pull it out for a second spin. Maybe it was the humid breeze outside, maybe it was the cabernet. Or maybe it was the fact that I finally pulled my head out of the sand. Whatever the reason, something finally clicked and I pressed repeat deep into the night. Possessing a sound akin to a more rockier Jeff Buckley, ATAL's lush tones of ambient pop pack an emotional punch similar to the great 80's styled love songs of The Smiths and Aztec Camera. For your listening (dis)pleasure:

As Tall As Lions: Love, Love, Love (Love, Love)

As Tall As Lions: Milk And Honey

I Get Bored Of The Window Pane. We Both Know We're Gonna Drown.

2006-08-23T09:38:00.000-06:00

As much as I wish I was hosting this show, I'm not. But I will be in attendance, if only to check the best unsigned band of the year: Division Day. And so should you. For your listening (dis)pleasure:

Division Day: Hurricane

Division Day: Colorguard

And I Know It's Not Easy. When You Don't Get What You Deserve. You Can Say That You Love Me. But That's Not What I Heard.

2006-08-21T20:52:00.000-06:00

Empty beer bottles. Clothes strewn about. Eyes trying to focus, morning has come too soon. This is what I think about when I listen to Razorlight. Rock and Roll personified. Perfectly aping a thick, 60's garage sound, this self titled sophomore album came out of left field to land on my top releases of 2006. Combining The La's rough and tumble melodies with The Animals spooky atmospherics, Razorlight have successfully updated an established sound without sounding too contrived. But the real star is lead singer/guitarist Johnny Borell. With a vocal style reminicent of Bob Dylan and David Byrne, Borrell expertly paints a picture of a young lad enjoying the perils and pagentry of success. For your listening (dis)pleasure:

Razorlight: Los Angeles Waltz

Razorlight: I Can't Stop This Feeling I've Got

Razorlight: America

Razorlight: Who Needs Love?

Friday Five Alive Mix

2006-08-18T08:50:00.000-06:00

Welcome to another edition of the Friday Five Alive mix here at Indoor Fireworks. For your listening (dis)pleasure, five tracks guaranteed to get you ready for the weekend:

Tokyo Police Club: Citizens of Tomorrow

Shiny Toy Guns: Le Disko

DJ Shadow: You Made It feat. Chris James

Outkast: Hollywood Divorce feat. Lil' Wayne & Snoop Dogg

Girl Talk: Hold Up

I Said I Really Really Like You.

2006-08-16T10:33:00.000-06:00

With new album Talk To La Bomb dropping on September 12th, I wanted to share with you Brazilian Girl's excellent first single. If you haven't already fallen in love with this group, buckle up. Apologies for the short post but life has been getting in the way lately. For your listening (dis)pleasure:

Brazilian Girls: Jique

You Don't Need To Look For Trouble. It Will Surely Find It's Way To You.

2006-08-12T12:16:00.000-06:00

Am I really that predictable? A very generous reader sent me Movie Monster; the debut major label album from Austin, TX's Sound Team. Assuring me I'd fall in love with their 80's styled, synth burnt, rollicking songs I popped the album into my cd player. It hasn't left since. Blending an experimental and vastly underrated knack for killer hooks with solid production, Sound Team have successfully bridged the gap between college rock and art rock. For your listening (dis)pleasure:

Sound Team: Born To Please

Sound Team: Back In Town

Sound Team: Movie Monster

Sound Team: No More Birthdays

She's Been Trying With Limited Success. To Get Him To Turn Out The Lights & Dance. Cause Like Any Girl All She Wants.That Fickle Little Bitch Romance

2006-08-08T12:28:00.000-06:00

The Dresden Dolls kind of remind me of that strange couple at the party that no one dare talk to. Mostly out of fear. Fear that they are cooler than you. Fear that they are more talented than you. And fear that they have a better (read: kinkier) sex life than you do. While I can't shed any insight into what happens behind closed doors, I can confirm that vocalist/pianist Amanda Palmer and drummer Brian Viglione have deftly crafted one of the most intriguing releases of 2006 with Yes, Virginia...
Mixing equal parts pop with their self described punk cabaret, Palmer and Viglione manage to make two instruments and a delicately commanding voice flesh out an entire album of catchy, close to the bone vignettes. For your listening (dis)pleasure:

The Dresden Dolls: Dirty Business

The Dresden Dolls: Sex Changes

The Dresden Dolls: Necessary Evil

The Dresden Dolls: Shores Of California

Friday Five Alive Mix

2006-08-04T06:59:00.000-06:00

Welcome to another edition of the Friday Five Alive mix here at Indoor Fireworks. Today's selections constitute the Top 5 tracks spun this week at home, in the car, and whilst bathing. For your listening (dis)pleasure:

DJ Shadow: Backstage Girl feat. Phonte

Justin Timberlake: SexyBack

Beck: Cell Phone's Dead

The Pipettes: Your Kisses Are Wasted On Me

Thom Yorke: And It Rained All Night

I Want To Write A Song That Will Break Your Heart. I Want You To Hear It And Fall Apart.

2006-08-01T14:54:00.000-06:00

Someone broke Nina Gordon's heart real bad. Not in an Alanis Morrisette, "I'm going to skewer you in front of the whole world" kind of way. It's more akin to a deep smoldering heartbreak. The kind that quietly haunts you every second of the day, never letting you forget how badly you still burn for this person. On her new album Bleeding Heart Graffiti (out August 8th), Gordon let's the listener into her shattered world via dusky, smoldering pop songs that run the gamut from down right goofy to heart wrenching. With tight production and slick backing musicians aiding her, Nina Gordon has finally managed to shake loose her alt-rock past with Veruca Salt. One heartbreak at a time. For your listening (dis)pleasure:

Nina Gordon: Kiss Me Til It Bleeds

Nina Gordon: Turn On Your Radio

Nina Gordon: Pure

Nina Gordon: Christmas Lights

***CONTEST ALERT***

To compliment this post, the fine folks at Filter have teamed up with us on a cool contest. To celebrate the release of Nina's new album one lucky winner will receive a SIGNED copy of the disc as well as a hard copy of Ragged; a thirty-two page mini magazine featuring stories on indie rock and alternative music from major and up-and-coming artists. As you may have guessed, Ms. Gordon is featured in one of the interviews! If you're feeling lucky, email me at indoorfireworksonline@gmail.com with "Kiss Me" as the subject. Good luck!

***CONTEST UPDATE***

Thanks to all that participated in the Nina Gordon contest! A winner has been chosen and will be notified via email.

If I Tore My Own Tongue Out, I Think I Might Taste It Still. So I Will Listen To You Now.

2006-07-31T10:03:00.000-06:00

If you missed it on Saturday, I reposted my interview with Division Day over at Clever Titles Are So Last Summer for the successful Blogathon. Just got wind they're coming through Dallas in August with favorite tourmates Birdmonster. Make sure you check `em out if they swing through your town. For your listening (dis)pleasure:

Check out tracks from Beartrap Island:

Division Day: Hurricane

Divison Day: Tap Tap, Click Click

Division Day: Colorguard

Division Day: Tigers

Check out tracks from 2004's The Mean Way In:

Division Day: Bad Black Moon

Division Day: There Is No Telling

...And We Have Crashed Her Party....

2006-07-29T07:35:00.000-06:00

Today's post is over at Clever Titles Are So Last Summer.

Friday Five Alive Mix

2006-07-28T12:43:00.000-06:00

Welcome to another edition of the Friday Five Alive mix here at Indoor Fireworks. Nothing special about today's tracks...just 5 songs to get you in the mood for the weekend! For your listening (dis)pleasure:

Lupe Fiasco: I Gotcha

Beck: Que Onda Guero (Team Shi remix)

Eagles of Death Metal: I Like To Move In The Night

Fishbone: Unyielding Conditioning

Jurassic 5: Work It Out feat. Dave Matthews

***IMPORTANT REMINDER*** Make sure to head on over to Clever Titles Are So Last Summer tomorrow for the massive BLOGATHON. One new post every half hour for charity, so please make sure to donate some $$$. Yours truly will be posting between 10am-11am (Eastern.)

Only Came Outside To Watch The Nightfall With The Rain. I Heard You Making Patterns Rhyme.

2006-07-24T20:31:00.000-06:00

23 years is a long time to be comitted to a band, let alone anything for that matter. But it's true. At the age of 9, I pledged life long allegiance to Duran Duran. They were my first concert, my first kiss, my first fuck. It's true. And I'm a better man for it. For your listening (dis)pleasure, remixes off the import only release Nite Romantics~Carnival~Tiger Tiger~Strange Behavior:

Duran Duran: Planet Earth (Night Version)

Duran Duran: Girls On Film (Night Version)

Duran Duran: Notorious (Latin Rascals Mix)

Duran Duran: Union Of The Snake (Monkey Mix)

********************************************************************************
On a side note, this Saturday see's a slew of blogger's doing guest turns over at Clever Titles Are So Last Summer. It's music blogging for charity, so head on over and witness a new post every half hour for 24 hours! I'll post my scheduled time for the day towards the end of the week. In the meantime, head on over and donate some money!

First I Was A Murderer, Then I Was A Saint. Now I Live On Stolen Time. Twist And Run Like Paint.

2006-07-20T18:44:00.000-06:00

Essentially a one off side project for Robert Smith of The Cure and Siouxise & The Banshees bassist Steve Severin, The Glove released a fairly stellar debut album that to this day sounds fresh and inviting. While on tour with the Banshees as a back up guitarist, Smith and Severin spent time after shows messing around with a variety of psychedelic soundscapes and 60's cult imagery. The end result was Blue Sunshine, a quirky album laced with a mix of straightforward pop and beat heavy tracks. Recruiting dancer Jeanette Landray to sing on all but 5 songs, The Glove eventually fizzled out once The Cure hit the Top 10 with their single The Lovecats. For your listening (dis)pleasure:

The Glove: Like An Animal

The Glove: Mr. Alphabet Says

The Glove: Perfect Murder

The Glove: Like An Animal (Club? What Club?)

She Leads You Up, Points Out Skylines And Stars, Steeple Chases In Bars. And Took Your Keys, Demanding That You Stay.

2006-07-17T18:48:00.000-06:00

Am I too old to listen to Dashboard Confessional? Sometimes I wonder. Listening to Chris Carrabba sing is almost like eavsdropping on the thoughts of a very confused and in love adolescent: raging emotions one minute and then calm waters the next. But I can tap into those memories so easily sometimes, you know? I guess that's what keeps me coming back for each new release. Showcasing an even bigger, broader sound than 2004's A Mark, A Mission, A Brand, A Scar, DC have captured, in essence, a song cycle showcasing summer love on the recently released Dusk and Summer. An excellent companion to AMAMABAS, this is an album to fall in love with. Or to. For your listening (dis)pleasure:

Dashboard Confessional: Rooftops And Invitations

Dashboard Confessional: Don't Wait

Dashboard Confessional: So Long, So Long (feat. Adam Duritz)

Dashboard Confessional: Dusk And Summer

Came In Through An Open Window. Looking For An Open Mind.

2006-07-05T21:48:00.000-06:00

I've been into reactions lately. Getting off on watching people search for a handle on the moment. While boozing it up with some friends on the Fourth of July, I slipped inside my abode and threw on Roland Orzabal's solo album Tomcats Screaming Outside. After the intial strains of music filtered into the humid evening, you could see our guests start to wonder. Where had they heard this before? And then it hit them. Tears For Fears. Yes! But wait, this is different. More modern sounding. Even though Orzabal took a slightly different turn with this album, the constant still remains. The voice. Warm. Welcoming. Like an old afghan that your grandmother made for you. The buzz you get after one too many shots of Jack. Or maybe just the solace of a comforting memory. For your listening (dis)pleasure:

Roland Orzabal: Ticket To The World

Roland Orzabal: Snowdrop

Roland Orzabal: Under Ether

Roland Orzabal: Low Life

You Want Me? Fucking Then Come And Find Me. I'll Be Waiting. With A Gun A Pack Of Sandwiches. I'm Ready.

2006-07-03T14:45:00.000-06:00

Short on time but long on ambition today, I wanted to hit everyone up with a special holiday treat. Broadcast on the eve of releasing Amnesiac worldwide, Radiohead played a special show for the BBC to celebrate the album entering the UK charts at number 1. They would repeat this feat again the very next day in the US. Of note is an exceptionally atmospheric Talkshow Host, and a languid, slow burning version of The Bends. For your listening (dis)pleasure:

Radiohead: Lucky (live)

Radiohead: Life In A Glasshouse (live)

Radiohead: Talkshow Host (live)

Radiohead: The Bends (live)

Friday Five Alive Mix

2006-06-30T08:46:00.000-06:00

Welcome to another edition of the Friday Five Alive mix here on Indoor Fireworks. Today's selections were plucked from the "recently played" playlist on Claire2, my iPod with the intention of getting you hyped for the holiday weekend! For your listening (dis)pleasure:

Dresden Dolls: Dirty Business

People Under The Stairs: Tuxedo Rap

The Pharcyde: Y (Be Like That) (JayDee remix)

Brazilian Girls: Pussy

Radiohead: 15 Step (Live at the Greek Theater, Berkeley, CA 6/23/06)

I Can't Say That I'm Not Lost And At Fault. I Can't Say That I Don't Love The Light And The Dark.

2006-06-28T20:43:00.000-06:00

I've been so ensconced in melancholy lately that I needed a good booty shaking. Enter Nelly Furtado and her new album Loose. Masterminded by the most underrated beatmaker next to the late J Dilla, Timbaland really lets his love jones for the 80's take full control on this album. Mixing his trademark stutter beats with synth lines that leave the listener with freezer burn, Timbaland deftly coaxes Nelly out of her sophomore album's deep lull and introduces the world to her inner vixen. Recorded in Miami, the sultry vibe is quite evident in Furtado's delivery. Regaining the ground she lost after her phenomenal debut, Loose is a perfect summertime album. For your listening (dis)pleasure:

Nelly Furtado: Afraid feat. Attitude

Nelly Furtado: Say It Right

Nelly Furtado: No Hay Igual

Nelly Furtado: Glow

But Even Then It Sounds So Soothing. To Mix A Drink And Sink Into Oblivion.

2006-06-24T10:45:00.000-06:00

Possessing a hybrid rock and soul sound that leaves the listener with no choice but to stomp and clap along, Fullerton, CA's Cold War Kids e.p. Up In Rags is currently running amok on my stereo system. With influences ranging from Clinic to a more funkier Jeff Buckley, CWK nearly caused me to burn my house down last night. Deep into a bottle of scotch, I retreated to the backyard to light some candles and perform my own version of an exorcism. Good thing a hose was in nearby proximity. Thank you CWK for brightening my evening and my lawn. For your listening (dis)pleasure:

Cold War Kids: Hang Me Up To Dry

Cold War Kids: Saint John

Cold War Kids: We Used To Vacation

Angels Don't Know Names. They Just Know Deeds.

2006-06-12T21:11:00.000-06:00

Sometimes, an album can actually fold itself around you--envolping you in it's subtle charms. Tom Cruise, the new LP by Los Angeles' Ill Lit is one of those. Straddling the line between country glitch and straightforward pop, TC delivers a deceptively upbeat message of heartbreak,of loss, and of hope-complete with broken electronics and layers of saccharine sweet harmonies. Led by singer-songwriter Daniel Ahearn (along with multi instrumentalist Jens Fleming and guitarist David J,) Ill Lit expertly balances these extremes to create one intriguing band that drifts beneath the radar. For your listening (dis)pleasure:

Ill Lit: Across Country

Ill Lit: Los Angeles

Ill Lit: Worth The Wait

Ill Lit: You Left After Work

Five Alive Mix

2006-06-10T08:11:00.000-06:00

Welcome to another edition of the Friday Five Alive mix on Indoor Fireworks. Coming to you on Saturday (sorry), today's tracks find us rummaging for nostalgia. Enjoy 4 tracks with a definite 80's swagger plus, IMHO one of the best singles from 1984. For your listening (dis)pleasure:

Nelly Furtado: Say It Right

Tiger Tunes: Unite!

Interpol: Public Pervert (Carlos D remix)

Enon: Disposable Parts

Thompson Twins: If You Were Here

Division Day: The Indoor Fireworks Interview

2006-06-06T06:03:00.000-06:00

Up until now, I can't really say that I've been privvy to witness the rise of an independent band as unique and amazing as Northern Caifornia's Division Day. From 2004's e.p. The Mean Way In to their recently released full length Beartrap Island, Division Day have cast a peculiar and enchanting spell over my stereo. Filling my house with an urgent, atmospheric, beat heavy sound, these four musicians have spent the last several years honing a sound that is equal parts Talking Heads/Brian Eno/The Church, yet still maintain their own brand of pop sensibilities. Make no mistake, the tracks on BI are eclectic and catchy as hell, characterized at times by dense harmonies and sultry simplicity all the while managing to stay within your subconcious long after the last strains of sound have left the room. I was fortunate enough to garner some quality time from guitarist Ryan Wilson, drummer Kevin Lenhart, and lead singer/keyboardist Rohner Segnitz while they were in the midst of preparing for a summer tour. For your reading and listening (dis)pleasure:

INDOOR FIREWORKS: You have a very specific sound/tone to your music--how much of that has to do with producer Scott Solter and recording at Tiny Telephone on all analog equipment?

ROHNER SEGNITZ: With this new record, of course, a whole lot of how it sounds has to do with Scott's expertise and sensibility as he was the guy that brought the sound from the air onto the tape. That being said, the process of arriving at the sonic palettes for each of the songs was pretty collaborative--I'd be behind the boards with Scott working to get a drum sound we liked, and Ryan would be fiddling with all sorts of weird gear to get guitar sounds that fit the mood. We all advised each other on different sounds, but what Scott did best was translate our abstract ideas into physical sounds, ie: "So, we want these drums to sound sort of like a Motown recording from the 60's, but with the roominess found on In Utero. And the guitar should sound like a dragon." Scott would help us bring a sound to life that actually approcahed our silly interior vision. He's awesome.

RYAN WILSON: Working entirely with analog equipment definetly created moments of "Wow, I actually have to DO this take," as opposed to fixing it later on during the over dubs. But I think that has a lot to do with how the recorded ended up sounding and feeling on the whole.

IF: How do you feel Division Day's sound translates from the studio to the stage?

KEVIN LENHART: I think our live show is much more raucous and unhinged than our recordings have turned out, which is not to say our albums are demure or reserved--I'm very happy with how Scott (Solter, producer) was able to help us bring the rock where it was needed. We like to play up the celebration vibe at shows-it's an occasion for joy and we try to make that happen for ourselves and the crowd. There's lots of clapping, tambourines being passed about, drinks getting tossed (generally on me), other people banging on my drums, screaming, dancing, all of it. The tour with Birdmonster sort of upped it all a notch after spending every show boogy-ing down onstage with each other. There is a certain boundary that can be broken when getting a crowd to participate, where the whole experience becomes much more personal for everyone involved and ups the awesomeness factor times a bazillion.

RS: I would say "well!" The shows are generally more frenetic than the studio recordings, because that's what playing for people brings out in us. We leave a fair amount of room in the arrangements for everyone to mess around. This helps keep things alive and moving, and surprising even to us.

IF: What can your fans expect from your shows this year?

RS: More of them! In drastically varied locales!

KL: We're getting a giant aquarium and water proof gear so we can do underwater shows!

RW: Backflips, sweat, trained monkeys, and probably some music.

IF: Rohner Segnitz has such a unique voice--has he always handled vocals for Division Day and how have you seen him mature over the years?

RW: About four years ago when I joined the band, Seb (Bailey, bassist) and Rohner were trading off, singing a couple of songs each. And before that even I think Seb was the singer, Rohner played drums, and Kevin played guitar. I am proud of Rohner-he has improved immensly over the last two years since we really started working on the band in earnest. I'm not saying he's bad or ever was to begin with, but it's one thing to sing in the studio and it's another to do it live in front of a crowd and be a "singer." That's a hard thing to do-I mean you look at people like Bowie and Mick Jagger who make it look so easy, but it's not. Rohner definetly brings it.

IF: I'm always very drawn to 80's influenced, atmpsheric music which makes up a large part of your sound and style. Who are your influences and how have they played a role in shaping Division Day's sound?

KL: We listen to a whole mess of different music. The 80's definetely had a big influence on the record, thanks in no small part to Scott's (Solter, producer) tutelage on Gary Neuman, Peter Gabriel, and David Sylvian among many, many others. Personally, I still listen to a lot of my favorite bands from the 90's like Polvo, Archers of Loaf, Drive Like Jehu, Unwound, and mainstream stuff like Nirvana and Pearl Jam. Recently, I've been listening to a lot of older reggae and afro-beat music like Prince Far-I, African Head Charge--even old Lee "Scratch" Perry recordings of Bob Marley. I absolutely love the way those records sound.

RW: The Beatles made me fall in love with music but The Clash inspired me to pick up the guitar. Joe Strummer was a hero to a lot of people, myself included, just for the tenacity with which he approached life and the acts of making and playing great music. Over the last couple of years I've gotten into some of that 80's stuff you're talking about like O.M.D.'s Dazzle Ships, The Jesus and Mary Chain's Darklands and My Bloody Valentine.

IF: What is your earliest musical memory?

KL: Dancing with my Dad to Boz Scaggs records in my living room.

RS: Dancing to Born In The USA around the age of 4 with my Mom.

RW: Putting on Beach Boy concerts for my family.

IF: I know Rohner writes the majority of the lyrics--talk to me a little about how Division Day approach the rest of the songwriting process?

RW: Sometimes people will bring in bits and pieces of what they've been working on at home and we sort of pass it around and flesh it out. Sometimes things will happen...I'll be playing a riff on guitar and then we'll sort of (ack!) "jam it out" (:cringe:) until we've got a stew goin'!

IF: Finally, if you could put together your dream tour- who would Division Day play with?

RS: Talking Heads, Echo & The Bunnymen, Pink Floyd, Birdmonster, Xiu-Xiu, and The Primos.

KL: Kool Keith, Daft Punk, Lungfish, Beyonce, Deerhoof, Les Savvy Fav, Wu Tang, Radiohead, and Sabbath.

RW: I would ant to put together a travelling bio-dome with abig stage next to the beach. The Primos, Silverspun Pickups, Birdmonster, Sonic Youth, Black Dice, Doves, Deerhoof and Pavement and Jesus and mary Chain would be there. I think two of those bands would have to reform to be there, but I guess that's why it's a dream!

Check out tracks from Beartrap Island:

Division Day: Hurricane

Divison Day: Tap Tap, Click Click

Division Day: Colorguard

Division Day: Tigers

Check out tracks from 2004's The Mean Way In:

Division Day: Bad Black Moon

Division Day: There Is No Telling

We Could Go Kick Down Some Doors Together. Stay Out `Til Morning, Sharp As Knives.

2006-06-05T10:50:00.000-06:00

I'm in a difficult mood today. Listless, restless, and in need of something exciting. I've been listening to Kill The Moonlight by Spoon all morning and it's made me feel slightly better. Leaving behind a good portion of the pop sound evident on Girls Can Tell, Britt Daniel and Co. carved out ragged bunch of tunes that at first sounded out of place within Spoon's sonic landscape, but over time became my favorite out of their catalogue due to it's insistence at being different. Or difficult. Decide for yourself. For your listening (dis)pleasure:

Spoon: Paper Tiger

Spoon: Jonathon Fisk

Spoon: Back To The Life

Spoon: Someone Something

Friday Five Alive Mix

2006-06-02T07:04:00.000-06:00

Welcome to another edition of the Friday Five Alive mix here on Indoor Fireworks. This week we are featuring five tracks that are currently receiving heavy rotation on the stereo; all with a great summertime vibe. For your listening (dis)pleasure:

King Biscuit Time: I Walk The Earth

DJ Quik: Pitch In Ona Party

Sublime: Doin' Time (Wyclef Jean remix)

Stevie Wonder: Master Blaster (Jammin')

Lucious Jackson: Naked Eye

What Will Grow Crooked You Can't Make Straight. It's The Price You Gotta Pay.

2006-05-31T21:04:00.000-06:00

Being a massive and slightly obsessive Radiohead fan, I seriously wondered if what the world really needed now was a Thom Yorke "solo" album. I know, I know. Claims have been made, statements have been adamant refuting such nonsense. But to be honest, I've dreaded this day for a long time. Being so rudely forced out of my comfort zone. To my surprise however, I found myself supremely digging The Eraser. Towing the line between Kid A and Hail To Thief, the record is a pretty good indication of how those albums would've sounded had Yorke locked the rest of the band out of the studio. More of an exercise in neccessity, the tracks on TE really don't fit the RH mold per se, but yet at the same time have a familiar stamp to them. I guess this really does validate Thom's statement years ago regarding the truth behind Radiohead's songwriting and recording process: "We're like the U.N., and I'm the USA." For your listening (dis)pleasure:

::::SAMPLE TRACKS REMOVED & NO LONGER AVAILABLE PER XL RECORDINGS REQUEST:::

Thom Yorke: Black Swan

Thom Yorke: Harrowdown Hill

Thom Yorke: The Eraser

Thom Yorke: The Clock

::::SAMPLE TRACKS REMOVED & NO LONGER AVAILABLE PER XL RECORDINGS REQUEST:::

The Kids Are Digging Up A Brand New Hole. Where They Put Their Deadbeat Mom. Grandpa's Happy Watching Video Porn. With The Closed Caption On.

2006-05-30T21:12:00.000-06:00

If you can get past the oppressively morbid tone, you will soon discover the utter beauty that lies within Eels Electro Shock Blues. Pretty much a solo guise for Mark Oliver Everett, this album caused quite a stir upon it's release. I remember reading an article about how hard Everett's A&R guy flipped out when he heard the album for the first time. And not in a good way. Sophomore albums are hard enough to promote without songs about suicide, mental illness and severe depression. Yes, it's that heavy of a record. But if you're looking for an album to shimmer and get lost in-- look no further. For your listening (dis)pleasure:

Eels: My Descent Into Madness

Eels: Last Stop: This Town

Eels: Cancer For The Cure

Eels: Going To You Funeral Pt.1

And You Stood At Your Door With Your Hands On My Waist. And You Kissed Me Like You Meant It. And I Knew, That You Meant It. You Meant It.

2006-05-27T17:38:00.000-06:00

Emotional scars and music are a funny thing aren't they? Like partners in crime. Even though years may have passed, you can hear a song and in an instant be transported back to a place you had long thought erased from your psyche. I guess that's why I like Dashboard Confessional. Packing enough passion and angst to fill a stadium, Chris Carraba has, over the years, honed a songwriting style that eerily taps into a wide range of emotions in a way that 99.9% of the population can relate to. No easy feat, I assure you. With a new album due next month entitled Dusk & Summer I thought it only fitting to revisit one of my favorite DC collections A Mark, A Mission, A Brand, A Scar. Even if you don't dig on Mr. C's music; considering him too twee-mo, (even though the likes of Gil Norton & Daniel Lanois have produced his records) you at the very least have to agree with me on one thing: the guy can sure title his albums well. For your listening (dis)pleasure:

Dashboard Confessional: Ghost Of A Good Thing

Dashboard Confessional: Hands Down

Dashboard Confessional: Hey Girl

Dashboard Confessional: Carry This Picture

Friday Five Alive Mix

2006-05-24T15:53:00.000-06:00

Today marks the debut of a new weekly feature here on Indoor Fireworks. Every week we will be presenting the Friday Five Alive Mix: five jams to get you ready for the weekend! Please feel free to submit any feedback on tracks you'd like to see appear in the future. For your listening (dis)pleasure:

Fiona Apple: Shadowboxer (live)

Nicole Atkins & The Sea: Neptune City

Zero 7: Your Place off their upcoming album The Garden

Radiohead: Palo Alto

Michael Jackson: I Can't Help It (Tangoterje Mix) courtesy of the ever fab Dilated Choonz

I Don't Know What To Offer You. I'm Only Broke & Lonely.

2006-05-23T21:21:00.000-06:00

Don't you wish you were in The Walkmen? I do. With a sound so vintage it almost dares you to raid your parents vinyl collection, these guys truly sound like they're from another era entirely. Their third album One Hundred Miles Off was released today; ramshackle sound intact. This time around they focus more on constructing more cohesive, melodic gems rather than the meandering jams that appeared on their debut. Don't get me wrong, I fucking love Bows+Arrows. But AHMO really kicks things into high gear. For your listening (dis)pleasure:

The Walkmen: Another One Goes By

The Walkmen: Louisiana

The Walkmen: Lost In Boston

Whatever Did Happen To Your Soul? I Heard You Sold It. To Some Old Boy Who Lived Uptown. Who Could Afford It.

2006-05-22T21:42:00.000-06:00

"It was a blast. We'd like to thank everyone who took the ride with us and let us ride with them."

As far as swan songs go, The Afghan Whigs 1965 was quite a whopper. Accompanied by a press release citing the above obligitory thanks to the fans, Greg Dulli and Co. shuffled off into the dark night. But what they left behind, the stereophonic evidence of a career marred by logistical differences and a status never rising above cult level, is hands down their best album. Full of soul, full of lust, full of vignettes straight from the underbelly of society. The Whigs were true soul fans, and 1965 is a shining testament of their talent. Even though Dulli has gone on to greater musical heights with the sensational Twilight Singers, this is still one album you should have in your collection. For your listening (dis)pleasure:

The Afghan Whigs: Crazy

The Afghan Whigs: Somethin' Hot

The Afghan Whigs: 66

The Afghan Whigs: Neglekted

I Cherish The Twilight. I Maximize, My Soul Is The Right Size. I Watch For The Power To Run Out On The Moon (And That'll Be Sometime Soon.)

2006-05-19T08:16:00.000-06:00

Criminally underrated, De La Soul's Buhloone Mindstate remains today one of my favorite hip hop albums. Boasting a surreal, laid back vibe missing since their debut, De La eschewed the claustrophobic production of their near perfect sophmore release De La Soul Is Dead and instead focused on what they do best: laying down puzzle-piece like word play over sparse soul beats. For your listening (dis)pleasure:

De La Soul: Ego Trippin' Part 2

De La Soul: Eye Patch

De La Soul: I Am I Be

De La Soul: Area

::BONUS:: De La Soul: Ego Trippin' Part 3 (Egoristic Mix)

Remember A Time When All Was Not Fine. And Up From The Dingy Sewers Came Four Lousy Thieves. Who Flourished Like Trees. Behold The Raconteurs.

2006-05-16T20:12:00.000-06:00

What a difference a band makes. Realizing he couldn't contain his power-pop urges any longer, Jack White coralled Detroit buddy Brendan Benson and two-fourths of The Greenhorns to record their absolutely devestating debut album Broken Boy Soldiers. This lo-fi masterpiece is laced with more psychedelic harmonies than a Time/Life 60's rock compilation but never at any time does it feel like the vibe is forced. With a tight sound and even tighter production, The Raconteurs really shouldn't be considered a "super group" a la The Yardbirds or Derek & The Dominos. They're better than that. For your listening (dis)pleasure:

The Raconteurs: Level

The Raconteurs: Hands

The Raconteurs: Call It A Day

The Raconteurs: Blue Veins

The Lazy Players, The Sun Behind The Start. We Travelled Through Jungles, In The Tiger Sweet Parts.

2006-05-06T10:23:00.000-06:00

Listening to Be Your Own PET reminds me of Saturday band practices in my parents garage circa 1991. Loud. Fast. Blast furnace temperatures perfect for fucking shit up. I wonder if the Yeah Yeah Yeah's can hear this battle cry all the way from Nashville. Combining a mixed love of The Stooges, T Rex, Television, and early Blondie, BYOP display some serious chops on their new self titled L.P. out June 6 on Thurston Moore's Ecstatic Peace label. Don't believe me? For your listening (dis)pleasure:

Be Your Own PET: Bicycle, Bicycle, You Are My Bicycle

Be Your Own PET: Adventure

You Should Get Your Story Straight Before I Start To Doubt It. `Cause If You've Worn Your Lipstick Off I Wanna Hear About It.

2006-05-04T09:46:00.000-06:00

So, I'm not perfect by a long shot. There are times when I overlook things and wonder what the hell I was thinking. Such is the case with Phantom Planet's self-titled sophmore album. Laying in bed last week, crippled with pneumonia, I lamented the fact that this album sat on my shelf for over a year before being inserted into my stereo. Packed with haunting melodies and hooks tightly wound up in a ball of distortion, Phantom Planet is the sound of a band coming of age. Forget their debut album The Guest. Forget the fact that they provide the theme song to The O.C. And certainly purge from your mind the fact that actor Jason Schwartzman used to be their drummer. Just focus on lead singer/guitarist Alex Greenwald's killer knack for writing songs that remain in your subconcious long after the album has finished playing. For your listening (dis)pleasure:

Phantom Planet: Knowitall

Phantom Planet: 1st Things 1st

Phantom Planet: Big Brat

Phantom Planet: You're Not Welcome Here

::BONUS:: Mark Ronson feat. Alex Greenwald of Phantom Planet: Just (Radiohead cover)

Going Back To Cali Strictly For The Weather, Women, & The Weed. Sticky Green.

2006-04-18T19:28:00.000-06:00

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Going back to California for a few days of R+R. Take care of yourselves. For your listening (dis)pleasure:

The Notorious B.I.G.: Going Back To Cali

I Know That We Can't Carry On. No Chance To Finish What We've Done.

2006-04-18T08:33:00.000-06:00

So, truth be told I was never a fan of Haircut 100. No substance. No emotional connection. Too disposable. So you wouldn't think former lead singer Nick Heyward would be capable of churning out a solo album as good as From Monday To Sunday. Loaded with power pop melodies and Brit pop guitars, Heyward delivered an album filled with heart and soul that thankfully found an audience outside of his pin-up boy status. For your listening (dis)pleasure:

Nick Heyward: Into Your Life

Nick Heyward: He Doesn't Love You Like I Do

Nick Heyward: Kite

Nick Heyward: January Man

::BONUS:: Ivy: Kite (cover)

I Looked Into The Mirror And Found That Everything Had Changed. The Glass Was Empty And All My Words Sounded Strange.

2006-04-15T11:58:00.000-06:00

Today's directive: Cue this track up on your stereo. Have a shot of whiskey. Dance around in your skivvies. Rinse and repeat. See? It's easy to love The BellRays. For your listening (dis)pleasure:

The BellRays: Third Times The Charm

This Story Ends In Bloodshed. The Face I Love. The City I'm From. The Persons I've Met. The Persons I've Let Down. But A Hero Never Turns Around.

2006-04-13T05:50:00.000-06:00

As we discussed in yesterday's post sophomore albums can be a bitch. Pressure is put upon artists to come up with another winner, usually by hacks in suits who have no discernable soul or personality to begin with. Or talent. If this was the case for The Stills upon entering the studio to record their upcoming album Without Feathers (out May 9th) you would never guess it by listening to the finished product. With a personel switcheroo and somewhat more organic sound, you'd think our boys from Montreal would buckle under the pressure. But no. Not so at all. In fact they come through shinier than ever; glorious songwriting skills intact. I read somewhere online that these tracks weren't as epic sounding as the ones on Logic Will Break Your Heart and I couldn't disagree more. Spend some time with them. Pour yourself a drink; preferably a whiskey. Neat. And then settle in and tell me you don't get goosebumps from the stomping horn drenched Destroyer or the languid first single In The Beginning. I dare you. For your listening (dis)pleasure:

The Stills: In The Beginning

The Stills: Oh Shoplifter

The Stills: Destroyer

::BONUS:: Check out The Stills performing an acoustic version of Oh Shoplifter

Under A Tempermental Sun. On The Dark Hillside Of Your Sorrow. If There's Pain In Your Heart, Let It Go. Just Reach Inside And Let It Go. Now Dig.

2006-04-12T08:52:00.000-06:00

Pisceans of the world will always be misuderstood. I know this. And so does Terence Trent D'Arby. After the huge success of his debut album The Hard Line According To...thrust him into our social conciousness, TTD bailed the UK for LA and rented a house to record his tempermental but near perfect sophomore album Neither Fish Nor Flesh. As artists tend to do when recording, they evaporate from public view. Problem is though, TTD spent a little too much time away from his fans. One year became two. Strange requests started originating from inside the rented mansion. Grand pianos were dropped into swimming pools to create the "perfect" sound rattling around in his head; the sound he was trying translate for the masses. By the time NFNF was released, the pop landscape had shifted and TTD was suddenly no longer relevant. But beneath all the bizarre requests lay songs of beauty and honesty. Of lust and loss. Basically a grab bag of funk, soul, pop, and jazz, NFNF was an underrated and overlooked gem. And I fell in love with it. Afterall, I know what it's like to be misunderstood. For your listening (dis)pleasure:

Terence Trent D'Arby: This Side Of Love

Terence Trent D'Arby: To Know Someone Deeply Is To Know Someone Softly

Terence Trent D'Arby: Roly Poly

Terence Trent D'Arby: You Will Pay Tomorrow

There's Some Things In This World. I Haven't Heard.

2006-04-11T08:16:00.000-06:00

It's contest time again kiddies and this time Vice & Indoor Fireworks have a doozy for ya! From Vice's email. Czech it out:

"Damn, we're good at this. Remember that band Envelopes we told you about a little while ago? The Swedish/French indie rock band that that no one had heard of? Well check them out now:

We went to their first U.S. gig ever at the Mercury Lounge and were impressed with how they fluidly mix guitar blasting rock with perfect pop songs which made us think of bands like Pavement and the Pixies. With killer sets at SXSW and the release of their debut album Demon earlier last week, Envelopes have proven their fresh, inventive music can win over the most discerning music lovers."

Still haven't heard of them? You can check out their single here:

Envelopes: Sister In Love

And dazzle your eyes with this video:

Envelopes: Sister In Love

Now that you're placated for the moment, here are the contest details:

The winner will receive an Envelopes prize pack consisting of The Demon cd, Sister In Love vinyl 7", and a whole stash of buttons. Winner will be picked at random, email The Vicar at indoorfireworksonline@gmail.com with "Gimme Envelopes" as the subject and let me know how much you want it. `Cause you know you do, you bad, bad little monkey.

If You're Not In The Mood To Dance. Step Back Grab Yourself A Seat. This May Not Be Uptown Jamaica. But We Promise You A Treat.

2006-04-10T08:51:00.000-06:00

Before they abandoned their trademark "Nutty Sound" for a more pop appeal, Madness were the closest thing to traditional ska that the UK had. Well, for a bunch of white boys anyway. August 27, 1979 saw the group record their very first appearance on John Peel's BBC radio show and while some may consider the arrangements fairly straightforward, I would argue that there nonetheless is a definite spark evident on this 4-song e.p. Confident in their abilities, Madness displayed the very songwriting talents that would later land them on the UK pop charts for the better part of a decade. For your listening (dis)pleasure:

Madness: The Prince (live Peel Sessions)

Madness: Bed And Breakfast Man (live Peel Sessions)

Madness: Land Of Hope And Glory (live Peel Sessions)

Madness: Stepping Into Line (live Peel Sessions)

And because it was requested last week:

The English Beat: I Confess

We Never Feel The Power Of Our Own Hands. Sense The Danger Late. And Only Vaguely Ever Grasp The Means Of Our Sole Salvation.

2006-04-06T08:38:00.000-06:00

Madness? Love `em. The Specials? Superb. But my loyalty lies with Birmingham's The English Beat. After first hearing the reverb laden drum/sax intro to Doors Of Your Heart I was hooked. Combining elements of revivalist ska, reggae, and bright pop, the multi cultural English Beat carved out a special place in music over the course of three magnificent albums. Musically more adventurous than their previous releases, Special Beat Service saw the group enjoy success stateside; something that had eluded them prior to that point. It's impossible to say which of their albums is my favorite but SBS tends to rank rather high. For your listening (dis)pleasure:

The English Beat: Jeanette

The English Beat: Sorry

The English Beat: Sole Salvation

The English Beat: Spar Wid Me