Backyard Tire Fire return with their new studio album, The Places We Lived, on Hyena Records. Distinguished by a rare combination of workingman authenticity and indie-rock eccentricity, The Places We Lived is defiantly con... more »temporary, while remaining true to its Midwestern roots. Spiked with the truth-telling salt of Hank Williams, the beautiful melancholy of vintage Tom Waits and the pop smarts of a Midwest Big Star, this latest effort by the Bloomington, Illinois-based band embodies all the simple things that make rock 'n' roll endure. The last 16 months have seen Backyard Tire Fire's national buzz grow by leaps and bounds. They've played national festivals like Summerfest, Langerado, Wakarusa and Mountain Jam and have toured the country with Cracker, Jason Isbell, Clutch, and Reverend Horton Heat. Simultaneously, tastemaker blogs like My Old Kentucky Blog, Daytrotter, and Large Hearted Boy have weighed in with unanimous raves.« less
Backyard Tire Fire return with their new studio album, The Places We Lived, on Hyena Records. Distinguished by a rare combination of workingman authenticity and indie-rock eccentricity, The Places We Lived is defiantly contemporary, while remaining true to its Midwestern roots. Spiked with the truth-telling salt of Hank Williams, the beautiful melancholy of vintage Tom Waits and the pop smarts of a Midwest Big Star, this latest effort by the Bloomington, Illinois-based band embodies all the simple things that make rock 'n' roll endure. The last 16 months have seen Backyard Tire Fire's national buzz grow by leaps and bounds. They've played national festivals like Summerfest, Langerado, Wakarusa and Mountain Jam and have toured the country with Cracker, Jason Isbell, Clutch, and Reverend Horton Heat. Simultaneously, tastemaker blogs like My Old Kentucky Blog, Daytrotter, and Large Hearted Boy have weighed in with unanimous raves.
"It's not often that an album comes out that makes you feel good about things in general. The Tire Fire's new release does just that for me. It's a rare combination of piano driven rock, shredding guitars, and harmonizing vocals that just combine for the perfect sound. "If it makes you feel good, it's alright!" to steal a line from these guys. Thanks for the originality...it's refreshing."
Just A Good Rock Band . . .
Randy | Florida | 06/17/2010
(4 out of 5 stars)
"THE PLACES WE LIVED is a very good album by a band that is quickly becoming one of my favorites. This record has a little something for everyone: some jamband style folk-rock("The Places We Lived"), balls-out Southern Rock("How The Hell Did You Get Back Here?"), Petty-Springsteenish Heartland Rock("Welcome To The Factory") and sentimental love songs("Time With You"). The songs are good, the band is tight, Ed Anderson's voice is big, friendly and pleasant. This is a very nice album; check it out."
Back Yard Tire Fire Succeeds at Rocking
John Sloneker | Cincinnati, OH | 05/26/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"With catchy guitar riffs, even catchier choruses, and great harmonies in each song, Back Yard Tire Fire delivers an album that simply rocks. They don't try to over-complicate anything, but instead stick to the roots of rock music, utilizing guitars, bass, and drums. However, Ed Anderson will also turn to the piano to give the listener a taste of a more solemn and emotional rock group. Not only will you want to sing along right away, but you will want to be a part of the band. Frankly, these guys make great music if you are in the mood to rock."
Backyard
David A. Stevenson | Denver, CO | 12/24/2008
(3 out of 5 stars)
"This cd is mediocre at best. I would recommend getting some of their live material. The places we lived is pretty slow and does not capture who this band is very well. It has a few good tracks and a lot you just pass over."