On Fire

by Galaxie 500

Overview

Having already made a fine account of themselves on Today, the three members of Galaxie 500 got even better with On Fire, recording another lovely classic of late '80s rock. As with all the band's work, Kramer once again handles the production, the perfect person to bring out Galaxie 500's particular approach. The combination of his continued use of reverb and the sudden, dramatic shifts in the music -- never exploding, just delivering enough of a change -- makes for fine results. Consider "Snowstorm," with Krukowski's soft-then-strong drums and Wareham's liquid solo and how they're placed in the mix, leading without dominating. Yang's vocals became more prominent and her bass work more quietly narcotic than before, while Krukowski adds more heft to his playing without running roughshod over everything, even at the band's loudest. Wareham in contrast more or less continues along, his glazed, haunting voice simply a joy to hear, while adding subtle touches in the arrangements -- acoustic guitar is often prominent -- to contrast his beautifully frazzled soloing. Leadoff track "Blue Thunder" is the most well-known song and deservedly so, another instance of the trio's ability to combine subtle uplift with blissed-out melancholia, building to an inspiring ending. There's more overt variety throughout On Fire, from the more direct loner-in-the-crowd sentiments and musical punch of "Strange" to the Yang-sung "Another Day," a chance for her to shine individually before Wareham joins in at the end. Again, a cover makes a nod to past inspirations, with George Harrison being the songwriter of choice; his "Isn't It a Pity" closes out the album wonderfully, Kramer adding vocals and "cheap organ." Inspired guest appearance -- Ralph Carney, Tom Waits' horn player of choice, adding some great tenor sax to the increasing volume and drive of "Decomposing Trees." Later CD pressings included the bonus tracks from the Blue Thunder EP. ~ Ned Raggett

Product Details

Release Date:	06/02/2009
Label:	20/20/20
UPC:	0600197100912

Tracks

1. Blue Thunder
2. Tell Me
3. Snowstorm
4. Strange
5. When Will You Come Home
6. Decomposing Trees
7. Another Day
8. Leave the Planet
9. Plastic Bird
10. Isn't It a Pity

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Galaxie 500   Primary Artist
Ralph Carney   Guest Artist,Sax (Tenor)
Kramer   Guest Artist,Organ,Vocals (Background)
Dean Wareham   Drums,Guitar,Vocals,Percussion
Naomi Yang   Bass,Vocals
Damon Krukowski   Drums,Guitar,Vocals,Percussion

Technical Credits

Dean Wareham   Composer
Jonathan Richman   Composer
Peter Hook   Composer
Joy Division   Composer
Naomi Yang   Design,Composer
Mayo Thompson   Composer
Mike Walter   Producer
Sex Pistols   Composer
Stuart Moxham   Composer
Young Marble Giants   Composer
Buffy Sainte-Marie   Composer
Glen Matlock   Composer
Dale "Buffin" Griffin   Producer
Harrison   Composer
Paul Cook   Composer
Bernard Sumner   Composer
Steve Jones   Composer
Johnny Rotten   Composer
Damon Krukowski   Composer
Steve Cunningham   Composer
Philip Moxham   Composer
Andrew Rogers   Engineer
Dave Dade   Engineer
Stephen Morris   Composer
Kramer   Engineer,Producer,Liner Notes
George Harrison   Composer
Ian Curtis   Composer
Galaxie 500   Composer,Performer