A. Pareigis 2008-09-26

0 of 0 people found the following review helpful:

The CD is a great deal of fun but a little preachy. Borneo for example is great and a fine stinging commentary of the pres G B administration. Of course soon the administration will be changed and depending on the winner, it could be very un-PC. In general the music and form is international primarily asian/persian in tone. A definite keeper. Borneo is a great tune, fun lyrics and a terrific big band tune. In fact the one song is worth the price. Get it.

Red 2008-08-28

0 of 0 people found the following review helpful:

I am blown away by this album! I have loved Cop Shoot Cop since I first heard them 14 years ago, and this is the first album by Firewater to be in my player, and it's playing even when the cd stops. Great lyrics, great creative and interesting beats and songs, wonderful vocals. On one or two songs, I feel like Tod A. is about to break, and others he's so nonchalant about the tragic comedy that is real life, worded so poignantly that you picture everything in your mind when he's singing.
Pick up this cd, give a try, it will stir you!

Amazonian 2008-08-14

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

Heard this playing over the sound system at a local brick and mortar establishment, immediately went on the hunt for it. Turns out this is unavailalbe via conventional means, and has to be purchased online, or by special order. So Amazon it was for me.

The minute this baby arrived, I jumped into the car, my favorite listening room, and spun it up. I returned home after running through it a couple times (some songs got more spin than that!) and added it to my travelling case of "must have with me" CD's.

The blending of middle eastern and asian styles with pure American angst expressed with an indy rock sensibility is irresistible...and refreshing! As with all worthy artwork, there is also an interesting story behind its production. The journey of Tod A. through Pakistan, Thailand, Turkey, Indonesia, and India while recording the music, with local musicians, that would be released as 'The Golden Hour,' makes the music all the more compelling.

The Golden Hour is upon us, and it is worthy of a spot in the collection of anyone who enjoys music that is art, and not simply filler for the empty spaces we move through.

Go get you some!!!

M. James 2008-07-24

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

Anytime I listen to a new CD, and it ends, and I immediately hit "play" again, that music has found that little spot inside me which resonates strong. Very few bands find that spot.

I was not familiar with Firewater before I heard a couple of the new songs on the local listener-powered radio station KEXP, and I was completely sold on them after buying and listening to this CD. It has all the elements of so many bands I've loved over the years...the references to similarities with Nick Cave and Tom Waits are spot on, and I would also add that Firewater brings to mind why I loved the Pogues. The songs tell you something, and the beat is contagious and distracting. Most of my music time happens with headphones on while I'm throwing pottery. Firewater made me want to stop throwing, get up and dance around the studio. It's definitely a CD I want to share with friends.

Methinks it's time to investigate some of their other work...and soon!

Michael W. Hickman 2008-06-23

1 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

I'm a huge fan of Tod A. and Firewater, and I like this record thus far. I agree with one of the posters below that it takes a few listenings to "feel" a Firewater album -- subtleties make the experience.

The first three Firewater records were better, in my opinion. This is probably better than the last one, "Man on the Burning Tightrope". 4 stars.

And, I really wish that musicians and actors would simply keep their political views to themselves. The video on this album starts out with Tod A. proclaiming that he left the country for a long-term trip abroad because he was "tired of seeing George Bush's face, basically". Does he really know how childish that sounds? Hey, W isn't my fave, either, but I don't go around proclaiming that I can't share the country with him!