Galaxie 500 – On Fire LP

Description

Having already made a fine account of themselves onToday, the three members ofGalaxie 500got even better withOn Fire, recording another lovely classic of late ’80s rock. As with all the band’s work,Krameronce again handles the production, the perfect person to bring outGalaxie 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,” withKrukowski‘s soft-then-strong drums andWareham‘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, whileKrukowskiadds more heft to his playing without running roughshod over everything, even at the band’s loudest.Warehamin 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 throughoutOn Fire, from the more direct loner-in-the-crowd sentiments and musical punch of “Strange” to theYang-sung “Another Day,” a chance for her to shine individually beforeWarehamjoins in at the end. Again, a cover makes a nod to past inspirations, withGeorge Harrisonbeing the songwriter of choice; his “Isn’t It a Pity” closes out the album wonderfully,Krameradding 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 theBlue ThunderEP. -All Music Guide

On Fire by Galaxie 500