Wolf Songs for Lambs

• Artist: Jonathan Fire*Eater
• Rating:
• Release Date: October 07, 1997
• Genre: Rock

Review

DreamWorks actually courted Jonathan Fire*Eater, which is bizarre -- no matter how photogenic the quintet is, their music is simply not meant for the mainstream. Fortunately, the band's sound isn't drastically cleaned up on their major-label debut, Wolf Songs for Lambs, but that doesn't mean that the record is the powerhouse it could have been. The production is somewhat muted, meaning that the band never tears into the songs like they do in concert, but that turns out to be a minor complaint, because Jonathan Fire*Eater has such an individual, idiosyncratic sound that even weak moments sound kinetic. Through most of Wolf Songs for Lambs, the group comes across as a hybrid of the Jon Spencer Blues Explosion, Pavement and the Make-Up -- they have the twisted, unpredictable songstructures of Malkmus' crew, the hipster blues of Spencer and the revolutionary zeal of the Make-Up -- and while the songwriting is uneven, the record still shows more style, substance and originality than most post-alternative guitar combos. It may not find Jonathan Fire*Eater fulfilling their potential, but Wolf Songs for Lambs remains a strong debut. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide

Tracks

Track Title	Composers	Performers	Time
When the Curtain Calls for You	Jonathan Fire*Eater	Jonathan Fire*Eater	(3:03)
The Shape of Things That Never Come	Jonathan Fire*Eater	Jonathan Fire*Eater	(3:36)
This Is My Room	Jonathan Fire*Eater	Jonathan Fire*Eater	(4:09)
No Love Like That	Jonathan Fire*Eater	Jonathan Fire*Eater	(2:53)
Bipolar Summer	Jonathan Fire*Eater	Jonathan Fire*Eater	(2:41)
I've Changed Hotels	Jonathan Fire*Eater	Jonathan Fire*Eater	(3:23)
Everybody Plays the Mime	Jonathan Fire*Eater	Jonathan Fire*Eater	(3:58)
These Little Monkeys	Jonathan Fire*Eater	Jonathan Fire*Eater	(2:30)
Station Coffee	Jonathan Fire*Eater	Jonathan Fire*Eater	(2:24)
A Night in the Nursery	Jonathan Fire*Eater	Jonathan Fire*Eater	(3:55)
Inpatient Talent Show	Jonathan Fire*Eater	Jonathan Fire*Eater	(2:46)

Credits

Walter Martin (?), Greg Talenfeld (Engineer), Jim Waters (Mixing), Walter Martin (Organ), Howie Weinberg (Mastering), Phil Painson (Mixing Assistant), Mark Leithauser (Hand Lettering), Paul Maroon (?), Jim Waters (Engineer), David West (Illustrations), Stewart Lupton (Vocals), Matt Barrick (?), Richard Kern (Photography), Paul Maroon (Guitar), Matt Barrick (Drums), Stewart Lupton (?), Greg Talenfeld (Overdubs)

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