The Fire of Misery

Editorial Reviews
About the Artist
The winding history of California Sppedbag begins with guitarist Gary Lupico, bassist Russell Sherman Jr., drummer Jeff Benik and guitarists Brian Cox and Dan Morris.

Lupico and Sherman, along with Chris Yarmock, rode out the end of the '70's in the punk outfit Kneecappers, a noisy outgrowth of the thundering nextwave of Cleveland punk originally inspired by the Rocket From the Tombs/Pere Ubu axis. This criminally underdocumented unit was anthologized in 1997 with the LP "Urban Kill 1978-1980".

In 1980, Kneecappers disintegrated along with everything else in the rustbelt capital. While Yarmock went on to the Easter Monkeys, ongoing recording projects with Lupico and Sherman continued resulting in a backlog of about 50 never released compositions.

In true Spinal Tap fashion, Lupico, Sherman and Benik hooked up to form California Speedbag, a hardcore honky tonk outfit that predated the sniveling alt-country movement by many years.

Hailed by many and purchased by few, the Speedbag garnered the reputation as one of Cleveland's more rollicking live acts.

Album Description
The winding history of California Sppedbag begins with guitarist Gary Lupico, bassist Russell Sherman Jr., drummer Jeff Benik and guitarists Brian Cox and Dan Morris.

Lupico and Sherman, along with Chris Yarmock, rode out the end of the '70's in the punk outfit Kneecappers, a noisy outgrowth of the thundering nextwave of Cleveland punk originally inspired by the Rocket From the Tombs/Pere Ubu axis. This criminally underdocumented unit was anthologized in 1997 with the LP "Urban Kill 1978-1980".

In 1980, Kneecappers disintegrated along with everything else in the rustbelt capital. While Yarmock went on to the Easter Monkeys, ongoing recording projects with Lupico and Sherman continued resulting in a backlog of about 50 never released compositions.

In true Spinal Tap fashion, Lupico, Sherman and Benik hooked up to form California Speedbag, a hardcore honky tonk outfit that predated the sniveling alt-country movement by many years.

Hailed by many and purchased by few, the Speedbag garnered the reputation as one of Cleveland's more rollicking live acts . The band managed a few rare comp appearances, and is now fully realized with this set of 12 new recordings.

The Misery Index: Notes from the Plague Years
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • once again, back in fine form
  • way better then any of the emo that has come out!
  • A less articulately worded review from a long time fan
  • "Misery" Loves My Stereo.
  • Not even a little disappointed
 The Misery Index: Notes from the Plague Years
Boy Sets Fire
Manufacturer: Equal Vision Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:
  1. Tomorrow Come Today (Ltd Edition With Bonus DVD)
  2. After the Eulogy
  3. This Crying, This Screaming, My Voice Is Being Born
  4. A City by the Light Divided
  5. The Day the Sun Went Out

ASIN: B000EBCED6
Release Date: 2006-03-21

Tracks:

  1. Walk Astray
  2. Requiem
  3. Final Communique
  4. The Misery Index
  5. (10) And Counting
  6. Falling Out Theme
  7. Empire
  8. So Long... And Thanks For The Crutches
  9. With Cold Eyes
  10. Deja Coup
  11. Social Register Fanclub
  12. Nostalgic For Guillotines
  13. A Far Cry

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars once again, back in fine form.......2006-08-11

Nathan Gray and the boys are finally back doing what they do best. After "tomorrow come today" and their disasterous time with wind up records, i didnt think id ever be hearing from boysetsfire again.
Now signed to equal visions records, an indie that understands them, the band has revisited their "after the eulogy" years a little with this release. Grey's hartbroken vocals and bloodcurdling screams are back at the forefront, while the music is the usual miox of hardcore/emo-punk it always was. Welcome back boys.............we missed you

5 out of 5 stars way better then any of the emo that has come out!.......2006-05-23

yes this album is no After the Eulogy or The day the Sun Went out but it is a damn good album and the dvd it comes with is one great dvd they play almost every song they have written in one live set. you cant go if you havent got this album yet get it you will not be disappointed

5 out of 5 stars A less articulately worded review from a long time fan.......2006-04-14

BSF have always amazed me with their ability to combine powerfully moving lyrics with music that I have yet to get bored listening to. I have never written a review on here before, and the first few that I read, I was very pleased with. I scrolled down further and saw a comparison to Christina Aquilera "Its a little reminiscent of Cristina Aguilera's vocal contortions, which is scary." I wouldn't usually write a review but when I saw that review I felt it was not only a huge injustice to the cd, but to anyone considering buying it. In my opinion the "originality and passion" you speak of was far better captured in their music prior to After the Eulogy. Songs such as "In Hope" and "Resection" are what drew me in as a life long fan. I consider every record they have made since then to be the sound of a band not afraid to experiment with something new. Once again, I am not a english major I am a fan giving my honest opinion. If you have ever enjoyed Boy Sets Fire then ignore the closed minded review I mentioned.

5 out of 5 stars "Misery" Loves My Stereo........2006-04-05

One thing I've always looked for in a band or artist is an evolving sound. I don't want to listen to the same songs rehashed again and again that start leaving a stale flavor like old fishsticks. Fortunately, BSF doesn't disappoint.

"Misery Index" is really a great composition of vocals, lyrics, and smashing guitars and beats. It does sound slightly disjointed, but that's what keeps the listener interested. They tried a lot of new sounds instead of the now generally accepted "scream until their ears bleed" routine.

For fans who enjoy the hardcore political scream ballads of past albums, this may be a bit difficult for you to get into. Granted, screaming is present in a few tracks ("So Long and Thanks for the Crutches" and "Final Communique"), but "Misery Index" seems to be centered around helplessness, hope and anguish rather than explosive outrage. This is an album comprised of songs that make you want to sing along (and you actually can!) because your feelings really connect with the beautiful vocals.

I have always enjoyed BSF's unique style, and this new edition to the collection really rounds out their abilities. It's been living and breathing in my cd player since I bought it. Excellent work. Go. Buy it. It's worth every penny.

5 out of 5 stars Not even a little disappointed.......2006-04-02

"Tomorrow Comes Today was a great album but this album - "Misery Index" - seems a more fitting follow-up to "Before the Eulogy". If you've been a fan since the beginning then there's no reason to be disappointed with this release. Unless of course you're the type that writes negative reviews because for some odd reason you expected the exact same album as before with the same composition, simply different song names; appreciate a band's evolution.
Seven Falls
Average customer rating: Not rated
    		Seven Falls
    Tony Hall
    Manufacturer: Magik 7 Records
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    Pop RockPop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
    ASIN: B000CAF724
    Release Date: 2005-06-14

    Tracks:

    1. Wide Open Day
    2. Long Way
    3. Lost Lovers, Old Tires, Junk Cars
    4. Dire
    5. Hostage
    6. Puerto Rico
    7. Seven Falls
    8. Other Side
    9. Dime
    10. Pearl
    The Misery Index: Notes from the Plague Years
    Average customer rating: Not rated
      		The Misery Index: Notes from the Plague Years
      Boy Sets Fire
      ProductGroup: Music
      Binding: Audio CD

      GeneralGeneral | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
      HardcoreHardcore | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
      EmoEmo | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
      Post HardcorePost Hardcore | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
      Indie RockIndie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
      Pop RockPop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
      RockRock | Imports | Stores | Music
      ASIN: B000E3K3Y6
      Release Date: 2006-08-08

      Tracks:

      1. Walk Astray
      2. Requiem
      3. Final Communique
      4. Misery Index
      5. (10) And Counting
      6. Falling Out Theme
      7. Empire
      8. So Long...Thanks for the Crutches
      9. With Cold Eyes
      10. Deja Coup
      11. Social Register Fanclub
      12. Nostalgic for Guillotines
      13. Far Cry

      Tracks:

      1. Bonus Material [DVD][*]
      The Misery Index: Notes from the Plague Years
      Average customer rating: Not rated
        		The Misery Index: Notes from the Plague Years
        Boy Sets Fire
        ProductGroup: Music
        Binding: Audio CD

        GeneralGeneral | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
        HardcoreHardcore | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
        EmoEmo | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
        Post HardcorePost Hardcore | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
        Indie RockIndie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
        GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
        Pop RockPop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
        RockRock | Imports | Stores | Music
        ASIN: B000E3K3YG
        Release Date: 2006-02-28

        Tracks:

        1. Walk Astray
        2. Requiem
        3. Final Communique
        4. Misery Index
        5. (10) And Counting
        6. Falling Out Theme
        7. Empire
        8. So Long...Thanks for the Crutches
        9. With Cold Eyes
        10. Deja Coup
        11. Social Register Fanclub
        12. Nostalgic for Guillotines
        13. Far Cry

        Album Description

        It's Been A Long Time Since The Last Boysetsfire Album Saw The Ling Of Day And A Lot Has Happened Since Then. We Had Some Changes Coming Our Way. Some Asked For, Others Unexpected. We Are Left With Some Scars To Show After The Last 2 Years And Yet, We Were Able To Create Record, That Means Much, Much More Than Just Another Releaze To All Of Us. A Record That ( While Capturing The Pure Essence Of The Band ) Is Different In A Lot Of Ways… We Felt There Was No Need To Hide The Scars But Like So Often.2006
        Misery & Women
        Average customer rating: Not rated
          		Misery & Women
          Karl Hendricks
          Manufacturer: Fire
          ProductGroup: Music
          Binding: Audio CD

          GeneralGeneral | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
          RockRock | Imports | Stores | Music
          ASIN: B000007ZG5
          Release Date: 1994-07-17

          Tracks:

          1. Get Out Your Hankies For This One
          2. Do You Like To Watch Me Sob?
          3. Romantic Stories From Th Ewar
          4. Distant Relations
          5. Flower Avenue
          6. I Don't Need Your Shit
          7. Women And Strangers
          8. You're A Bigger Jerk Than Me
          9. I Didn't Believe In Gravity
          10. You Can't Argue With Cash
          11. You're The Man
          12. You Poor Miserable Fool
          Misery Index
          Average customer rating: Not rated
            		Misery Index
            Boy Sets Fire
            Manufacturer: Indie
            ProductGroup: Music
            Binding: Audio CD

            GeneralGeneral | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
            HardcoreHardcore | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
            EmoEmo | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
            Post HardcorePost Hardcore | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
            Indie RockIndie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
            GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
            ASIN: B000FBG3I2
            Release Date: 2006-06-19

            Tracks:

            1. Walk Astray
            2. Requiem
            3. Final Communique
            4. The Misery Index
            5. (10) And Counting
            6. Falling Out Theme
            7. Empire
            8. So Long... And Thanks For The Crutches
            9. With Cold Eyes
            10. Deja Coup
            11. Social Register Fanclub
            12. Nostalgic For Guillotines
            13. A Far Cry
            14. Lepers & Heretics (Bonus Track)
            15. Dear George (Bonus Track)
            The Fire of Misery
            Average customer rating: Not rated
              		The Fire of Misery
              California Speedbag
              Manufacturer: Morphius Records
              ProductGroup: Music
              Binding: Audio CD

              GeneralGeneral | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
              GeneralGeneral | Country | Styles | Music
              GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
              Pop RockPop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
              GeneralGeneral | Alternative Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music
              GeneralGeneral | Country | Indie Music | Stores | Music
              ASIN: B000089G60
              Release Date: 2003-02-03

              Tracks:

              1. Don't Go City Girl On Me
              2. Buttonwillow
              3. Don't Drink That Whiskey
              4. Sh*tlist
              5. Empty Bottles, Empty Life
              6. White Trash is People Too
              7. Marilyn Monroe
              8. Homefries
              9. Darling, Will You Marry Me Again
              10. Gates of Heaven
              11. The Biggest Truckstop in the World
              12. Tonight Will Be Fine

              Album Description

              The winding history of California Sppedbag begins with guitarist Gary Lupico, bassist Russell Sherman Jr., drummer Jeff Benik and guitarists Brian Cox and Dan Morris.

              Lupico and Sherman, along with Chris Yarmock, rode out the end of the '70's in the punk outfit Kneecappers, a noisy outgrowth of the thundering nextwave of Cleveland punk originally inspired by the Rocket From the Tombs/Pere Ubu axis. This criminally underdocumented unit was anthologized in 1997 with the LP "Urban Kill 1978-1980".

              In 1980, Kneecappers disintegrated along with everything else in the rustbelt capital. While Yarmock went on to the Easter Monkeys, ongoing recording projects with Lupico and Sherman continued resulting in a backlog of about 50 never released compositions.

              In true Spinal Tap fashion, Lupico, Sherman and Benik hooked up to form California Speedbag, a hardcore honky tonk outfit that predated the sniveling alt-country movement by many years.

              Hailed by many and purchased by few, the Speedbag garnered the reputation as one of Cleveland's more rollicking live acts . The band managed a few rare comp appearances, and is now fully realized with this set of 12 new recordings.

              Music:

              1. The Good Life
              2. Time Enough at Last [Box set] [Import]
              3. Time Well Wasted
              4. Underground Fossils [Explicit Lyrics]
              5. Unsaid
              6. Updownaround
              7. Uturn 2: An Exploration in Techno
              8. Very Best of V.2 [Import]
              9. Virion Sequences
              10. Volvo Driving Soccer Mom [CD-single] [Import]

              Music

              music

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              Soul Surging

              A Scarlatti Recital

              3 Ballets

              Cheatin' Heart Attack

              Abandinallhope

              Bizet: Carmen (Opera-comique)

              1998 Dove Awards Nominees

              Affetti Musici

              Kenny Rogers & Friends

              19 Moons [Live]

              20 Years of Dischord [Box set] [Enhanced]

              A los Ancestros

              A Million Different Moments

              Heifetz Collection, Volume 18 (EMI Masters)

              Spike (With Bonus Disc)