CD Review
Artist: The Fratellis
Title: Here We Stand
Label: Universal Music
Released: June 9, 2008 

Reviewed By: Taryn Hubbard (Vancouver Correspondent - Canada)

It must be a musician's dream to be featured on an iPod commercial. Just look at Feist. After her song "1 2 3 4" hit the TV waves, everyone knew who the sultry Canadian singer was in no time at all. I guess Apple knows their stuff. After all, they also featured "Flathead" by The Fratellis's 2006 album Costello Music. Such extensive commercial success for a relatively new band is quite amazing. In their latest endeavor, Here We Stand, the boys from The Fratellis seem to have been up for the challenge of creating a new mix of fun songs. 

Here We Stand is light, fun party music. The guitar riffs are simple, catchy, and easy to listen to. All of the songs fit together as a tight collection. Nothing quite stands out as out of place or uncharacteristic of the band. The beginning of "Stragglers Moon" goes against the typical formula that the rest of the songs comply with, making it a nice change in the line-up. I'll have to describe their lyrics in a similar way to their accompanying music, as this aspect of their music too is playful and fun. Jon's voice is the perfect mixture of smooth and rough, giving their pop songs a nice finishing touch.

"Mistress Mabel" has some definite radio qualities, which is an excellent trait considering it's their latest single. The Fratellis Here We Stand is an album that is a perfect listen in the summer. 

Recommended downloads: "Stragglers Moon," "Tell Me a Lie," and "Acid Jazz Singer." 

Track List:
1.                   My Friend John
2.                   A Heady Tale
3.                   Shameless
4.                   Look Out Sunshine!
5.                   Stragglers Moon
6.                   Mistress Mabel
7.                   Baby Doll
8.                   Tell Me A Lie
9.                   Acid Jazz Singer
10.               Lupe Brown
11.               Milk & Honey