“Get Passive” Fireproof Sam and the Network Stars
A quirky, fun rock and power-pop album that brings together 30 or so of the local stars from the Bay Area’s extensive indie rock universe. KC Bowman is the lead guitarist for the Corner Laughers, as well as being a founding member of Agony Aunts and the Preoccupied Pipers. Here, as Fireproof Sam, he relies on a little help from his many friends — from Bradley Skaught of The Bye Bye Blackbirds to his current Corner Laughers bandmates. Proceeds from the album will benefit Transitions-Mental Health Association.
— Francis

Recommended: 4, 9, 1, 17, 12, 15, 6. No FCCs detected.

1. (3:11) C’mon, Get Passive – Up-tempo guitar-driven rock. Rockin’ guitar solos. ***
2. (2:14) Screwed Over By Stylish Introverts – Stop-and-go throwback rock. Sharp guitar singers over strummed acoustic. Biting lyrics.
3. (2:55) Old Trope Academy – Deliberate pace. Rich harmonies. Horns. Lead guitar solo in break. Features Rhythm Akimbo.
4. (3:09) Tryna Be Bolth – Playful pop-rock. Almost a Motown feeling. Upbeat and fun. Features the Agony Aunts. ****
5. (2:29) Rev Nine – Jangly, 60s-style power pop-rock. Features Pop 4.
6. (3:57) Coat Of Arms – Smooth, mid-tempo pop-rock. Piano-driven, slightly folky feeling. Nice vocal harmonies. Melancholy. ***
7. (3:27) Vatical Trance – Lyrically driven pop-rock. Changing time signature. Prominent tambourine. Very Orange Peels-sounding.
8. (1:59) Probably Twigs – Swingy, rolling somewhat bluesy rock.
9. (3:57) Hide Behind My Heart – Catchy, slightly Americana-flavored pop-rock with harmonized lead vocals. Bells. Great road-trip sound. ****
10. (3:35) I Need You – Alt-country/Americana. Fiddle over strummy guitar.
11. (2:04) Touch Of A Clone – Throwback rock. Sharp guitar attacks, contrasted with smooth, soothing vocals.
12. (2:17) Obvious Scarecrow – Playful ska with a funky groove. Nice, bumping bass, sharp guitar and sax licks. Fun! ***
13. (2:03) Idiot Rock – 60s-style pop-rock. Melodic, piano-driven. Handclaps.
14. (2:04) Ripple Up The Creek – Bigger rock. Tumbling drums. Slight Americana flavor.
15. (2:49) Poisonous Peach – Folky. Strummy acoustic guitar. Clever lyrics. Harmonized lead vocals. ***
16. (3:29) The Fountainhead – James Bond-sounding opening. Like a tune from a rock musical.
17. (4:24) God Stopped Listening – Full, rich jangly rock. Great throwback record for the radio. Human barking towards end. ***.
18. (3:00) Goodbye Minced Oaths – Funky, bluesy rock with horns. Transitions near the end to a 60s-style rock version of “Go Johnny, Go.”
19. (3:13) Wonderful Birthday – Bouncy rock ‘n’ roll with a deliberate beat. Cynical look at birthdays. Cross-fades directly into Track 20.
20. (3:59) She Is Gonna Love You The Way She Loved Me – Starts with cross-fade from Track 19. Strummy piano ballad with rich harmonized vocals. Melancholy.