Heart Burns

Tom Gabel | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 28, 2008)
• Original Release Date: 2008
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Reprise Records
• ASIN: B001GCWRSE
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #142,936 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. Random Hearts

2. Conceptual Paths

3. Cowards Sing at Night

4. Amputations

5. Anna Is a Stool Pigeon

6. Harsh Realms

7. 100 Years of War

Editorial Reviews

Tom Gabel, leader of acclaimed Modern Rock band Against Me!, returns to his roots as a solo singersongwriter acoustic guitarist with the EP Heart Burns. Inspired by the country's current political and cultural landscape, and recorded this summer between Against Me! tours, Gabel wanted to release the topical and timely songs prior to the forthcoming national elections. With new-millennium protest songs such as 'Anna Is A Stool Pigeon,' prompted by a story about an environmental activist sent to jail after being implicated by an undercover informant, Heart Burns is a scorching musical manifesto.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Scream Along, November 4, 2008

By 

EJ (Iowa) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Heart Burns (Audio CD)

Regardless of whether Tom Gabel is performing solo or with Against Me!, his songs make me want to learn every word and scream along at the top of my lungs. I can't think of any higher praise than that.

Sure, some of the production choices on "Heart Burns" are questionable, but in the end the enjoyment of this music comes from Gabel's amazingly intense voice. This guy's blood is overflowing with electricity, and his delivery could make even a mediocre song sound thrilling.

Not that there's anything mediocre about the songs on "Heart Burns." Every song on this album is killer in its own way.

My favorites, though, are "Amputations," which gets to the heart of the anti-war movement; "100 Years of War," which might as well be the soundtrack to the 2008 presidential election; and "Anna is a Stool Pigeon," which is reminiscent of Bob Dylan's "Hurricane" in that it puts a complex legal story into a catchy song (Google "Elle Anna FBI Informant" to find the fascinating magazine article that inspired the song).

I'll admit that this isn't the greatest album ever. I understand that it might not appeal to everyone. But I freaking love it. All Gabel needs is a little bit more popularity and he could become the Joe Strummer of the 21st century. He already is in my eyes.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Uh-mazing!, December 19, 2008

By 

Jody (New York, NY) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Heart Burns (EP) [Explicit] (MP3 Download)

This semi-slower, more acoustic offering from the lead singer of Against Me! is refreshing but doesn't stray too far from Gabel's punk roots. I was lucky to see him at the Knitting Room performing these songs acoustic and they still pack a lot of punch. Don't be fooled by the divergence, there are smart lyrics and smart music waiting to be heard by all Against Me! fans and beyond. I think it's great to hear this other side of Tom.

I recommend 100 Years of War and Random Hearts to sample.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Get it, October 30, 2008

By 

A. Williamson - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Heart Burns (Audio CD)

If you love Against Me! you have to have this CD. You really can't tell the difference between the band and this solo release, I just wish it were more than 7 songs.