Fire Of Love

A right load of pretentious bollocks has been written about this band "there's never been music like this, before or since". Well good, because it's shit.

The Gun Club's newest inductee Alec Baldwin joined us for our daily shooting this morning. The stats were: Animals killed 89 People killed 13 Not bad for a Sunday morning's shooting, but we must improve tomorrow.

Man, what a great album. Everything you love about Iggy, Violent Femmes, and all of the great american punk/post-punk bands is on display here. It's clever, fresh, different and, at the same time, oh-so familiar. Loved everything about it.

The Gun Club's debut is the watermark for all post-punk roots music. With Pierce's wailing high lonesome slide guitar twinned with Ward Dotson's spine-shaking riffs and the solid yet off-the-rails rhythm section of bassist Rob Ritter and drummer Terry Graham, the Gun Club burst out of L.A. Nobody has heard music like this before or since. Pierce's songs were rooted in his land of Texas. Fire of Love may be just what the doctor ordered, but to cure or kill is anybody's guess.

The more I listen to it, the more the vocals really start to put me off. Between a 2 and a 3, but gets a 2 because it was more annoying than enjoyable.

I like a lot of post-punk, but somehow never checked out this band. Psychobilly, "punk blues", and cowpunk are all things I don't care about - so maybe those labels put me off. But holy shit this is good. And holy holy shit, it sounds so much like Pixies. I mean, you could say it sounds like Pixies ripped off Gun Club... or more positively, it's like discovering a Pixies album I never knew existed. I surprisingly enjoyed the punk energy given an Americana tinge, and I definitely enjoyed the Black Francis-esque vocals. I haven't had a chance for a second listen, but I'll stick my neck out and say 5/5, because this is seriously good.

Agony!

Really fucking good stuff. Cow-punk rocks.

Pure punk-a-billy, can hear their influence in a lot of punk and indie bands that followed

Incredibly fun early punk album. Enjoyable lyrics, memorable riffs (especially the few times they edged towards surfer punk), and an album that is impeccably paced for punk. It was an absolute blast to listen to.

Jack White asking "Why are these songs not taught in schools?" completely sums up my feelings on this album. Absolutely incredible.

I really enjoyed this record, it’s a great punk/country-ish hybrid…”cow-punk” as it were, but I’m a little too preoccupied today to write an in-depth review: I can’t stop laughing about Donald Trump being convicted of 34 felonies in New York.

Mediocre American punk. Am I missing the reason why this is on the 1001 list???

Badass

Bro this shit is my absolute jam. Like I'm not a big bluesy guy but mix it with the punk shit I rock alot and damn it sounds nice. Saved the whole album for relistens. I love it 5*

such a fun, awesome, creative take on punk might be a bit repetitive and times but I loved every second 10/10

So this starts off polished punk. Then bluesy. Then - wow - Led Zeppelin, a bit 'Doors'y - and i'm taking this in wide eyed. This is amazing. This is why I'm doing this - to be introduced to great music I'm not familiar with. As someone else said "the magnitude of discovering The Gun Club cannot be understated" and it could well be my words. Thank you!

Like finding a lost Pixies album.

Yes! More punk, less post-punk! Kind of rides the line of punk and rock-a-billy. Doesn't overstay its welcome. Toes the line of anger and goofiness. Love it!

Twenty years before the White Stripes and the Black Keys, there was The Gun Club. They brought flat-out rock with touches of rockabilly. Too nuanced for the post-punk crowd and not rockabilly enough for the scene that brought us the Stray Cats, I don't know that they ever found their place, but there's lots here to enjoy.

I somehow missed out on this band entirely and I'm worse off for it. Wow, what a great record. You can hear everything from The White Stripes to Pixies in this, but none of the bands drawing influence are able to completely capture the mix of punk, blues, and garage quite like this.

Great post-punk blues-y stuff. I already know this band influenced Japandroids ("For the Love of Ivy") and Jack White immeasurably, but they really do the impossible and make rockabilly sound cool.

Why. Do. All. Of. These. Albums. Sound. The. Same. I was happy to see an 80's album after getting a seemingly endless stream of albums from the 60's. Specifically 1968 for whatever reason. Imagine my disappointment when I listen to this and realize it sounds like it's also from 1968. I didn't hate it. But please stop giving me this stuff. 3/5

I definitely won’t be seeking out this album or any other of their albums for future listening, but a couple of the songs had promise.

Punk junk…. Just this one not all punk

No love from me.

Great album

Such a great album! Perfect from front to back.

Oh, sweet memories!

What a fun listen! Never heard of a band like this before. Jammed out hard.

It feels like every garage band white strips wanna be can trace their origins to this album. Like the velvet underground for early 2000s music snobs

Never heard of this band. Interesting mash up of punk, blues and country. I don't think I've ever heard a band that sounds like this before. Wild stuff.

Unfamiliar with this. They got my attention with the opening riff and kept it for the whole record. I started the bugger over again when it was done. I hope the rest of the discography is like this, as I'll be looking into it next.

So cool!

Punk blues - could be from anywhere between 1976 and 2029! Absolute genius, hard to believe it was a debut, other than how focussed it is. Another band I plan to explore more fully when I don't get a new album each day - think my "after the list" list is rapidly closing in on 1001 albums as well! Word of advice (for those who don't know the band already) - listen first, even if you usually read the wiki; if only so you can have a guess when this was recorded

Fire Of Love is an album clearly made on bad drinks and questionable medicines, and suitable for fans of the raw, hyped-up, uncontrolled feel of the first Pixies albums or the late punk. And this is not even their best work

This is one of those "how on earth have I never heard of this band before" revelations. This album is so good and apparently hugely influential on subsequent punk and garage rock bands. The music is a great combo of punk, rock, and hard edged delta blues. I found it interesting to learn that lead Jeffrey Pierce was influenced by acts as diverse as Sparks, Genesis, Roxy Music, Blondie (with Debbie Harry singing on The Gun Club's second album), and Bob Marley. Unusual influences yield unique music, I suppose. You'd also think Pierce came from somewhere on the Mississippi Delta, but he's from California. This their debut album and it sounds great from start to finish. Hard to pick favorite tracks, but I'll go with the two blues covers (Preaching the Blues and Cool Drink of Water), Promise Me (love the unusual beat), She's Like Heroin to Me (great straightforward punk), and Ghost on the Highway (great rocker). Oh, and Fire Spirit, Jack on Fire (harsh lyrics, though), and Goodbye Johnny. The only moment I sort of didn't like was the end of For the Love of Ivy where Pierce got a little weird. Plus the lyrics on that track are concerning - maybe he's mocking a redneck hick with his "I was hunting for n****rs in the dark" line, but I watched a live video and the drummer had a confederate flag wadded up in his bass drum. Um, yeah. Black Train also had similarly concerning lyrics. Hopefully they're just playing a part/being ironic. I'll give them the benefit of the doubt, particularly with the musical debt they owe to delta blues. Overall, this is one seriously awesome album.

Curti demais, fodas

蛮复古

This was really good. Interesting blending of rockabilly and punk. Can really see how it would be super influential.

Very good

Loved it! What a gem. Sounded like it could have been made yesterday never mind 1981!

I was surprised by how much I really liked this. A truly unique punk album.

Fuzzy punk rock, I love it.

Well I'll be damned! In my review of Pixies' "Doolittle" I described them as "mirror universe indie rock" because it's always seemed to me that Pixies emerged fully formed with their own weirdly idiosyncratic style, seemingly unrelated to everything that came before. Well here it is, the missing link! Within the first couple of tracks I was on wikipedia checking whether The Gun Club was some sort of Pixies prequel band some or all of the members were previously involved in, it felt so much cut from the same cloth... Very happy with the 1001 project today - have that satisfying feeling of a missing puzzle piece sliding into place! 🧩 Fave tracks - "Sex Beat", "Preaching the Blues", and "She's Like Heroin To Me" all get the album off to an absolutely cracking start. Gonna have to give it more listens to pick out the highlights from later in the album...

I really like this, it’s a good punk band. I’ve never heard of them before, but I definitely wanna check out more music from them. 5/5

Another one of those bands I always meant to listen to but didn't for whatever reason. Instantly liked this a lot. I don't usually give out a 5 for a first listen but here we are.

Sounds like part of a movie soundtrack that intros you to cool obscure music like on Pulp Fiction, Dirty Dancing and Baby Driver. They sound a bit wild louch and playful - and I do likes me a bit of freeform hooting on an album from time to time to mix it up... and the slow drum bits. [side musing: It might be that when punk lacks vitriol its very enjoyable!] I magine a live show would be good entertainment from these clowns. I assume they didnt stick around Is it bad/good/punky Alt Country? A punk Elivs revival ? Or is this related to the Leningrad Cowboys? somethign about it makes me smile. Surpsingly good fun. and varied (without crossing the line to annoying). Unboring. 4 rounded up to 5 for making me smile, and ...for the reason I want to hear it again and appear cool and highbrow in an obscure while doing so. :-)

Is it terrible that I guessed the singer was already dead from the moment I heard the first song? It seems like it might be. This is terrific though; it still sounds fresh as hell.

Briljant! Faan vad jag känner mig cool när jag lyssnar på det här. Vill börja röka och bära solglasögon inomhus, driva runt på stan och mucka gräl. Brukar ju oftast gravitera mer mot brittiskt än amerikanskt när det kommer till punk, men här vävs amerikansk blues- och americanakultur in så bra i den punkiga grunden. Det perfekta giftermålet mellan 40-talets blues och den nya punken. 'Sex Beat' är en perfekt öppningslåt på ett punkalbum. Älskar också 'Preaching the Blues', 'She's Like Heroin to Me', Ghost on the Highway' och 'Jack on Fire'. Lite suspekt att n-ordet används två gånger i albumet. Läste runt lite om det och väljer att tolka det mer som att JLP spelar en karaktär, och vill chocka lite. För att citera Thåströms Dylan-pastich: "Ingen sjunger blues som Jeffrey Lee Pierce". Hans röst skär fan som en kniv. Bästa låt: Svårt att välja här, rätt jämn nivå. 'Sex Beat', 'She's Like Heroin to Me', eller 'Ghost on the Highway'.

Really cool punk!

Definetely in the top 10 of the greatest punk rock records of all time, arguably in the top 3. Classic.

Sex beat, go!

Not surprised to read (early) Pixies and the Birthday Party mentioned on the same page as these now I'm hearing it for the first time. The progenitors of those greats. Elements of the Cramps in here to to my ear. And this is a fantastic album. Absolutely breathless, and never a comfortable listen.

Was frightened to be walking into another post punk nonsense album but this kicks ass. Definite forefather to the late 90s early 00s garage rock revival sound I hold dear, especially a lot of the Detroit bands from that era that you can hear in this album. If I would’ve heard this shit in 1981 I would’ve lost my goddamned mind

10/10

Jamming post punk. A good time all the way through.

Really cool

This is the go to Gun Club album

This album is a phenomenal work of post punk with a gothic country feel. The songs have a simmering quality with a driving Bakersfield beat slowed down which creates almost a menacing quality that persists throughout. This music is highly influential and has been cited by Jack White as a major influence as can be heard in the garage revival of the early 2000s.

Heeft mij absoluut verrast. Simpele maar complete muziek, fijne gitaar, goeie vocals. Topalbum die zeker in de rotatie gaat

Might I suggest if you have never heard this album put it on your list of things to do today. You'll not be disappointed.

Classic punk!

The first four Gun Club albums are all classics - always liked The Las Vegas Story the most - less blues and more new wave / post-punk -I guess it is not on the list but really should- but in any case Fire Of Love is great too, punk-blues might be the best qualification. It is quite intense and needs to be played as loud as possible.

Prva petica za nekog kog nisam čuo nikad, nego otkrio preko ovoga. Svaku pjesmu sam pravo uživao i svaka čast, hvala generatoru! Mješavina tolko podžanrova and it fuckin works beautifully HOLY FUCKING SHIT, polagano ću ja diskografiju slušat.

2/16/22

I am very familiar with THE GUN CLUB’s FIRE OF LOVE, which I have and liked very much. After re-listening to FIRE OF LOVE, I’ve grown to appreciate it more, however, I feel that MIAMI is the superior release and should be the second GUN CLUB album in the list. In 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die, THE GUN CLUB’s FIRE OF LOVE Is the only album listed. Rate Artist: THE GUN CLUB (5.0) Rate Album (Year): FIRE OF LOVE (UK 1988 Original) (5.0) Rate Album (Year): FIRE OF LOVE (US 2004 Expanded) (5.0) Ranking of THE GUN CLUB - FIRE OF LOVE songs No. Title Length Ranking 1-01 Sex Beat 2:48 09.5/10 1-02 Preaching The Blues 4:01 10.0/10 1-03 Promise Me 2:38 09.5/10 1-04 She's Like Heroin To Me 2:35 09.0/10 1-05 For The Love Of Ivy 5:37 10.0/10 1-06 Fire Spirit 2:49 09.5/10 1-07 Ghost On The Highway 2:46 10.0/10 1-08 Jack On Fire 4:45 10.0/10 1-09 Black Train 2:13 10.0/10 1-10 Cool Drink Of Water 6:19 10.0/10 1-11 Goodbye Johnny 3:47 09.5/10 US 1988 Original Release 107.0/110 = 9.73 / 2 = 4.86 Bonus Tracks: 1-12 Bad Indian (Alternate Version) 2:25 10.0/10 1-13 Cool Drink Of Water (Alternate Version) 1:00 08.0/10 1-14 Fire Of Love (Alternate Version) 1:49 10.0/10 1-15 For The Love Of Ivy (Alternate Version) 5:33 10.0/10 1-16 Ghost On The Highway (Alternate Version) 2:47 10.0/10 US Deluxe 2020 (% Bonus) Release 155.0/180 = 9.69 / 2 = 4.84

A very fun album; I like how they mixed several styles together.

One of those groups I've heard mentioned but I don't think actually listened to before now. Definitely motivated to check out more. Can I assume Black Francis was a fan?

Very good! Love the blues-punk fusion.

August 2, 2021 This is really cool! I had no idea this band existed but this album combines some of my favourite musical influences (punk & blues, apparently?)

Like some of the best albums we've heard so far, this one feels so ahead of its time. Really lays the foundation for a myriad of garage punk acts to follow. I can hear the influence on Japandroids, the White Stripes, and loads more.

Me gusta mucho la música que suena peligrosa. Y sucia. De sudor sexoroso y sudor de cruda. Uno de mis discos favoritos.

El post punk angelino es siempre un SÍ. Además tienen grandes canciones y una producción que ya le gustaría a Dream Syndicate en sus primeros discos. Sí rotundo

Muy chido. Qué gran sorpresa descubrir esta banda. Me gustó todo el disco pero sobretodo she's like heroin to me y ghost on the highway que tienen ese efecto desenfrenado, torpe, estresa de algún modo. Mood: Amsiedad

Liked this

Bello ma non mi ha convinto al 100%

Voglio più album così

eddaje

Sarebbe 7,5 ma diventa 8 per la copertina

Hadn't heard this album before. Really enjoyed this album. Great energy and simple arrangements. Loose but well-played. Punk with rockabilly and blues influences. Good stuff. I love the tidbit that the the bands founder, Jeffrey Lee Pierce, was the guy that gave Blondie a tape of "Hangin' on the Telephone" by Peter Case's first band The Nerves.

Super fun, never heard it before

Really good album great rhythm section. I enjoyed it from start I'm also kinda shocked that all I knew about the The Gun Club, and even then I thought it was a different band...you know that Talking Heads off shoot. They do a great job of synthesizing their influences into a great messy sound all their own. Happy to discover them. 4-stars

Hadn't heard this album before. Really enjoyed this album. Great energy and simple arrangements. Loose but well-played. Punk with rockabilly and blues influences. Good stuff. I love the tidbit that the the bands founder, Jeffrey Lee Pierce, was the guy that gave Blondie a tape of "Hangin' on the Telephone" by Peter Case's first band The Nerves.

I really enjoyed this album - I knew "Sex Beat" from the compilation "Left Of The Dial: Dispatches From The '80s Underground" so it was nice to hear the whole thing. 3? 4? I don't know...

Really enjoyed it...fun listen.

This is my kind of rock sound. I liked it a lot, but I didn't think it was 5-stars. Maybe like 4.3.

Fire of Love is the debut album of the Gun Club, originally released in 1981. I really dig this. Some early west coast punk with some americana/blues influences sprinkled in. This group had a clear influence on music scenes that would come later such as 90s alternative. I mainly hear Pixies in this, but I also hear some Pavement as well. And these songs rock pretty damn hard. Their live performances were probably really fun.

Crazy good bassist. I love this. Early rockabilly 💕

Wild and unharnessed

The band did the heavy lifting for this record in my opinion. I live how they found a way to merge blues and punk together and it not sound like nails on a chalk board. Loses a star from me because it started to feel like the album was overstaying its welcome but towards the end.

A bit of a misnomer to label these folks punk, I feel, as there is an awful lot more sadness than anger. Simple, but clear in its bluesy focus, and, given its DIY spirit, surprisingly listenable.

Being generous with the 4 stars but I liked it. Nice mix of country, rockabilly, swampy punk music. NOW GIVE ME DANGELO

Not all the songs are mind blowing but all the songs are certainly fun, a pretty stand out performance for a debut album but for something from the 80’s it’s actually really good

Kind of a ln attitude laden rockabilly b52s meets Violent Femmes vibe

4 - surprisingly ahead of its time with some great sounds

Pretty seminal album mixing nascent punk and Modern Lovers shenanigans with blues and Americana So many acts drew inspiration from Jeffrey Lee Pierce, from Nick Cave to Pixies. A band in France once reached huge commercial success there offen ripping The Gun Club off. As the latter were virtually unknown in France, no one except music nerds noticed the blatant theft. So I understand why this record is on the list, even if, when it comes to pure songwriting, it's not the most impressive LP that has ever been written (even Pierce admitted it). I have even always slightly favored sophomore album *Miami*. In many ways it's more of the same, but it's got the absolutely beautiful closer "Mother Of Earth", which is the greatest Gun Club song I have ever heard. So call me undecided on *Fire Of Love*.... 3.5/5 for the purposes of this list of essential albums, rounded up to 4. 8.5 for more general purposes (5 + 3.5) Number of albums left to review: 22 (plus the 80-ish extra LPs listed on this app, included because different past editions of the book have mentioned albums that have since been dropped in subsequent editions) Number of albums from the list I find relevant enough to be mandatory listens: 420 Albums from the list I *might* include in mine later on: 251 (including this one) Albums from the list I won't include in mine: 311

Kinda punk kinda rock. Kinda fun

I liked it. Punk and edgy with really good lyrics. 4/5

This is a good listen - fast and frenetic, but also changes pace and has a little nuance. Good musicianship, good vocals.