Cruel to Be Kind – written by Ian Gomm and Nick Lowe in the Brinsley Schwarz days, this pop gem captured my heart on the first listen. That’s a pretty common reaction to this song actually. It’s got terrific melody, a fabulous hook, and a sentiment that anyone who’s ever been in love with the wrong person can relate too. We Firebrands are most familiar with Nick Lowe’s version, which first showed up his 1979 Labour of Lust record. That was our initial inspiration for our arrangement. I really wanted to try my hand at those background vocals. Ian Gomm just released a newer, more rockin’ version of the song on the new Nick Lowe Tribute record “Lowe Profile.” (It’s a fabulous record by the way, and if you like Nick Lowe’s songs, I would highly recommend it).

Andrew Nafziger: Acoustic guitar, baritone guitar, electric guitar, handclaps
David Lazaroff: Acoustic Guitar, handclaps
Lindsay Greene: Electric Bass, handclaps
The Fat Man and Eddie Olmos: Backwards guitar, handclaps
Dave Sanger: Drums, handclaps, tambourine
Joe McDermott: Handclaps
Elizabeth McQueen: lead vocals, background vocals, handclaps

What a Waste – You know, any career has its highs and lows…being a musician is no different. One day, you can’t believe your luck…you get to play music for a living! Score! Another day, you’re feeling so low that down seems up. Surprisingly, a career in music can sometimes seem like an unrealistic and foolish endeavor. Who among us has not run through the endless other career possibilities, which is why we Firebrands love the Ian Drury and the Blockheads song, What a Waste. It describes our occasional ambivalence perfectly! Plus, we got to use every toy in the studio. Far out man.

The Fat Man: Guitar, Classical Guitar
David Lazaroff: Electric Guitar, Roland Handsonic
Lauren Gurgiolo: Synth Guitar, Omnichord
JJ Campbell: Farfisa
Lindsay: Bass
Dave Sanger: Drums, percussion
Elizabeth McQueen: vocals

Both Songs produced by David Sanger