This is a band that defies pigeon-holing into any specific genre. The Bloomington, Illinois based band’s new release The Places We Lived follows the successful ‘07 release Vagabonds and Hooligans. Backyard Tire Fire is Edward Anderson, who wrote all the songs, Matt Anderson and Tim Kramp.

They have a whimsical side, such as on the title track “The Places We Lived,” which takes a look at a the mundane a bit like The Beatles’ “Penny Lane” or “A Day in the Life” (“woke up, got out of bed, dragged a comb across my head”) does.

Fred’s out on his tractor, and he’s drinkin’ a beer. Dad’s cursin’ at the TV again.

Mom said to take a shower. Gotta get ready for church.

She said “you gotta give an hour a week.”

They also have the AAA (does this genre still exist?) ready “Shoulda Shut It” that has a bouncy feel to it with a very catchy “radio friendly” chorus. “Welcome to the Factory” has a Pink Floyd sound to it. Rock ‘n Roll lovers will like “How In The Hell Did You Get Back Here?,” and “Legal Crime.” The band even enlists the help of a string section on the closer, pretty ballad “Home Today.” The band is difficult to categorize, but that is often good. In this case it means they deliver a very diverse set of songs. You never really know what you’ll get next! One of our recent podcasts featured the band, so feel free to check out Ray Randall’s podcasts to hear this band, as well as many other great acts!