So is all the hype washing away on these guys yet? Are The Hold Steady so three weeks ago? It almost seems like that in this blogosphere that switches gears and latches onto the latest trends faster than you can say… well… The Hold Steady.
I first heard the music of The Hold Steady earlier this summer when I was digging for songs from artists appearing at Lollapalooza. I listened and though, eh… After having spent a month (or so) listening to their latest album Boys And Girls In America I can now say that I’m totally hooked. The songs just keep calling me back for another listen. Not sure if it is the references to booze and drugs (almost in every song) or the familiarity of its commentary about the sad realities of Midwestern youth. Either way this is an instant classic from the world’s greatest indie bar-band.
I mean, its quite rare that a band this literate will also name check someone like Izzy Stradlin. I absolutely love it. The lyrics are sad, poetic, sarcastic, and paint a true-to-life picture of wayward America. Even then, this is music that is meant to be played loud. I get chills when the chorus for “Massive Nights” simply explodes out of my speakers. There is even guest spots on the record from Dave Pirner (of Soul Asylum fame) and Elizabeth Elmore (who my wife has always claimed I had a crush on) from The Reputation. And even though The Hold Steady calls Brooklyn home, you can tell that front man Craig Finn’s heart is still back in Minneapolis.
However and whatever you call it, Boys And Girls In America is (without a doubt) one of the best records of the year. Its so good even Pitchfork couldn’t get it wrong.
MP3 | The Hold Steady – Chips Ahoy Boys And Girls In America
MP3 | The Hold Steady – Massive Nights Boys And Girls In America
