Every single review I’ve written in the last two weeks has begun with the obligatory, I’m such a slacker apology. It’s getting old. But after reading somewhere (Pitchfork maybe? and, yes, I still occasionally read Pitchfork) that the guys in The Hold Steady (Craig Finn especially) were totally into The War On Drugs record, I just had to dig through my box of un-listened-to records and find this one. This is a gem of a record that is seemingly difficult to peg into any one single category. There’s a bit of an Americana thing happening here, but also quite a bit of off-kilter almost Talking Heads-esqe indie rock. So I guess what I’m saying is that this is equal parts Springsteen and Dylan balanced with Modest Mouse and Bound Stems. It sounds odd (I know) but it really really works well. The songs are strong and the melodies are memorable, but there is also an almost hazy and gauzy drone obscuring the edges as some of the songs are drawn out and explored such as the 10 minute long “Show Me The Coast.” It sounds worn and old but also refreshingly honest. I can certainly understand why Craig Finn likes this record since I do too.
MP3 | The War On Drugs – Arms Like Boulders Wagonwheel Blues
MP3 | The War On Drugs – Taking The Farm Wagonwheel Blues
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