What's everyone think of these guys?

I had a friend visiting over the weekend and he played me one of their albums. I liked what I heard but it was only on in the background so I didn't listen very intently.

Allmusic recommends "Almost Killed Me" as the album of theirs to pick up.

Is this worth purchasing or should I wait until I can snag a free copy somewhere?

i think they're one of the most talented and entertaining bands around right now. Separation Sunday IMO is the more accessible of the two albums, but i don't know how others might feel about that statement.

I like the first album better. The new one just isn't doing it for me.

Love the first one. I'm enjoying the new one even more. I loves me some Hold Steady, even though I've neither been to Ybor City nor met a hoodrat.

Cool! I'll have to drop by Reckless and see if they have either of these.

Definitely Almost Killed Me; not a filler track on that album. The new one's kind of hit or miss, imo. Dude's previous band, Lifter Puller, is also pretty damn good.

their records are pretty good, but they slay as a live band.

Like both but the new one more. Vox are an acquired taste, but everything else is very tasty.

I saw em' two week ago. they were good

so, they're slated to play in philly and poughkeepsie (sp pr) in late November with the Bouncing Souls? Who would be likely to have a longer set i.e. opening? Because 'll pretty much put up with any bullshit to catch them live again. but I really fucking don't like the bouncing souls. anyone?

it gets a bit monotonous after about 15 minutes, but pretty good in small doses.

what does, the Bouncing Souls? more like 15 seconds.

no hold steady. same song over and over

hey man, give them a chance. they've been one of the few punk holdovers from my teenage days and they put on great shows, in addition to being fellow new jersey natives. it's a bizarre pairing to say the least, but the show will definitely be worthwhile.

I need to hear this band. This and Ike Reilly are my 'must hears' before 2005 is up.

I love Seperation Sunday...top 5 album of 05' for me. I'd like to check them out live, from what I've read and heard they put on a fun show.

they kicked my ass the other night. and then i was up until 5 with them and 2 professional cheating gamblers that follow them around on tour drinking and hanging out. lotsa strangeness. I'm still hung over, 28 hours later.

I never heard the first one, but really liked Seperation Sunday, probably one of my favorite straight-up rock record of the last few years...great guitars and entertaining storytelling too.

Might as well check out Lifter Puller too.

Annoying voice.

Am I nuts or would Art Brut / The Hold Steady be a killer double bill?!

Their new album is coming out in Novemeber, and is called "boys and Girls" or something. Judging from the songs I've heard, it will be very polarizing. I really wished I had taped the conversations I had with those guys, because they were really interesting.

I would GIVE MY LEFT NUT to check out that gig!

great first album, meh second album. even though i didn't like the 2nd album that much, they still killed live.

i haven't heard the leak, but i know someone who has/had it and they hated it. and they are/were a big hold steady fan. it will be interesting to hear.