took awhile for the hold steady to grow on me... and i love separation sunday but not feeling the new album.

It's easily the weakest of their three albums so far, but the first two were so strong, that's not meant as a slight. This album is WAY better than I feared it was going to be, based on the negative pre-release buzz. If they ditch the chick singer who chimes in for a couple of tracks, cut back on the keys, and lose the studio polish, they'll be fine. Finn's vocals/lyrics are still fantastic, as are the gee-tars.

"Massive Night" is one of their best songs ever and a DEFINITE contender for song of the year!

Listening to it for the first time now, though I heard 3-4 of these songs when I saw them live.

After listening to "First Night," I think that Craig Finn and Greg Dulli should get together and write a 10 minute long Meatloaf-style cock rock power ballad. Clearly, this is what they were meant to do with their lives. They're both just a little too concerned with being cool to actually do it.

Yeah, this is fucking great. Thanks alot guys.

will this make a timis sendspace email?

I think it did awhile ago.

check ur PM

There is wisdom buried within your snarkiness, Dr. Mike.

Oh, I was serious. No snarkiness intended.

My apologies. You are to be commended, regardless. Somebody PM Jim Steinman IMMEDIATELY!

i'm really liking "chill out tent" and the opening track.

still hit or miss on it.

I can say that I have become a fan of this record. Yeah, there's a few songs that don't really hit, but overall, I like it. Good rock and roll.

I've finally found a Hold Steady song that I really, truly like.

Could someone PM the album to me or at least the song "Party Pit"? I have a few things to offer in return. Nothing new or pre-release, but some goodies just the same.

I wouldn't be able to until later tonight, so I'm sure someone will get at you by then. If not let me know.

just kidding go here

oh hell yeah. thanks, you've made my day. the piano is pure springsteenesque... the professor would be proud.

(still want the album, though)

there's also a live show on the chunklet site here

if you care to read my interview with 'em, go here:
http://billboard.com/bbcom/breakenter/a ... 1003285335

Sorry to bump an old thread...


I just got around to listening to this today, and god-damn, me likey.

Anyone want to hook me up with some Lifter-Puller?

I liked this at first, though not as much as the last one.

But then I kept listening... and kept turning it up louder.

Now I put it on and turn it up so loud my partner, the cat, and the two dogs leave the house.

Top Five at least, and the best of the three. One review somewhere said the band sounds like bands that the people Finn writes about would like. Empathetic deconstructionist classic rock.

Hmm, I can't get away from the fact I think this guy's trying to hard with the Springsteen schtick. Decent record, but hasn't totally clicked with me yet.

yeah this one really grew on me. do people really think that this sounds like springsteen, or that it FEELS like springsteen?

Good and apt distinction to draw, Dr. Crack.
I think you're right on with that one.

The album as a whole isn't that Springsteen-ish, but in my head I can definitely hear the Boss singing "Stuck Between Stations."

I admire what he's going, but personally I like the first album best. I like the slightly more punk-y guitar sound, and I like that the lyrics are a little more abstract. The last two albums just feel like one long story about stupid suburban kids doing drugs and then finding Jesus. The first album was more open to interpretation.