i don't really get it.

aren't a number of you big fans? listening to the new album and not digging much at all.

We have this talk all the time here don't we?

I'm in the LIFTER PULLER was a pretty rad band and The Hold Steady gets worse with each album camp.

The lyricist is the only reason I check out the new stuff.
To really enjoy any of it you'd probably need to spin a few albums, it's really cool how he has repeating themes.

i just posted it b/c i remember them getting a lot of support over the years here, and i guess i never have become a fan. i guess i don't need to like every band....

These threads usually blowup into pretty decent hatefests.

I'm a fan, but I'm not digging the new album. Something about the mix seems off to me.

the only album of theirs I'm into is Boys and Girls in America. It came out at the right time for the right people, when Generation X & Y were being nostalgic for times when there was no responsibility and you could party your ass off with no consequence. It perfectly captured the feeling of being ages 15 - 22. Ironically, I sold back Stay Positive (the adult/age 30+ version of Boys and Girls in America). I REALLY hated the song "Navy Sheets" on that record.

I know a few Obs still hold Separation Sunday in high regard.

Separation Sunday is my favorite of theirs, but I've found at least a song or two that I really like on each album. Can't explain why I like them either, just do. Southtown Girls is one of my favorite songs of the 00's

one of the sorriest bands playing music atm. an absolute joke.

I know you feel this way (and don't care) but would love to hear you expound on it. pretty please?

man, i've given these guys so many shots. tried and tried, because there are obnerds opinions that i value that seem to LOVE these cats.

if there is one band that i can honestly say "that's just sorry as hell", it's these guys. caught them live and it was solidified. painful vocals, gay facial expressions, hook-less music, just pointless.

not being a dick, just being honest.

Sub in The National for The Hold Steady and this is me.

that's why i have tried over the last few records too. can't do it. no offense meant at all either.

i can totally understand this.

I'm on board with the new album already, I think it's great. "Sweet Part of the City" is one of the best songs they've done. Love "The Smidge," "We Can Get Together," and "Hurricane J" so far too.

I've made the decision to not trust any of you so that this doesn't happen to me.

As far as the hold steady goes, I like the lyrics and how there is a running storyline across albums but I can't really get past that I don't like their music much or Craig's voice at all. Still, its not fingernails across the chalkboard. To call them one of the sorriest bands atm is complete hyperbole.

Nobody said anything about "trust".

I have two of their albums though it's been a while since I listened. I did recently listen to my best of 2004 mix again, where I had put on "Positive Jam" and was surprised at how much I didn't like it. What was my 5 years younger self thinking!?

Are the Hold Steady really a band anyone has to "get"? I find their lyrics enjoyable and, though it took warming up to, enjoy Craig's delivery of them. I can understand someone just not liking his voice, but much more deconstruction than that seems unnecessary. They're just a band, you either like them or you don't.

trust is reserved for burying bodies, not listening to music.

separation sunday didn't get me, B&G in America did eventually, stay positive could have been great, I've barely given the new one a shot...its pretty mor.

no offense taken, I just wanted more info is all.

fwiw, I think they are the perfect mix of over the top classic rock cliche's, earnest Springsteen-esque storytelling, and zany hijinks of bands like the Dead Milkmen. It works for me by and large, but they are one of those bands where if you don't like them, fine, I get it--i'm not gonna put up a big argument or distrust everything you say from that point forward like I would if for instance you said you didn't like Bob Dylan or Chuck Berry.

great band with a pretty long string of great albums. some misses on every album, but one of my favorite bands right now.

what bloor said.

almost killed me is my favorite of theirs but i'm solidly in cats camp (though i haven't listened to much lifter puller) here as i like them less and less with every album.

but yeah, there's sorrier bands out there.

me too

as for the hold steady, i doubt they'll ever top separation sunday, but i dig the new one plenty