[direwolf74]

Outstanding album! Stylistically it's similar to "Boys & Girls in America", but that's not a bad thing. The guitars are big, the songs are ridiculously catchy, and Craig Finn's clever lyrics are once again the heart of the album. But this time out they've added some extra bells and whistles on a few tracks like horns, harpsichord (seriously), harmonica, extended piano and guitar solos, and even some guest vocals by Patterson Hood of Drive-By Truckers. Between this and the new Matt Mays album, I'd say we've got two of the best old-school balls-out rock albums I've heard in quite a while. This is great stuff.

:music

[lilbones]

This album is indeed awesome. Slapped Actress is one of my favourite songs of the year so far.

The only album I've liked more so far in '08 in Los Campesinos' "Hold On Now Youngster..."

[NWOntario]

Agreed--although I sorta with Craig Finn hadn't taken singing lessons prior to recording it. :wink: Would love to hear some of these songs live; I wonder if there's any chance of the Hold Steady playing southern Alberta anytime soon?

[direwolf74]

Agreed--although I sorta with Craig Finn hadn't taken singing lessons prior to recording it. :wink: Would love to hear some of these songs live; I wonder if there's any chance of the Hold Steady playing southern Alberta anytime soon?

They'd be perfect opening for the Hip.

[andy42g]

Great album - make sure you find the version with the extra tracks though as they are excellent. I can't really understand why two handed handshake is not on the 'proper' disk.
These guy really do rock live. I saw them over here in a tiny place the other week (Irish Centre, Leeds) and it was a storming gig. They are back in October .
THS opening for the Hip ...... hock: 8)

[joshwayy]

Thanks for the recommendation. This album is terrific :thumb:

Looks like they are doing some fall dates with the DBT....

[The Heron Outside]

Thanks for the recommendation. This album is terrific :thumb:

Looks like they are doing some fall dates with the DBT....

Where'd you hear this?

[Tthip]

Thanks for the recommendation. This album is terrific :thumb:

Looks like they are doing some fall dates with the DBT....

Where'd you hear this?

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[direwolf74]

Holy crap, what an awesome double-bill. Wish I could see one of those shows.

[Phantom51]

This show is the 11th of november for those of you in Toronto. Thought I would bump as a reminder.

Michael Franti and Spearhead is the 6th if you want to see two great show in a couple of days.