the hold steady, stay positive
recipe: guitar to piano ... woody allen (you know, same as the last 2 records).
thoughts:
-really hated this record on first 2 listens, then came around a little. some hooks really emerge: "constructive summer", "stay positive", hell, "sequestered" is DBT worthy-- though ... don't recall them writing hooks.
-harpsichord nod to "two sisters" in "one for the cutters" is rad, but actually found the characters and storyline in "two sisters", uhm, interesting.
-write a new song already. the constant use of "OH OH OH" choruses nailed on previous record reminds me of a bad brains' record that will come out some time in the next 3-4 years (ed. note: the hold steady's "boys and girls in america" was GIHYB's 1st or 2nd fave record of '06). the attempts at stretching fall a little flat.
-question? self-referencing band lyrics work best when referring to a) being an american band, b) being a cowboy on a steel horse, c) believing you are a walrus, or d) bein' down wit OPP?
-the bruce homage (see recipe) is getting really tired (ed note: GIHYB gets squeamish during operatic brawls that don't feature ghostface, bobby darin, or david geddes).
-don't hate this record, finn's a stud and they got another one in em, just a little underwhelmed.
5 comments:
What? The new Hold Steady is ALMOST as amazing as the 2nd Strokes tape. Indie rock is so beautiful, especially when it has an ironic moustache and sounds like a watered down mix of Springsteen and REM.
but a couple weeks ago you said "The Hold Steady blows. Springsteen + lame indie rock with ironic moustaches. Who needs that?"
no one's allowed to use "ironic moustaches" twice-- or springsteen for that matter.
the "2nd strokes tape" line was funny
think up some more funny names! we could give you a column!
Do you hear that, GIHYB? It's the sound of your chain being yanked.
Oh, and don't get him started with the names--he's got a truckload.
I'm a indie rock blogger. That means I change my opinion all the time based on what other people on the internet say. I can't make up my own mind and I love it!!!
Oh GIHYB, you're gonna have a field day with this:
http://www.spinner.com/2008/07/18/the-dl-the-hold-steadys-top-10-pet-peeves/
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