What's the deal with...The Hold Steady?

So what is this band like? I've been meaning to get their album for some time now, but I know absolutely NOTHING about them.

Who do they sound like? Are the lyrics good? Do they know how to rock? Etc., etc. Cure me of my ignorance.

I like em - their album is a grower….they definitely know how to rock in a gruff, early Springsteenish sort of way

yeah, i like 'em … extremely springsteen, but dirtied up. they are going to be on an episode of "lost" soon, where the fat guy goes on a date with the comic book chick from "the o.c." so get on the bandwagon now.

they have a whole lot of lyrics … lots and lots of words, many of them big. i feel like they are a very dude-friendly band, wouldn't be surprised if chicks weren't that into them.

the deal with them is that they are fucking good

dont say springsteen, you will tarnish them for me

I like both of their albums

oh and I think they share members with the now gone Lifter Puller, whose albums I keep an eye out for

I don't really like them. I like singers, not guys that bark like dogs.

And I don't get the Springsteen comparisons.

the Hold Steady's core (Craig Finn & Tadd Kubler) use to be in a band called lifter puller in the twin cities. then craig moved to NY and started a band called the hold steady (i was bored when i didnt have a band so i started a band).
they are a lot like older springsteen in the music part and a lot like billy joel in lyrics part.
those that dont like them cant stand craig's singing.
the lyrics are fun to analyse. NPR did a segment on them and the NPR website has an analysis of lyrics to 3 songs by them.
so yeah…imma fan

Originally posted by Etan de Balzac, Footie Ball Player:
I don't really like them.

And I don't get the Springsteen comparisons.

Agreed.

listen harder!

Originally posted by [username edited by p.c. moderator]:

Originally posted by Etan de Balzac, Footie Ball Player:
I don't really like them.

And I don't get the Springsteen comparisons.

Agreed.

I love The Hold Steady. Great, crunchy rock on top of a landslide of interesting lyrics. I wish they hadn't skipped DC last time around. Not sure about the Bruce point of reference. I'll have to listen closer for that. Highly recommended though.

If you don't get the Springsteen allusions, you probably don't know Springsteen beyond Born in the USA and Dancing in the Dark.

It's an apt comparison in that Springsteen pioneered that half-spoken, stream-of consciousness, gritty urban tales over basic rock framework. Go listen to Greetings from Asbury Park.

Personally, I like the Hold Steady.

I have Born in the USA, Born to Run, the River, Nebraska, and Tom Joad. Admittedly, I don't listen to any of them that much, but I still don't see that much of a comparison. I listen to the Hold Steady and I hear a guy doing a lot of yelling.


"half-spoken, stream-of consciousness, gritty urban tales over basic rock framework"

You could just as well be describing BonJovi or Lou Reed solo.

Originally posted by ggwâ?¢:
If you don't get the Springsteen allusions, you probably don't know Springsteen beyond Born in the USA and Dancing in the Dark.

It's an apt comparison in that Springsteen pioneered that half-spoken, stream-of consciousness, gritty urban tales over basic rock framework. Go listen to Greetings from Asbury Park.

Personally, I like the Hold Steady.

Originally posted by Etan de Balzac, Footie Ball Player:
"half-spoken, stream-of consciousness, gritty urban tales over basic rock framework"

You could just as well be describing BonJovi or Lou Reed solo.

John Cougar Mellancamp comes immediately to mind.

Admittedly, I don't listen to any of them that much, but I still don't see that much of a comparison.

sometimes the jokes write themselves :D

exactly!

Originally posted by ggwâ?¢:
If you don't get the Springsteen allusions, you probably don't know Springsteen beyond Born in the USA and Dancing in the Dark.

Once or twice a year qualifies as "not much" in my listening. I know that's par for the course for you people that have like 3000+ albums in your collections. :) , but for me it's not much.

Originally posted by brennser:

Admittedly, I don't listen to any of them that much, but I still don't see that much of a comparison.

sometimes the jokes write themselves :D

Originally posted by El Jefe:
So what is this band like? Who do they sound like? Are the lyrics good? Do they know how to rock? Etc., etc. Cure me of my ignorance.

The music these handsome young men with guitars make brings to mind what it feels like having Jon Bon Jovi's ripping man cock planted firmly in one's ass as the Ronette's fondle your nutsack from behind.

Craig Finn always sounds like he's on a drunken rant. I personally think it sounds awesome. Great drinkin' music.

Play 'Greetings…' or 'The Wild, The Innocent…' or maybe even 'Darkness on the Edge of Town' – then play Separation Sunday. The similarities will readily become apparent.

Born to Run and the River are a bit too polished; Nebraska is a different animal altogether; Born in the USA is just crap; and I have never listened to Tom Joad.

Oh come on. I defy anyone who was in high school when Born in the USA was released to play it now as they are driving around in their car and call it "crap". That album is pure fun, something you can only say about a few of his other songs.