Sound: Big rock meets bohemian punk attitude; arena-sized guitar riffs, powerful organs, blaring horns and nimble piano melodies (think Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band or The Black Crowes) collide with Craig Finn’s husky, sneering talk/sung vocals
Lyrics: Darkly amusing storytelling that poetically details youthful, “hoodrat” behavior (“hoodrat” is a recurring word throughout the album); drinking, buying/selling/abusing drugs, casual sex and breakups are recurring themes
Heavy Rotation tracks: “Cattle and the Creeping Things“; “Your Little Hoodrat Friend“
Medium Rotation tracks: “Hornets! Hornets!“; “How a Resurrection Really Feels“
Recommended: The first three tracks are certainly better than the rest of the album, but anyone fascinated by a strong, literary and unconventional voice should get familiar with The Hold Steady.
Grade: B+