"There are nights when I think Sal Paradise was right/'Boys and Girls in America have such a sad time together....'" These are the opening words to "Stuck Between Stations," the first cut from Boys and Girls in America, the Hold Steady's third full-length. Before these, however, are piano lines and glockenspiel sounds that could have come from Bruce Springsteen's Born to Run album and guitar lines that could have been spit out of an AC/DC song. Sal Paradise, Kerouac's big character, is not the only mythical presence on this meditation of darkly romanticized youth. The late poet (and suicide) John Berryman and one of his monolithic works Dream Songs is in here too: "...I surround myself with doctors and deep thinkers/but big heads with soft bodies make for lousy lovers..." Ain't that the truth. (He should have talked to Chuck Berry instead.) In the meantime, Craig Finn's spilling out an encounter and meditation, and the first person part of his narrative reveals "a damn good kisser and she wasn't that strict of a Christian/She was a real good dancer but she wasn't much of a girlfriend." This is the set up for the slickest, catchiest, and most focused collection of songs by Finn and his rocking Brooklyn quintet. The guy's not just a storyteller, he's a ock historian, a fan boy gone wild, telling stories of everything he says; he's not speaking for anybody but himself, and as a result his appeal is wide. When the band turn Thin Lizzy's "Boys Are Back in Town" inside-out riff-wise on "Hot Soft Light," Finn tries to sound like Phil Lynott, because he's offering a tale of mall rats, suburban kids, drinking, and drug taking -- in essence, addiction--from the inside, not as an observer. It's personal revelation disguised as a pumped-up ock anthem. Try "Chips Ahoy," even more of a fist raiser, with a Hammond B-3 under that wall of guitars and rolling bassline. It's got a whoah-oh-oh oh- ohoho . . chorus from the boys in the band and Finn's talking about the race track, specifically about a girl who bets $900.00 on a horse and has problems enjoying the compulsive sex she engages in. His frustration expels itself as a question both teens and young men have been trying to ask forever, but have been afraid to articulate, or it never occurred to them that they could ask: "How am I supposed to know that you're high if you won't let me touch you?/How am I supposed to know if you won't even dance?" Those looking for Separation Sunday "part two" may be disappointed by the huge sound this record has (the band's moved to Vagrant); it's not much of a concept record, and it's not as Catholic, but all those struggles are in here just beneath the surface (and sometimes on top of it). One of the allads here, "First Night," begins with a piano and an acoustic guitar lilting a rather loose melody that gives Finn the support he needs to get out of his pent-up, novelistic, wordsmithing mouth: "Charlemagne shakes in the street/Gideon makes love to the suites/Holly's not invincible/in fact she's in the hospital/not far from the bar where we met/on that first night." All of these characters are young, desperate, and fleeing from their inner fear, except for Holly who is wise enough to tell the protagonist that "words alone never could save us"....and then "cried when she told us about Jesus." The piano fills out that unfillable hole in Holly and the rest, no matter where they run. Finn can do nothing but repeat his lines and find a last verse somewhere to let the song just fade into silence because it never really ends. Boys and Girls in America is a sophisticated shambles. There's still a barely-on-the-rail feel, despite the literate compositions. Finn's always either behind or ahead of the beat, but it's alright, his bandmates can more than handle that because they're as engaged as he is. There are a few guests, and even a horn section on one track, and the classic girl group chorus call and response from Dana Kletter and her gorgeous voice. There's real sadness in the Wall of Sound and chanted chorus in "You Can Make Him Like You," which examines everything from addiction to betrayal, to the insecurity in love that can push someone over the edge, never to return. Thin Lizzy makes a return on "Massive Nights," complete with roiling bass as Finn opens the whole escapist mix, swinging and setting up a hedonist's dream: "The guys were feeling good about their liquor run..." There are low expectations and drama where only the music counts. The tune turns back on itself when the singer is trying to convince himself and the huge wailing responsorial chorus that something so utterly suburban could be cool, until "She had the gun in her mouth/She was shooting up at her dreams/When the chaperone said that/We'd been crowned/the king and the queen." And it just ends. The chorus doesn't repeat. Elizabeth Elmore's and Dave Pirner's character triplet vocals on "Chillout Tent" help to create a sprawling narrative. Finn's the narrator, the other two are such broken and wasted -- even OD'ed -- people; they kiss urgently, which is alternately "sexy...but kinda creepy." The song doesn't really work, but it's brave as hell as an experiment. The reason this record is worth embracing and even celebrating is because it's an honest to God ock & roll album. It exposes in the first and third person what it means to grow up right now in the midst of suburban waste. It's angsty, but Finn's got a sense of humor and the band can play their asses off. That they so readily embrace ock history as a means of unfolding Finn's stories suggests that "cool" and "indie" are simply terms in the larger dialogue. This is a smoking little record. Its focus is small, its reach is large; it's a winner.
I forget which sexy mega rock god said it, but it was someone suitably svelte and saturnine who said, “Anyone who tells you they got into a band for music and not to meet girls is lying.” Which must make it hard for The Hold Steady, because in this throng of 600 or so, I’ve counted 72 women. Boy that must be depressing. You’ve been on the road since September, the youthful sap is flowing,
More >
If Bruce Springsteen grew up in the 1990s in Minneapolis, listened to lots of punk and ska and did lots of drugs, he would probably sound a lot like Craig Finn of Brooklyn's The Hold Steady.
More >
Went out to Cats Records today and picked up the new Hold Steady ep, live at fingerprints. It's one that's limited edition and is only available at certain independent record stores. It also was right at $6 with tax, so why not. I'm really digging it, the tracklist being three songs off of Boys & Girls in America and two songs off of their earlier record. I dig the banter inbetween the song...
More >
Let's post some lyrics.I'm from Providence, RI. Apparently The Hold Steady must of had a hell of a time here at some point. My quiet little city made it into "Same Kooks" on _Boys and Girls in America_.*hey hey Providenceyou gotta fall in love with whoever you can.the sheets stain but the sins wash away.naked bodies in the Narragansett bay.*full lyricshttp://www.lyricsmania.com/lyrics/hold_s...
More >
Wow. Two months Mogging! I can't believe all the great new music i've been turned on to. I've been listening to sooo much new stuff, it's kinda overwhelming. Moggers are the nicest poeple i've never met, and make me feel like part of a musical community that i'm proud to be a part of. Thanks to all the EMCD's out there, for all the new addictive music. Off to watch Snow Patrol on SNL....
More >
Check out some live video of The Hold Steady on their 'Boys and Girls in America Tour' from Fall 2006 at scheduletwo.com . This video was shot at First Avenue in Minneapolis, MN on October 25th, 2006. Songs featured include: The Swish, Chips Ahoy!, You Can Make Him Like You, Stevie Nix, Cattle and The Creeping Things, and Banging Camp. check them out here: http://scheduletwo.com/video/the_hold_...
More >
Here are the records that I really liked this year. Turns out there were 18.1 The Hold Steady - Boys and Girls in AmericaThe Hold Steady top my favorites list for a second year in a row. What can I say that hasn't already been said about America's best rock band? Another great record from Craig Finn, Tad Kubler, and gang.2 Destroyer - Destroyer's RubiesOther than his work with The New Pornograp...
More >
Yeah, I'm getting around to composing my best of/year end list & post but for now, I just want to declare that 06 was the year I listened to, consumed, and enjoyed the most music in my entire life. It's all thanks to MOG and all of you. So, here's what/who I loved in 06: The Hold SteadyThom YorkeThe KillersLoreena McKennittChristopher O' RileyTom WaitsThe BeatlesBilly IdolJohnny CashJay-ZMy Che...
More >
Been away from the MOG for awhile, hope everyone had a Happy Thanksgiving.I keep getting in new music and new-to-me music but nothing has my attention like The Hold Steady. They're more than squelching my usual listening habits.I can't express my love for this band enough. I may end up doing a MOG post for every song of Boys & Girls In America.Some bands make me wanna write and Craig Finn & co....
More >
these are the best 40 records of 2006, that i heard, in order of appreciation. 1 The Hold Steady - Boys and Girls in America2 Califone - Roots & Crowns3 Bob Dylan - Modern Times4 Neko Case - Fox Confessor Brings the Flood5 Loose Fur - Born Again in the USA6 Camille - Le Fil7 Beth Orton - Comfort of Strangers8 Josh Ritter - The Animal Years9 Drive-By Truckers - A Blessing and a Curse10 Tom Wai...
More >
Dear December 9th,Could you please arrive quickly? You are the day of my last final, the day which marks the end of first semester, the day I finally see a friend again, and the day of The Hold Steady concert. I want nothing more than for the day to be you and for me to be at Headliners. So please, December 9th, hurry up!Sincerely, Samantha
More >
Hi. My name is Sarah, and I have a serious problem with music.I haven't been to a show since October 25th, because the last show I attended was just. it. I cannot remember a time when I have been part of an audience who so completely appreciated a band's library, and when the band in turn so graciously appreciated their fan base.Nor can I recall a concert at which I have become so overwhelmed...
More >
since everyone is touting the greatness of this group, the hold steady, i decided to just get the new album without even sampling it. i downloaded it and burned a copy to drive around with because i had some chores to do and i haven't even got past the first two songs because i keep listening to them over and over. "I love this girl/but i can't tell when she's having a good time""how am i suppo...
More >
I’m probably Craig’s biggest fan. Boys And Girls In America is the most personal record, lyrically, I’ve heard him write. Our new album.In the past, we have a really shitty PA, we’d rehearse and rehearse and rehearse and we could never hear what he was singing. But then when we would hear the lyrics for the first time, it was like, “Oh my god, that is fucking brilliant!” With Boys and
More >
Its funny how when you are in a relationship how you think it is the love to end all loves. Sometimes it takes a little hindsight and a great rock song to make you see that maybe you were just happy to be with somebody, and it didn't really didn't matter who that somebody was....
More >
Because every once in awhile a band I love will post something REAL via myspace that that just makes me happy. Just today, Tad from the Hold Steady posted a bulletin titled: Top Five List: Who I wanna party with...and his answers:1. Robert Evans2. Charles Barkley3. Noel Gallagher4. Benicio Del Toro5. The Bush SistersHard to argue with those...even though I am pretty sure the Bush twins could dr...
More >
I'm not even gonna glorify this post with a write up. Ten words. There.
More >
remember me?yeah i thought so (NOT)well i'll be damnedin the few weeks (months)i have managed to PISS OFF ppl here i loved n cared about cuz i am a crazy noob fuckwell thats enough about meHOW THE HELL R YA?OMG i have mental illness n shithow fucking kool is that?well this post is about how you have STUFFED the hold steady down my throatand up until now i just PUKED it right back outWHOOPS now ...
More >
With all the hoopla of Coachella and Bonnaroo, with Virgin and APW and Lolla, we tend to forget the small music festivals. I, too, have been remiss about touting the greatness of local block parties; despite the lack of huge name headliners, there is often such lovely aural goodness to indulge in.So, in that vein, I give you a belated post on Seattle's Capitol Hill Block Party. Late July fin...
More >
Tonight's audio send off is courtesy of the Hold Steady.I can't believe it took so long for me to find these guys, and I have MOG to thank for it...several mog posts singing the praises of these guys finally sunk in late last summer and I checked them out, its been true love ever since.I love the details in Craig Finn's lyrics.He has an amazing way of giving real heart to some of rock's greates...
More >
I know, this is like my umpteenth Hold Steady post since the show on Saturday...but it was JUST that good. While listening to the latest record tonight it hit me that singer and lyricist Craig Finn is like a wonderful combination of Charles Bukowski and Bruce Springsteen. He writes these amazing songs about love and love lost, but there are so many intimate details in his words, that the songs ...
More >
I forget which sexy mega rock god said it, but it was someone suitably svelte and saturnine who said, “Anyone who tells you they got into a band for music and not to meet girls is lying.” Which must make it hard for The Hold Steady, because in this throng of 600 or so, I’ve counted 72 women. Boy that must be depressing. You’ve been on the road since September, the youthful sap is flowing,
More >
Let's post some lyrics.I'm from Providence, RI. Apparently The Hold Steady must of had a hell of a time here at some point. My quiet little city made it into "Same Kooks" on _Boys and Girls in America_.*hey hey Providenceyou gotta fall in love with whoever you can.the sheets stain but the sins wash away.naked bodies in the Narragansett bay.*full lyricshttp://www.lyricsmania.com/lyrics/hold_s...
More >
holy fucking shit fucking holy fucking shit!chompin on some organic promise (no pressure) strawberry fields (rich and wheat flakes, mmm-kay) and really fucking stoked on tonight's the hold steady night at slim's. holy fucking shit fucking holy fucking shit!sweaty, loud, wet, and not loud enough. funky rock funky rock. van halen, led zep, U2, and the reason for this list? what do you hear (oh!)....
More >
So tonight is the night of the Hold Steady concert in Grand Rapids which I have tickets to.Tonight is also the last home game for my daughter's lacrosse team and it is senior parents' night. This means at the end of the game each senior girl's parents are called up and they give them a flower. She has played lacrosse for four years. (Jennifer Granholm's daughter is on her team and I keep havin...
More >
I know I posted this before, but I like seeing it because every once in a while I can see the back of my head.
More >
UPDATEI ended up going to the game. They played Rockford and the game ended with a tie: 8 to 8. After the game the senior girls and the coaches and parents gathered. Each girl was called up and the parents went up and hugged their daughter and was given a blue and a white carnation (the east lansing trojan colors). As we hugged I said, I am missing my concert for this--jokingly and everybody ...
More >
But first, Download 'HOT SOFT LIGHT' by 'THE HOLD STEADY' from their cd 'Boys and Girls in America' at http://sportsblognflbybubba.podomatic.comAnd now to the 2009 NFL PLAYOFFS. PLAYOFFS? My BONUS - LOCK this week, should you choose to accept it, is the RAVENS over the Dolphins 23 - 17. In my 50 - 50 games I'll take INDIANAPOLIS over San Diego 30 - 24. And I would not be surprised if the FALCO...
More >
| Title | Lyrics | Buy |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Stuck Between Stations |
|
|
| 2 Chips Ahoy! |
|
|
| 3 Hot Soft Light |
|
|
| 4 Same Kooks |
|
|
| 5 First Night |
|
|
| 6 Party Pit |
|
|
| 7 You Can Make Him Like You |
|
|
| 8 Massive Nights |
|
|
| 9 Citrus |
|
|
| 10 Chillout Tent |
|
|
| 11 Southtown Girls |
|
|
Click to purchase…
© 2006-2009 Mog Inc. All Rights Reserved
 "Boys and Girls in America")
