Watch: The Hold Steady Rolling Stone performance

The Hold Steady performed a short little set for Rolling Stone magazine, playing three songs from new album Heaven is Whenever. They're fantastic videos, well-recorded. Enjoy.

Watch 'Hurricane J':


Watch 'Barely Breathing':


Watch 'We Can Get Together':

Review: The Hold Steady - Heaven is Whenever

I'll admit it, I was late(ish) to the Hold Steady party. I didn't become a fan until Boys and Girls in America. Even though people were singing the praises of their second album Separation Sunday (it even made the albums of the year list on the site where I used to write) I still didn't bother checking them out. But after hearing BAGIA, I was hooked. I got everything I could, listened to everything Craig Finn has done (even the Lifter Puller years), so when the band's fourth album Stay Positive was announced, I eagerly awaited it. It wasn't as good as Boys and Girls, but it was still a great album. Next month sees the release of their fifth record, Heaven is Whenever (although it came out on vinyl for Record Store Day), and it's currently streaming online.

So what's Heaven is Whenever like then?

Relationships are strange beasts. At the beginning of one, you always aim to do everything right - you laugh at their jokes, you tell them funny anecdotes (but only ones that paint you in a good light), and you never mention ex-girlfriends or ex-boyfriends. It's only after a few dates that you start to uncover the real person underneath. But it takes years before you really know everything about them.

Hold Steady albums are similar. Some of the tracks are instantly catchy, you pick out a lyric here and there that catches your attention, and you pump your first and grin wildly at the "woah-oh" parts. This was definitely true of Boys and Girls and Stay Positive, and both Almost Killed Me and Separation Sunday definitely had these moments.

A first date with Heaven is Whenever is like going out with your ex's sister. She may look similar in the distance, but once you sit down for dinner and try to discover her nuances, she's in no way the same. Some mannerisms are repeated definitely, there's a saying or phrase taken from this conversation or that, but deep down, you know she's not the same.

Your first hint is 'The Sweet Part of the City'. A splendid introduction, although it's smoother, softer, and a little gentler. Maybe this girl is the one you've been waiting for. As the date goes on, you see that she's entertaining too. Sure, she's got some problems, but who doesn't? 'Rock Problems' is charming, it just reels you in further.

Near the end of the first date, you're captivated. We've all been waiting for something like this: 'Our Whole Lives'. And by the time it's over, you're finished 'A Slight Discomfort', you just want to do it all over again.

Fast forward to the fifth date and you really start to discover what makes this girl tick. You start to notice her name drops, her stories, her interests, her hobbies. You start to see what's really there. Like 'We Can Get Together' and its repeated Husker Du references. She's clever, she's got good taste - maybe not the exact same taste as you, but those sure are some sweet words she's saying. Hey, was that a Meat Loaf reference? I thought I was the only one...

There's a lot here to like. 'The Weekenders', even first introduction 'Hurricane J', but we all have our flaws. She's probably more well-rounded than her older sisters. And there's heaps going on to bring you back for moref. Her beauty wasn't evident from the start, and there's still some things that niggle you, things you may never like.

But remember, you've had experience with other girls before. You can't be constantly comparing and contrasting - I wish she was like..., or that she did...
You've also got to remember that she's coming out of a relationship too. Franz is no longer around. She'll need time to settle down, to adjust. Let's just hope the transition doesn't last too long.

And the fiftieth date? Well, you're not there yet. And you know you probably won't like her as much as some of the others, but you're going to see this through. She's worth it. There's a lot to like, not as much to love, but definitely a lot to keep you around for more.

Stream: The Hold Steady - Heaven is Whenever

The new Hold Steady album Heaven is Whenever is just a few weeks away. However, it was released on vinyl as part of Record Store Day and now can also be streamed in full over at NPR. On first listen, it's decent, but may well be their worst album yet. Where's Franz Nicolay when you need him? (Although come fifth listen, I might love it.)

Tracklist:
1. "The Sweet Part of the City"
2. "Soft in the Center"
3. "The Weekenders"
4. "The Smidge"
5. "Rock Problems"
6. "We Can Get Together"
7. "Hurricane J"
8. "Barely Breathing"
9. "Our Whole Lives"
10. "A Slight Discomfort"

Stream:
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=126023882

Download: The Hold Steady - April 3rd, 2010 Bootleg

The Hold Steady played some material from new album Heaven is Whenever (due May 4th) at Toad's Place in North Haven, CT on Saturday night, and you can download the full show in mp3 bootleg form below. The new songs are track 1 'Rock Problems', 13 'Soft in the Center', 15 'Hurricane J', 16 'We Can Get Together', 18 'The Weekenders', and 20 'A Slight Discomfort'. Enjoy!

Setlist:
1. Rock Problems
2. Magazines
3. You Can Make Him Like You
4. Hot Soft Light
5. Constructive Summer
6. Navy Sheets
7. Chips Ahoy!
8. Chicago Seemed Tired Last Night
9. The Swish
10. Party Pit
11. Massive Nights
12. Banging Camp
13. Soft in the Center
14. Sequestered in Memphis
15. Hurricane J
16. We Can Get Together
17. Your Little Hoodrat Friend
18. The Weekenders
19. Stuck Between Stations
20. A Slight Discomfort

(encore)
21. Hornets! Hornets!
22. Stay Positive
23. Killer Parties

Download:
Full Show

Stream: The Hold Steady - Rock & Roll Problems

After debuting 'Hurricane J' last week, the Hold Steady have unveiled yet another song from upcoming May album Heaven is Whenever. This time it's the fantastic 'Rock and Roll Problems' which has a great riff. So much for less anthems on this album...

Tracklist:
1. "The Sweet Part of the City"
2. "Soft in the Center"
3. "The Weekenders"
4. "The Smidge"
5. "Rock Problems"
6. "We Can Get Together"
7. "Hurricane J"
8. "Barely Breathing"
9. "Our Whole Lives"
10. "A Slight Discomfort"


Stream:
The Hold Steady - 'Rock & Roll Problems'

Stream: The Hold Steady - Hurricane J

"They didn't name her for a saint, they named her for a storm / So how's she supposed to think about how it's gonna feel in the morning?"

The new Hold Steady album Heaven is Whenever comes out May 1st in Ireland on Rough Trade. That's a month and a half away, but you can have a listen to the lead single 'Hurricane J' now...

Stream The Hold Steady - 'Hurricane J':

Album News: The Hold Steady - Heaven is Whenever

The Hold Steady (sans Franz Nicolay) will be releasing the follow up to Stay Positive on May 4th. It's called Heaven is Whenever, and is a "much more dynamic record than anything they've done".

Guitarist Tad Kubler also had the following to say about the album "This album is sonically more diverse. And I really believe it exposes new elements of the band that we hinted at on other records but weren't able to fully realize until this one. Rather than just concentrate on changes in instrumentation, we made changes to the song writing process. And this helped everyone to experiment not only with their own instrument and where they should play, but where they shouldn't. This record doesn't feel as dense. It feels more spacial. We weren't trying to get a dozen different ideas on a song."

Frontman Craig Finn added: "The lyrics speak a lot about struggle and reward. Its about embracing suffering and understanding its place in a joyful life. I think that some of the characters from old records are there, but I don't name them by name. I think it continues to examine the highs and lows that we've looked at on previous records."

Read the full press release here:
http://www.shorefire.com/index.php?a=pressrelease&o=3699

Tracklist:
1 The Sweet Part of the City
2 Soft in the Center
3 The Weekenders
4 The Smidge
5 Rock Problems
6 We Can Get Together
7 Hurricane J
8 Barely Breathing
9 Our Whole Lives
10 A Slight Discomfort

News: Franz Nicolay leaves the Hold Steady

Franz Nicolay has posted this message on his official website:

"You should know: I've left The Hold Steady. I told the band I'd be leaving in early September, played my last show with them in Minneapolis around Thanksgiving, and dotted the t's and crossed the i's this week. Five years seemed like a nice round number. Thanks to everyone who was a part of the experience, especially the Unified Scene, who are nice folks. I'll see you all soon in any case."

Where that leaves the next record, God knows, but the Hold Steady is not over. They'll still carry on, and probably find a replacement for live shows anyway, while Nicolay can focus on his own solo career.

Watch Franz Nicolay's own 'Jeff Penalty':

List: Best Albums of the Decade 10-1

The final part of my countdown of the top 110 albums of the decade. Do you agree with some of the choices? Or do you think they stink to the high heavens? Please let me know, one way or another. You can find 110-101 here, 100-91 here, 90-81 here, 80-71 here, 70-61 here, 60-51 here, 50-41 here, 40-31 here, 30-21 here, and 20-11 here. Finally, here's the most important piece of the puzzle:

10. Joanna Newsom - Ys (2006)

The first time I heard this album, I couldm't get enough. I thought it was the best thing ever. The most gorgeous album ever made. I've lessened the hyperbole a little since, but I still love it. A fantastic album, but not for everyone. Features excessive harp playing and shrill vocals. Be warned!

9. The Hold Steady - Boys and Girls in America (2007)

The best bar band in America hit the big time with this album. It's a record by guys nearing forty who act like they are eighteen. Thus it appeals to the kid inside all of us. But it's the lyrics that get you to stay around. Intelligent stories that are much more than mere tales about getting wasted and going to parties. They feature excellent characters who live vividly exciting lives. We're all jealous.

8. Jason Isbell - Sirens of the Ditch (2007)

Jason Isbell's first solo album was recorded while he was still a Trucker, but it shone in so many ways. Who could argue with the blistering rock and the excellent lyrics? Take 'Dress Blues' for example. Has there been a better song written about the wars in Afghanistan or Iraq? Somehow I doubt it. Bitterly beautiful. It also helps that Jason himself is one of the best guitarists around.

7. The Strokes - Is This It (2001)

A lot was written about the Strokes when they first came on the scene. They've tried to repeat the success of this since, but neither their band albums or solo projects have matched the suckerpunch that was Is This It. Straight-up rock like this just can't be messed with.

6. Sufjan Stevens - Illinois (2005)

A concept album about the American state, this was so much bigger than Stevens' first attempt, Michigan. It features the slogan "Come on Feel the Illinoise" on the cover, which just lets you know what kind of album this is going to be. Fun and egotistical, it's Stevens' masterpiece.

5. Radiohead - In Rainbows (2007)

Forget about the method of payment (you downloaded it illegally even though you could get it for free, didn't you?). This album was so much better than anyone could have expected. It's probably their most accessible album, and as a result it's their best work since OK Computer. Some of the songs are a little overblown, but who cares? That's the Radiohead style. We love them all the more for it.

4. Ryan Adams - Love is Hell (2003)

Ryan Adams has never got on well with labels. They didn't even want to release this album, so he gave them the decent Rock N Roll instead. But it was this combination of two EPs, the first which came out in 2003 that was the real success. His best work so far, it's a gorgeous album of mellow, poignant tunes. Some may not stand out on first listen (some not all), but when you let them seep in, you'll realise the glory. Phenomenal.

3. The White Stripes - White Blood Cells (2001)

No, it doesn't have a single like 'Seven Nation Army'. Few albums do. What this has is much better: Sixteen urgent quickfire songs, each one a standout on a marvelous album. It was hard to believe that only two people were involved in this record, and that there was no bass guitar in sight, but when you're as fine a guitar player as Jack White is, you need little else.

2. Drive-By Truckers - The Dirty South (2004)

The best album to come out of the confederacy since... well, ever. It's a tribute to southern United States, and an absolutely magnificent one at that. It's full of marvellous stories and imagery, such as the splendid 'Carl Perkins Cadillac' and 'Danko/Manuel', which are touching songs about the legendary musicians. The album sealed the Drive-By Truckers status as modern American legends, and is a stunning collection of songs. Simply amazing.

1. Mic Christopher - Skylarkin' (2001)

My gorgeous other half, Gill, asked me why I love this album so much. I couldn't give her a decent answer. I don't think there are words strong enough to describe the connection I have to this album. I can't help but be captivated by its beauty every single time I put it on. Released after Mic's tragic death in 2001, this was the finest hour of one of Ireland's greatest ever songwriters. Together with his work with the Mary Janes, Mic was carving out a career up there with Van Morrison's. Sadly, following a show in Holland in 2001, Mic had an accident, falling down a flight of stairs and hitting his head. He never regained consciousness and died a few days later. It was the biggest loss to the music world since the death of Jeff Buckley four years earlier. Skylarkin is just as good as Grace, if not better. The best album of the decade.

List: Best Albums of the Decade 90-81

Part Three of my countdown of the top 110 albums of the decade. You can find 110-101 here, and 100-91 here. But for now, here's 90-81...

90. Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Show Your Bones (2006)

Karen O and her band of merry men are definitely one of the most consistent acts of the decade. Show Your Bones was confirmation of the sheer magnificence the YYYs showed on their first album. It was less angsty but still caused ructions in the band. Luckily they didn't break up and instead released this glorious second album.

89. Death Cab for Cutie - The Photo Album (2001)

Some may argue for the inclusion of Transatlanticism or We Have the Facts, or maybe even Plans, but for me, this is the essential Death Cab for Cutie album. It hinted at what was later to come on the Postal Service record, with Ben Gibbard's vocals blending fantastically with Chris Walla's fantastic productionship and guitarmanship. 'A Movie Script Ending' may well be their finest four minutes.

88. Killing Heidi - Reflector (2000)

Don't be put off by the cutesy album cover, Killing Heidi's Reflector is the best pop album to come out of Australia this decade. It's the perfect antithesis to Nick Cave's bleak ballads. These are bouncy uptempo pop numbers, and the brash in your face cheer of the album won four ARIA Awards, as well as becoming the fastest selling album in Australian history.

87. The Eels - Daisies of the Galaxy (2000)

Another wonderful pop album, this one is full of the usual sardonic Mark Oliver Everett (Mr. E) wit. They may never make another Beautiful Freak, but this one came damn close. Check out 'Mr. E's Beautiful Blues' and 'Flyswatter'. And if you do listen to 'I Like Birds', you'll have it stuck in your head, and coming back at random intervals for the rest of your life.

86. Drive-By Truckers - A Blessing and a Curse (2006)

The last Drive-By Truckers album to include Jason Isbell was also their shortest. It wasn't as dirty as their previous albums and split opinions in both fans and critics. Looking back on it now allows you to see the album for what it is: the DBTs are their tightest and most close knit. Each song is a gem, and the album never outstays its welcome. It's just a major pity Isbell doesn't play 'Daylight' live any more.

85. Seth Lakeman - Freedom Fields (2006)

A British folk album filled with fantastic myths and stories, this is one of the finest storytelling records of the decade. It was so succesful on first release, Lakeman was signed to a bigger label and the album was partly remixed, re-ordered, and re-released. However, the original version, complete with bonus disc, is the one to own. Miles better.

84. The Hold Steady - Separation Sunday (2005)

On paper, a concept album about Holly, Gideon, and Charlemagne who go from party to party in different cities. However, the album is much more than this. The music of Tad Kubler and Franz Nicolay is goregous, and mixes perfectly with Craig Finn's narrative voice (he doesn't sing, rather speaks the lyrics). It's like a brand-new classic rock album. A modern classic that everyone should own.

83. Jens Lekman - Night Falls Over Kortedela (2007)

I saw Jens live in Whelan's not long after this album came out, and it was perhaps the most disappointing gig I have ever attended. On his own he's just an average guitar player and average singer, but on record, he makes the most beautiful music complete with a full band and a handful of inspired samples. His second album is a melancholic masterpiece. Have a listen to the highly amusing story in 'Postcard to Nina'. Has unrequited love ever sounded so sweet?

82. Ryan Adams - Jacksonville City Nights (2005)

The second of Ryan Adam's 2005 releases is also the second best. On first listen I absolutely hated it. It seemed like it was trying too hard to be a country record. But on further listens it showed itself to be much more. It was an unpolished, fun album. It featured fine duets with Norah Jones and former Whiskeytowner Caitlin Cary, and the bonus cut included Adams' best ever cover (not the Oasis one), a heartbreaking 'Always on My Mind'. Jon Graboff's pedal steel has never sounded so good

81. Laura Marling - Alas, I Cannot Swim (2008)

Alas, I Cannot Swim is the album Lisa Hannigan wished she had made when recording Sea Sew. Hannigan's own is a decent album, but Marling's is superior in every way. 'Ghost', 'My Manic and I', 'Night Terror' and even the short interlude 'Crawled Out of the Sea' are among the best songs to come out of the new folk revival in the UK. And all of them are here on this album.

The Countdown continues tomorrow...

Download: The Hold Steady - Manchester Academy 2008 Bootleg

The Hold Steady are known for putting on great live shows. I haven't been able to get my hands on a bootleg from any of their Irish gigs (they played Dublin's Academy a few times), but here's the closest I could get, from Manchester's venue of the same name. Academy 2 on February 26th, 2008.

Setlist:
01. Hornets! Hornets!
02. Stuck Between Stations
03. Banging Camp
04. Chips Ahoy!
05. Massive Nights
06. Party Pit
07. Constructive Summer
08. Multitude of Casualties
09. Stevie Nix
10. You Can Make Him Like You
11. Cattle and the Creeping Things
12. Stay Positive
13. Your Little Hoodrat Friend
14. Southtown Girls
15. First Night
16. How a Resurrection Feels
17. Killer Parties

Download:
Part 1
Part 2

Watch 'Stay Positive' from the gig:

Setlist: The Hold Steady, O2 Dublin, 8 May 2009

Best performance from The Hold Steady I've seen in Ireland. Much better than their Academy show last year, and they weren't even headlining. I'll do a mini review for this one for tomorrow so you can have a read of it then. For now, here's the setlist:

Setlist:
Constructive Summer >
Hot Soft Lights
Sequestered In Memphis
Navy Sheets >
Banging Camp
Massive Nights
Party Pit
Magazines
Joke About Jamaica
Stay Positive
Lord, I'm Discouraged
Slapped Actress

Stream: The Hold Steady - 40 Bucks

One of two bonus tracks from the Hold Steady's new live album A Positive Rage.

You can stream '40 Bucks' in full here:
http://stereogum.com/archives/new-hold-steady-40-bucks-stereogum-premiere_063301.html

Stream: The Hold Steady - Atlantic City

World exclusive stream on SPIN of The Hold Steady's cover of Bruce Springsteen's 'Atlantic City' from the upcoming Warchild benefit album Heroes.

Stream it here:
http://spin.com/articles/exclusive-song-hold-steady-cover-springsteen

Watch:


Oh and is that video deliberately called 'Atlantic Citay'?

Album News: Hold Steady - A Postive Rage

New live album from The Hold Steady? Count me sold! Their live EP Live at Fingerprints is a must-have, so this full-length will be stellar.

It's called A Positive Rage and has the following tracklisting:
1. Intro
2. Stuck Between Stations
3. The Swish
4. Chips Ahoy!
5. Massive Nights
6. Ask Her For Adderall
7. Barfruit Blues
8. Same Kooks
9. You Gotta Dance (With Who You Came With)
10. Lord, I’m Discouraged
11. You Can Make Him Like You
12. Your Little Hoodrat Friend
13. Southtown Girls
14. Citrus
15. First Night
16. Girls Like Status
17. Killer Parities

Due out April 7th, I hope a leak is imminent. Not that I'd approve of that or anything! However, I must complain that 'Hot Soft Light', 'Chillout Tent', 'Party Pit' and 'Modesto is Not That Sweet' were all cut from the full set.

Album News: Franz Nicolay - Major General

That's right, not Franz Ferdinand, but Franz Nicolay of The Hold Steady is set to release an album in 2009. He' best known for his moustache, but equally known for busting out some sweet, sweet jams.

The album will be called Major General, is produced by THS produced James Frazee, and is set to drop on January 13th, 2009

Major General:
01 Jeff Penalty [ft. Demander]
02 Hey Dad!
03 World/Inferno Vs. The End of the Evening
04 Dead Sailors
05 Do We Not Live in Dreams?
06 Confessions of an Ineffective Casanova
07 Note on a Subway Wall
08 Quiet Where I Lie
09 Nightratsong
10 X-Games
11 This World Is an Open Door
12 Cease-Fire, or, Mrs. Norman Maine
13 I'm Done Singing

Download: Hold Steady Majestic Videos

Thanks again to Connor for posting the remainder of the Hold Steady set at the Majestic Theater in Madison. The rest of the videos are in the first post:
http://swearimnotpaul.blogspot.com/2008/10/download-hold-steady-live-at-majestic.html

Lord: http://www.sendspace.com/file/q6dida
Hornets: http://www.sendspace.com/file/ifwfc5
Slapped: http://www.sendspace.com/file/rngj4z
Southtown: http://www.sendspace.com/file/so6mb3

Download: The Hold Steady live at the Majestic

Thanks to ufck.org legend CCronks (or Connor as his family call him) for these videos. (And thanks to Brandon for the photo.)

The Hold Steady live at the Majestic Theatre in Madison.

Constructive Summer: http://www.mediafire.com/?nui33ezdt1m
Multitude of Casualties: http://www.mediafire.com/?yrmzhhgz1dg
You Gotta Dance: http://www.mediafire.com/?bmivmawnwgd
Sequestered in Memphis: http://www.mediafire.com/?eiinjndbnmz
Yeah Sapphire: http://www.mediafire.com/?zi5ywfgmmyn
Massive Nights: http://www.mediafire.com/?m0hymgmjmcd
Party Pit: http://www.mediafire.com/?ztzlaed2t30
Joke About Jamaica: http://www.mediafire.com/?o2n2kjykzij
Navy Sheets: http://www.mediafire.com/?y3ozqy4yddm
Banging Camp: http://www.mediafire.com/?43i1doej3mo
Modesto: http://www.mediafire.com/?nldmumzmj2m
Chips Ahoy!: http://www.mediafire.com/?jjmzmtftyiv
You Can Make Him Like You: http://www.mediafire.com/?tzdo5jlmula
Barfruit Blues: http://www.mediafire.com/?mhmmgam3gcy
Stay Positive: http://www.mediafire.com/?jzzym4ymwzu
Stuck Between Stations: http://www.mediafire.com/?kjmygmjmywy
The Swish: http://www.mediafire.com/?jnywiqkuwmz
Killer Parties: http://www.mediafire.com/?ingmmjyrw31

Second half:
http://swearimnotpaul.blogspot.com/2008/10/download-hold-steady-majestic-videos.html

Live: Counting Crows O2 Support announced

Press Release:

Following their critically acclaimed set at this year's Oxegen Festival and their blistering SOLD OUT performance at the intimate Ambassador Theatre, the Counting Crows will return to Ireland for two live concert dates in December.

MCD is proud to present Counting Crows at The O2, Dublin on Saturday 20 December and Odyssey Arena, Belfast on Sunday 21 December, 2008. Featuring very special guests The Hold Steady and Melee, this is the line-up of 2008 and these promise to be unforgettable shows.

Tickets for Dublin and Belfast will go on general sale on Friday 15 August at 9.00am from Ticketmaster and usual outlets nationwide. A pre-sale open only to members of the Counting Crows Fan Club will run from 9.00am, 13 August until 6.00pm, 14 August.

Me blabbering:

Oh yes, oh yes, oh yes. We can never get enough Hold Steady over here. But supporting Counting Crows? Should it not be the other way around? There's just not enough justice in the world. That's right Lemar, that's right.

Hold Steady are set to tour with Drive-By Truckers in the US. If only they came here, it would probably be the best gig ever.

Speaking of the Drive-By Truckers, you can a watch a video from their European Tour (no Ireland alas) here:
http://www.stv.no/content/webitem/330/video/2/

Watch: The Hold Steady 'Stay Positive' at Pitchfork Festival

Pitchfork.tv has a lot of fine videos of the Pitchfork festival 2008 up, but none finer than the Hold Steady playing the title track from their new album. The quality of these videos is excellent (unlike that recent Black Kids review), and there are many great ones. Have a look at the Fleet Foxes and Dinosaur Jr. ones if you get the chance to.

But, here's the best of the lot: The Hold Steady, 'Stay Positive'