The Hold Steady - Separation Sunday (2005)

Time for some question and answer:
Q - Who likes rock'n'roll?
A - Who doesn't like rock'n'roll?
Q - Who likes bands that reference the Bones Brigade in the first song of their album?
A - A reference to the Bones Brigade in any song on the album kicks arse!
Q - Who likes songs that deal in everything from suburban boredom and religious symbolism to drugs and alcohol and hoodrat friends - wrapping it all together into some pretty smart wordplay?
A - You mean lyrics like: "I guess I've heard about original sin / I heard the chick blamed the dude / I heard the chick blamed the snake / I heard they were naked when they got busted / I heard things ain't been the same since." Or how about: "She said we didn't go to Dallas / because Jackie Onassis said it ain't safe for Catholics yet / Think about what they did to Kennedy / And think about his security / Then think what they'll do to you and me"
Q - Who likes singers that kind of sing-talk-testify, over the top of a rollicking, good-time rock'n'roll sound, incorporating drums, guitars, keys and the occasional horn?
A - Guilty.
Q - Well, if you like all of those things, you must love the Hold Steady's album Separation Sunday.
A - That is more a statement than a question, but, yes! With tracks like Hornets! Hornets!, Stevie Nix, Chicago Seemed Tired Last Night," and How A Crucifiction Really Feels - what's not to like. It is a damn fine album. Sure to put a smile on your face.

Check Out: www.theholdsteady.com