BOY AND GIRLS IN AMERICA - THE HOLD STEADY
The Hold Steady softens its signature bar-band sound to explore a more melodic side on its third album. Part of the beauty of the band’s first two efforts was their decidedly gruff, tossed-off feel, so one of the biggest adjustments in listening to “Boys and Girls” is the sound of the Craig Finn-fronted fourpiece boldly reaching for something bigger. It’s evident from the get-go with “Stuck Between Stations,” with its “Born to Run” keyboard flourishes. Finn remains a top-notch lyricist making wry observations like “she was a really cool kisser and she wasn’t all that strict of a Christian.” But his attempt to add more dimension to his whiskey-soaked vocals is striking. And for the most part it works, particularly during the quasi-falsetto chorus of “Chips Ahoy” and in the sweetly endearing hook of “Chillout Tent.” Billboard
