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Post by star18 on Feb 19, 2021 1:07:06 GMT -5
We got a brand new Hold Steady record and it's absolutely gorgeous!
Let's kick off a new thread with with first impressions, favorite bits, whatever you clever kids think is worth posting up. Personally, I dig the songwriting but more than anything so far I just love the production -- the energy and brightness of "Thrashing" but with some serious curveballs.
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Post by dannyhatch on Feb 19, 2021 1:10:57 GMT -5
I love it. Early favorite so far is Unpleasant Breakfast.
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Post by star18 on Feb 19, 2021 1:31:39 GMT -5
I was already a huge fan of "Heavy Covenant" but "Unpleasant Breakfast," "Prior Procedure," and "Magdalena" are early faves. "Riptown" is the only one that feels a bit flat on first pass, but I bet it'll grow on me.
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Post by muzzleofbees on Feb 19, 2021 2:18:37 GMT -5
I've allready given a premature evaluation in the other thread, but in short: Their most different album, yet very familiar. I love the sound of it, they've evolved so much as a band, and Josh Kaufman is the perfect fit for them, at this stage of their career. I saw Steve said somewhere that he would use the dreaded M-word - maturity. I think it's a decent description of both THS as a band right now, and ODP as an album. Professional, playful and slightly adventurous.
I absolutely love Unpleasant Breakfast, and along with Family Farm, Heavy Covenant and Lanyards, I think it's the best tracks on there. The Feelers is a very good opener, and I enjoy Spices and Riptwon a lot too.
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Post by dannyhatch on Feb 19, 2021 2:24:32 GMT -5
I love the sultry/menacing vibe on Hanover Camera. Really, really good stuff. Very much enjoying this.
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Post by muzzleofbees on Feb 19, 2021 2:27:37 GMT -5
Any of you got the vinyl allready? Is there a lyric sheet? If so, would you mind posting it here?
My favourite line from what I've picked up so far: "Last summer at the shore when I was working cleaning carpets in a hotel that was haunted by some sailor who supposedly was murdered after losing all his treasure in the harbour/ that's back when I found romance in these ghosts"
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Post by fowler1969 on Feb 19, 2021 3:19:44 GMT -5
Vinyl delayed in uk for a week but at least I’ve the digital download to listen to and new hoodie to wear first impressions great album very different but very THS at the same time just one minor thing Unpleasant breakfast a proper radio friendly hit almost ruined by the whoo hoos sirens but in the chorus remix that you got radio play
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Post by thehudsonsteady on Feb 19, 2021 3:50:59 GMT -5
Partway through first listen and I'm wondering....have THS just made their 'Joshua Tree', as it were?! When was the last time you were this surprised by a THS album? Can't wait to hear what comes next, this is fantastic stuff.
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Post by muzzleofbees on Feb 19, 2021 4:04:46 GMT -5
It's something special with the official release day, and just during the past couple of hours, I've grown to love both The Feelers and Lanyards even more. The whole run up untill Heavy Covenant is just spectular.
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Post by nosferatu on Feb 19, 2021 4:28:32 GMT -5
Any of you got the vinyl allready? Is there a lyric sheet? If so, would you mind posting it here? My favourite line from what I've picked up so far: "Last summer at the shore when I was working cleaning carpets in a hotel that was haunted by some sailor who supposedly was murdered after losing all his treasure in the harbour/ that's back when I found romance in these ghosts" I can confirm there’s a lyric sheet! And mine’s misprinted. Which I like because I am weird. I’m at work now - but all the lyrics are on genius.
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Post by muzzleofbees on Feb 19, 2021 4:56:00 GMT -5
Any of you got the vinyl allready? Is there a lyric sheet? If so, would you mind posting it here? My favourite line from what I've picked up so far: "Last summer at the shore when I was working cleaning carpets in a hotel that was haunted by some sailor who supposedly was murdered after losing all his treasure in the harbour/ that's back when I found romance in these ghosts" I can confirm there’s a lyric sheet! And mine’s misprinted. Which I like because I am weird. I’m at work now - but all the lyrics are on genius. Ah, they're up allready! They weren't last night. Edit: Unpleasant Breakfast is the only brand new who's currently updated with lyrics. The last four tracks on the album are missing, also from Genius. But I guess they'll be put up there soon. I'd very much like a photo of the lyric sheet anyway, if you don't mind.
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Post by nosferatu on Feb 19, 2021 5:13:28 GMT -5
I can confirm there’s a lyric sheet! And mine’s misprinted. Which I like because I am weird. I’m at work now - but all the lyrics are on genius. Ah, they're up allready! They weren't last night. Edit: Unpleasant Breakfast is the only brand new who's currently updated with lyrics. The last four tracks on the album are missing, also from Genius. But I guess they'll be put up there soon. I'd very much like a photo of the lyric sheet anyway, if you don't mind. Oh, my bad. Saw lanyards and a couple of others, assumed they were all up! Sure thing, will get to it later
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mafee
Clever Kid
Posts: 94
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Post by mafee on Feb 19, 2021 5:31:23 GMT -5
Lyrics are on AZLyrics and seem mostly correct from my listen through.
First listen sounded great. Looking forward to giving it a few more spins over the weekend.
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Post by blackoutsam on Feb 19, 2021 7:32:10 GMT -5
The "woos" in Unpleasant Breakfast make me irrationally happy. I havent even finished a full listen yet...currently on Heavy Covenant. So I far I absolutely love it.
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Post by muzzleofbees on Feb 19, 2021 7:37:23 GMT -5
The "woos" in Unpleasant Breakfast make me irrationally happy. I havent even finished a full listen yet...currently on Heavy Covenant. So I far I absolutely love it. I'm in the same camp! I love it when the handclaps come in the second verse of Riptown too.
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Post by fowler1969 on Feb 19, 2021 7:45:55 GMT -5
Had it on repeat in the shop while working during lockdown need to hear it through proper speakers not an echo with vinyl delayed a week in uk will listen digitally when home first thoughts The Feelers starts off like a Craig Finn solo track and a very fine one then the band kick in great tune
Spices the dark song Craig Finn said it was and we knew from the pre release leading into that brass led chorus one of my faves on here
Lanyards weakens of the first 3 for me singalong chorus but not a fan of the backing vocals
Family Farm we know again the brass really raises the track
Unpleasant Breakfast for me a radio friendly potential hit great track almost r’n’b drum track love the track the whoo hoos for me weren’t needed and kinda spoil the chorus but still a great song
Heavy covenant maybe my favourite on the album probs the most obviously THS sound again the brass works great Great keys from Franz
The prior procedure great riffs from Steve and Tad more horns great great lyrics can’t wait to hear live
Riptown growing on me very 80s sound with handclaps
Me and Magdalena darker riff then tears off at a right rate then slinky keys from Franz then horns kitchen sink tune in a good way the castles are all creepy and I haven’t been to sleep what a lyric
Hanover Camera starts with a lido shuffle style keys guess that intro tune to last years weekender still lingers in a great way a great feel did I mention the horns again
Parade Days bonus track a nice ender to a varied album
much more of a proper album feel than Thrashin was ever gonna feel and for me their best since Stay Positive
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Post by blackoutsam on Feb 19, 2021 7:46:23 GMT -5
I cant place the song the keyboards in Hanover Camera reminds me, but I love it...this album is amazing. Not sure where i would rank it compared to the others since this is my first full listen, but it is really something special.
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bigontheinside
Midnight Hauler
If you don't know the words, don't sing along
Posts: 1,477
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Post by bigontheinside on Feb 19, 2021 7:49:02 GMT -5
I have to say I am shocked at how different this album is. I was expecting it to be a lot more like Thrashing than it is. To be honest, on first listen I wish it was like 5% less Craig-solo-ish.
That said, I am straight up having a good time. Is that accordion or melodica on Unpleasant Breakfast? Love it.
Also I got a big laugh out of "This toast is gross" lol.
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Post by kickingitwithkevin on Feb 19, 2021 7:51:51 GMT -5
Vinyl delayed in uk for a week but at least I’ve the digital download to listen to and new hoodie to wear first impressions great album very different but very THS at the same time just one minor thing Unpleasant breakfast a proper radio friendly hit almost ruined by the whoo hoos sirens but in the chorus remix that you got radio play That’s odd. I’m in the UK and I’m holding the vinyl in my hand right now.
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Post by muzzleofbees on Feb 19, 2021 7:57:41 GMT -5
Vinyl delayed in uk for a week but at least I’ve the digital download to listen to and new hoodie to wear first impressions great album very different but very THS at the same time just one minor thing Unpleasant breakfast a proper radio friendly hit almost ruined by the whoo hoos sirens but in the chorus remix that you got radio play That’s odd. I’m in the UK and I’m holding the vinyl in my hand right now. I'm guessing it's a difference between the black one and the peach one. The latter seem to be delayed from production - it's been delayed in Norway too, but I've recieved no news on delay on the black version.
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bigontheinside
Midnight Hauler
If you don't know the words, don't sing along
Posts: 1,477
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Post by bigontheinside on Feb 19, 2021 8:21:05 GMT -5
Me and Magadalena might be the standout for me right now, so damn good. Love the Snake In The Shower reference. Hanover Camera gives me Springsteen vibes with these horns, something like Meeting Across The River which has always been a favourite of mine. Riptown is the weakest for me here, it's good but is too much like solo Craig. But even with that, the arrangement and mix is excellent with so many little details. Definitely liking this album more after I swapped from speakers to headphones, there's lots of layers to all these tracks.
Lots of scattered thoughts here, I'm very surprised by this album, especially the second half. I'm really enjoying it but not sure it's necessarily what I wanted from a THS record. Interested to see how my opinion changes over time, and what some of these songs sound like live.
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Post by kickingitwithkevin on Feb 19, 2021 8:26:42 GMT -5
That’s odd. I’m in the UK and I’m holding the vinyl in my hand right now. I'm guessing it's a difference between the black one and the peach one. The latter seem to be delayed from production - it's been delayed in Norway too, but I've recieved no news on delay on the black version. Well that’s even odder. It’s the peach vinyl I’m looking at right now.
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Post by star18 on Feb 19, 2021 8:26:48 GMT -5
I cant place the song the keyboards in Hanover Camera reminds me, but I love it... My friend remarked that "Hanover" is almost a Steely Dan arrangement! Seems like the "Breakfast" chorus "woos" are probably going to be the single most divisive decision. I find 'em playful and hooky but easy enough to see why some folks think its a bit much.
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charlie
Sniffling Indie Kid
Posts: 213
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Post by charlie on Feb 19, 2021 8:51:08 GMT -5
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Post by steveo41ths on Feb 19, 2021 9:10:49 GMT -5
Me and Magadalena might be the standout for me right now, so damn good. Love the Snake In The Shower reference. Hanover Camera gives me Springsteen vibes with these horns, something like Meeting Across The River which has always been a favourite of mine. Riptown is the weakest for me here, it's good but is too much like solo Craig. But even with that, the arrangement and mix is excellent with so many little details. Definitely liking this album more after I swapped from speakers to headphones, there's lots of layers to all these tracks. Lots of scattered thoughts here, I'm very surprised by this album, especially the second half. I'm really enjoying it but not sure it's necessarily what I wanted from a THS record. Interested to see how my opinion changes over time, and what some of these songs sound like live. Magdalena is definitely the standout track of the albums second half for me, at least after 2 1/2 listens. Such a great arrangement, great showcase for this lineup of this band at this moment in their career - Bobby's propulsive drumming, the interplay between the keys and guitars, the expertly deployed solo, the narrative of Craig's lyrics. One of my early favorites.
Lanyards blew me away when I heard it for the first time in the Massive Nights livestream and was probably the track I was most looking forward to hearing on this album. Obviously it doesn't disappoint - dark, immersive, beautifully written - like a cross between The Weekenders and something off of I Need a New War (maybe Magic Marker? idk...need to listen again).
Unpleasant Breakfast is another definite highlight - some of Craig's best lyrics ever, although I'm in the camp that's not completely sold on the "woooo"s - at least not yet.
We've already poured over Family Farm and Heavy Covenant but it's worth repeating that these tracks stack up against any of the classics from the band's back catalogue.
Definitely a more "mature" album - that dreaded "M" word as Steve said - but what really stands out are the arrangements and production throughout. This might be their most cohesive, consistent album since Stay Positive. So many incredible moments that are just indicative of a band with full confidence in their skills operating at the height of their powers - the guitars' entrance on Feelers, the Piano breakdown at the bridge of Unpleasant Breakfast, the horns blaring on Family Farm....
It's not quite what I was expecting from a Hold Steady album in 2021 but it is incredible nonetheless. I'm sure I'll have a lot more thoughts as I really dive into it today and this weekend.
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