Craig Finn is nothing if not honest: “Our albums are all pretty much the same. These guys play rock and roll and I talk a bunch of bullshit over the top.” Yes, and - um - that’s pretty much it. He’s (rather self-awarely) endearing, that’s for sure. He looks like Lloyd Grossman and he sounds like Jonathan Richman with a seriously unhealthy Springsteen obsession. Backed by his pedestrian musicians (one of whom thinks he’s Ron Mael), Finn’s trademarks are double-speed handclapping and spittle-flecked off-mike ramblings. Like most such frantic bands, The Hold Steady is at its best when they slow down a little, in this case with the cautionary “Don’t Let Me Explode” and “First Night.” For the rest of the time, they mainly resemble a poorer version of the Blue Aeroplanes. It’s no wonder they took Glastonbury by storm. You can’t go wrong with spoken verses and rousing “whoa whoa” choruses, but a big future? Whoa, hold steady.
--Oliver Gray
Photo: Oliver Gray
