The Hold Steady - Almost Killed Me (CD 2007)

For those of us who love the unbridled raucousness of US East Coast bar bands, this is definitely a must-buy. For two reasons: Firstly, it is the place to start for collecting Hold Steady records. Their latest, "Stay Positive", is a tour de force coming on the back of "Boys And Girls In America", which broke the band on the international market but it is this first album which captures the energy of a rock band who has been to too many parties, drank too much alcohol, dabbled with too many substances & can still make great rock n' roll. Their second album, "Separation Sunday" was an attempt at a "concept" album which requires listening to over & over to get it, whereas "Almost Killed Me" is an in yer face, no pretensions album. Secondly, it provides a touch stone to a long line of glorious bar bands playing music with an east coast "edge". The E Street Band is the one that comes readily to mind but, before Bruce, there was Sonny Kenn & The Starfires &, later, Southside Johnny & The Asbury Jukes. All great bar bands all of whom shared that inner fire for playing every gig as if it was their last. May the Hold Steady continue to carry that torch.