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01-23-09 Footnotes
Show 165: The Hold Steady, Reviews of Bruce Springsteen and Andrew Bird
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1 A number of free agents are popping up in 2009 including 50 Cent, Beck, Ryan Adams, Pearl Jam and Metallica. These music heavyweights have been on label rosters for years, but now, following in the footsteps of bands like Radiohead, it appears they have a shot at going out on their own. Jim and Greg agree that none of these artists actually need a record label. But, Greg points out that many might be tempted by 360-deals similar to what Madonna and Jay-Z have with Live Nation. The money’s not in record sales anymore, so if major labels can entice an artist with the promise of profits from touring and merchandise, we may not see as much independence.
2 Jim and Greg welcome The Hold Steady this week. The Minneapolis born, Brooklyn bred band are on tour to promote their 2008 album Stay Positive. Our hosts talk to lead singer Craig Finn, guitarist Tad Kubler and keyboardist & accordionist Franz Nicolay about their “meat and potatoes” style of rock and roll. Greg notes that comparisons are often made to Bruce Springsteen, but the band also cites Nick Cave and Bob Dylan as influences. Jim explains to the band that he was not immediately a Hold Steady fan, and was only converted after seeing them live. Craig, Tad and Franz explain that they are happy to convert him…that, of course, is the power of rock. Wanna make your own conversion? Listen to all of The Hold Steady’s tracks here.
3 Bruce Springsteen has released his 16th album called Working on a Dream. Debates about The Boss are notorious on Sound Opinions, but with each new album the slate is wiped clean. So has this record made Jim a convert? Not exactly. He hates the half of the album that contains one warm and fuzzy, inspirational song after the next. And he hates the other half, full of monumentally failed experiments, even more. Jim gives Bruce a Trash It, and that’s no surprise to our listeners. What is a surprise is Greg’s take. He is, for the most part, a Springsteen appreciator. But, he isn’t hearing great songwriting on Working on a Dream. Musically, it’s “ok,” but lyrically, it’s disappointing. Greg gives the album a Burn It.
4 The next album up for review is by fellow American songwriter Andrew Bird. Bird has a new album out called Noble Beast. In addition to writing songs, Bird tackles singing, violin playing and even whistling—an odd, but winning combo that has brought the musician flocks of fans. Greg thinks this fifth album has a more mainstream-friendly sound because of its strong melodies. But, he has a problem with the loss of momentum at the end of the album. For Greg, Bird lost steam by the last third, so he can only give Noble Beast a Burn It. Jim can’t even go that far. He was bothered by the obtuse wordiness of the lyrics, and couldn’t locate any emotional core in the songs. Jim gives Andrew Bird’s release a Trash It.
Songs Featured in Show #165
In A Day, "Stranger Girl," The Motion Picture EP, 2008
50 Cent, "I Get Money," Curtis, 2007
The Hold Steady, "Sequestered in Memphis," Stay Positive, 2008
The Hold Steady, "Magazines," (3:13) Stay Positive, 2008 Live in the Studio
The Hold Steady, "Stay Positive," Stay Positive, 2008
The Hold Steady, "Chips Ahoy," Boys and Girls in America, 2006
The Hold Steady, "One For The Cutters," Stay Positive, 2008 Live in the Studio
The Hold Steady, "Party Pit,” Boys and Girls in America, 2006
Bruce Springsteen, "My Lucky Day," Working on a Dream, 2009
Bruce Springsteen, "Outlaw Pete," Working on a Dream, 2009
Bruce Springsteen, "Good Eye," Working on a Dream, 2009
Andrew Bird, "Fitz & Dizzyspells," Noble Beast, 2009
Andrew Bird, "Oh No," Noble Beast, 2009
Exile, "Population Control," Radio, 2009
Blondie, “Hanging on the Telephone,” Parallel Lines, 1978
Blackstrap, "Winning Speech," Steal My Horses and Run, 2008
The Damned, "Bad Time For Bonzo," Strawberries, 1982
Billy Bragg and Wilco, "Christ for President," Mermaid Avenue, 1998
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