Reviews: PJ Harvey & John Parish, The Hold Steady, The Thermals
The Hold Steady
A Positive Rage (Vagrant)
“A positive rage” is the perfect way to describe the Hold Steady listening experience. Blistering big guitars ring out positive vibes and all is good, then the insufferable nasal whine of singer/guitarist Craig Finn cuts in like a fart in church and all is ruined. Thus begins the rage.
PJ Harvey & John Parish
A Woman a Man Walked By (Island)
The woman your ex-girlfriend from the ’90s was eerily obsessed with is back and is as fiery, complex and intimate as ever. She’s joined again by longtime collaborator John Parish who helps on Woman to restore PJ to her To Bring You My Love glory. The result? Think a more forlorn Plant/Krauss.
The Thermals
Now We Can See (Kill Rock Stars)
As warm as woolen mittens on a frosty January morning, the Thermals return with the tried and true formula that’s been propelling them for seven years—namely white-hot, lightning-fast power pop with lyrics you’re not ashamed to sing along to. Best enjoyed when played in a constant loop.
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1. Pat said... on Apr 8, 2009 at 03:53PM
“Your reviews are consistently terrible. The Hold Steady is an amazing band with one of the best live shows out there. Though Craig's vocals are very different (read: refreshing) from the norm they are far from insufferable.”