still here

Apologies for the lack of updates. A combination of a lack of new releases and being rushed off my feet at work.

Should have a review of Beck's 'Modern Guilt' LP by Monday though.

Interesting to read the music press reviews of the Hold Steady album, especially the 5 star review in Uncut, which in the opinion of Tracks and Gigs was waaaaay over the top. We are no strangers to hyperbole either and this time last year were waxing lyrical about how amazing THS are but TracksandGigs is currently a lone voice in the wilderness saying that 'Stay Postive' is not that good. 'Constructive Summer' and the title track are the two songs I have the most problems with. Big sweeping statements about "building something this Summer" but from the lyrics that seems to mean "drinking" and "getting hammered". I must count the number of times the word "drink" is mentioned in 'Constructive Summer'. If you believe Uncut, this is cutting edge and the album of the year so far. To my ears, it is 'Cigarettes and Alcohol' with worse production, nowhere near as good a riff and a less engaging vocal.

I look for more from music than this and I had hoped for more from The Hold Steady.