The Hold Steady New Album "Heaven is Whenever" 5/4/2010
 

So far it's not doing much for me. Feels like their weakest effort to date. These guys were bound to hit a bump in the road eventually. I've loved all their other albums but this one is just meh.

http://caffeine-headache.net/blog3/T...lbum-Cover.jpg

Re: The Hold Steady New Album "Heaven is Whenever" 5/4/2010
 

I'll agree - something is missing from this one and I cant quite put my finger on it either :(

Re: The Hold Steady New Album "Heaven is Whenever" 5/4/2010
 

I think its absolutely awful. I know this is one of those bands that fans of them feel they can do no wrong no matter what they put out. They are clearly going for a studio polished feel on this album that just leaves it sounding like countless other bands. Aside from the fact that they don't mention Maria about a hundred times (which is a good thing), I think the album is extremly dull & empty. It really strays far away from the fun infectious sound of their earlier work.

Re: The Hold Steady New Album "Heaven is Whenever" 5/4/2010
 

Well for one their keyboard player is gone. Franz Nicolay added a lot to their sound. Now it's just heavy guitars like a million other bands. And Craig Finn's vocals are buried pretty deep in the mix.

Re: The Hold Steady New Album "Heaven is Whenever" 5/4/2010
 

Yeah, I agree with you all - I just listened to it and I didn't like it much, either. It's definitely my least favorite album from them. I would rank them:

1. Boys and Girls in America (5 stars)
2. Separation Sunday (4.5 stars)
3. Stay Positive (4 stars)
4. Almost Killed Me (3.5 stars)
5. Heaven Is Whenever (3 stars)

Re: The Hold Steady New Album "Heaven is Whenever" 5/4/2010
 

These posts make me sad. :(

Still, for $7.99 I'm not unhappy I ordered it.

Re: The Hold Steady New Album "Heaven is Whenever" 5/4/2010
 

How are they live? Considering checking em out...

Re: The Hold Steady New Album "Heaven is Whenever" 5/4/2010
 

I picked up the vinyl... haven't checked it out yet.

As for seeing them live, I would recommend it. I thought they were great, if you are a fan. I saw them at a very small show, and really enjoyed it

Re: The Hold Steady New Album "Heaven is Whenever" 5/4/2010
 

I only heard bits and pieces of Stay Positive before, but with that being said, I really love this album.

Re: The Hold Steady New Album "Heaven is Whenever" 5/4/2010
 

I am through about half of side 1, and so far I like it. I really didn't get into Stay Positive too much, but so far this is pretty good.

Re: The Hold Steady New Album "Heaven is Whenever" 5/4/2010
 

After one play through I m not liking it. Only one or two songs popped out at me, but will give it a few more spins.

Re: The Hold Steady New Album "Heaven is Whenever" 5/4/2010
 

I've seen them twice, and they are incredible live.

I Don't get the dislike for this album. I'm loving it. It did take a little while to grow on me.

Re: The Hold Steady New Album "Heaven is Whenever" 5/4/2010
 

Sound Opinions did a review on the album, they didn't like it.
http://www.soundopinions.org/cm/reviews/show/231

this is a podcast from the music critics of the Chicago Sun Times and the Chicago Tribune.