i hadnt planned on talking about the new craig finn record, clear heart full eyes – due out next week, cause i figured just about every other blog had talked about it already. maybe they have, maybe they havent? honestly i dont check these things, but sometimes i just hate adding to the noise. what changed my mind? actually listening to it. admittedly, i wasnt a huge fan of the last two hold steady records, and was just a lil leery of a finn solo record. sure, the guy is responsible for 3 of my favorite records of the 2000′s – almost killed me, separation sunday and boys and girls in america, but i didnt want to be let down again. crazy how a person can create magic, see those three records, then create two duds, imo, and all i remember are the duds. i know im not the only one who pulls this kind of shit. it isnt fair, but hey kids! life aint….
anyway, i am really, really diggin it. its no hold steady record, thats for sure, and actually at this point in his career i may like this finn better. the hold steady is great, i am not argue with anyone about that, but maybe its time to hang up that persona, at least for now, and go with this more subdued craig finn? one of my least favorite music critics, jim dero – have hated him for like 20 years, said in his review that the songs “play as watered-down versions of the Hold Steady’s rock-roll roar…” totally moronic take on the songs, imo. yeah when bruce does an acoustic version of “thunder road” it sounds like a tired, boring version of the e street band version. solid logic. if you find the hold steady a little too anthemic or boombastic for your taste, you should find this version of mr finn to your liking. number two addition to the best of 2012 list……
its streaming now on npr which you kind find by clicking here
buy clear heart full eyes
You are right. Just listened to the stream and this sounds really, really good.