The Hold Steady from NYC, via Minnesota have released their third CD called ‘Boys And Girls In America’. The nice thing about reviewing this disc, is the fact that I had not heard the first two, so you won’t hear me complaining that it’s not up to par with them, etc. Sure, the first time I heard Craig Finn sing, it made me wonder. But I heard beyond that, I not only heard what he was saying, I felt it. The words I heard painted pictures of youth with both male and female. They’re very interesting, like the kind of movie where you want to get to know the interesting cast of characters. He spits out personal lyrics with a whiskey soaked voice, that gives it a street credibility. You could say he’s carrying on the tradition of the Springsteen/Waits era. As a listener, you’ve either lived through these times or you’re young enough to be living them right now. These seem to be original stories with creative word play all throughout. But wait, behind the lyrical content, lays a canvas that is painted with brushes of piano, organ and plenty of guitars. All backed by a competent rhythm section that keeps it all together. Could this have been the E Street Band in its earlier days of playing the Jersey clubs? The title ‘Boys And Girls In America’ comes from the Jack Kerouac novel On The Road, even mentioning it in the first line of the opening track “Stuck Between Stations”. It then goes on to mention the depressed poet John Berryman. I really like the piano in this song. Also, check out the twin lead guitar of “Hot Soft Light” or the acoustic “First Night” that also is piano laced. There’s the fast paced “Some Kooks” that now switches the keys to organ. “Party Pit” is a drinking song, while the beautiful “Citrus” is a love song about liquor. All in all, this is a very enjoyable listen, as the stories take you all across this great land and inside the relationships of boys and girls as they reach their highs and lows of growing up. The Hold Steady are known for their live shows which I have yet to see. This is one local band that is going nationwide and are teetering on the edge of stardom. I’m looking forward to more from these guys. For now I’ll just hold steady.