I have also listened to it a few times and I really like the new direction that they take, yes it's less energetic but I don't mind that, love Soft in the Center, the Weekenders and Hurricane J.

Hmm... albums I'm digging right now...the new Horse Feathers, Thistled Spring, is really good, slow folk with cello's and violins and greatness. Oh yeah and I'm into a lot of folk punk now too, like Defiance, Ohio, Spoonboy and Johnny Hobo and the Freight Trains, oh and Paul Baribeau.
I'll definitely check out Via Audio too.

Okay, I gave it a few listens and at first I wasn't feeling it - it doesn't have the same energy as Girls and Boys in America, but of course, Craig Finn's voice and lyrics won me over in the end. I really like it. Hurricane J, We Can Get Together, Soft in the Center, and Slight Discomfort stood out for me. I guess there was concern about the keyboardist leaving having a huge effect but the songs seem very Hold Steady to me - different, but not hugely changed. Like, Our Whole Lives still has that anthemic feel, but some of the other songs are much less so. It's not my favorite album but I like it. How are you feeling about it?
Also, if you have recommendations of other bands you're loving, I'd love to hear about them!

They seem like something I might like, maybe I will. What do you think of Heaven is Whenever?

Oh man, I just got really excited. Downloading it now!

and sorry about that - now I have no idea who posted that. hmm oh well. But, if you want to check them out -- I really like the song "Happening" a lot. They have a nice folky indie pop sound. I usually don't go for female singers, but I liked it.

I lied, I picked up the Heaven is Whenever leak today. Really good. Go find it, it's worth it.

I never posted anything about Via Audio, I don't know them actually, but they are good? I might check them out. I know Craig Finn is great, I think Heaven is Whatever leaked, but I can't get it in a proper format, I think I'll just wait until May 4th.

I had a blast at The Hold Steady concert! Craig Finn amazes me.
Did you post something about Via Audio? I can't remember what thread I saw that in, but I downloaded Animalore and I'm really enjoying it. Was that your post though?

I have seen them live, and they are fantastic! Actually when I saw them live they played some of their new songs for the first time, it was pretty awesome. You will love them live.

Yeah, I like it a lot too! especially cause of my name.. hehe.
I'm actually going to see them play this weekend. Have you seen them before?

Well that's awesome! And yes I have listened to "Hurricane J" and it is really fantastic, I can't wait until the new album!