The real 8 greatest Hold Steady songs
We’re only falling into their trap, but Paste magazine’s list this morning of the 8 greatest songs by the Hold Steady was wrong enough that we here at Listen, Dammit, can’t help but weigh in.
Their heart was in the right place: Paste’s list served as a fond farewell to keyboard player Franz Nicolay, who has left the band. Here, though, is a much better list. (Got your own? Post it in the comments section!)
8. “Certain Songs” — Paste got this one right.
7. “Arms and Hearts” — This b-side from the “Boys and Girls in America” sessions starts slow and moody, then erupts into a riveting sing-along.
6. “Yeah Sapphire” — Encapsulates everything great about this band: killer riff, dramatic lyrics, catchy as hell. Also, the way the bridge ends in a burst of sonic turmoil that resolves into that sweet coda is like downshifting through a curve and flooring it on the straightaway.
5. “The Swish” — Like a statement of purpose, this song from “Almost Killed Me” pretty much set the tone for all the Hold Steady music that followed.
4. “Your Little Hoodrat Friend” — Gritty and vivid lyrics, with an abundance of roaring pick slides from guitarist Tad Kubler.
3. “You Can Make Him Like You” — Taut and heartbreaking in its way, but feels wholly accurate all the same. Also a great showcase for Nicolay on piano.
2. “Stevie Nix” — Maybe the best guitar riff from a band known for awesome guitar riffs, along with lyrics that are at once poignant and brutally funny.
1. “Stuck Between Stations” — The Hold Steady does its best E Street Band impression as Craig Finn tries to make sense of the scene and Nicolay on piano and Kubler on guitar come along for the ride.
Wow, their list pales in comparison. Although I agree w/Sequestered in Memphis. I went there on business!
Did Paste’s list include “Cattle and the Creeping Things?” I’d have to throw that on mine. It’s the tune that made me fall for these guys. When I first heard it, I knew nothing of the band, and I imagined Finn looked like some belligerent red-faced white-collar worker or used-car salesman, a dude in an ill-fitting sports coat and bad tie. He sounds pissed, but he’s also having a great time. Plus, there’s that funny “hard drugs are for bartenders” line, a reference to “Certain Songs.”
Every song the Hold Steady does is the greatest. How can you possibly rank ‘em?
Better. That Paste list was absurd!
I would trade out ‘Arms and Hearts’ for ‘Citrus’ but other than that, totally spot on.
I like the list, only beef is “Arms and Hearts’ is my least favorite Hold Steady song, which would be my favorite song by another band really