The Fabled Automatic

Based on some recommendations from fellow Springsteen fanatics, I have been checking out a more recent Jersey-based act a little bit lately, The Gaslight Anthem .  I would describe what I have heard so far as power-punk-pop; lots of recognizable influences in their music. I really like them so far.  Last week they played the final show of their tour at the Asbury Park Convention Center; Bruce's back yard of course and a venue frequently used by the E Street Band to warm up for their own tours. Wouldn't you know, the man showed up, clearly ready to hit the road and the stage this spring.   Proving once again that he is the man.  Great song and, to me, what the history and the future of Rock and Roll is all about.  I think the look on the the lead singers face at 3:15 just about says it all.  Part II.  Thanks to Pat for this link. And the reciprocal, from the same day.  The verse Brian from Gaslight Anthem takes is phenomenal.  I ha...

Read today that Craig Finn, frontman for one of The Fabled Automatic's most favorite bands, The Hold Steady , will release his first solo record "Clear Heart Full Eyes" on January 24th.  Not to mention a tour to go with it that will have stops in both the StL and the AtL.  Check out a preview here. http://bit.ly/twihG5 I am excited about this and interested to see what directions he takes with his solo work, but after listening to the previews and noting how much like Hold Steady songs they sound (not surprising given his ultra-distinctive voice), I am a bit worried about the future of the band.  Couple this solo project with the departure of keyboardist Franz Nicolay in 2010 (which has really changed their sound) and one has to wonder about the trajectory of the band. They are probably my favorite band discovered in the last five years (I think Dad would second that), and I would hate to think that we're already on the downhill with these guys, especially coming of...

There are an endless number of reasons to like a song, but it usually comes down to the fact that it makes you feel good somehow; it has a catchy or meaningful lyric, a pleasant melody, a scorching solo or perhaps it just plain sounds good in your ears.   Often, however, it is because it associated with a memory that is especially personal and unique to you. I’m not a big Van Halen fan.   Eddie is a phenomenal guitarist and the band is musically sound but I never particularly cared for David Lee Roth.   He has an interesting voice but I could never get past the little shriek he does.   Truth be told, I much prefer the Sammy Hagar edition of VH.   There is, however, one VH/DLR tune that ALWAYS brings a smile to my face. Back in about 1995 my wife and I told Scott we’d get him a twelve string guitar for Christmas.   He and I decided we would make a “Grand Tour” of all the guitar stores in northeast Atlanta over Thanksgiving weekend.   Along with...