The Hold Steadys most recent record, 2010s Heaven Is Whenever, was pretty much universally derided as the worst of the bands career. But the criticism doesnt really seem fair. Craig Finns lyrics are still sharp, his stories still compelling, and the bands classic-rock arrangements still pack a punch: in short, it sounds exactly like how a Hold Steady record should sound. Perhaps the real problem isnt that the Hold Steady has changed, but the musical landscape has, and old-fashioned rock music (whatever that means) simply isnt as palpable anymore, something that Jack Endino alluded to in Octobers edition of Reverb Monthly when he discussed the lack of true rock bands in Seattle. One thing that hasnt changed, however, is the Hold Steadys ability to rock a packed venue, which is exactly what should be expected at the Neptune Saturday night. With Grand Archives. ANDREW GOSPE
Sat., Oct. 22, 9 p.m., 2011
