Teeth Dreams [LP]

by The Hold Steady

Overview

On their last album, 2010's Heaven Is Whenever, the Hold Steady felt like a band in a state of transition as they found their footing after parting ways with Franz Nicolay. On Teeth Dreams, it feels as though the Brooklyn band have spent the intervening time finding their way, returning with a refreshed sound for their sixth album. Added to the ranks is former Lucero guitarist Steve Selvidge, who joined up with the band as a touring guitarist before eventually settling in as a full-fledged member. The interplay between Selvidge and Tad Kubler adds an interesting new dimension to the Hold Steady's, with Memphis-style Southern rock colliding with Midwestern guitar heroics to create a beautiful blend of plaintiveness and drive. Musically, the album feels like the more rockin' sibling to singer Craig Finn's solo album, Clear Heart Full Eyes -- where the verbose vocalist explored a looser, country-inspired vibe -- than a follow-up to their wintry fifth album. With two guitarists in play, the album has an all-around warmer sound, as there is hardly a moment that isn't expertly filled in by these two expert axe-men. While Kubler is far from a slouch on his own, the differences in playing style between him and Selvidge lend the songs here a lot more depth. This means the band can open things rather than always going for the throat with a searing riff, making Teeth Dreams an album that rocks while still feeling laid-back. This new direction is one that suits the band well, and although it may seem like they've put their bar rock days in their rear view mirror, it's seems pretty clear that the band is heading toward a big, arena rock future. ~ Gregory Heaney

Product Details

Release Date:	03/25/2014
Label:	Razor & Tie / Washington Square
UPC:	0793018351515

Tracks

1. I Hope This Whole Thing Didn't Frighten You
2. Spinners
3. The Only Thing
4. The Ambassador
5. On with the Business
6. Big Cig
7. Wait a While
8. Runner's High
9. Almost Everything
10. Oaks

Album Credits

Performance Credits

The Hold Steady   Primary Artist
Al Gamble   Piano,Keyboards

Technical Credits

Ted Jensen   Mastering
Bobby Drake   Group Member
The Hold Steady   Composer
Steve Selvidge   Group Member
Nick Raskulinecz   Producer
Galen Polivka   Group Member
Craig Finn   Group Member
Tad Kubler   Group Member
David Gottlieb   Management
George Edward Regis   Legal Counsel
Johnny Hopkins   Publicity
Nathan Yarborough   Assistant Engineer
Marty Diamond   Booking
Steve Strange   Booking
Larry Webman   Booking
Jeroen Van Der Meer   Management
Adam Fuchs   Art Direction
Marshall Sollander   Management
John Albritton   Assistant