My recommendations 2006:Boys and Girls in America by The Hold Steady

The Hold Steady: Boys and Girls in America
Vagrant 10/3/2006

Available at Emusic

In a climate of unabashed artsy weirdness, it's suprising that The Hold Steady are held in such high regard by critics. The don't play glockenspiels, they write verses and choruses, and their songs are about the present day. Perhaps it's the literary quality that pervades their songs, then, that indie hipsters are atracted to. The Hold Steady write stories more than songs; they have a stable of characters they put into challenging situations, usually drug-related. Or perhaps critics and fans love them because they are good at what they do. Their songs are frequently celebratory and anthemic - easy to love whether you have ever overdosed at a concert or not.