Picked up the Hold Steady album from last year that was such a critical success. I thought this was your typical indie rock album, but it's not. What's up with all these power chords, where are my jangly guitars? What's with these E-Street Band style horns and Mink De Ville piano chords. And where are my whiny indie-rock vocals? This sounds more like Wild & the Inocent era Springsteen, or maybe even Phil Lynott. I guess I should have read some of the reviews before taking the plunge.

Not that I didn't enjoy my first listen, the band sounds like it would be a smokin' live outfit, and the snypets of lyrics I made out sounded pretty compelling and humorous. Actually kind of a refreshing '70s sound as opposed to the 80s style stuff I'm usually listening to.

I'm finally catching up on all the '06 releases I missed. I got the Yo La Tengo album on nice double vinyl a couple of weeks ago; not quite the tour de force that some critics said, (it certainly 'aint no "Heart Beating as One" ), but still an enjoyable listen, and Matador's vinyl is always top notch. Also got "The Loon" from Tapes n' Tapes on vinyl and am really enjoying that one. Next up; the latest from TV on the Radio, which I also picked up today, I don't expect to be surprised by this one, though it does seem a little more accessible than "Desperate Youth, Blood Thirsty Babes".

Next on my to purchase list...Neko Case (never heard any of her albums yet), Eleventh Dream Day, and I may just pick up the new Mouse album while I'm at it.