The Hold Steady "Heaven is Whenever" (ADVANCE)

There's just something about Craig Finn's voice/singing style that really divides people. I think he's gotten much more melodic in recent years and has left behind the nearly spoken word songs of their earlier days. This is a good thing.

Probably my favorite Hold Steady song to this point had been "Cattle and the Creeping Things" all the way back from 2005. This new album as a whole is comprised of much more mature songs. Not necessarily lyrically, per se, but definitely musically. Much more full-bodied and rich. And it's rockin' too.

Must hear: Hurricane J

(Release Date: 5/4/10)