Something FRANK Should Like (But Probably Won't)

Frank is my friend. He is a filmmaker and a musician ("musician" if you're Danny) and an all-around creative force. Frank is famously open-minded and generous, but also resistant and hard-headed when it comes to new things. He is also the inspiration for the first in my ongoing series of things I'm obsessed with that my friends should be obsessed with too. Because masturbation is fun.

Reasons Frank Should Like The Hold Steady:


1. Because Dan Hamill Speaks The Truth when he calls them "terrific storytellers with a keen sense of humor whose favorite topics include the misfits and the marginalized of their respective environments."

2. Because even if you think their recorded work is overrated, live this band brings a sheer energy and joy to what they do that is impossibly catchy--kinda like vintage Afghan Whigs. Yeah, I namedrop. If you don't know about the Afghan Whigs, try this for the recent shit. And get the fuck off my blog.

3. Because they are middle-aged guys thoroughly enjoying being rock stars--in other words, two stops down the Frank Jeffrey highway. Viva la Hype Factor!

4. Free beer cozies!


5. Because I get a special prize for being the 1,000,0000th blogger to write about The Hold Steady.

Reasons Frank Probably Won't Like The Hold Steady


1. Because we fear change.

2. Because after the Pitchfork review of the latest album (Boys and Girls in America), the moment of cultural backlash is nigh.

3. Because, conventionally speaking, the lead singer Craig Finn has a voice that is to singing what Action Jackson is to great American filmmaking1.

4. Because point #2 of Reasons Frank Should Like The Hold Steady is dangerously close to Brandon Flowers' justification for Sam's Town. And I apologize for that.

Reasons You Should Care What I Think, Even If Frank Doesn't
Because even if you don't agree with those sentiments, the world needs more no-bullshit, straight ahead, meat and potatoes rock and roll. Indie rock is starting to sound a lot like Bruce Springsteen (see also: Ben Kweller's latest album), and I, for one, am okay with that2. Because you can't let the risk of being labelled a hipster douchebag keep you from being happy. And because your life will be 10% better after you hear "Southland Girls" for the first time3.

Footnotes:
1. Obligatory shoehorned film reference.

2. Sorry about the Bruce Springsteen comparison. Jesus guys, it's really inevitable.

3. Mileage may vary.