Review-a-palooza #6:

The Hold Steady - Heaven Is Whenever

Ages ago, nostalgia used to be considered a disease. Sailors used to get so depressed about being away for so long, they manifested physical symptoms; nausea, pains, weakness and so on. Nostalgia plays heavy in the Hold Steady’s latest album, “Heaven Is Whenever” but it isn't considered a sickness. The album explores the idea of suffering having an important part in a life that is fulfilled. But this is hardly a depressing album.

The Hold Steady are something of an anomaly. They manage to age with each album. While its only been a year or two in between releases, the characters from each record have aged a lifetime: from the angst and anger of the teenage years in “Almost Killed Me” and “Separation Anxiety” to the onset of adulthood, complete with weight of the responsibilities that come with growing up, on “Stay Positive”. “Heaven is Whenever” sounds like a collection of conversations had during a high school reunion. The band remembers in vivid details the parties, girls and music that defined them all those years ago.

Earlier this year the band lost Franz Nicolay whose manic and expressive work on the piano and organ added to the depth of the bands impression. Franz left but his absence isn’t a particular heavy loss. Singer Craig Finn has left behind the “talk singing” that was all over previous albums and has become more comfortable with his vocals.

Some of the best songs on this album are slow burners. “The Sweet Part of the City” is languid and sounds like a hot summer day where all you want to do is sit outside with a cold drink and watch the world slip past. “We Can Get Together”, where the album pulls its title from is a trip back through the albums that help us to escape. And any song that name drops Hüsker Dü is all right by me.

This is my favourite type of album. It’s one that bears repeat listening. Like a good movie, or book, you can return to it and pick up something new.