Continuing my look at the albums of 2006…

Memory is a funny thing.

When I saw that the Brooklyn-based Hold Steady released a well-received album in 2006 — their third record, Boys and Girls in America — I thought it would be a great opportunity to listen to a band I’ve heard a lot about.

So listen I did, and I really enjoyed the clever, narrative songwriting, lead singer Craig Finn’s brusquely emotive vocals, and the band’s muscular performances. It’s a gritty, cinematic treat. Bruce Springsteen on a bender.

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