Tom Lynch

The first rock show of the new year brings us Brooklyn-based (but Minneapolis-founded) critical darlings The Hold Steady, whose breakthrough "Boys and Girls in America" (Vagrant Records)--after the equally pleasing "Almost Killed Me" and "Separation Sunday"--dutifully evokes middle-aged malaise through a rock `n' roll filter. It's been endlessly described as beer-soaked bar rock--or even psychedelic, drug-laden--but, although those elements are there, "Boys and Girls in America" is at heart a hopeful rock record that offers up tales of desperate means with substance-diversion. The boundlessly impressive Chin Up Chin Up opens--the band's "This Harness Can't Ride Anything," while not only one of 2006's finest local releases, neatly coaxes out elements of the members' math-rock roots and introduces fiery pieces of indie-pop, with leader Jeremy Bolen's wistful and poetic storytelling serving as a foundation. The sincerity here, the hopeful gaze towards the future, is spellbinding. I can't think of a better act to play New Year's Day.

The Hold Steady and Chin Up Chin Up play January 1 at House of Blues, 329 North Dearborn, (312)923-20000, at 7pm. $17.50. (2006-12-22)

Also by Tom Lynch

The Year in Rock
As we close up shop on 2006, let's look at what the year gave us, taught us and promised us for the future
(2006-12-19)

Tip of the Week
Self-described as "emergency rock," Madison, Wisconsin's softly spectacular Cougar, elegant yet raw, blends a post-rock foundation with angular, swift guitar-work, electronic elements and an overwhelming presence of improvisation
(2006-12-12)

Soundcheck
Singer and songwriter Joel Gibb and his Hidden Cameras made their mark with previous records "The Smell of Our Own" and "Mississuaga Goddam," two albums of flavorful, lovable perversity that include tales of urination, explicit sex and enemas
(2006-12-05)

Ms. Maverick
Laura Kipnis makes some people very, very uncomfortable. It started in 2003 with her breakthrough book, "Against Love: A Polemic," a raging, funny and daring work that aims to dismiss the current institution of love--note, not necessarily the idea of love--and its relation to marriage, and more specifically, monogamy
(2006-12-05)

Evan Dando Lives
(2006-12-05)

Tip of the Week
(2006-12-05)

Soundcheck
(2006-11-28)

Tip of the Week
(2006-11-28)

Tip of the Week
(2006-11-28)

Tip of the Week
(2006-11-20)

Tip of the Week
(2006-11-20)

The Drinking Life
(2006-11-14)

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