Craig Finn, for the uninitiated, is the front man of American indie
rockers The Hold Steady and this is his debut solo album shortly to be
released.
Craig has left the more guitar driven sound of The Hold Steady
behind for this album and instead has opted for a more laid back, lo-fi
sound. He has added a healthy dose of Americana into the mix which
coupled with his narrative vocal style all comes together in a highly
listenable album.
The vocal delivery of Craig is the defining element to the album, he
has a distinctive, almost spoken style which comes across as a mix
between Randy Newman and Tom Waits. He has a similar song writing to the
afore mentioned pair with every song telling a story of life and love.
Album opener ‘When No One’s Watching’ is probably the closest the
disc gets to The Hold Steady sound with an excellent rhythmic groove and
great guitar playing, anyone familiar with Emmy Lou Harris’s
contemporary output would recognise a few cues here. Other tracks of
note are the uptempo, country tinged, ‘ New Friend Jesus’, ‘ Terrified
Eyes’, ‘Rented Room’, which is a slow building number which ends on a
high, and finally ‘ Not Much Left Of Us’ rounds things off nicely with
again a country tinged feel, pedal steel and all.
Craig has delivered an album to chill to, headphones on, lights
dimmed and drink in hand. A perfect way to unwind at the end of the day.
Go on, treat yourself.
David Wilson
Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK
Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions,
Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio
David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast on 11 May 2025.
UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). This show was first broadcast on 13 May 2025
How to Listen Live?
Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)
Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.
More information and links at our radio website where you can listen live or listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com
Power Plays w/c 19 May 2025
THE DEVIL WEARS NADA Juliet (Eonian Records)
THE PERPS The Culture (Golden Robot Records)
HALFLIFE Nothing New (indie)
EMMMA Wednesday’s Child (indie)
PLASTIC HEART Hear My Call (indie)
COMING UP ROSES Tired (INH Records)
Featured Albums w/c 19 May 2025
09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003 – 2024 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003 – 2024 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003 – 2024 (Singer Songwriter)
Our occasional Newsletter signposts latest additions to the website(s). We also include a selection of recent top albums, based on GRTR! reviewer ratings. The newsletter is sent out a few times a year.
If you’d like to register to receive this occasional mailing please complete the form:
If using a smartphone/tablet please tap here or re-orientate your device
(Note that this registration is separate from site registration which allows you to leave comments and receive daily emails about new content. If you wish to register for this – in addition or separately – please click or tap here – for more information – the form is at the foot of each page. Please read our privacy policy when opting-in to receive emails.
PDF - you can delete unwanted sections
Lovely little album proving Craig Finn has a real storyteller's gift through song. A proper solo album as well in that only one or two songs sound liek the Hold Steady.