There is a certain sameness to some of their stuff, but as I wrote, a few possible gems on the new one. And it's great that Franz Nicolay has returned on the keys though I haven't heard anything from him that compares to his extraordinary work on Boys and Girls in America. I'd recommend that disc to anyone who wants to get to know Craig Finn and The Hold Steady. Love, love, love this one:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aH_mmVtCbus

Peter T.