THE GASLIGHT ANTHEM are a heavyweight BOXER of an AMERICAN band and SLANG is a solid round two /// The Burning Ear

you found the bandages inside the pen and the stitches on the radio

The Gaslight Anthem’s debut full length was one of those discs that hit me from left field and completely dominated my driving playlist for most of the summer of 2008. The band managed to channel an American legend like Bruce Springsteen without sounding derivative or cheap. The ’59 Sound was a powerful, life affirming, gas pedal pushing, testament that rock music was alive and well. So needless to say, after being somewhat disappointed by their follow-up’s lead single, and titular track, “American Slang,” I was hesitant about this sophomore effort. And at first listen, my fears were confirmed. The album seemed limp and rather same sounding. Here we get to a problem with how I digest albums. When I identify an album’s standout track I can then use it as my anchor with which to return to the album and get pumped about listening to it. I need that one track to suck me in and I can’t find it on American Slang. However, I’m now in the middle of my 7th pass through the album and it’s a completely different beast than when I first heard it. That lack of peaks and valleys has revealed itself to be an exercise in a tight track-list that didn’t let any filler in. Every song is a solid jam that carries it’s fair share of rock n’ roll charm. And that standout track? Well I never found it because instead of 1 there are 5. “American Slang” has grown on me and has been joined by “Stay Lucky,” “The Queen Of Lower Chelsea,” “The Spirit of Jazz” and “The Boxer.” All 5 of these jams fought for their place in this post and “The Boxer” won just because it reminds me the most of those great times two summer ago, driving fast with the windows down and the volume up. Anyway, point of the story is that this album is growing on me every day and I have a feeling we’ll be spending some good times together this summer. I cordially invite you to join us for the ride. And for the love of all that’s holy (i.e. Rock n Roll), get The ’59 Sound if you haven’t yet. Seriously.

♫ The Gaslight Anthem – American Slang

Bury your face in MySpace /// eMusic too

Written by: Brandon on June 30, 2010.

Tagged as: the gaslight anthem

swhite

I was also dissapointed at first, but it has been growing on me with each new listen. FYI, this is not their sophmore album. Their debut alblum Sink or Swim was released in 2007, which is also worth a listen.
jonathan_uk

I feel as though I should be a fan but on The Gaslight Anthem but they just don't do it for me.
http://www.TheBurningEar.com/ Brandon @ TBE

Ack, I totally knew that but blanked on it because I've never heard it. I guess that should change pronto! Thanks for keeping me in check ;)
http://www.TheBurningEar.com/ Brandon @ TBE

Have you listened to '59 Sound? Preferably while driving fast with the volume up? If you try that and still dont like em then I've got nothing else to tell ya. Different strokes. It's all good.
http://ayearinprose.blogspot.com Sarah

Yeah, I've had a burned disc of The '59 Sound and Sink or Swim in my car this whole summer, and I've been listening to it for the entirety of this summer – May through July – blasting it with the volume all the way up, just like you said. It's so good. American Slang will be joining it in the rotation soon, but damn. I just have to get over how good The '59 Sound is, and songs like Navesink Banks from Sink or Swim. Listen to this:

“I walked down to the shipyard near the place where I was born
sayin, 'Oh, Maria, if you'da known me when.'
But she only smiles
by the light of the Navesink banks
and says, 'Listen, baby,
I know you now.'”
http://www.TheBurningEar.com/ Brandon @ TBE

Well said, and great lyrics! [You'll be in for a treat when you get to "Old Haunts" on American Slang :) ] Now I really need to get Sink or Swim!
Pingback: The Best Albums of 2010 (LPs, Eps, & Honorable Mentions) /// The Burning Ear