Finally picked up The Hold Steady's Boys and Girls in America and I'm mostly sure it will be my summertime-driving-with-the windows-down record of choice. This album is made to be played loud. Pitchfork locates the latest from this Twin City band somewhere between Born to Run and Back in Black. Seems about right.

The intriguing thing about the Hold Steady is that the garage band-like sound can almost distract from Craig Finn's lyrics. I don't know if it's his Catholic upbringing or a natural insight into life's tension, but Finn's songs and stories get more interesting each time I listen. So on this Friday afternoon I leave you with the lyrics from Citrus, one of the quieter songs on the album. Enjoy

Citrus

hey citrus
hey liquor
I love it when when you touch each other
hey whiskey
hey ginger
I come to you with rigid fingers.

i see judas in the hard eyes of the boys working the corners.
i feel jesus in the clumsiness of young and awkward lovers.

hey barroom
hey tavern
I find hope in all the souls you gather.
hey citrus
hey liquor
I love it when we come together.

I feel jesus in the clumsiness of young and awkward lovers.
I feel judas in the long odds of the rackets on the corners.
I feel jesus in the tenderness of honest nervous lovers.
I feel judas in the pistols and the pagers that come with all the powders.

lost in fog and love and faithless fear.
I've had kisses that make Judas seem sincere.