Separation Sunday - The Hold Steady
Separation Sunday Image
Metascore

Universal acclaim - based on 22 Critics What's this?

User Score

Universal acclaim- based on 35 Ratings

  • Summary: This is the second album from the New York City band led by Craig Finn.
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 22 out of 22
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 22
  3. Negative: 0 out of 22
  1. It's a triumph of non-judgmental storytelling, delivered within purgative rock'n'roll.
  2. 80
    Separation Sunday is a book-on-tape, a grim and funny tome that draws from the Bible and Fear And Loathing In Las Vegas. [#68, p.98]
  3. 80
    Sounds like the best bar band in the world. [May 2005, p.122]
  4. The group sounds a bit like Guided By Voices at times, only a Guided By Voices that want to kick your sorry can up and down the length of the bar.

See all 22 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 19 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 21
  3. Negative: 2 out of 21
  1. ThomasD
    10
    When approaching the Hold Stead (and any band for that matter), thinking in genres won't help you at all. This album is like nothing I have ever heard. Finn's sincerity is refreshing and sharp. His unironic but unpreaching approach to spirituality is very refreshing. Musically, the band is amazing. Personally, this album has had more impact on me than any before it, and I hope other people see the same amazing piece of magic in it that I do. Expand
  2. YLE
    8
    An album with such high praise from the critics always runs the risk of being labeled overated but to be honest who cares? Just grab a six-pack, your cigarettes and lie back and listen to some real, entertaining bar rock. Finn's voice is for me the best thing about this album even though on some tracks, Stevie Nix especially, it's not hard to imagine Bea Arthur behind the mic but that's ok because who doesn't love Bea Arthur? I know i do and i love this album, definitely one of my faves so far this year. Expand
  3. matta
    7
    Individually, each song is an amazing display of angst-ridden rock and roll, and, for the most part I like Craig Finn's unique style of singing, but it definetely gets a little monotonous at times. Nonetheless, it's unique and fresh, especially compared to alot of the other rock/indie rock bands out there right now. Collapse
  4. MilesW
    3
    I don't get it. What is it supposed to be? They are like a Pop hardcore (whatever!) band, but with cheesy metal guitars. As for the lyrics; are they a god squad band? Straight edge? or are they a party band? Is he being ironic? I can't tell. It's just bad pub-rock, and that can never be good. I can't imagine anyone who likes punk or hardcore, or even metal for that matter, liking this band. Perhaps it's for pop fans who think they are getting into hardcore. Expand

See all 21 User Reviews

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