Why do I love The Hold Steady? Because they've been making non-stupid ROCK music for ten years. It's miraculous that a band can deliver so many songs about heartbreak and drinking with the requisite choruses and bridges and still sound smart. Part of it is that the band has a knack for air-guitar-worthy riffs, but it's really singer/songwriter Craig Finn's storytelling that sets The Hold Steady apart. Craig's also possessed of a unique charisma on stage – check out the band on tour in the U.S and Europe from now through October for an undeniably fun and sweaty time.
The new Hold Steady record is called Teeth Dreams and I've been dying to share my favorite song "Wait a While" with you for months. It's a deceptively simple gem that you'll want on your summer playlist. I personally would slug nearly any man who called me "little girl," but somehow Craig Finn can get away with it and even get me to sing along. Download it below.