The Hold Steady – Heaven Is Whenever

I've always had a hard time thinking about Heaven is Whenever, as it wasn't a ton of fun to make. But 10 years later, going over these songs for this reissue, I've taken on a great new appreciation for this collection. With some distance, I see that we were trying to get somewhere else, and that this was a necessary transition record. The songs are weary, but with a dark humor. Upon review I think this might be the funniest Hold Steady LP, although it's sometimes hard to tell because it doesn't convey the same ecstatic joy as some of the earlier records."

Disc 1

1. The Sweet Part of the City
2. Soft in the Center
3. The Weekenders
4. The Smidge
5. Rock Problems
6. We Can Get Together
7. Hurricane J
8. Barely Breathing
9. Our Whole Lives
10. A Slight Discomfort
11. Ascension Blues
12. Touchless
13. Separate Vacations
14. Criminal Fingers
15. Beer on the Bedstand
16. At Least Not Tonight
17. Wonderful Struggle
18. Going on a Hike
19. We Can Get Together (Alternate)
20. Hurricane J
21. Our Whole Lives (Avatar Sessions)

Label: Vagrant Records

Catalog: 33818

Genre: Rock