They make epic reproductions of classic rock that is about how big the small moments in our lives are (and they do sound like Springsteen in almost every way). You've told me many times that you don't have much, if any interest in classic rock...so this record really wasn't made for you. Plus, you seem to make brash generalizations without ever supporting your opinion (example (from movieforums.com:) you: Marquee Moon is overrated. Me: Why do you think that? You: It's not good)

First off, don't misquote me mister, I said it was one of the most overrated pieces of garbage ever, you asked me to elaborate, I said " It sucks....a lot". Surely that is an elaboration worthy even of such an esteemed scholar of classic rock as yourself?!
Forgive me, but not even the most brilliant lyricist on the planet could salvage a dull piece of music. I don't particularly like classic rock yes, I prefer something new and original regarding style, but if the likes of The white stripes can produce exciting rock music (that is very much rooted in the classic rock genre), I don't see why I should tolerate a band that never should have left the local bar scene. This is in no way a brash generalization, it's quite individualized, The Hold Steady make boring music that gets on my tits.

I think that's part of their appeal in a sense...and in a slightly different way than you're saying it here. They're so rooted in the culture of their hometown(Minneapolis) in the same way that Springsteen was, that they're like local colorists of the music world, which is a term that means a writer who specializes in stories that convey the distinct flavor of the locale they inhabit (like feminist author Kate Chopin as she delivered us an inside track to the Cajun lifestyle in 19th century America) and the title of the album is based on a quote from Kerouac (point being that a sense for the literary permeates their work in a way that lends itself to their thematic prowess. While they're songs are specific, they're also universal in the sense that they are kind of encapsulations of small town life for young americans. I know that you aren't concerned with the lyrics and find the music boring though... and there's not much I can do about that. I find the songs have an athemic urgency that makes them compulsively listenable. As for the White Stripes, I like "Dead Leaves and the Dirty Ground" but mostly I just find them gimmicky.

wouldn't it be weird if we ever agreed on a band? :)

They're just like Springsteen's first few records. Dull, bar band level rock with great lyrics, but nothing else even vaguely interesting. Except Springsteen had the song Born To Run...these guys don't have anything.

E Street Band was traditional...but they were tight. Tell me...have you given Greetings From Asbury Park, N.J. a fair listen from back to front?

Yes I have. I'm just not a big fan of that style of music, to be honest.

Is your username a reference to Ornette Coleman?

Yeah. Is yours a reference to Joe Strummer, or just strummers in general?

'lil bit of both. I get it then. If you like Ornette Coleman, I guess your taste natural leans to more esoteric, "challenging" and experiemental sounds rather than traditional stuff with a populist slant like classic rock. That the case?

As a mod i'm allowed to verbally slap you in the face, now do you want me to verbally slap you in the face?