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May 20, 2008

New Hold Steady - "Sequestered In Memphis"

thumbnail icon: New Hold Steady - "Sequestered In Memphis"

Today your regular bloggers have been replaced by Ben, Chris, Nick, and Jason of Death Cab For Cutie. The band's new album Narrow Stairs is out now. DCFC are not professional bloggers, so please send them tips.

By Chris Walla
Craig Finn remembers his day job. I bet he was an account manager of some sort, and I bet he knows the business park outskirts of Dallas better than he'd let on. I mean, can't you see him in an ill-fitting suit, in a hung ceiling conference room, making an awkward pitch about water filtration or articulated hoses?

I bet he was reasonably good at it. I also bet that he couldn't wait to get hammered at the hotel bar. Which is where this story begins. It ends in jail.

It's nice to hear the words "subpoenaed" and "sequestered" in such close proximity in a little rock song, especially from a holding tank at the police station. The light from in there makes the bar light look pretty good. Take a listen...

"Sequested In Memphis," from the forthcoming Stay Positive LP, is available on iTunes now.

Posted at 12:51 PM in
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14 Comments

Let this be my annual reminder that we can all be something bigger

Posted by: orit at 05/20/08 1:30 PM | Reply
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Thanks for that orit, really freaking clever.

The track sounds real solid, and the hung ceiling office imagery adds a nice detail to it all. Sort of a terrifying one. Sweet.

Posted by: Lucretius at 05/20/08 1:57 PM | Reply
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Thanks for that orit, really freaking clever.

The track sounds real solid, and the hung ceiling office imagery adds a nice detail to it all. Sort of a terrifying one. Sweet.

Posted by: Lucretius at 05/20/08 2:03 PM | Reply
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Let the negative Hold Steady comments commence.

I loved it, but it really sounds just like Boys and Girls in America. I liked Seperation Sunday much better.

Posted by: james at 05/20/08 2:09 PM | Reply
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Each album is great in their own respect, so I'll take another Boys and Girls In America any day of the week. I think this new song is solid. I can't wait for the new album --- So much, I think I will relish in anticipation and refrain from getting it if it leaks before the release date (So I guess I CAN wait for the new album?)

Posted by: Michael in reply to james's comment at 05/20/08 2:28 PM | Reply
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That's odd, James, because I think they've been on the best-band-on-the-planet plateau since Separation Sunday. Not exactly sure what SepEration Sunday is...Lftr Pllr compilation, perhaps? Get over yourself. It's mind-blowing how good Craig Finn is. This is a lock for a top 3 album of the year (some space opened up at the top after Wolf Parade shat the bed with Zoomer).

Posted by: Frank at 05/20/08 2:35 PM | Reply
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That's Lucero's Ben Nichols doing background vocals on this song, very appropriate (considering they're based out of Memphis) and awesome.

Posted by: Stephen B. at 05/20/08 3:01 PM | Reply
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steve

I was wondering which song he was on and then i saw the title and thought "this has to be the one"

Posted by: steve profile link in reply to Stephen B.'s comment at 05/20/08 4:53 PM | Reply
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same old shit + horns= zzzz.

and i'm a HS fan.

Posted by: grace6697 at 05/20/08 3:31 PM | Reply
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I'm with Michael... I'm looking forward to this so much that I'm going to drag my ass to "CD World" on release day. This song is great, and Chris Walla writing about it is neat as hell. This is a good day. ;)

Posted by: Chuy profile link at 05/20/08 4:51 PM | Reply
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DudeAsInCool

The song's not bad, but I loved your lead-in to it ever better, Chris. You have a nice way with words.

Posted by: DudeAsInCool profile link at 05/20/08 8:09 PM | Reply
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WHERE ARE THE GUITARS???? THIS AIN'T FAIR !

Posted by: Morbid Angel at 05/20/08 10:39 PM | Reply
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"we went to some pace where she cat sits"

Benn there.

Posted by: David at 05/21/08 11:07 AM | Reply
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They sound too sober and the song is too slow. Sort of like Mighty Mighty Bosstones and BareNakedLadies mixed together or something.

Posted by: Holly at 05/22/08 11:50 AM | Reply
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