Episode 53: Craig Finn – The Hold Steady

Craig Finn. Credit: Dan Monick

Listen to the Trusty Chords podcast via your preferred platform of choice here.

Anyone who knows me knows that I love a good lyricist, and then that means you should definitely know the great Craig Finn.

For the uninitiated, Craig was the man behind the likes of Lifter Puller, and following their split in 2000, he moved from Minneapolis to New York City and, well, didn't do much. That was, until he formed The Hold Steady after being inspired by the likes of Drive-By Truckers.

If you've not yet listened to The Hold Steady, then you need to do me a favour – turn off this podcast and go and listen to them right now. Of course, if you're already across their stellar discography you'd know the sort of power and impact that their performance style, and Craig's stunning lyricism, brings to the table.

While it's just been a couple of years between records for The Hold Steady, Craig has remained active as ever, issuing the exceptional Always Been album only a few weeks ago. It's certainly one that you need to hear right away.

This week, I was lucky enough to be joined by Craig for a wonderful chat about his musical history and latest solo record.

Anyway, have a listen to Craig Finn's Always Been, have a listen to our chat, and I’ll see you at the end of the episode for some general housekeeping.

Craig Finn’s Trusty Chords

Craig’s One Influential Artist

1. Bruce Springsteen

Craig’s Three Impactful Albums

1. The Replacements – Let It Be (1984)

2. Hüsker Dü – Zen Arcade (1984)

3. Drive-By Truckers – Southern Rock Opera (2001)

Craig’s Five Trusty Songs (And One Honourable Mention!)

1. The Replacements – 'I Will Dare' (1984)

2. Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds – 'Straight To You' (1992)

3. Drive-By Truckers – 'Zip City' (2001)

4. Bay City Rollers – 'Saturday Night' (1973)

5. Iron & Wine – 'Walking Far From Home' (2010)
   

6. Ezra Furman – 'Love You So Bad' (2018)