The '59 Sound

I have been listening to this album just about every day since my pre-order came in the Mail. In all honesty, this is the best of 2008. For a band that seems to just be getting started, with 2 excellent prior albums, to release a disk of this magnitude is OUTSTANDING. I honestly think that GA could be the band that saves rock music. Throw away your neon colors, your way too tight jeans, and cut your hair out of your face. This is real music that is going to be around for a very long time. I have been a fan of theirs for 2 years now and to see them live is an experience. After just having toured with Thrice, Alkaline Trio and Rise Against, and hearing that Rise Against personally selected Gaslight to be on that tour, that should tell you non-believers something. This is what music is, makes you want to move your feet, bob your head, even swing your hips.

In my opinion this is the best CD of 2008. I also saw them live last night and they were phenominal so I may be riding a little high from that amazing show. I have read the comparisons to Against Me!, Springsteen, and the Killers and I do hear a mix of influence from all of these artists. I also hear a lot of down to earth originality with the lyrics. All of the songs on this album are awesome. The album flows together nicely with a variety of songs. I recommend all of their music. I think I have all of their songs that I can possibly have and there is not one bad song in the bunch. Also go out and support this band at their live shows. They put on an awesome show and they are a very humble and down to earth band.

Though I can only comment on the 4 songs I've heard off of this album (in their entirity, the rest just 30 second clips), I can't believe that not one reviewer has brought up comparisons to the Replacments. They have that same, hard working, reckless, bar sound from the 'Mats mid to late eighties stuff. Plus, I think this guys voice sounds a lot like Paul Westerberg's (not a knock at all). I really like what I hear and will have to check this album out. They sound like a breath of fresh air in today's music scene. Nothing wrong with showing who you're influenced by!

I have never heard the Gaslight Anthem before but i was immediately enticed by their song The 59' Sound. The cd is a solid in the lyrics. It should really appeal to anyone who has listened to classic music like Bruce Springsteen and Bob Dylan, so if you like rock, alternative, punk, and folk this cd is definately worth listening to. Some of the songs are very catchy. The only reason i give it a 4/5 instead of a 5/5 is because i wish that there was a little more variety in the vocals and it sounded a bit repetitive at times.

This band is something that everybody should be excited about!

*4 out of 5 stars for a great record its worth the buy*

Songs 1,2,8,9,12 are the strongest tracks on the cd! give them a listen!

In 2007, New Jersey's the Gaslight Anthem became a hugely buzzed band in the punk scene, owing in part to their fiery live shows, and in part to their fantastic debut record Sink Or Swim. Now, a year later, following an interim EP (Senor and the Queen) released earlier in the year, the band returns with their sophomore album, The '59 Sound.

This album lives up to all the hype it garnered in the wake of their previous two recordings, and then some. For this album, the band turned down the distortion, threw some reverb on singer/guitarist Brian Fallon's vocals, and composed a love letter to their friends, the girls they loved and lost (Maria makes some return appearances, yes), family, and the music that got them through it all. The songs here manage to rock without trying to blow you away through speed or volume. For an example, check out their live show; even slower tracks like "Even Cowgirls Get the Blues" set the club ablaze.

Rating each song individually would be tedious, and frankly unnecessary; this is a front-to-back album. The whole thing flows, and is extremely enjoyable and listenable throughout. (Admittedly, though, the iTunes-exclusive 13th track provides the album is a far more appropriate closer than "The Backseat") The best way to listen to this album is on vinyl, of course, lyric sheet in hand, and letting yourself drift into the songs and stories. One of the best of 2008.