I think NPR got it right when they said that The Gaslight Anthem shouldn't be enjoyed while sitting in front of a computer screen, but should be heard while on the open road. That was exactly what I thought when I first heard The '59 Sound, The Gaslight Anthem's second full length album.
If you looked for The Gaslight Anthem in your local record store you most likely find them in the Punk section, but if you look on their MySpace page The Gaslight Anthem classify themselves as Soul/Punk/Alternative. The Gaslight Anthem are definitely more than just your average noisy punk band, they definitely have different sound than many other punk bands. To me their sound is just plain, straight up, no nonsense rock and roll. There isn't really a better way to explain it. Its their moderate to heavy guitars, diving rhythms, and Brian Fallon's passionate vocals that The Gaslight Anthem really create their own sound.
The Gaslight Anthem's songs are often reminiscent of days gone by and missed opportunities with some deep and poignant lyrics (sometimes it seems like Brian Fallon is singing to his memories). On their second album, The '59 Sound, The Gaslight Anthem drop plenty of names of famous people from the past, such as Elvis, Marilyn Monroe, and Miles Davis to name a few. It sometimes seems like the band would rather be living in the past rather than the present.
Here's a video that about sums up what The Gaslight Anthem is all about:
So now go out an pick up some Gaslight Anthem get your friends together and go for a nice long drive so you can really enjoy the music.
Favorite Tracks:
-The '59 Sound
-The Patient Ferris Wheel
-The Backseat
