The Hold Steady have recently completed work on their third full length. The new CD titled "Boys and Girls" is set for release on October 3rd, from Vagrant Records.

This CD marked a major change for the band with the new added luxury of a producer. Hunkering down in Water Music Studios in New Jersey for the entire month of May, the band enlisted John Agnello, who recently produced Sonic Youth's "Rather Ripped." Speaking to Billboard about the benefits of having a producer Craig Finn:

This was the first time we did demos. John Agnello came into the practice space a couple of times, and gave us his input on a few things. I think it was the first time any of us have ever had that experience. It's having some fresh ears, and also, not someone who is involved in the 'creative process of creating.

The new album, named after a quote from the Jack Kerouac work "On the Road," breaks from the last album both tonally and conceptually. Finn explains that Franz Nicolay, whom the band invited to handle keyboard duties, has become a more realized part of the band's sound. The piano's natural dynamics and range give the songs "more space." As an album:

The songs are about guys and girls, and love. It's not a concept-type record like the last one -- it's more of a theme record.

I love Love Songs.

With many dates still left from their summer tour, the guys are already arranging presale tickets for the first few shows of the tour in support of "Boys and Girls." Right now you can purchase tickets to New York's Irving Plaza Show and the Troubador show in LA without Ticketmaster's additonal fees:

Photo Location

jtemperance

Chicago, IL

January 2004

JUL 23, 2006 02:29 PM

You know Craig Finn's going to have some great stuff to say; I just wonder how the music will hold together. That's been their least consistent aspect. Still, I'll be getting this when it comes out. Separation Sunday is one of my favorite records of the past few years...

MsStabby

I'm lost

November 2005

JUL 23, 2006 02:50 PM

Oh goodie!!

TrashCity

Minneapolis, MN

February 2005

JUL 24, 2006 07:10 AM

This isn't the first time they've had a producer. Dave Gardner (who has produced all of the Dillinger Four records) produced their first two albums.

patscuteass

Staten Island, NY

November 2005

JUL 24, 2006 09:37 AM

That show at Castle Clinton on Thursday is going to be a toned down all acoustic set. Should be interesting to see them in that type of a setting with that type of a sound. And I'm going to be on the cover for the new album. Just thought I'd share that.