When last we left the young gents of The Hold Steady, it was in Anchorman mode for “Chips Ahoy“. Now they’ve returned in what looks to be normal mode for their standard performance piece. While it’s not quite on the impressive level, it’s a damn good excuse to watch the band perform their tribute to John Berryman. This also marks the third shot that THS have done with director Moh Azima.

Maybe it’s me, but I just feel that this song is bigger than what we got video-wise. I’ll admit my review of “Chips Ahoy” subtlely displayed my disinterest in the band, but now after many rounds on the iPod, I consider myself a fan. ((Oddly enough, the video has grown a bit on me as well. Huh, go figure.)) So it was with great pain that, while looking for a decent frame to put up for our teaser pic below, I was hard pressed to find anything that really stood out. It’s a very pedestrian visual piece that unfortunately can’t be saved by it’s smart-ass ending. ((Smart-ass in a good way though.))

I say this as a fan who would love nothing more than to see a kick ass or even (another) super gimmicky shot from the Brooklyn-by-way-of-Minneapolis Boys. At least something that could compare to the spirit of their lyrics, like:

She was a really cool kisser and she wasn’t all that strict of a christian.
She was a damn good dancer but she wasn’t all that great of a girlfriend.

I swear I’ve dated that girl, and i’m pretty sure most of you have too. I’m just saying, a video that reflected the soul of this song or even the beer-quenched prose would’ve been wicked sweet. Alas, the more I think about it, the more I feel disrespected. Boo.

The Hold Steady – Stuck Between Stations
Directed by Moh Azima

Via Myspace

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