THE GASLIGHT ANTHEM / Get Hurt [2014]

2014 saw the release of New Jersey rockers The Gaslight Anthem's fifth (and probably final) studio album, Get Hurt.
Written after considerable commercial success and a nasty divorce for frontman Brian Fallon, The Gaslights push towards a quieter, darker mid-tempo sound that is a bit of a departure from their previous records.  There's still traces of Springsteen but they bring in more influences into the mix that will reminds listeners of '70's stoner rock and other vinyl era rock acts.  The problem here is the music is so moody all the fun of their previous works has been sucked dry.  One can't deny the passion is still firmly intact but it's easy to hear a lack of interest within the member's chemistry would lead into a indefinite hiatus in 2015.

3 favorite songs in the dark out of 5

Songs of Note:  Break Your Heart; Have Mercy

THE GASLIGHT ANTHEM / The B-Sides [2014]

After The Gaslight Anthem parted ways with SideOneDummy records the label took it upon themselves to release one final album from the band, 2014's slapdash compilation The B-Sides.
It's exactly what the title suggests.  Mostly a collection of one "new" studio track, rough acoustic versions of past songs, live recordings and cover songs of Pearl Jam, The Rolling Stones and more.  Most of the material is between roughly okay to mildly decent but certainly not essential, so it makes it harder to excuse the shoddily arranged track listing that makes next to no sense.  The Gaslights wouldn't start producing great b-sides until they're move to Mercury records, which seeing as the band split ways in 2015 I wouldn't be surprised to see another collection in the near future which I know will be ultimately better than this.  

2½ Blackwater Surprises out of 5

Songs of Note: She Loves You; Boxer (acoustic)

THE GASLIGHT ANTHEM / Handwritten [2012]

After three solid albums, Brian Fallon felt he bled himself dry of The Gaslight Anthem and turned to The Horrible Crowes.  Thankfully, that gave him some time to refuel and get back to raw, soulful rock n' roll for 2012's Handwritten.

The guitars are denser, the songwriting more up-tempo, each lyric is worded with perfection and Fallon's husky vocals toss in some flavors of Petty, Cobain and Dylan into the already powerful Springsteen, Waits, Vedder and Strummer mix.  

It's nice to see such a strong band grow completely into their own, after much praised, yet weighted comparisons to other acts of the past.  It's solid fearless songwriting at some of it's best. 

5 flip sides out of 5

Songs Of Note: Howl; National Anthem

THE HORRIBLE CROWES / Elsie [2011]

Brian Fallon of The Gaslight Anthem and his guitar tech Ian Perkins (aks The Horrible Crowes) scale back their Springsteen influence on Elsie and bring their Tom Waits, Neil Young & Nick Cave love into the forefront.  Fallon's rugged vocals teeter between passionate screaming and hushed smoky whispers which compliments the intimate musicianship.  Fallon's knack for writing sad, yet hopeful songs is astounding as it's just so damned hard to do without sounding like a complete pussy.  It might be a bit too soft for Gaslight fans but give it a chance and you have yourself a great soundtrack to the broken heart that never gives up.

3½ holes in armor out of 5

Songs Of Note: Behold The Hurricane; I Believe Jesus Brought Us Together

THE GASLIGHT ANTHEM / American Slang [2010]

Establishing themselves as a band that's going to stick around for awhile, The Gaslight Anthem really come into their own on 2010's American Slang.

The influences of Tom Waits, The Clash and Springsteen are still very evident but the Jersey boys give this record an organic growl of their own.  Good rock songs conjuring up images of broken hearts bleeding on the jukebox, making out in small town pub parking lots and pretty girls smiling just for you.  The Gaslights are as tight as ever, complimented with the "do what I want" attitude and a full complete sound.

4 Springsteen shuffles out of 5

Songs Of Note: The Diamond Church Street Choir; We Did It When We Were Young

THE GASLIGHT ANTHEM / The '59 Sound [2008]

In their tribute to The Day The Music Died, The Gaslight Anthem scale back the punk sound of their previous record and really lay down the good ol' Springsteen rock n' roll with passionate enthusiasm and nostalgia. 

2008's The '59 Sound joins the dirty rock sounds that Social Distortion and Alkaline Trio have perfected, only The Gaslights add in an airy lead guitar that sounds closer to The Cure.  It's pretty much straight up quiet-to-loud rock but there's so much soul and love in the songwriting I can't help but love it.

5 Mighty Mighty Bosstones out of 5

Songs Of Note: Old White Lincoln; Here's Looking At You, Kid

THE GASLIGHT ANTHEM / Sink Or Swim [2007]

Imagine Bruce Springsteen with a mohawk and a heavy taste for The Clash, then you'll get an idea of what New Jersey's The Gaslight Anthem sound like.

2007's Sink Or Swim came charging into the crowd fists a flailing but sadly went unnoticed by most folks. Which is a shame because they really are one of the best rock bands to come out in a long time.  Rocking out catchy tunes filled with sincerity and soul is what these guys do best and they don't try to do anything otherwise. With a solid debut album, front to back, The Gaslight Anthem  proved they are off to a good start

4 Shout outs to the late great Joe Strummer out of 5

Songs Of Note: 1930; Red At Night