Brian's Thoughts About Things: #11: The Gaslight Anthem

But I used to wait at the diner a million nights without her, praying she won't cancel again tonight

Just shy of the top 10 is The Gaslight Anthem. Listen to them.

Wiki Says: The Gaslight Anthem are an American folk punk band from New Brunswick, New Jersey, consisting of Brian Fallon (lead vocals, guitar), Alex Rosamilia (guitar, backing vocals), Alex Levine (bass guitar, backing vocals) and Benny Horowitz (drums, percussion, tambourine). They released their first album, Sink or Swim, on XOXO Records in May 2007, and their second album, The '59 Sound, on SideOneDummy Records in August 2008. The band's third album, American Slang, was released on June 15, 2010.

Romo Says: Gaslight Anthem has drawn numerous comparisons to Bruce Springsteen, and it's pretty obvious why, particularly on the album The '59 Sound. In December 2008, eMusic named The '59 Sound the best album of 2008. NME rated it as the 47th best album of the year. The title track was number 62 on Rolling Stone's list of the 100 Best Songs of 2008.

In July 2009, following Bruce Springsteen's guest appearances with the band at Glastonbury and Hyde Park, sales of the album increased by 200%.

Discovery: Sink or Swim (2007) - Favorite album all time #21

The '59 Sound (2008) - Favorite album all time #6

American Slang (2010)

Other Releases: Senor and the Queen (2008)

All Aboard! A Tribute to Johnny Cash (2008)

Favorite Songs: 15. 1930

14. We Came to Dance

13. We're Getting a Divorce, You Keep the Diner

12. Red At Night

11. Casanova, Baby!

10. Angry Johnny and the Radio

9. Say I Won't (Recognize) (Favorite song all time #100)

8. The Backseat (Favorite song all time #91)

7. Here's Looking At You, Kid (#73)

6. Drive (#56)

5. I'da Called You Woody, Joe (#52)

4. High Lonesome (#41)

3. The Patient Ferris Wheel (#35)

2. The '59 Sound (#24)

1. Great Expectations (#11)

Years Active: 2005-Present

Seen Live: 3 times

November 2008-Baltimore, MD

May 2009-Towson, MD

September 2009-Washington, DC

September 2010-Baltimore, MD (will hopefully be going)

The Gaslight Anthem keep getting bigger and bigger. My friend Tommy saw them in a basement show and now 2 years later they're selling out every place they play. I was disappointed by "American Slang", but that's mostly because of how high I regard their first two albums. I'm glad they're still on Side One Dummy records, and I hope they do very well while sticking to their punk roots.