Lifter Puller’s Fiestas + Fiascos

When I started listening to Lifter Puller, they had already broken up and The Hold Steady was already in full swing (they had just released Separation Sunday—another album that’ll make an appearance on this list).  I first heard The City on Film’s cover of Secret Santa Cruz, and hey, if Bob Nanna likes ‘em, they must be good, right?  First time I listened to them, I hated them—loathed them.  I tried The Hold Steady, it was even worse! 

Craig Finn’s voice was abrasive and obnoxious, the music was strange, but interesting, but the words were what caught my attention.  What a strange way to write a song.  They stayed on my computer for a long time, I would listen to them, hate them, and then a few weeks later I’d notice them in my library and check it out again.

Something eventually clicked, and it definitely had something to do with Fiestas + Fiascos.  This ridiculous vocal style really did work with these insane songs about drugs and clubs and murdered raver kids.  I was the only person I knew who liked this band for a very long time. It was definitely worth the effort and I highly recommend that you give them a chance, even if it takes a few tries.


Are there any albums like this for you that took a few tries before you actually enjoyed them?


Below is my friend's Alex and Ava when we played a show in Austin, summer 2009.