The Hold Steady are back with their sixth LP, Teeth Dreams. Injecting another album’s worth of Craig Finn’s honest lyrics and “wall of sound” guitars and percussion may seem tiresome to some, especially since the band seem to be pretty formulaic the sixth time around. But what makes these guys so good is that everything, every last word and note, is so real and pure, that I can’t help but love them for who they are and what they do. The “Middle American and Everyman” aesthetic they achieve on every album is no less important because this is their sixth release. Finn’s vocals are as heartfelt as ever, with tracks like “I Hope This Whole Thing Didn’t Frighten You” and “Spinners” really showcasing the band’s affinity for the Average Joe and Americana. This is quite honestly one of the best releases of the year and reaffirms the fact that The Hold Steady is one of the quintessential bands of the 21st century. -Michael Ridings