I think the Gaslight Anthem are one of the most promising and exciting bands in punk rock right now. I can't say that I am infatuated with every song on their CD, but I think that when they hit the mark, they are as good as any band I know.

The Gaslight Anthem don't fit easily into any categorical box, but I do think they are somewhat a part of this very strong movement to bring folk, blues and Americana influences into punk rock. I think that a lot of music genres become cannibalistic after a while. If a sound sells, why go elsewhere for inspiration? A group can tweak a pre-approved formula and find success without really pushing themselves out of their comfort zone. I do think there are plenty of bands that are talented enough to do that, bands that found a twist on a familiar sound that was so fresh and enticing that they've had no reason to expand beyond the tried and true. Bad Religion is a good example. But I think there's been a very warm reception for punk bands like Against Me! and Defiance, Ohio. Recently Tim Barry, Chuck Ragan and Greg Graffin have put out solo records which sound very much like traditional Americana, although a little less so for Ragan. I hear a very similar influence in the Gaslight Anthem's music, in their bluesy, Springsteen-y vocals and in the sound of the recording, which uses more dynamic guitar sounds rather than a thick and powerful distortion.

"I'da Called You Woody, Joe" is a moody, powerful song about finding The Clash. It reminds me of when I first started listening to punk rock and how completely infatuated I was with the bands and their politics. I still remember where I was when I first heard Avail and I have very vivid memories of coming home after high school and playing bass along to almost all of Rancid's And Outcome The Wolves. "I'da Called You Woody, Joe" is beautiful and simple in its evocation of images to illustrate the lyricist's head-first dive into The Clash. I think it is especially poignant that he mentions never having a chance to tell Joe Strummer how much it meant to him. I guess we can all relate to that.