Teeth Dreams

Background

Following the departure of keyboard player Franz Nicolay, and the release of their fifth studio album, Heaven is Whenever (2010), The Hold Steady embarked upon an extensive world tour with additional members Steve Selvidge (guitar) and Dan Neustadt (keyboards). Regarding their entry into The Hold Steady, Selvidge noted, "[The band] decided to keep it to the core four members, and were looking for a hired-gun keyboard player. At that point, I think Tad said, if we're bringing in a new keyboard player, I want a second guitarist too, and I want it to be Steve." The band had previously known Selvidge through his bands The Bloodthirsty Lovers and The Secret Service. By 2011, Neustadt was no longer performing with the band, and Selvidge was added to its core line-up. Vocalist and guitarist Craig Finn noted: "We are rolling without keys right now. We did some shows without keys and we really liked it. It sort of opened things up for us."

Upon the tour's completion, The Hold Steady took a five-month hiatus from band activities. Craig Finn recorded and released a solo album, entitled Clear Heart Full Eyes (2012), stating, "I wanted to do something with a little more storytelling and a lot less volume." Reconvening in June 2012, the band began writing new material and released a limited edition single for Record Store Day in April 2013, which included the tracks "The Bear and the Maiden Fair" and "Criminal Fingers". Featuring lyrics written by George R. R. Martin, "The Bear and the Maiden Fair" appeared in the HBO television series, Game of Thrones. Regarding the single release, Kubler noted "[Steve] wasn’t in the band when we did the last record so we haven’t formally released anything that he’s played on – other than an iTunes session, or something like that. Having been away for a few years, we thought this would be a great opportunity to reintroduce the newest version of the band."

Writing and composition

The band began writing Teeth Dreams in June 2012. Prior to the writing process, Finn stated, "It's hard to tell where the new one will go. [...] I'm curious whether it will be an extension of [Heaven is Whenever], or if it will be a return to what we did before." Guitarist Tad Kubler elaborated, "“The general consensus may have been that our last record felt like it was maybe rushed a little bit, so I know speaking for myself personally, I want to be really careful not to do that – to be like, 'Oh shit, we need to get a record out and go on tour.’ Going into this, everybody realized that it was going to take as long as it takes."

Release

The release of Teeth Dreams was announced on January 8, 2014, with guitarist Tad Kubler stating: "We’re really proud of our new record. This is an exciting time for us. Making the new record has been a journey for the band, and the results exceeded even our own expectations. Can't wait for people to hear it."

On January 23, 2014, the band released the first track from Teeth Dreams, "I Hope This Whole Thing Didn't Frighten You".

Critical reception

At USA Today, Jerry Shriver rated the album three-and-a-half stars out of four, writing that "Blue-collar rock and gritty story-songs of desperation and sketchy connections infuse the Brooklyn band's powerful sixth album." In addition, Jones states that "Ferocious, chiming guitars frame Craig Finn's half-spoken narratives of lives on the edge."

Track listing

All songs written by Craig Finn, Tad Kubler and Steve Selvidge, except as shown.

1. "I Hope This Whole Thing Didn't Frighten You" (Finn, Kubler) – 4:01
2. "Spinners" (Finn, Kubler) – 5:24
3. "The Only Thing" – 4:33
4. "The Ambassador" – 5:12
5. "On with the Business" – 4:04
6. "Big Cig" – 4:17
7. "Wait a While" – 3:37
8. "Runner's High" (Finn, Selvidge) – 4:12
9. "Almost Everything" (Finn, Kubler) – 4:17
10. "Oaks" (Finn, Kubler) – 9:01

UK iTunes bonus tracks

11. "Records & Tapes" – 4:12
12. "Saddle Shoes" – 4:12
13. "Look Alive" – 3:44

Pre-ordered vinyl track listing

1. "I Hope This Whole Thing Didn't Frighten You" – 4:01
2. "Spinners" – 5:24
3. "The Only Thing" – 4:33
4. "The Ambassador" – 5:12
5. "On with the Business" – 4:04
6. "Saddle Shoes" – 4:12
7. "Big Cig" – 4:17
8. "Wait Awhile" – 3:37
9. "Runner's High" – 4:12
10. "Almost Everything" – 4:17
11. "Oaks" – 9:01