Almost Killed Me by The Hold Steady: Classic Rock. This band is obviously in debt to the boss, and so they spin out songs that have recurring themes that feature on all of their ensuing albums. This being their debut they decide to keep the themes focused on the subjects of near death experiences; parties; drugs; drink and constant appearances of fictional characters called Charlemagne and Holly. The songs basically have all that is needed from the perfect bar band: wailing guitar, pounding drums, fat bass and a singer who sounds half cut whilst spitting out songs that could be entire novels. TWH: The Swish; Most People Are DJs; Knuckles

Grade: A