Half Dead and Dynamite (Deluxe Reissue Version)

A refreshing batch of spoken/sung stories about young urban hipsters' overindulgence in nightlife, Half Dead and Dynamite was Minneapolis post-hardcore band Lifter Puller's first big score. The album is a perfect brew of Archers of Loaf, Girls Against Boys, and Pavement, with a hearty dose of Lifter Puller's own cagey, deceptively indolent, ironic presentation. Most of the record is paced at a dignified and anthemic dirge, but that doesn't minimize the impact of the songs. Singer Craig Finn's near-brilliant storytelling and sloppy alliteration is forcefully rendered by his confident delivery. But what's really redeeming about this record is that, rather than remaining lazily content spinning hot yarns about pretty people getting their rocks off, Finn explores (albeit obliquely) the implicit consequences of his pro/antagonists' behavior. Truly, Lifter Puller must be heard to be believed. They troop through the pockmarked and well-traveled indie rock battlefield and emerge not only unscathed, but with plenty of war stories to tell in their own inimitable style.