Blog: PopMatters

Hard Luck Stories isn't a masterpiece. There are almost as many misses as hits. But it's a very strong piece of work, filled with good yarns and catchy tunes. What makes for a good E Street rip-off band? When the 21st century began, copping moves from the Boss suddenly became critically acceptable, as bands like the Hold Steady, Marah and the Gaslight Anthem garnered praise and some mainstream exposure. That never happened for Ike Reilly, and I'm not sure why. He might just be stealing the wrong stuff. The aforementioned groups mimic the adrenal, fist-pumping sounds of Born [...]