2000 Great Songs #1324: Chips Ahoy

Heading back for a second bite from The Hold Steady's 2006 break-out album Boys & Girls In America. And, sure, from the first beat it's a made-to-order indie rock anthem, rousing riffs and shout-along whoa-oh-ohs. But the main attraction is the entertaining, cinematic storytelling, a bittersweet short story about a woman who uses her ESP to pick the winners at the track and blow the winnings on drugs... but damn those migraines it causes and what they do to her libido! Somewhere between Stephen King and Bob Mould, delivered with Craig Finn's deadpan yet lively narrations. It even warranted a sequel (which we'll probably get to soon enough). Great video to boot!

Live on TV:

Live acoustic:

Cover by Talk Show Host:

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