Franz Nicolay — Major General

Nicolay is perhaps best known as the keyboardist for indie rock favourites The Hold Steady. Major General is his debut solo release, and it's all over the map in terms of style. The album runs the gamut from punky rock with a Hold Steady inflection ("Jeff Penalty") to quiet, subdued ballads ("Note On A Subway Wall"). There are songs that could easily fit on a Hold Steady record ("Hey Dad!"), but, for the most part, Major General has very little in common with Nicolay's main draw. This makes sense, since Nicolay also plays in The World Inferno, a gospel-inflected klezmer-punk group. All these different styles should make Major General an interesting listen, but what unfortunately results is an album that sounds thoroughly confused and tries to do too much over the course of its 13 songs. While it's certainly admirable to have a wide variety of influences and a broad musical palette, at times it's best to keep it simple. Perhaps Nicolay could have taken a cue or two from his main band.

Get it from