The Hold Steady – “I Hope This Whole Thing Didn’t Frighten You” [SoundCloud Song Stream]

The Skinny: The Hold Steady has released the first song, “I Hope This Whole Thing Didn’t Frighten You,” from their new album Teeth Dreams, out March 25. Teeth Dreams is the New York band’s sixth album and first on its own Positive Jams imprint via new label Washington Square, itself a newly established imprint formed by Razor & Tie. The album was produced by Nick Raskulinecz (Foo Fighters, Alice in Chains, Rush, Evanescence) at Rock Falcon Studios in Franklin, TN, making it the first time the band recorded outside of New York. This is The Hold Steady’s first new music since last year’s Record Store Day 7″ featuring “The Bear and the Maiden Fair” from HBO’s Game of Thrones.

The lashing “I Hope This Whole Thing Didn’t Frighten You” got its premiere yesterday and can be streamed above. It’s the first glimpse from the newly invigorated band featuring Memphis-based guitarist Steve Selvidge. Selvidge joined the band for the touring in support of 2010’s Heaven is Whenever, and was involved in the writing and recording of Teeth Dreams. His presence is palpable as the heavy twin guitar attack alongside band co-founder Tad Kubler, makes for the muscular sound on the new album.

The Hold Steady will kick off a string of tour dates in January 2014 that will include two 10th Anniversary shows. The band will also release a covers EP entitled RAGS direct to fans this month via Pledge Music to benefit the K + L Guardian Foundation in honor of devoted fan and concert promoter Mike “Jersey Mike” Van Jura, who passed away in late 2012.