Wouldn't you just know it? A cold blast of winter finally arrived in St. Louis yesterday just as native Minnesotan Craig Finn rolled into town to play Off Broadway.

On Friday night, Off Broadway welcomed Craig Finn to St Louis, and did so in fine fashion.

Craig Finn
"Clear Heart Full Eyes"
Vagrant

Craig Finn left Brooklyn to record "Clear Heart Full Eyes" in Austin during a four-month break for the Hold Steady. While he arrived in Texas with songs in hand, the actual recording process -- including meeting up with producer Mike McCarthy and introductions to musicians Josh Block, Jesse Ebaugh, Ricky Ray Jackson and Billy White -- took only three weeks.

We lost two very great artists this past week: Etta James and Johnny Otis. Read KDHX DJ Tom Ray's take on Etta.

Lucero is a band of road warriors in the truest sense. Playing 150 to 200 dates a year, the Memphis-based group prides itself as workhorses.

Craig Finn is a wordy chap -- but in the best way. For many of the Hold Steady's most ardent fans, Finn's narrative lyrics and spoken vocal delivery are central to the appeal.