Gaslight Anthem have announced their first album in nearly a decade, history books, released their own Rich Mahogany record on October 27 via Thirty Tigers. The Jersey rockers have shared ahead of time the title track featuring their idol Bruce Springsteen.
In a statement about the follow-up to their 2014 album, singer Brian Fallon said: “Neither of us wanted to make a very somber or serious record to show how much we had matured.” Injuried. “We’ve all changed, grown, and learned a lot, but the overall mood is one of excitement, to get back together and make music that means something to us.” Preorder history books In progress. Scroll forward for artwork and track listings.
In an interview with The Associated Press, Fallon explained the production process for the title track. After reaching out to Springsteen (who over the years has become a friend of the artist, not just an idol), for advice on reuniting Gaslight Song, the legend himself suggested a duet. “We didn’t want to make a record that felt absent-minded,” Fallon said. But “the E Street Band also had a big break,” which is why he turned to Springsteen for guidance.
“It’s looking to the people on the hill for wisdom, but really, it’s Federico’s in Freehold[NJ],” he explained. “But some fabulous work was done at that table. We got the band back together.” Even better, after the musicians parted ways, Springsteen sent Fallon a text: “Hey, why don’t you write us a duet? I’ll sing with you.”
“I never had the guts to ask him that question,” Fallon said. “It’s so cool to have one of my three heroes perform a song I wrote on my desk at home. It’s crazy.” Listen to “History Books” below.
Gaslight Carol returned for the first time last spring with a reunion tour. In April, they shared their first song since 2014, “Positive Charge.” The band will go on tour in support of the album later this month; grab your tickets here.
history books artwork:
history books Track list:
01. Spider bites
02. History Books (feat. Bruce Springsteen)
03. Autumn
04. Positive charge
05. Michigan, 1975
06. Small fire
07. Weather forecaster
08. Empire
09. I live in the room above her
10. Prelude to a lifetime
