The Gaslight Anthem - History Books (October 27th 2023) Album • Page 104

Have Mercy is one of the best songs Brian has ever written, it's on Apple music, youtube etc. but check this live version out:

 

Boo

 

I also prefer the recorded version of have mercy to any of the live ones with the additional lyrics

 

Omg grimace

 

I like how the recorded version ends with the repetition of those lyrics.

 

yeah its great to have both live and recorded versions of it!

 

I still can't believe how incredible the remixed version of History Books sounds.

 

I’m a little sad that you cut Helter Skeleton…. But I do think it has a better flow + Opening with Have Mercy is perfect

 

I do as well, but it may just be the two of us haha

 

Some people like "Helter Skeleton," and I just never have. I kind of like the chorus, but something about the verse melody has always annoyed me. Again, though, a big issue with that song and "Stray Paper" for me is that they cut the album off at the knees after it goes to this bruising emotional place on the title track. Better sequencing probably could have helped those songs.

 

I think Helter is waaaaaay better than Stray Paper

stray paper is just gaslight by numbers, lazy. Not horrible but the sound of a band running on fumes - when compared to the total body of work.

 

"Stay Paper" is the worse version of "Too Much Blood," a song that doesn't seem super well-loved to begin with.

 

It’s far from their best song, and I can see how thematically it’s a weird fit…. But I just find it fun! (Even if lyrically it isn’t lol)

 

I like helter

 

I too like helter

I do not like stray paper at all though

 

I like stray paper too

 

I mostly like Get Hurt, and I think a lot of bands would love for it to be the worst thing they've done.

 

I'm always prepared to agree that Have Mercy should have been the opener and on the album.

 

they opened with it on that tour quite a bit and it made complete sense in that context

 

They used to open with Mae too so they’ve always had a penchant for the soft open. Loved it back then.

 

Still wish this was available for streaming everywhere.

 

I had no idea there was a discourse for Get Hurt. Easily one of my favorite albums.

 

That’s honestly wild. Have you not been on the internet for the last 10 years?

 

Wouldn’t it be wild if I hadn’t? Haha

I just haven’t seen it, or I wasn’t paying attention. I may have also just forgotten. So many possibilities. Getting old sucks.