Almost Killed Me

Almost Killed Me is the debut studio album by Brooklyn-based rock band the Hold Steady, released on March 16, 2004, on Frenchkiss Records. It is considered by many to be a concept album, with several recurring themes such as near-death experiences, parties, and the fictional characters Hallelujah and Charlemagne. Its concept album roots are further explored with the recurring characters in Separation Sunday, the Hold Steady's second album, which uses the same characters introduced in Almost Killed Me. Almost Killed Me was ranked number 99 on Rolling Stone's 100 Best Albums of the Decade.^[9]

ReleasedMarch 16, 2004

StudioAtomic Recording Co., Brooklyn, New York

GenreIndie rock, post-punk revival

Length42:51

Quick facts Studio album by The Hold Steady, Released ...

Almost Killed Me
Studio album by The Hold Steady
Released	March 16, 2004
Studio	Atomic Recording Co., Brooklyn, New York
Genre	Indie rock, post-punk revival
Length	42:51
Label	Frenchkiss
The Hold Steady chronology
Milkcrate Mosh/Hey Hey What Can I Do (2004) Almost Killed Me (2004) Separation Sunday (2005)

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More information Aggregate scores, Source ...

Professional ratings

Aggregate scores
Source	Rating
Metacritic	78/100[1]
Review scores
Source	Rating
AllMusic	[2]
Drowned in Sound	8/10[3]
NME	7/10[4]
Pitchfork	8.0/10[5]
Rolling Stone	[6]
Tiny Mix Tapes	4.5/5[7]
Uncut	[8]

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While not a full-time member of the band at this time, future keyboard player Franz Nicolay makes a guest appearance on the album alongside the World/Inferno Friendship Society bandmate Peter Hess.