Alternative Airplay chart in early 2009, and was performed live by the band with Bruce Springsteen at the Glastonbury and Hard Rock Calling festivals in June 2009.

"[4] Fallon said the band had tried to emulate the sound of soul music from the late 1950s because "back then it seemed like there was a genuine feeling of excitement going on that I don't think is necessarily happening right now.

[8] The singer, Brian Fallon, asks his deceased friend: "Did you hear the '59 Sound coming through on Grandmama's radio?

[22][23] "The '59 Sound" was well received by music critics, with Pitchfork Media writer Tom Breihan praising the bridge: "It's simple, it's sincere, and it kills me every time.

"[24] CMJ New Music writer Tyler Theofilos praised the song's raw, energetic soundscape.

[31] The band was joined onstage by Bruce Springsteen during performances of the song at Glastonbury Festival 2009[32] and Hard Rock Calling 2009.

[33] In June 2011, the band dedicated the song to the memory of Clarence Clemons during their set at the 2011 Glastonbury Festival.