A Massive Weekend

The Hold Steady - The Cabooze, Minneapolis

7/3/10

I've been a Hold Steady fan since I was in college, and have been preaching the gospel of the Unified Scene ever since. The combination of imaginative non-linear storytelling and classic rock riffs have captivated this listener for years. I had seen them once before, at the Urban Lounge in Salt Lake City, but this time I got to see them in Minneapolis, a homecoming of sorts for both parties. I was treated to two massive nights.

The stage was set for an epic show, it was my first time to The Cabooze and I can't wait to return. The Whigs treated the crowd to a capable set, but when The Steady took the stage, everyone in the Twin Cities area new it. It was hot and muggy, the beautiful midwestern evening was torn apart by the opening chords of "Stuck Between Stations" and we were off. Next came "Rock Problems", "Magazines" (epic intro with the added guitar btw), and "Navy Sheets".

It pains me to say it, but the Hold Steady live experience has not diminished with the departure of Franz, if anything they sound better, and bigger. Heavy guitars lend that unique feel to the songs soaked in references to Minneapolis and desperate characters seeking redemption. It was loud, it was fast, it was unified.

It was a special evening in the Midwest and I'm happy I could spend it with one of the best bands on the planet. The crowd-pleasing setlist was pretty amazing too:

Stuck Between Stations

Rock Problems

Magazines

Navy Sheets

Chips Ahoy

Hurricane J

Sequestered In Memphis

Stevie Nix

Multitude of Casualties

Sweet Part of the City

Constructive Summer

Hot Soft Light

Barely Breathing

You Can Make Him Like You

Lord, I'm Discouraged

Stay Positive

Southtown Girls

You're Little Hoodrat Friend

Massive Nights

Slapped Actress

Encore

The Swish

Sweet Payne (For The East Sider's!)

The Weekenders

How A Resurrection Really Feels

The Hold Steady - First Avenue, Minneapolis

7/4/10

This is the best possible way to spend the 4th of July. With the Hold Steady. We got in line early, met some nice people on the rail, and were treated to PBR's by these clever kids from Iowa. The Unified Scene was out in force to see a band that is best seen in this venue. Not only is it mentioned in many of their songs, but its a local landmark, and a stage this band build their name on.

They opened with "Sweet Part of the City" which on this night, was right at the heart of Minneapolis. The setlist was an oldschool fan's dream, and the sound in First Ave was second to none. Its by far the best live music venue in the country. Yours truly had a front row center spot, right under Craig Finn, sweet.

A Hold Steady show is a unique experience. When you realize you are seeing one of the great bands of our time, in an all time great venue, in the front row, it just hits you. Like it hit me during "Stuck Between Stations", the crowd was crazy, it was hot and insane, soaked in sweat and beer time just slips away. Nothing else matters but the moment you are sharing with the others in the room. Its as close to a religious experience as this clever kid has had in 24 years. I'll never forget it.

The Steady brought out some old school jams like "Killer Parties", "Positive Jam", and "Barfruit Blues". It was great to see them simply enjoy the moment, its been quite a journey:

Sweet Part of the City

Barfruit Blues

Rock Problems

Sequestered In Memphis

Hurricane J

Cattle & The Creeping Things

The Swish

Magazines

You Can Make Him Like You

We Can Get Together

Ask Her For The Adderall

Bangin' Camp

Soft In The Center

Hornets! Hornets!

Chips Ahoy!

First Night

Stuck Between Stations

Stay Positive

Massive Nights

A Slight Discomfort

Encore:

Positive Jam

The Weekenders

Most People Are DJ's

Killer Parties

Thanks guys, I needed that.