You guys had a lot to say about the new Hold Steady album. At Stereogum HQ, it’s been on repeat all weekend. Sounds “like Elvis Costello fronting the E Street Band,” says Entertainment Weekly. That’s spot on. And how could you not dig that? Is it that he’s not a “singer”? That hasn’t stopped us before! Or that they’re a drunk bar band? Well, fuck, if you have a local bar band that can write a record as thought-provoking, rocking, or balls-out fun as this one, email us at tips at stereogum dot com and we’ll be all over ‘em.
Last night we even ventured a few blocks uptown to catch ‘em at Irving Plaza, just nights before the release of their long-awaited record, and they simply killed it. Unofficial sponsors Budweiser and Jack Daniels must’ve been so proud of the boys ’cause they left no opportunity for a swig untouched. This was a hometown crowd, comprising folks from Minneapolis, and Brooklyn, and busy album streamers singing every word to the “unreleased” material. It wasn’t a show as much as it was a sing-along, coming-out party. Next time you need a band for your get-down, we suggest contacting Craig.
“First Night” was a sweeper, Craig getting serious and leading the crowd in chants of the Kerouac-quote that gives the album its name, while “Stuck Between Stations,” “Massive Nights,” and “Party Pit” had the band at its bombastic best. Yes, The Hold Steady Almost Killed Me.
Finn claimed the night for the band early on: “We suggest you call out of work tomorrow, ’cause we’re heading to Hi-Fi afterwards and drinking ’til we can’t stand.” Inviting Irving Plaza to a party at a bar on Ave. A is just the sort of salt-of-the-earth shit that we hope Craig never loses. Let’s hope those curious New York Times readers don’t change the band after they start filling those halls. Give in. Get the record. It’s okay to like them. We promise.
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ugh… not only do they suck, but theyre ugly too
best show of ‘06. best crowd, too.
I listened to the stream and I just don’t get it.
I love that the Hold Steady is such a “I LOVE IT” or “I HATE IT” type of band. I haven’t seen many “eh.. i could take it or leave it” type comments. My take? I love em, and yeah, I think you just don’t get it.
Great time last night, they’re damn good live. Finn’s mannerisms do annoy me a little bit, but they brought it last night.
this is just plain shit. can’t stand it. dont get the big deal.
Looooove it. And I’m so happy I “get it.” It would suck not to.
2 1/2 weeks til they hit Vancouver. I’m amped.
‘The 80s almost killed me… lets not recall them oh so fondly…’
oh my god. this shit is so fucking white i can hardly believe it. im ashamed. they are seriously so fucking bad.
I totally “get it”. I like many bands that are higher brow and lower brow and I think that this is just perfect. They are singing about a life that I would be happy to have.
Agree with the ‘Gum… the band killed it last night. Whether you like the band’s recorded output or not, you should check out their live show. They bring more fun and energy than just about anybody right now, and the crowd goes toe to toe with ‘em. What a show.
I love that Craig’s wearing a Twins jersey. You can take the boy out of the Cities, but you can’t take the Cities out of the boy.
I was at the show and have never been so proud to be a Minneapolitan in New York.
> “The Hold Steady Almost Killed Me”
lamest pun ever.
>lamest pun ever.
do you know what a pun is?
Well, it’s a pretty nice time to be a Twins fan. When I saw ‘em acoustic in August Craig wouldn’t shut up about Francisco Liriano.
thats not a pun douche.
FUCK THIS BAND!!!!!
love this band, but still havent come around on the new record. i felt like the show at irving sagged any time they hit the new material. the all-classics encore, tho, was tops.
Sunday evening (10/8) in Austin, I’m there – looking forward to seeing them again.
Saw them last night in Baltimore and they ripped it up. Never before have I been at a show and said to myself “I’ve GOT to get to another date on this band’s tour” after only 10 seconds of the first song played.
The dude from CSI is in a band?