The Hold Steady’s ‘Positive’ jam at First Ave
Posted on July 23rd, 2008 – 10:55 AMBy Chris Riemenschneider
I’ve seen every Hold Steady show that’s gone off in Minneapolis, save for one of the two in the two-night stand at the Triple Rock early in 2005. I do believe last night’s was the best yet. The band on the whole was simply tighter than ever and at the top of its game, from the way it paced the 110-minute set to the sheer musicality of it. I heard a couple people complain that the sound mix was off (namely, Craig Finn’s vocals weren’t loud enough), but I didn’t notice that myself, and in fact I thought their sometimes problematic sonic makeup (piano + two loud guitars + bursting backup vocals) sounded as natural and large as ever.
They took the stage to the “Dearly beloved…” intro of “Let’s Go Crazy,” but otherwise they kept the local love fest to a minimum, with just two Twins references (it probably would’ve been more if the Yanks hadn’t manhandled them twice in a row). Craig actually talked less than he ever has, and I truly believe that’s because the band was on fire and the crowd was so into it, especially the older stuff … Certain songs, they get so scratched into your soul, indeed.
Constructive Summer / Hot Soft Light / Chips Ahoy! / Sequestered in Memphis / Yeah Sapphire / One for the Cutters / Stevie Nix / Magazines / Sweet Payne / Party Pit / Massive Nights / Two-Handed Hand Shake (new one) / Joke About Jamaica / Lord, I’m Discouraged / Your Little Hoodrat Friend / Stay Positive / Slapped Actress
ENCORE 1: Positive Jam / Stuck Between Stations / How a Resurrection Really Feels
ENCORE 2: Certain Songs
Funniest Finn line: “This song is so sad, it takes 18 strings,” as Tad Kubler pulled out his Jimmy Page double-neck Gibson before “Lord, I’m Discouraged,” a new highlight of this and probably every Hold Steady show.
Speaking of over-sized, ego-boosting classic-rawwwk instruments, did anybody see Bobby Drake actually play that Vinnie Appice-worthy giant gong behind his kit, or was that just for show? Those guys must have a very amiable road crew.
16 Responses to "The Hold Steady’s ‘Positive’ jam at First Ave"
They played “Hot Fries” too.
Yep, this was a great, great show by the Hold Steady. The best I’ve seen yet. I didn’t see Bobby touch the gong. The double-neck was also used at the State Theater show on “Lord, I’m Discouraged,” so it’s not brand new. Encore 3: Killer Parties, during which some big drunk guy wandered on stage and played with (not played) Craig’s? guitar, knocking off Craig’s glasses. Tad stopped playing, gave his guitar to the tech, and the band carried on, looking kinda nervous and trying to stay positive. Anybody know details?
I heard that the guy who knocked Craig’s glasses off was one of the members of Lifter Puller (Craig’s old band).
That was a great show. I loved hearing everyone at First Ave sing along and raise a toast to Joe Strummer.
Wow, if he was they sure didn’t seem glad to see him.
They closed with ‘Killer Parties,’after ‘Certain Songs,’ btw. I enjoyed the show (who doesn’t have a good time at a Hold Steady show?), but feel that their last time at the Ave was better. Perhaps my expectations are too high for one of the best live bands in the business. The sound mix was muddy, in my opinion, with the bass too loud, and Craig’s vocals too low in the mix. I was in the front for a while, and moved to different places to see if the sound improved, but unfortunately it didn’t. It certainly was a good show, but not the best I’ve seen from the boys. But I agree with goldenfoot, it was fun to collectively toast Joe Strummer. I’ve got a review up, if any of you are interested, just click my name to go to my site.
[…] Chris Riemenschneider: Pop Life: The Hold Steady’s ‘Positive’ jam at First Ave: I’ve seen every Hold Steady show that’s gone off in Minneapolis, save for one of the two in the two-night stand at the Triple Rock early in 2005. I do believe last night’s was the best yet. […]
I think Bobby hit the gong once right when they kicked into Constructive Summer.
Killer show.
I saw the microphones on the floor. Anyone know how to get your hands on the recording of last night’s performance?
while it was a great show, it wasn’t the best i’ve seen them play in town at all, prolly top 3 though.
some of the new stuff was amazing live (Constructive Summer, Memphis, etc.), but a few came across very flat (One for the Cutters (my least fave on the record, that fake harpsichord just sounds bad) especially) and you could tell the audience was a little disinterested during them.
but yeah, all in all a great show.
honestly was kinda shocked they didn’t play Southtown Girls like they have almost all tour (and on previous tours).
and Bobby did hit the Gong just as the curtain rose, fwiw
nm, i see JT already commented on the Gong hit, helps to read all the comments first…
@whitesporks - keep an eye on bt.etree.org. The taper posted on the hold steady message board that he’d have it up in a couple weeks.
Just wanted to reaffirm Erik T’s post that they played Killer Parties to close. Awesome! I didn’t know who that dude was who played Craig’s guitar either (he looked familiar, though? I’ll probably feel dumb when I hear who it was for sure), but Craig looked PEEVED! And at first the amp was turned off but then the roadie who ended up playing Tad’s guitar turned it back on. Yikes. It didn’t seem planned and kind of ruined the end, in my opinion…but then I got a setlist, so all was well. 
Anyone know who the older couple was up to the right on-stage? I assumed it was either Craig’s or Tad’s parents, but wasn’t sure.
I think the older guy was Bobby’s dad, Gerry, long-time actor at the Children’s Theatre in Minneapolis. My eyes aren’t the greatest, so I couldn’t see who the woman was, but I’m pretty sure it was Gerry.
Yeah, the drunk guy during the last song looked a little like Steve Barone:
http://www.pitchforkmedia.com/article/news/43408-lifter-puller-guitarist-potato-wrestling-champion
Um, yeah. Anyone with a better picture?
Great show…The best I’ve seen from them so far and that was the 5th. Didn’t notice the sound problems from where I was - on floor about 3/4’s back slightly left. Was surprised they didn’t do a two night stand when the show was announced.
Stage crasher on “killer parties” seemed to really irritate Craig, even if he knew him? Tad appeared to give his guitar to the roadie to play. It made for a weird/awkward end to a great show.
