Dispatches from Stu: The Hold Steady, autographs, Adrian Peterson, the Internet and a cacti-pocked hellscape
Posted on August 5th, 2008 – 12:12 PMBy Michael Rand
We don’t really know what to say except to reiterate that we enjoy Stu’s excellence. Stu, you have the floor:
ON THIS INTERNET THING FINALLY PAYING OFF, SHEER EUPHORIA AND ASKING FOR AUTOGRAPHS
Pictured: Stu’s daughter Piper, 4, finding out that Dad is talking about the Hold Steady yet again.
With Michael “RandBall” Rand now being the toast of the internet for his interview with Erin Andrews, it stands to reason that I, RandBall’s Stu, would benefit from my association with this web concern. I had to go all the way to Tucson, Ariz., for it to happen, but it by God did.
I was visiting my brother Tim, who lives in Tempe, home to Arizona State University and an average August temperature of OHMYGODIAMGOINGTODIE. The motivation for visiting this cacti-pocked hellscape was the Hold Steady, playing Saturday night at Tucson’s Rialto Theatre. Plenty of virtual ink has been spilled here about this band, their old band, their love of the Minnesota Twins, etc., so I’ll keep the concert review short: sheer euphoria. I’ve maybe seen one or two better shows in my life, and even then, I can’t remember being so overwhelmingly giddy. Drew Magary wrote a fantastic piece for Deadspin last year about another “one of us” musician and his being completely caught up in the moment and totally [redacted] into it. That’s exactly what I felt Saturday night. It’s exactly what I felt when Adrian Peterson turned into Superman, Green Lantern and Thor combined at Soldier Field last year. It’s exactly what Piper feels when there’s a Wonder Pets marathon on. Whoever’s in charge of doling these moments out, more like this, please.
Tim and I attended the show with a group of his friends. One of them, Trevor, is a LeSeuer Le Sueur native, and mentioned that he was an avid reader of sports blogs and liked the work I did on RandBall (my brother had revealed my secret identity). After the show, as the rest of stood outside the venue catching our breath, Trevor emerged from the front door with a flyer for the show that he’d “appropriated” from the lobby wall. “Here you go,” he said. Apparently it was a gift for the Luc Longley Hunt Down. Thanks, fella.
We went across the street to our hotel, which is also where the band was staying. Of course, since they’re not the Rolling Stones, they hung out in the kind of awesome lobby bar with the rest of the rabble. We shook hands with Franz and admired his mustache, expedited guitar god Tad’s Jagermeister purchase and speculated about Favre, and tried not to bother Craig too much.
However, I did have a flyer for the show in my hand, and the guy who writes the lyrics for the band that just blew my mind was sitting 15 feet from me in his BC Law t-shirt. I was conflicted on the question of getting him to sign it, because I’m 37, and asking someone for his or her autograph at my age just seems goofy. I don’t bring my glove to the Metrodome, I don’t have a Facebook page and I don’t ask people I’ve never met to sign things because I think they’re awesome. Fortunately, my brother had no such concerns, and he led me over to Craig’s table, apologized for bothering him, and asked if he’d sign the flyer. He graciously assented, made some small talk about the Twins and Liriano, and we were on our way.
To sum up: I have a suitable-for-framing poster of my favorite band with “Stay Positive!” scrawled on it by the lead singer. All thanks to the Internet.
Topics for further discussion:
· Do you still ask for autographs and bring your glove to the park, or have you put away those childish things?
· Concert notes: they played “Chillout Tent” (which went right into “Hornets! Hornets!” which was AWESOME), “Lord, I’m Discouraged” will make them a pile of money if there is any justice in this world, and they closed with “How A Resurrection Really Feels.”
· Arizona RandBallers past and present: why are all the central air units mounted on the roof of a house, rather than on the ground like in Minnesota? No one could tell me.
· Share your most recent moment of sheer euphoria that’s suitable for a family newspaper.
48 Responses to "Dispatches from Stu: The Hold Steady, autographs, Adrian Peterson, the Internet and a cacti-pocked hellscape"
Re: Central Air Units
It makes more sense to put said units on the roof because cool air falls while warm air rises. Or something like that.
“Do you still ask for autographs and bring your glove to the park, or have you put away those childish things?”
It’s only childish if you literally run over a 4 year old girl to get said autograph. That being said, I think P3 and Mark Chmura owe Piper an appology for what happened at that Hannah Montana Concert last week.
I had a similar Hold Steady experience here in Phoenix two years ago. THS, touring on the strength of their Separation Sunday breakout, was playing the Brickhouse, a smallish-but-charming haunt Downtown. As a one-man solo act whose name escapes warmed up for our heroes, I was surveying the sparce crowd when a dorky looking dude wearing an untucked oxford and jeans caught my eye. Wearing spectacles similar to those worn by Bob Gunton in The Shawshank Redemption, I said to my sister, “Sweet Jesus, I think that’s Craig Finn!” My sister, visiting from New Prague and completely unfamiliar with The Hold Steady, did not share in my delight but she did offer a suggestion. “Why don’t you go say hello?” Now I’m not usually one to stalk, but on this night, under such inviting circumstances, I took a chance. I strolled up to Craig Finn, extended my hand and said, “Mr. Finn, my name is (insert real identity). I’m a New Ulm native, a devout Twins fan and I really appreciate your music.”
“Good to meet you, man!” Finn replied with genuine excitement. “Thanks for the support.” I asked Finn what he was drinking and without hesitation said, “House merlot.” I bought Finn a round, we said our good-byes and I returned to my seat. Toward the end of the show, THS broke out some new songs from their forthcoming Boys and Girls in American release. During Stuck Between Stations Finn spotted me, raised his glass, and gave me a nod. It was fantastic and at the close of the evening I purchased a The Hold Steady Almost Killed Me shirt. Bliss.
I won’t bug a ballplayer for an autograph outside of organized events anymore. I have not shown one ounce of restraint from asking members of the Barenaked Ladies for their signatures when I’ve had the chance, though. (Yes, I’m serious. BNL is to The Hootie what the Hold Steady is to the rest of Randball.)
+1 Joker.
Re: Central Air Units
Along with what jama said, I would think that it might also have to do with the arid conditions and the propensity for dirt and dust to fly around near the ground. Putting the AC units up higher makes them less likely to get clogged up with that stuff.
latte
What is your sister’s name? I lived in New Prague for about a year…I’m sure we’ve “met”
I don’t like to ask for autographs anymore, but always regret afterwards when I don’t. I met and talked with Billy McLaughlin for several minutes and would rather have the memory of him thinking I’m a cool guy to talk with than a geeky fan! An ABSURD Musician BTW (that’s a good thing.)
@The Hootie: you are supposed to be on your honeymoon… what dedication!
So if I do have a Facebook page does that make me young and/or pathetic?
Re: The Hold Steady
Is there a more polarizing voice than that of lead singer Craig Finn? I love absolutely everything about the Steady, but I just can’t get into Finn’s vocals. I’ve tried and tried, but it’s just not working for me.
/Dodging the rath of Rand and Stu
Re: The Hold Steady
Is there a more polarizing voice than that of lead singer Craig Finn? I love absolutely everything about the Steady, but I just can’t get into Finn’s vocals. I’ve tried and tried, but it’s just not working for me.
/Dodging the wrath of Rand and Stu
Re: Sheer Euphoria
1) Arcade Fire performing, “Rebellion (Lies)” at Roy Wilkins last fall. It’s hard not to get caught up in the moment when you hear one of your favorite songs live for the first time.
2) Purple Jesus vs. the Chargers.
whoops. I guess I felt strongly about the issue…
at least I spelled wrath correctly the second time around.
Joker,
My sister is married and has no known track record of straying but, that said, what happens at City Club stays at City Club.
Mike: no worries. Taste is subjective, and you’re absolutely right about hearing your favorite songs live. Of course, if you had said Toby Keith’s “Honky Tonk Badonkadonk” instead of the Arcade Fire, we would have had to tangle.
Jama: you’re not pathetic, I’m just ancient.
Jama/Dave: your theories were the two most sensible ones I heard down there, but was unable to confirm them.
Dave: I had some of the Deschutes Brewing Co.’s offerings down there. Fantastic stuff. They don’t sell it up here, but if they have it in the Metro and you haven’t sampled it yet, do so.
…wait, who is The Hold Steady? Are they some sort of band? Do I need to like them to comment?
/waiting for barrage of insults
Excellent post, Stu. And methinks you’ll have your hands full with that Piper in the years to come. Got the shotgun ready?
Our actual AC unit is on the ground, but the vents are all in the ceilings. Probably because of what jama said. Older homes tend to have swamp coolers installed on the roof. Keeps things moist and swampy. (I know you weren’t really looking to me for HVAC expertise.)
Stu: In looking at the Deschutes Brewing Co. site, their beer does sound great. Maybe I’ll talk with the people at Town Hall about trying to get something of theirs as a guest tap for a little while.
I may also take a peek at MGM near Uptown and at this place called U.S. Liquors in Minnetonka to see if they might have it. They have a pretty decent selection of hard to find beers.
Stu: I can vouch for Deschutes’ Inversion IPA, Mirror Pond Pale Ale and Black Butte Porter. Eager to try Obsidian Stout and Green Lakes Organic Ale.
Other than Stone, Deschutes is probably my favorite brewery not founded by August Schell.
I am by no means a music savant. I have heard of The Hold Steady but I think they are more of an “indy” band.
If they were to take off and become a huge “mainstream” success do you think that you would still like them as much?
Does mainstream equal selling out?
Don’t most bands that go mainstream get overplayed making you not want to listen to them as often?
Mr. Rand: Please turn the previous comment offered by Jama into a stand-alone talker.
jama: they are pretty much a mainstream success now, and yes, they’re still plenty awesome.
Dave
Another Liquor store with a pretty decent offering of Beers that tries to fill requests is Strong Liquor on Cedar Lake Road just East of Hopkins Crossroad. Plus they offer the pick 6 packs, which I enjoy.
roger that, latte. hold your fire until 2 p.m. on that one, kids.
newbie: The Hold Steady is a band of merry men that makes rock and roll music.
Just saw that Michael decided to play a little “Frisbie Golf” on his most recent “Good Sports”. I’m curious for those that have played before if you refer to this activity as Frolf, Disc Golf, or Frisbee Golf?
I’m more of a disc golfer myself but to each their own.
Good enough for me! I shall begin to familiarize myself with their obviously intriguing music.
Where do I start?
Re: Central Air Units
I have been told by people in the building industry that the reason central air units were placed on roofs was because it provided extra yard space for the home owner. Which makes sense to me because yards out here in the west are half the size of yards in Minnesota.
Also they have since been moved to ground because homeowners where not happy with the condensation leaking through the roof.
Re: Sheer Euphoria
Iowa State beating Iowa in football in 2005 at Jack Trice Stadium, then rushing the field after the game.
Ooh, interesting question jama, about the Frisbee Golf. I don’t play, but I have the same question about Ladder Golf…Lolf? Ladolf?…
Re: The Hold Steady
I have only heard one of there songs on the radio, and enjoyed it. It sounds like I need to download some of there other songs to enjoy.
newbie
If I may ask what is Ladder golf? Is it similar to Polish Golf?
jama - according to the google, it is exactly polish golf or Bola…
I guess this guy has lots of names for it!
latte
If your sister is married, she is safe from me. 7 years ago I had one bad experience with a woman who was married and it ruined it for me. Met her at a bar (weird right?), ended up at the luxurious Americinn Hotel in New Prague (she lived in Prior Lake though), and the words, “wow, you’re way bigger than my husband” came out of her mouth. The fun part came from watching the husband come pick her up in the parking lot. The next time you’re down that way, make sure you go to St. Pat’s. Best burgers you’ll ever have. EVER! City Club is ok, but I was always more of a Simon’s guy. Mostly because photos of my grandpa and uncles are lacquered into the about 3 times each.
Dave
The France 44 liquor store has an excellent variety as well.
RE: Hold Steady recommendations.
jama
What is Polish Golf? Is it similar to Dorf on Golf?
jama, newbie - I never knew there was aa name for polish golf it. I just called it the ball toss.
Also I use the term frisbee golf, the word frolf just makes me think of George Costanza shirtless.
The France 44 liquor store has an excellent variety as well.
I guess I’ve only been there looking for wine. I’ll have to check out the beer selection.
And Stuck Between Stations. Those would be the three “singles” off their first three albums. If you like those, you’ll like the rest. If you don’t, you won’t.
sorry, our discussion of jama’s question will have to wait until 3:30. Had some Favre stuff to post.
/ducks.
No, really.
Gotta love ladder golf. Who thought it would be a good idea to put numchuck-like golf balls in the hands of drunk tailgaters everywhere?
Who thought it would be a good idea to put numchuck-like golf balls in the hands of drunk tailgaters everywhere?
Like these people?
Hell, if they only hit each other with said “golf ball numchucks”, I’d like to shake the inventor’s hand.
Dave, it is videos like those that make me un-appreciate the internets.
Dave
It’s a good place. It’s kind of funny when they ask if they can help carry it to my car, and I say “Of Course”. About half way to my house they realize I walked since I live a half a block away and my car is parked in my driveway.
Stu-
“Honky-Tonk Badonkadonk” is by Trace Adkins (the guy on Celebrity Apprentice). That being said, it is no doubt the worst song in the history of any genre of music.
RandBall: Encouraging a Lack of Appreciation for the Internets since 2006
It’s a good place. It’s kind of funny when they ask if they can help carry it to my car, and I say “Of Course”. About half way to my house they realize I walked since I live a half a block away and my car is parked in my driveway.
Joker, that is a beautiful thing.
@Stu again-
I look forward to my 3-year old and 4-year old daughters facing your Piper in the annual Minnesota Pouting Championships, pre-Kindergarden division, Blonde subdivision.
Ahem, I believe it is spelled Le Sueur
Sorry, Trevor. I knew I should have checked that. Thanks for stopping by.
Clarence: I suspected that song wasn’t by Toby Keith, but there was just no way I was going to Google that for confirmation.
Stu-
They are basically interchangable. Both are tall and make the same style of country music that I don’t really like. Googling either of them is a waste of time. RandBall has finally broken me, as I am about to Google for some Hold Steady songs.
