Tom, Christin, JNo, and I took in a couple great shows in the last week as first Fountains Of Wayne and then The Hold Steady were in town.
Fountains of Wayne played an acoustic set at the High Noon Saloon. This is one of those bands that I just plain like – even one of their lesser albums cracked my top 25 in 2007.
Their list of hit singles is short and (unfortunately?) is headlined by “Stacy’s Mom”. We were discussing early in the show how they would treat that song — I can’t imagine it’s the bands favorite… and it can’t be real high on the list for most people going to see them in 2009 (meaning: fans) either. but on the other hand, you can’t just *not play it*… can you?
They did end up playing it but with a much different spin to it. A much more playful take that was well received by the side of the audience that came just to hear it, as well as the side that could have done without. Well played guys.
There was no sign of Tinted Windows… which is probably a good thing.
Detour. Before I get on to The Hold Steady show, that comment earlier about the Top 25 in 2007 just forces me to mention: Wow, what a year. Look at that list. Kings of Leon at #23?? That album is awesome. There have been some pretty good discs already this year, but wow – it’s not even going to be in the same ballpark as that 2007 list.
Ok, sorry. Onto The Hold Steady show at The Majestic. This was actually my first time at the Majestic and I really liked it. The interior has several terraces – allowing for people to be a bit further back but still see over those on “the main floor”. From our place at the back of that main floor the sound was real loud… which is a complete necessity for The Hold Steady.
It wasn’t my dream set list but they did play several of my favorites (update: props for the set list, in the comments, here) and (as always) put on a great live show. The crowd was completely into it – lots of Twins hats around that place last night as the crowd came down from MN to see the “local” favorite. … I was thinking when I got my wristband for the night: how awesome would it be if The Majestic had Brewers wristbands when The Hold Steady came to town? I’d love to see all those guys have to put those things on!
Great to see them again live – You can pretty much sign me up anytime these guys come to town.
update: short video from the show
