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Post by spencerm on Apr 20, 2021 13:21:38 GMT -5
But I guess it doesn't apply to all songs. I'm not quite sure what the general perception of Sequestered is, but I assume I like it a little less than most fans, maybe? It sure seems popular when they do it live. The same goes for Stay Positive, The Weekenders and Magazines. My main point was that even the fans who go to every show, seem to like these songs a lot, and that even that most of them prefer to hear these well-know tracks in favour of a deep cut. But the more I write about it, the more unsure I become. Maybe I'm wrong. It's kind of weird, but I think that even if you attend a lot of shows, the songs that get played at nearly every show remain a lot of fun. For one, the audience isn't all people who attend so many shows and I still enjoy seeing people go nuts for a song that I've seen them play live dozens of times. Second, a song like Sequestered is a good singalong and has developed a lot of pantomime stuff over the years -- songs that only get an occasional airing don't have the same change to become so entrenched in the band's culture. In other words, the apparent popularity of some of the songs you've listed, even among die-hards, might appear greater than it is. There's just more to *do* during some songs rather than others. (And I feel like it would be a bit at odds with the unified scene ethos to just stand around for songs you don't like as much?). That being said, I don't listen to Sequestered at home very often. It's a good song, but I enjoy it much more live. I have also found live versions of some long-awaited B-sides a bit deflating because lots of people are less familiar and they're less rehearsed. Great songs, but you wouldn't want them to be the whole setlist. On the flip side, for me anyway, I think a song like Southtown is hurt a bit by its frequent inclusion in setlists. It's a bit long (5:11 compared to the 3:35 of Sequestered), it's more mid-tempo, the opening vocals are always a bit awkward, and the harmonica solo is maybe the biggest live highlight. But songs like Hoodrat, Stations, You Can Make Him Like You, DJs, Entitlement Crew, Resurrection, Massive Nights -- I am pretty much always as stoked as I appear. They're great songs that translate well live and I would happily see them show up on virtually every setlist.
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Post by spencerm on Dec 22, 2020 1:35:54 GMT -5
It’s a fun watch, totally worth buying. I’m on there for a few seconds, as I got interviewed while standing in line for the First Ave show. I remember sometime before the DVD dropped there was a trailer on YouTube with a lot (all?) footage that didn’t make the DVD...I remember it seeming a bit darker than the finished version ended up being. The trailer disappeared rather quickly and I never saw it again. www.youtube.com/watch?v=6KFO6irq3X0Thanks for sharing that! Am I right in thinking that basically none of that footage is on the actual DVD? I wonder how much didn't make it on and if it still exists somewhere. I also love that Galen seemed to be having a great time.
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Post by spencerm on Nov 8, 2020 20:34:23 GMT -5
I don't think it's online anywhere. I bought a copy of the CD a few years ago just to get the DVD. It was only a couple bucks - was worth it. Fun to see the band at that time.
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Post by spencerm on Feb 14, 2020 2:20:56 GMT -5
The Seattle shows were super fun, even if confetti was verboten. Met lots of new folks and the band sounded great. Crowds were for the most part really positive - ended up meeting lots of other folks from vancouver, but also Victoria, Portland, and California. A highlight was when Steve high-fived everyone around me but left me hanging. Someone tapped me on the shoulder and offered me a high five. Now that's a unified scene. (The same guy happened to be near me the next night and seemed happy that I got a high five). The band is obviously pretty stoked on the new stuff, probably partially because it's fresh but also because it makes full use of the 6 piece lineup. (That being said, I think Steve has done some masterful work adding new parts that fit seamlessly into older songs). At the soundcheck event on Saturday they almost exclusively played new stuff. Entitlement crew has already become a set list standard but it's been 5 years since THS played the PNW. On Saturday night up at the front a glass of tequila and a glass of tecate were circulating for anyone interested in a takeoff/landing situation. Denver haircut seems to fit in well. They opened with it on Friday and I kind of thought they might play the whole new record start to finish. I agree that the guitar solo at the end of blackout sam may propel that tune into regular rotation. The vocal harmonies at the end are a nice touch, with the band doing some stuff they don't normally. T-shirt tux also has a great ending that seems to go over well live. I'd put my money on those songs sticking around in setlists well into the future. Having this much new material does seem to mean that there is a bit less variation in setlists than there has been in recent residencies. Playing a decent number of new songs plus all the 'must play' songs (stations, chips, Memphis, killer parties etc) may leave less room for the real deep cuts that have surfaced at some other shows in the last couple years. On the other hand, this might change as the constructive summer shows roll on and the band has more time to rehearse etc. Hey there Spencer! It's Travis, aka the guy who gave you a high five when Steve unintentionally left you high and dry. Just wanted to say hello and verify your suspicion that I was indeed happy that you got you high five. Those three Constructive Summer shows were some of the best THS shows I've seen. Hopefully they'll come back again in 2020 or 2021 and if they do, all the high fives are on me! What a fun surprise! Thanks again for lending me a hand last time.
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Post by spencerm on Feb 14, 2020 2:17:39 GMT -5
My list is pretty similar to some of the above. I've been to 18 shows. There are a couple here that I think might have heard at soundchecks before (mostly stuff from Teeth Dreams, but also 212 or Modesto, perhaps?). Does anyone have the soundcheck setlist from Dec. 1 2017? That would help jog my memory -- I know they fumbled through a bit of Curves and Nerves but I don't remember everything else. Hot Fries Curves and Nerves Milkcrate Mosh Modesto is Not that Sweet The Most Important Thing 212-MargaritaArms & HeartsFor Boston Teenage Liberation 40 Bucks Spectres Ballad of the Midnight HaulerSoft in the Center The Smidge A Slight Discomfort Touchless Ascension BluesSeparate Vacations Bear and the Maiden Fair Criminal FingersRunner's High Almost Everything Saddle Shoes Look Alive Records & Tapes EstherEurekaEnded up crossing quite a few off in the last year and a half!
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Post by spencerm on Aug 21, 2019 2:40:26 GMT -5
Ok, I went and did the math and y'all are right. San Fran 2018 was the same as Seattle 2019 (45 songs over 3 nights), Toronto 2018 was 48 songs over 4 nights, and Massive Nights 2016 was 44 songs over 4 nights. For the Toronto and SF runs, I missed 1 or 2 shows from each run and I guess I assumed the setlists must've varied as much as the Massive Nights 2018 shows, which featured an astounding 67 different songs over 4 nights!
So, the band is mixing up setlists as much(or more) as they ever have, except on some rare occasion. I'll leave my earlier post unchanged so everyone can remember how wrong I was.
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Post by spencerm on Aug 19, 2019 16:07:42 GMT -5
The one I have a little trouble with is "You Did Good Kid," which is kind of weird and jagged. It's interesting to me though that everybody seems to have different answers to the question of favorite/least favorite track. And, for that matter, which of the previously released tracks that got left off should've been included (I'm voting for "Snake in the Shower"). That probably says something about the quality of the record, and where the band is at these days. I think I'm with you on this. I think Snake would've been a great closer. (IIRC, Craig mentioned in soundcheck the other day that some of the tracks that didn't make it would see some kind of vinyl release at some point). Seems like widespread appreciation for Entitlement Crew, which I'm 100% down with. T-Shirt Tux, Blackout Sam, and Denver Haircut are probably my other favourites so far.
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Post by spencerm on Aug 19, 2019 12:46:35 GMT -5
To be clear, I'm not saying that 45+ songs isn't impressive nor do I think it takes away from the shows! It wasn't a judgment so much as an observation that they may have changed how they approach the setlists from how they've done it the last couple years. It makes total sense with a new record out and I think many of the new tunes are on their way to becoming setlist standards. Between doing BAGIA and Stay Positive shows, the band has been covering some less common ground over the last few years, and some of the massive nights runs have covered pretty much every single album track. But I'm glad the band is playing new stuff -- it's nice to see them so stoked about the material.
And there are good reasons why some songs get played virtually every night and some don't -- some of the songs I've most anticipated hearing don't translate as well live. Deep cuts don't necessarily make for a great show and there was still enough variation across the nights to please those who came to all the shows.
FWIW, I think Friday night was a top-5 show for me, up there with the AKM Cobra Lounge show, last year's 2nd night in SF, and some of the massive nights shows.
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Post by spencerm on Aug 19, 2019 0:54:18 GMT -5
The Seattle shows were super fun, even if confetti was verboten. Met lots of new folks and the band sounded great. Crowds were for the most part really positive - ended up meeting lots of other folks from vancouver, but also Victoria, Portland, and California. A highlight was when Steve high-fived everyone around me but left me hanging. Someone tapped me on the shoulder and offered me a high five. Now that's a unified scene. (The same guy happened to be near me the next night and seemed happy that I got a high five).
The band is obviously pretty stoked on the new stuff, probably partially because it's fresh but also because it makes full use of the 6 piece lineup. (That being said, I think Steve has done some masterful work adding new parts that fit seamlessly into older songs). At the soundcheck event on Saturday they almost exclusively played new stuff.
Entitlement crew has already become a set list standard but it's been 5 years since THS played the PNW. On Saturday night up at the front a glass of tequila and a glass of tecate were circulating for anyone interested in a takeoff/landing situation.
Denver haircut seems to fit in well. They opened with it on Friday and I kind of thought they might play the whole new record start to finish.
I agree that the guitar solo at the end of blackout sam may propel that tune into regular rotation. The vocal harmonies at the end are a nice touch, with the band doing some stuff they don't normally. T-shirt tux also has a great ending that seems to go over well live. I'd put my money on those songs sticking around in setlists well into the future.
Having this much new material does seem to mean that there is a bit less variation in setlists than there has been in recent residencies. Playing a decent number of new songs plus all the 'must play' songs (stations, chips, Memphis, killer parties etc) may leave less room for the real deep cuts that have surfaced at some other shows in the last couple years. On the other hand, this might change as the constructive summer shows roll on and the band has more time to rehearse etc.
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Post by spencerm on Aug 19, 2019 0:29:53 GMT -5
Great photos. Thanks for sharing! Always nice to cross paths.
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Post by spencerm on May 17, 2019 13:15:08 GMT -5
I generally like the process but agree that The Last Time That She Talked To Me is clearly my least favourite.
I arranged the existing songs into a playlist too, although I tried to avoid chronological order and went on how I thought they fit together. It's here if anyone is interested:
Guess I shouldn't get too attached if there's at least 3 more songs to go...
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Post by spencerm on Mar 26, 2019 0:23:11 GMT -5
Oaks is great, but it never clicked for me live. The full song is too long for a THS show and the shorter version they were doing seemed to strip the song of its grandeur.
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Post by spencerm on Dec 14, 2018 0:39:57 GMT -5
On the note of the feel good band thing, I think some of the darkness is sidelined during the live shows. The concerts are celebrations which means that lines like 'gonna walk around and drink some more' take on a different tone than they do within the context of the song. I see where Franz is coming from but I suspect he might also recognize that the picture is complicated and context matters. Just like lots of people know they're going to be hungover tomorrow, they still think (at least in the moment) that the fun they'll have in the evening is worth the cost. This is spot on, especially the part about certain lines taking on different tones in the celebration-like setting of a live show. Well said, friend. On a side note, is that a Wintersleep shirt you're wearing in your profile pic? Such an underrated band. Haha yeah it is. I was wearing one the first time I met Craig too and he said "We're going on tour with them, are they good?" He later remarked that they are indeed a killer band.
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Post by spencerm on Dec 13, 2018 2:26:15 GMT -5
On the note of the feel good band thing, I think some of the darkness is sidelined during the live shows. The concerts are celebrations which means that lines like 'gonna walk around and drink some more' take on a different tone than they do within the context of the song. I see where Franz is coming from but I suspect he might also recognize that the picture is complicated and context matters. Just like lots of people know they're going to be hungover tomorrow, they still think (at least in the moment) that the fun they'll have in the evening is worth the cost.
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Post by spencerm on Nov 25, 2018 0:20:01 GMT -5
Not doing sound check this year but IIRC last year we met at Brooklyn bowl at 3:45. There's a good chance the email just hasn't been sent yet but I assume the timing will be in the same ballpark.
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Post by spencerm on Oct 25, 2018 2:07:43 GMT -5
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Post by spencerm on Oct 25, 2018 2:06:28 GMT -5
I've got an extra that I'll send you for the cost of shipping. Just pm me your address and we'll figure it out.
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Post by spencerm on Sept 4, 2018 13:39:07 GMT -5
For my money, it's always been "the Father and the Son they seemed like regular folks/ Jesus rolled his eyes when his dad made Jesus jokes."
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Post by spencerm on Aug 13, 2018 19:49:41 GMT -5
Glad to see this announced. I bought a ticket a few months ago to see Springsteen on Broadway on Nov. 29 with the hope that there would be some THS shows at the same time.
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Post by spencerm on Aug 13, 2018 17:46:49 GMT -5
My list is pretty similar to some of the above. I've been to 18 shows. There are a couple here that I think might have heard at soundchecks before (mostly stuff from Teeth Dreams, but also 212 or Modesto, perhaps?). Does anyone have the soundcheck setlist from Dec. 1 2017? That would help jog my memory -- I know they fumbled through a bit of Curves and Nerves but I don't remember everything else.
Hot Fries Curves and Nerves Milkcrate Mosh Modesto is Not that Sweet
The Most Important Thing 212-Margarita
Arms & Hearts For Boston Teenage Liberation
40 Bucks Spectres Ballad of the Midnight Hauler
Soft in the Center The Smidge A Slight Discomfort Touchless Ascension Blues Separate Vacations
Bear and the Maiden Fair Criminal Fingers
Runner's High Almost Everything Saddle Shoes Look Alive Records & Tapes
Esther Eureka
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Post by spencerm on Aug 1, 2018 12:15:31 GMT -5
Yeah, the article could've really done with a better editor. Beyond the 'nearly killed me thing'...
I think Tad's celebrity look-a-like is Alan Tudyk, not Stephen Merchant.
It uses the line about Tad playing base for LP as 'taking a bullet for the team' twice.
Also, a bunch of Craig's answers are unfortunately cut off. Too bad.
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Post by spencerm on Jul 31, 2018 19:27:54 GMT -5
I think mine is
Entitlement Eureka Stove Snake Esther Star
I don't really get the love for Star 18. I think Entitlement Crew is the song from this bunch that will be a fan favourite, sticking around in setlists etc. It's also the one that sounds most 'Hold Steady' to me. Esther and Eureka sound like they could've been (awesome) solo Craig songs but that might just be because that's where I've heard most of his writing/voice in new music over the last few years.
This isn't meant as an insult, but this set of songs almost seems like an attempt to find a middle ground between Teeth Dreams and HiW. They remind me of some of my favorite songs from that era, like Ascension Blues and Barely Breathing, combined with some of the better sensibilities of both TD and Craig's solo work.
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Post by spencerm on Jul 30, 2018 11:05:57 GMT -5
Just took a look at my 3-day pass email and it said tickets would be sent for GAMH and Rickshaw stop would be will-call. Has anyone received tickets? Or does anyone know if it will just be will call at Rickshaw Stop?
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Post by spencerm on May 7, 2018 14:35:09 GMT -5
If anyone has one for the Ashbury show I'd be very appreciative... Asbury link is here: bit.ly/2KDh8bo. Looks like all of the presale links are here:
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Post by spencerm on May 7, 2018 14:32:49 GMT -5
The 3-day pass link for SF was on the band's facebook page but not in the email: 3 Day Pass - San Francisco - bit.ly/2jElUcr . Took me some digging to find. I couldn't get the single night links to work.
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