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Post by goldengopher on Dec 6, 2019 9:23:46 GMT -5
Well, I'll be damned. Can anyone elaborate on "frog" that's in the setlist? I can shed some light on this - I was at the Thursday sound check and they decided to play something new that they hadn’t played for anyone before. When someone asked about the name ”Frog” Craig said it wasn’t really named yet but they had to call it something. Other new songs at the sound check included Epaulets and Traditional Village, both of which I really wanted to hear and sounded great. I had wondered where the idea for Traditional Village came from, and in the Q&A Craig said that Tad had sent the music over and Craig came up with the words while thinking about a tiny model of a Christmas village scene but maybe a village that was not quite so storybook nice.
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Post by brokenhero on Dec 6, 2019 10:58:42 GMT -5
Wow, Arms and Hearts and Only Thing were two of my big wish list songs. I'm going tonight and tomorrow, so I hope they bring them back out again! Sets have looked great. Really wanted to hear the Only Thing since Franz came back into the fold. Hope that this makes its way back into the rotation a la Hurricane J.
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Post by muzzleofbees on Dec 6, 2019 11:28:30 GMT -5
This week is turning out pretty damn amazing. So many rarities and deep cuts. And while I was a bit more tired, the energy on stage was maybe even better yesterday than on wedensday.
I’m pretty sure we’re getting one of Epaulets or Traditional Village tonight.
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Post by steveo41ths on Dec 6, 2019 11:35:12 GMT -5
2 Nights, 2 Rarely played B-sides to open the encore - hopefully the trend continues tonight and tomorrow! Would love to hear Milkcrate Mosh or 212 Margarita
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bigontheinside
Midnight Hauler
If you don't know the words, don't sing along
Posts: 1,478
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Post by bigontheinside on Dec 6, 2019 12:40:32 GMT -5
Well, I'll be damned. Can anyone elaborate on "frog" that's in the setlist? I can shed some light on this - I was at the Thursday sound check and they decided to play something new that they hadn’t played for anyone before. When someone asked about the name ”Frog” Craig said it wasn’t really named yet but they had to call it something. Someone on Facebook said it was Separate Vacations, but I guess not? Maybe it's a similar vibe and they got mixed up? What did it sound like?
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Post by muzzleofbees on Dec 6, 2019 14:06:00 GMT -5
I can shed some light on this - I was at the Thursday sound check and they decided to play something new that they hadn’t played for anyone before. When someone asked about the name ”Frog” Craig said it wasn’t really named yet but they had to call it something. Someone on Facebook said it was Separate Vacations, but I guess not? Maybe it's a similar vibe and they got mixed up? What did it sound like? It surely wasn’t Separate Vacations. It was quite a cool song. A bit subdued and flat (not in a bad way) verses, not slow, but quite dark. Then a rocking and energetic chours. Sort of the same dynamics like The Weekenders, but not that melodically «big». Hard to tell from one live performance, but that was my impression.
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Post by goldengopher on Dec 6, 2019 18:02:21 GMT -5
2 Nights, 2 Rarely played B-sides to open the encore - hopefully the trend continues tonight and tomorrow! Would love to hear Milkcrate Mosh or 212 Margarita I want to hear Hot Fries. They played that once last year on Friday night if I’m remembering correctly. In any case, I bet tonight will be really great.
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Post by muzzleofbees on Dec 7, 2019 14:52:58 GMT -5
Those horns!
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Post by abetlyon on Dec 7, 2019 15:59:34 GMT -5
I have one ticket for tonight (Saturday). $50. Text me: 717-451-2925
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Post by jamesjesusangleton on Dec 9, 2019 6:12:41 GMT -5
2 Nights, 2 Rarely played B-sides to open the encore - hopefully the trend continues tonight and tomorrow! Would love to hear Milkcrate Mosh or 212 Margarita They played Milkcrate Mosh at Thursday's soundcheck event.
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Post by muzzleofbees on Dec 9, 2019 15:08:38 GMT -5
Wow, that was some week(end)! I landed back home in Norway 7-8 hours ago, and the sleep quality from the plane and the time difference makes this a rough Monday. But I'm so happy I did all four nights once more.
I arrived in Brooklyn only a few hours before the show, and came alone to Brooklyn Bowl on Wedensday, but was lucky enough to meet up with several nice people, both from in here and others. Brendan, mafee (I still owe you that beer, though), SequesteredInUK and Thrasher9294, who I spent the entire show with, pretty close to the stage. Don't know if the company on my left is on here, but while 2/3 of that group was way more into The Figgs, and seeing Hold Steady for the very first time, I think they had a really good time.
Wedensday was a blast, mostly because the setlist was amazing, and the band seemed really into it. To get Criminal Fingers was huge, but I also really enjoyed some rather infrequently played songs like Navy Sheets, The Ambassador and Hurricane J. It's sort of been my impression that the first night of these residencies often have been the most predictable one, setlist wise. Like their doing their best of, in a way. That was the case in Brooklyn in 2017, and the London shows have been pretty much the same. But this was something different, and I loved it. The crowd seemed a bit laidback, though. There were plenty of sing-alongs, but it felt a little too quiet. Maybe it was just the weekday vibe. I was pretty fired up myself. And a big up to The Figgs, who played a really god set!
Thursday was probably even better. I felt a little tired arriving at the venue, and didn't really socialize that much. Instead, I planted my feet as close to the stage as I could, and watched Wussy do a fine support set. Those harmonies are really something, and even though I didn't recognize a single song from the one album I spent a lot of time with back in the day (Left For Dead), it was pretty easy both to get into and to like well.
Hold Steady themselves continued in the same style as the day before, with a set filled with lots of hits and lots of sort-of deep cuts. It's always nice to dive into Stations, Hoodrat or Killer Parties, but after all these years and all these shows, I have to say that the rarities is the icing on the cake. And boy, they dragged both Arms And Hearts AND Sweet Payne up from their hat! On a list of songs I've never seen live, those were probably my two biggest. And when You Gotta Dance, Knuckles and a brand new song made the way to the set as well, it was pretty perfect. The funniest moment was probably when Craig hit Moshpit Josh in the face with his mic stand. I think he felt that one.
The only downside to Thursday was a group of not so nice guys standing right behind me. I can take a lot of jumping and pushing when it's within the set, and obviously connected to what's happening on stage. But that kind of attitude they displayed both during Wussy, between the sets and for the first 20 minutes of Hold Steady, was something different. Luckily, they ran out of beer (partly because it was spilled on people around them), and found somewhere else to do their jock routine.
Friday was the first show of the week where I brought actual company. My girlfriend came along from Norway for the entire spell, but not being that big of a fan, one show was enough for her. That was the Friday one. And not only that, I was lucky enough to once again meet up with skepticatfirst, who even brought a friend along. We met up for dinner and a quick refreshment at Lake Street before heading to the show. You could sort of sense that the weekend had arrive, and the venue felt more packed, more energized and probably a lot more drunk. From our spots about halfway between the stage and the bar, the atmosphere was really good. The set felt more conventional at first glance, but there were plenty of gems hidden in there. And I couldn't quite believe that they finally brought horns! It lifted a song like Sequestered to new heights, not to talk about Hostile, Mass or Cattle And The Creeping Things. Ended up on Lake Street, and went to bed somewhere around 3am. It was probably worth it.
Saturday was a great finale. Another night in good company, another night pretty much in front of the stage. The horns were there again, and this time I got the whole vibe even more, standing just a few feet away from the action. But what struck me the most was how some of the horn-less songs felt more intense and powerful than I think I've ever heard them. Yeah Sapphire had a hectic rawness to it that hit me really hard, the same with Lord I'm Disouraged. I can't pinpoint what it was, but there was an energy and power to it that I just haven't felt before. The set was probably the closest they'll come a hit parade. If I was to list the 10-12 most popular/crowd pleasing songs, they were all in the set. But I'm really glad they found room for both Banging Camp and Most People Are DJs in the last part of the show, as well as Chicago Seemed Tired Last Night as an encore.
Heading home, I have to say I'm very pleased about everything who went down at Brooklyn Bowl. There were large parts of the shows who musically felt even more inspired than before, it was so much fun to hear the new songs (allthough I really missed Epaulets and Traditional Village from the setlists) and the vibe at the venue was mostly fantastic. But I keep coming back to what this band represents and mean to people, way beyond the music. The connections and friendships built through and around The Hold Steady continue to amaze me. And I don't think it's a coincidence that this band is the starting point for these relationships. It takes a whooole lot to actually live up to Craig's stage presence, speeches and lyrics. So much joy, we are all..., the unified scene - it could easily became only a gimmick, almost kitschy. But everytime I travel to se them, it's a reminder of how much Craig really means this stuff. And not only that, how the people in the room not only believe him, but also add meaning and substance to the words. These thing keep mirroring each other, enhancing and elevate each other. And that's quite beautiful.
I'm 35 years old now, and had to leave the kids to babysitters while traveling across the Atlantic to experience this whole thing. It's the tenth time I've travelled abroad with the sole purpose of seeing the band. And I sort of think that doing four nights in a different continent might be a little too much. It was a life affirming, and almost pilgrimage like experience to do it in 2017. So good I had to do it again. Maybe London wil suffice for a few years. But I never would have been without these trips.
Thank you all for being a part of this whole thing. It sure is something worth celebrating.
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Post by muzzleofbees on Dec 9, 2019 15:34:34 GMT -5
Since I started this thread off with some setlist statistics, I might as well scribble down a few points about what was actually played. The setlists are out there, so this is not exactly rocket science. Mostly for my own part, but might as well put it here.
During the four nights they played...
Every song from Boys And Girls In America 9/10 from Almost Killed Me (Sketchy Metal left out) 9/11 from Separation Sunday (missing Charlemagne In Sweatpants and Crucifixion Cruise) 9/11 from Stay Positive (Both Crosses and Joke About Jamaica) Just 3/10 from Heaven Is Whenever (Sweet Part, Weekenders and Hurricane J). I guess Rock Problems is out of rotation Just 4/10 from Teeth Dreams (The Ambassador, The Only Thing, On With The Business and Spinners). A bit surprising that Frighten is missing 7/10 from Thrashing Through The Passion. I would have assumed they were listing every song at least once, but no Epaulets, Village or Stove And The Toaster
In addition we got seven "b-sides" (Criminal Fingers, Arms And Hearts, You Gotta Dance, Esther, Aderall) , covers (Christmas in style of The Band) or new songs (Frog).
That means they played 48 different songs for the 101 numbers they did throughout the week. I think that's pretty good!
The most frequently played songs shouldn't come as any surprise, with a few exceptions:
* They actually did Banging Camp 3/4 nights. Couldn't be happier about that! * The downside is that Cattle and Hornets only got played once each. I feel they normally appears in like every other show * Hot Soft Light was only played twice - also a bit surprising. At this point it feels weird when Constructive Summer actually ends, and not flows directly into a one-two punch with Hot Soft * The Swish sort of made a comeback, appearing in 3/4 shows. I think that's way more frequent than what has been the case the past four or five years * Beside the allready-canonized Entitlement Crew, T-Shirt Tux was the most played song from the Thrashing era (3/4). I get the feeling that both Tad and Steve really like to play it * As I wrote somewhere earlier in the thread: I think the normal policy for closers the pat few years have been Killers Parties + 2/3 out of Southtown, Resurrection and Slapped Actress. This time around, they cut it back a little Ressurection got played twice, while Slapped Actress and Southtown only appeared once each. * Eight songs were played every night. And the list should come as no surprise: Hoodrat, Stations, Chips Ahoy!, Massive Nights, Constructive Summer, Sequestered, Entitlement Crew and Killer Parties.
Ok, I think that's it for now.
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Post by sequesteredinuk on Dec 9, 2019 16:33:38 GMT -5
Fantastic posts Muzzle, top reviews and thoughts. Lovely to meet you there before night one, already counting days to weekender in March. Hope to see you again in London.
You summed things up well enough but to expand a small degree I was chatting before the Figgs came on stage to a nice bloke from upstate New York who had come to the show to see the Figgs (He had not heard of the Hold Steady😮) but on the way to the gig had been listening to THS because he thought he should considering he was going to stick around and watch. Long Story short he got five tracks into his first listen and said to himself "Fuck me,how did I miss these guys?"......how indeed? A new fan was born.
Shout out to Ezra Furman for night 4 opening set as well vocals on Chill out tent! A new fan was born for him that night too.....me!👍
Life affirming is correct Muzzle, I was 40 years old when I first heard the Hold Steady, I honestly didn't think I I'd find a band ever again that I loved as much as The Clash? Not only do I love them as much but even more. Live they continue to get better and better, no way are they winding down. I had convinced myself that I was going to skip Massive Nights 5 in 2020 as I thought there years in a row was enough considering the expense, I told myself I'd return in 2021 to the Brooklyn Bowl. That resolution lasted until five minutes after the end of night 2. Thursday night was so good it could not be bettered I told anyone who'd listen! Saturday was better still. I'll be back next year now. It's kind of out of my hands. I'm becoming an easy persuasion for the band. Long may it continue. To echo your thoughts, a great four days, very few assholes in attendance, met lots of great people who.mostly, like myself, love talking music, fans from Philadelphia, Chicago, Albany, England, Scotland, Australia, plenty of New Yorkers. My hat's off to all of them.
Roll on 2020.
Trivia time. What did Craig replace 'Rocco Sifredi 'with on Saturday? And who is the guy he swapped him.out for? Not another Italian adult actor surely?
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Post by kayfaberaven on Dec 9, 2019 17:58:00 GMT -5
* Hot Soft Light was only played twice - also a bit surprising. At this point it feels weird when Constructive Summer actually ends, and not flows directly into a one-two punch with Hot Soft Haha this is so true.
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Post by orzelc on Dec 9, 2019 18:02:26 GMT -5
I think Banging Camp got a boost this weekend from having a natural horn part, so it made both Friday and Saturday sets. T-Shirt Tux and You did Good, Kid, likewise, though being new-ish they were probably more likely to appear anyway.
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Post by muzzleofbees on Dec 10, 2019 5:16:58 GMT -5
I think Banging Camp got a boost this weekend from having a natural horn part, so it made both Friday and Saturday sets. T-Shirt Tux and You did Good, Kid, likewise, though being new-ish they were probably more likely to appear anyway. Yeah, the horns probably played a part in the selection. Banging Camp with horns AND jolly backup vocals was sooo good.
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john k
Midnight Hauler
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Post by john k on Dec 10, 2019 19:40:52 GMT -5
Thanks Muzzle. Loved reading these reports
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mafee
Clever Kid
Posts: 94
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Post by mafee on Dec 23, 2019 7:40:32 GMT -5
Keep hearing 'It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year' when I'm out and about lately and brought back to Night 1.
Great memories.
See you all in London!
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Post by sequesteredinuk on Dec 23, 2019 9:05:19 GMT -5
Keep hearing 'It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year' when I'm out and about lately and brought back to Night 1. Great memories. See you all in London! 😂Every time The Hold Steady are in a room with a bunch of fans into it it's the most wonderful time of the year mate. I thought of night one the other day (in a painfully packed shopping centre) when that song was being played outside too. Roll on Camden town.
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Post by muzzleofbees on Dec 26, 2019 2:37:53 GMT -5
Keep hearing 'It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year' when I'm out and about lately and brought back to Night 1. Great memories. See you all in London! Haha, me too. I'll buy you back that beer in London. In for Friday and Saturday.
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mafee
Clever Kid
Posts: 94
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Post by mafee on Dec 31, 2019 8:23:32 GMT -5
Keep hearing 'It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year' when I'm out and about lately and brought back to Night 1. Great memories. See you all in London! Haha, me too. I'll buy you back that beer in London. In for Friday and Saturday. 100% chief - I'm solo Friday I think and will have a crew Saturday. Our mutual friends from England are coming down too. Have my flights and apartment booked now - can't wait! I'll send you my contact details by PM. Happy New Year all!
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xjx
Cityscape Skin
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Post by xjx on Jan 6, 2020 19:03:23 GMT -5
Wow, that was some week(end)! I landed back home in Norway 7-8 hours ago, and the sleep quality from the plane and the time difference makes this a rough Monday. But I'm so happy I did all four nights once more. I arrived in Brooklyn only a few hours before the show, and came alone to Brooklyn Bowl on Wedensday, but was lucky enough to meet up with several nice people, both from in here and others. Brendan, mafee (I still owe you that beer, though), SequesteredInUK and Thrasher9294, who I spent the entire show with, pretty close to the stage. Don't know if the company on my left is on here, but while 2/3 of that group was way more into The Figgs, and seeing Hold Steady for the very first time, I think they had a really good time. Wedensday was a blast, mostly because the setlist was amazing, and the band seemed really into it. To get Criminal Fingers was huge, but I also really enjoyed some rather infrequently played songs like Navy Sheets, The Ambassador and Hurricane J. It's sort of been my impression that the first night of these residencies often have been the most predictable one, setlist wise. Like their doing their best of, in a way. That was the case in Brooklyn in 2017, and the London shows have been pretty much the same. But this was something different, and I loved it. The crowd seemed a bit laidback, though. There were plenty of sing-alongs, but it felt a little too quiet. Maybe it was just the weekday vibe. I was pretty fired up myself. And a big up to The Figgs, who played a really god set! ------- Hi, my friend! I am 1/3 of the company to your left, and had an absolute blast watching the Wednesday show with you. I was there with my older brother and my sister-in-law and it was indeed their first Hold Steady show - and they've been talking about it ever since. They were completely floored. They just sent me a video of the "Criminal Fingers" encore, with the Grateful Dead introduction, and they wanted me to convey to you that your presence at the show and your conversations and enthusiasm contributed to making it one of the most unforgettable nights they've had in quite awhile. I know I walked out of that venue feeling ecstatic. Let's try to say hello at The Electric Ballroom shows in London. Take Care & Thank You, Josh
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Post by muzzleofbees on Jan 7, 2020 5:03:20 GMT -5
Hi, my friend! I am 1/3 of the company to your left, and had an absolute blast watching the Wednesday show with you. I was there with my older brother and my sister-in-law and it was indeed their first Hold Steady show - and they've been talking about it ever since. They were completely floored. They just sent me a video of the "Criminal Fingers" encore, with the Grateful Dead introduction, and they wanted me to convey to you that your presence at the show and your conversations and enthusiasm contributed to making it one of the most unforgettable nights they've had in quite awhile. I know I walked out of that venue feeling ecstatic. Let's try to say hello at The Electric Ballroom shows in London. Take Care & Thank You, Josh [/quote] Good to hear from you! And I'm so glad you guys enjoyed it that much. It's a pleasure being able to attend shows with people getting struck by what Hold Steady has to offer for the first time! If you're coming to London, we should definitely meet up. I send you a DM.
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TKalltheTime
Sniffling Indie Kid
Blotto / Blacked Out / Cracked Out / Caved In
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Post by TKalltheTime on Jan 24, 2020 15:09:47 GMT -5
Well, I'll be damned. Can anyone elaborate on "frog" that's in the setlist? I can shed some light on this - I was at the Thursday sound check and they decided to play something new that they hadn’t played for anyone before. When someone asked about the name ”Frog” Craig said it wasn’t really named yet but they had to call it something. Other new songs at the sound check included Epaulets and Traditional Village, both of which I really wanted to hear and sounded great. I had wondered where the idea for Traditional Village came from, and in the Q&A Craig said that Tad had sent the music over and Craig came up with the words while thinking about a tiny model of a Christmas village scene but maybe a village that was not quite so storybook nice. It was nice of Craig to dedicate that one to me! /humblebrag haha
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