Weekender 2021 - Thoughts anyone?

[thehudsonsteady]

Well, how was it for you?!  I watched the Saturday night stream and very quickly had any doubts about re-creating the feel of gig blown away.  The band was fantastic, the setlist inspired, the shots of people at home made it all into a real occasion.  If this is what we get when live gigs aren't possible, it was a brilliant 'next best thing'.  (If anyone noticed tea and bisuits on a tray in the fans stream, that was us!).  A massive thanks to all concerned, you did good, kids.

[muzzleofbees]

It was overwhelmingly good, and I think it's about as close to real gig as possible. I had friends over for both shows (luckily enough, it was possible even with increasingly strict Covid restrictions), and with the sound turned up, a few drinks in and some singalong from the guests, the illusion of an actual show was almost complete.

I've watched the release party and that radio session from early Friday, and it seems like they added another gear for the proper shows. And while it's impossible to recreate the actual energy from a real show, I think they come close. The upside is the possibility to really listen for details, arrangments and how they work out these songs live. The sound and mix was just perfect.

Watching these shows from my own living room is a strangely chatarctic experience, and I'm just so glad they put on these shows. Loved it.

[dmwhalen]

I cried several times.

[robs]

I really enjoyed it, and it was great to be able to experience it with my family. I think they "get" the whole thing now!! The setlists were incredible - my highlight was Our Whole Lives on Night 1. Clearly, picking 25 songs is becoming increasingly difficult, but I'm glad that they are sticking with that rather than going longer. Was last night the first gig without Hoodrat - I was explaining to my family that there were seven songs they always played, until last night!!

[kayfaberaven]

Mar 7, 2021 12:55:24 GMT -5 robs said:

I really enjoyed it, and it was great to be able to experience it with my family. I think they "get" the whole thing now!! The setlists were incredible - my highlight was Our Whole Lives on Night 1. Clearly, picking 25 songs is becoming increasingly difficult, but I'm glad that they are sticking with that rather than going longer. Was last night the first gig without Hoodrat - I was explaining to my family that there were seven songs they always played, until last night!!

Yes, as their catalogue continues to grow it must be harder for them to come up with setlists. I've seen enough THS shows now that, selfishly, I'd be happy if they focused almost entirely on HiW, TD, TTTP and ODP. But I also understand that they need to sprinkle in "the hits", and it's also nice to hear some of the deeper cuts from the first four albums.

[john k]

Mar 7, 2021 12:55:24 GMT -5 robs said:

I really enjoyed it, and it was great to be able to experience it with my family. I think they "get" the whole thing now!! The setlists were incredible - my highlight was Our Whole Lives on Night 1. Clearly, picking 25 songs is becoming increasingly difficult, but I'm glad that they are sticking with that rather than going longer. Was last night the first gig without Hoodrat - I was explaining to my family that there were seven songs they always played, until last night!!

The only other time I didn't see them play hoodrat was when they supported counting crows. They only had 40 mins and wanted to play as many tunes off SP as possible.
At the Belfast gig in 2014 Finn said it was the only song that was constant since SS came out.

[zimmerframemosher]

Ok guys, it must be at least ten years since I’ve last posted here. Watched Friday’s show. I’ve really forgotten how great this band is live, enjoyed it so much and have watched it three times since. A little worried the sound & vision would be suspect but it was perfect.
Sorry I didn’t book to see Saturday’s gig. A trip to London is on the cards in 2022 , fingers crossed.

[bigontheinside]

It was phenomenal. I just saw the Saturday show, and my only beef was that they only played 3 songs off ODP. I know they have a lot of hits to get through - and god knows i love the hits - I would have liked to hear more from ODP. Luckily they played Unpleasant Breakfast which I was very excited to hear, but still, it just came out! Celebrate it! I know they did the full album show but I couldn't watch that due to time zones and it was the one thing that sadly hasn't been archived.

Still, I had a blast. Got way too drunk and sang along and played my guitar along (cut my thumb on the strings - alcohol drastically affects my pick accuracy apparently.). I only know how to play a few parts of a few songs which meant I spent most of the time playing it Craig-style, but it was one perk of being at home I suppose. Can't wait for real shows, but this was a great thing to make what would have been a sad weekender a fantastic one.

[kayfaberaven]

Mar 7, 2021 18:31:43 GMT -5 bigontheinside said:

I know they did the full album show but I couldn't watch that due to time zones and it was the one thing that sadly hasn't been archived.

I don't want to rub it in, but it was really great to hear them do the full album front to back. I was impressed that they were able to play them all so well live. 

[muzzleofbees]

Mar 7, 2021 14:21:26 GMT -5 john k said:

Mar 7, 2021 12:55:24 GMT -5 robs said:

I really enjoyed it, and it was great to be able to experience it with my family. I think they "get" the whole thing now!! The setlists were incredible - my highlight was Our Whole Lives on Night 1. Clearly, picking 25 songs is becoming increasingly difficult, but I'm glad that they are sticking with that rather than going longer. Was last night the first gig without Hoodrat - I was explaining to my family that there were seven songs they always played, until last night!!

The only other time I didn't see them play hoodrat was when they supported counting crows. They only had 40 mins and wanted to play as many tunes off SP as possible.
At the Belfast gig in 2014 Finn said it was the only song that was constant since SS came out.

I still look for complete setlist from the June 2010 shows in Amsterdam (where we met up, right?) and London, and from what I've been able to piece together, Hoodrat wasn't played at any of those shows. But I could be wrong.

The only song I'm 100% sure that have been played at all shows I've attended, is Stuck Between Stations and Sequestered In Memphis (not counting my only pre-Stay Positive gig).

[mafee]

Did Saturday sound check and show.

Thought the show was great - if I was doing it again I'd probably leave out the sound check tbh. From memory they just played songs they played again that night and a Q&A - there was nothing special. Having said that I did the in person one in London a few years ago which was enjoyable.

Pleasantly surprised to see a lot of Irish on the zoom call.

[bigontheinside]

Mar 7, 2021 20:12:33 GMT -5 kayfaberaven said:

Mar 7, 2021 18:31:43 GMT -5 bigontheinside said:

I know they did the full album show but I couldn't watch that due to time zones and it was the one thing that sadly hasn't been archived.

I don't want to rub it in, but it was really great to hear them do the full album front to back. I was impressed that they were able to play them all so well live. 

😒

[nosferatu]

I really enjoyed it. I enjoyed the shows back in December a bit more, but these were really excellent. The integration of the horn steady is very last waltz and that really really works. It’s always difficult to criticise them especially when they’ve not really been able to get together properly due to the pandemic I guess but there’s a handful of things I’ve got small issues with. They didn’t really detract from how much I enjoyed the shows but they definitely played on my mind a bit watching. No shade intended!

The one thing about this line up and version of the band that is inevitable is that in becoming much better at playing together they’re sort of becoming a bit predictable. Like I remember a couple of years ago the first time I saw Tad and Steve raising a toast with their guitars I thought it was the coolest little trick for the London show, then they do it every time. Fine, that’s cool. Then I remember seeing the “break it up! Break it up!” bit in DJs, which I though was a spontaneous bit of improv... oh wait, they now do it every time too (still think it’s funny as fuck mind) I remember first seeing Craig and Tad concentrate on the ending of Hornets! Hornets! and hi-five... yup that makes it in there each time... the end of Constructive into Hot Soft Light... whoa! They didn’t do it night 1! All I’m saying is they gotta watch out and catch this early enough it doesn’t become stale, one of the greatest strengths of a THS show is that you’re all watching something together that can’t be repeated, and a bit of that sparkle does dull sometimes when you see these familiar bits over and over. I do wonder whether it’s part of becoming more streamlined, I mentioned in another thread how I’ve seen Jason Isbell do exactly the same “I’m gonna wander over to the keyboards while I’m playing a solo” in the same song every time I’ve seen him and it bugs me, it’s like this “we are playing a show and this is how the show goes” attitude which doesn’t sit well with my expectations.

I also recognise that these little set pieces are probably becoming expected highlights for some people and favourite little in-jokes and stuff are always cool but I’d be interested to hear if anyone else had the same experience?

Also... I know Craig has always stumbled over words, but did he do that much much more than usual or do I just never notice because there are 2000 people singing his lyrics anyway?

[star18]

I also recognise that these little set pieces are probably becoming expected highlights for some people and favourite little in-jokes and stuff are always cool but I’d be interested to hear if anyone else had the same experience?

I get what you're saying. I imagine that some of what you're describing is due to the difference between playing a small number of shows per season, versus doing a tour. With more shows, you have more freedom to be a little weird some nights, mix things up, etc.  Whereas these were our only live THS option for (at least) the first half of '21, so they wanna "play the hits" so to speak, not only in terms of song selection but the kind of theatrics you're describing as well. 

There were a few unexpected musical moves -- pauses being held extra long, or the arrangements of a few of the older songs that got a retreatment -- and that little stuff makes me super happy to hear that they're still finding new life in old songs, even if the banter is canned.

[thehudsonsteady]

Personally I love what we in the UK would call the 'Panto' aspects!  Making the air quotes at the end of 'Sequestered', the double time claps etc.  The new arrangements and unexpected songs are really welcomed, like the previous contributor I'd love a show based on the more recent albums too. I always think it's great when you come away from a THS gig and think "I never thought I'd hear that live tonight" (eg, You Did Good Kid, Don't Let Me Explode and We Can Get Together).  Still annoyed that I've heard Don't Let Me Explode twice live and I've yet to hear Barfruit Blues!

[star18]

Forgot to mention above but I was SUPER happy to hear "Esther" on Saturday!

[goldengopher]

I thought the sound was better than the shows in December, and the set lists were great.
One downside - no turtle love - but let’s not be too greedy. I imagine the turtles need recovery time.
I’m looking forward to live and in-person, but until then these shows have been a lifeline.

[nosferatu]

Mar 9, 2021 12:07:10 GMT -5 star18 said:

I also recognise that these little set pieces are probably becoming expected highlights for some people and favourite little in-jokes and stuff are always cool but I’d be interested to hear if anyone else had the same experience?

I get what you're saying. I imagine that some of what you're describing is due to the difference between playing a small number of shows per season, versus doing a tour. With more shows, you have more freedom to be a little weird some nights, mix things up, etc.  Whereas these were our only live THS option for (at least) the first half of '21, so they wanna "play the hits" so to speak, not only in terms of song selection but the kind of theatrics you're describing as well. 

There were a few unexpected musical moves -- pauses being held extra long, or the arrangements of a few of the older songs that got a retreatment -- and that little stuff makes me super happy to hear that they're still finding new life in old songs, even if the banter is canned.

Yeah that all makes total sense. As I say it’s not really a criticism, just more of an observation. I know since they’ve moved to this entity-preserving phase of the band, they have to make it work for them, and the energy put into that makes me very grateful.

Don’t Let Me Explode was a musical highlight as was We Can Get Together... I followed them around for a few dates on the first couple of U.K. tours and every night was different, they were in a different mood etc. They had the pressure of converting every crowd for a few more years still, maybe until around 2010-11, but since then their crowds are made up of broadly the same core fans with a few tagalongs and newbies sprinkled in so - although to an extent it already felt like it - they’re becoming more and more like “church” with these expected set pieces and overall format. They’re nowadays kind of like the preacher that pitches their marquee outside town for a few days and has rapturous sermons, that they come back and do the same thing is no bad thing I guess but also I couldn’t help but be hyper aware of feeling that apart from some of the choices in the set that I’d seen this show before.

[muzzleofbees]

Mar 10, 2021 5:02:31 GMT -5 nosferatu said:

Mar 9, 2021 12:07:10 GMT -5 star18 said:

I get what you're saying. I imagine that some of what you're describing is due to the difference between playing a small number of shows per season, versus doing a tour. With more shows, you have more freedom to be a little weird some nights, mix things up, etc.  Whereas these were our only live THS option for (at least) the first half of '21, so they wanna "play the hits" so to speak, not only in terms of song selection but the kind of theatrics you're describing as well. 

There were a few unexpected musical moves -- pauses being held extra long, or the arrangements of a few of the older songs that got a retreatment -- and that little stuff makes me super happy to hear that they're still finding new life in old songs, even if the banter is canned.

Yeah that all makes total sense. As I say it’s not really a criticism, just more of an observation. I know since they’ve moved to this entity-preserving phase of the band, they have to make it work for them, and the energy put into that makes me very grateful.

Don’t Let Me Explode was a musical highlight as was We Can Get Together... I followed them around for a few dates on the first couple of U.K. tours and every night was different, they were in a different mood etc. They had the pressure of converting every crowd for a few more years still, maybe until around 2010-11, but since then their crowds are made up of broadly the same core fans with a few tagalongs and newbies sprinkled in so - although to an extent it already felt like it - they’re becoming more and more like “church” with these expected set pieces and overall format. They’re nowadays kind of like the preacher that pitches their marquee outside town for a few days and has rapturous sermons, that they come back and do the same thing is no bad thing I guess but also I couldn’t help but be hyper aware of feeling that apart from some of the choices in the set that I’d seen this show before.

I'm very much on the same page as you on this stuff. I don't dislike these rehearsed theatrics, and some of them are pretty cool, but it's also a sometimes little irritating reminder that what in the moment feels very spontanious and alive, still is as much craft as it is art. But the more goofy, the better, I think. The break up-part of Most People Are DJs are so straight up theatrics, that it almost work as a spoof - even when you know it's coming. But I do think we - the ones who attend show after show - sometimes could be handed an uninterrupted DJs. Just a free-flowing song without guidance on clapping and all. That's the only real issue for me about some of these tricks, that they stand in the way of experiencing some of the songs in one clean cut.

The high five of Hornets! have been around forever. They did it at the very first show I attended in the summer of 2007, and I think of it more as a callback to those days than a new, reharsed feature.

And on a more positive note: I think the flipside of them becoming more predictable and machine like, is that they play a lot more different songs now than what they did before. Each multi-night weekend now feature A LOT of deep cuts. I don't think they had nearly as many songs rehearsed for some of the earlier tours - especially not in Europe, when they still, as you say, were trying to win crowds over.

We win some, we lose some, but the sheer fact that they're still around, and that the spontanity and energy in some way have been traded in for better interplay, more power and a tighter band, is OK with me at this point.