Life is Music™

Together for their first shows since the Basilica Block Party in Minneapolis last year, The Jayhawks reunited for a long awaited trio of concerts at First Avenue.  The band warmed up for these concerts with an in-store performance at the Electric Fetus record store and a live taping on 89.3 The Current.  After that it was three shows at the infamous First Avenue.

I attended nights one and two.  With the sold out “Rock the Garden” concert keeping the younger crowd busy just across town, the capacity crowd on this Saturday was predominantly middle aged and brimming with energy.  The Brooklyn based duo, KaiserCartel, opened before The Jayhawks finally took stage.  At that time I looked throughout the crowd and saw nothing but smiles.  The band opened with the hit “Wichita” from their classic 1992 record Hollywood Town Hall.  From their they worked through songs from every era of the band before ending the show with a five song encore.

The Jayhawks

Gary Louris

Gary Louris & Mark Olson

The Jayhawks – First Avenue – Saturday, June 19th, 2010

Wichita
Pray For Me
Real Light
Red’s Song
Nothing Left To Borrow
Tomorrow The Green Grass
Let The Critics Wonder
Two Hearts
Settled Down Like Rain
Nevada Ca.
Falling Star
Two Angels
Blue
I’d Run Away
I Don’t Want [Sir Douglas Quintet]
Miss Williams Guitar
Lights
Bad Time
People in This Place on Every Side

Encore:
Waiting For The Sun
Ann Jane
Will I Be Married
Over My Shoulder
Last Cigarette

Sunday night the crowd was more mixed with younger people but the smiles didn’t change.  Once again First Avenue was electric with anticipation for the legendary hometown band.  After local band Strange Lights got things going with a moody rock set, The Jayhawks took the stage with ease and all smiles.  They opened the night with the song “People in This Place on Every Side” from their recently released The Bunkhouse Album.  Once again they worked in their hits including another beautiful version of “Blue”.  That song has never sounded better and will never get old.  They ended the night with a four song encore including an absolute goose-bump inducing “Tampa to Tulsa”.

Each night I witnessed professional musicians at their finest.  The Jayhawks were smooth, playing as though they had never taken a break.  The band didn’t hesitate to call out friends in the crowd making each night feel intimate and fun.  The Jayhawks are an amazing band.  Lets hope that they continue playing together.

Mark Olson & Gary Louris

Gary Louris

Marc Perlman

The Jayhawks

The Jayhawks – First Avenue – Sunday, June 20th, 2010

People in This Place on Every Side
Up Above My Head
Red’s Song
Real Light
Nothing Left To Borrow
Tomorrow the Green Grass
King of Kings
Two Hearts
Clouds Settled Down Like Rain
Someone Will
See Him on the Streets
Blue
I’d Run Away
I Don’t Want [Sir Douglas Quintet]
Miss Williams GuitarLights
Bad Time
Wichita

Encore:
Ain’t No End
Sister Cry
Tampa To Tulsa
Will I Be Married

The Jayhawks – First Avenue – Monday, June 21th, 2010
Wichita
Over My Shoulder
Real Light
Red’s Song
Nothing Left To Borrow
Tomorrow The Green Grass
Let The Critics Wonder
King of Kings
Two Hearts
Settled Down Like Rain
Martin’s Song
Take Me With You When You Go
She’s Not Alone Anymore
Blue
I’d Run Away
Miss Williams Guitar
Lights
Bad Time
People In This Place On Every Side

Encore:
Tampa To Tulsa
Waiting For The Sun
Will I Be Married
Almost Saturday Night* [John Fogerty]

The New Standards know how to play.  Putting a jazz twist on everyday pop songs, this trio of accomplished Minnesota musicians has created a style all their own.  I was quite fortunate to witness their late night set at the wonderful Dakota Jazz Club in Minneapolis, MN on Saturday, June 5th.

With John Munson (formerly of Semisonic & Trip Shakespeare) on upright bass, Chan Poling (formerly of The Suburbs) behind the piano, and Steve Roehm on the vibraphone, The New Standards played an exceptionally entertaining set of pop covers.  The intimate brick lined Dakota Jazz Club was the perfect venue for the near capacity concert.  The crowd listened along with attentive ears and a respectful quietness, although the band’s humor and interesting choice of songs induced chuckles at times.  Britney Spears’ song “Toxic” was my favorite with Steve Roehm taking it out with some very impressive vibraphone work.  Their version of The Clash’s “London Calling” opened my eyes to the song.

Later in the evening, Twin Cities jazz singer Kristin Rooney joined the band for a few songs.  Then the Minneapolis alt-country legend Gary Louris (The Jayhawks) sat in and sung along.  The night ended with a satisfied crowd yelling for more.  Go see this band when they are in your area.  They put on a fantastic show.

Here are a few samples of their music.  More songs and tour dates are available on their website.

Hey Ya (Outcast)
London Calling (The Clash)
Toxic (Britney Spears)

The New Standards

The New Standards

The New Standards

The New Standards with Kristin Mooney & Gary Louris

Trampled by Turtles gets their star

Trampled by Turtles have come a long way.  Knowing this, on Saturday, April 10th, 2010 the management of First Avenue awarded the alt-bluegrassers with their very own star on the infamous exterior wall of the finest rock club in the Midwest.  Later that night singer and guitarist, Dave Simonett, sincerely explained how that was one of the biggest honors to date for the band.

The bluegrass boys from Duluth, MN were in fine form for night two of their album release weekend at First Avenue.  Palomino is the title of the band’s fifth album in six years, and if their live performance of each track  is any indication, it is destined to be one of Trampled by Turtles’ best.

Dave Simonett starts things off with "Wait So Long" from Palomino

After Minneapolis band, A Night in the Box, opened things up, the superb California Americana-playing, Devil Makes Three, kept things rolling with a terrific set of rebel country.  Then as they did the night before, Trampled by Turtles opened their set by playing straight through their new release Palomino.  The crowd attentively bounced along to the new songs before the band finally mixed in older material to take the show out.  That’s when the crowd did its best to rage, but on this night it seemed there wasn’t enough energy to rage.

It was a rather mellow yet nice show, and the band’s version of “Breathe” by Pink Floyd was a fantastic piece of their first encore.  The band ended the night with their raucous hit “Codeine”, from their 2005 release, Blue Sky and the Devil.  The joyful and animated crowd then dissipated, all smiles, into the streets of downtown Minneapolis with appreciation of one of Minnesota’s greatest musical treasures.

Erik Berry on mandolin

Trampled by Turtles

Trampled by Turtles

I am a great believer in quality over quantity, therefore 2009 was a good year for me musically.  I hope the new decade is filled with more great music for everyone.  Here are my top nine concerts of 2009.  Minnesota ROCKS!

1. The Hold Steady at Basilica Block Party – Minneapolis, MN 7.11.09- Wow, wow, wow!  This show was a musical riot.  It was spiritual.  It was energetic.  It was a perfect summer evening.  When The Hold Steady play Minneapolis one can expect fireworks, but I didn’t expect this.  Standing front and center of The Hold Steady’s preacher, Craig Finn, as the historic Basilica of St. Mary church shadowed the crowd from behind is something I will never forget.  I have been a part of many rock concerts, but there are only a handful of shows I have witnessed that compared to this.  The band was insane and the crowd was dieing for more.  It was a fist-pumping, musical uniting, rock-n-roll religious experience for the ages.  This was easily a top 10 concert ever for me.
2. The Decemberists at Walker Art Center – Minneapolis, MN 6.20.09- 2009’s version of “Rock the Garden” was a great success.  It was a hot summer day but thankfully when the headliner, The Decemberists, hit the stage, the sun had finally surrendered.  The band wasted no time working straight through their gorgeous 2009 rock-opera album, The Hazards of Love.  The addition of Becky Stark who played the role of the beautiful princess, and Shara Worden who played the evil forest queen was priceless.  Their added theatrics made this much more than any old rock concert.  I witnessed poetry in motion.  Singer/songwriter, Colin Meloy, appeared to be having a blast as 10,000 fans rocked across the grassy landscape behind the wonderful Walker Art Center.  Once again the crowd was terrific making this an unforgettable summer evening.
3. Jason Isbell & the 400 Unit at The Turf Club – St. Paul, MN 4.15.09 – This was the most soulful concert I witnessed in 2009.  The former Drive-by Truckers singer and guitarist has been on his own for a few years, and on this night he showed all of the strengths of that experience.  Jason Isbell’s voice is pure.  Very few voices move me the way Isbell’s can, and I was fortunate to witness him at his very best this night.  His backing band, the 400 Unit, must be complimented as well.  They played flawlessly to a respectfully attentive sell-out crowd.  This night was beautiful, and leagues better than when they returned to the The Turf Club on November 20th.  That night they sounded tired.
4. Wilco at 10,000 Lakes Music Festival – Detroit Lakes, MN 7.23.09 – Leave it to Wilco to cue “The Price is Right” theme song before stepping on stage.  Wilco was the main stage headliner on Thursday night of the seventh annual 10,000 Lakes Music Festival in Detroit Lakes, MN.  Having the alt-rocking powerhouse band, Wilco, headline a night at a predominantly jamband festival had me a bit worried, but Wilco prevailed, even while being under the barrage of glowsticks at one point.  Although Jeff Tweedy is the singer/songwriter of the band, there really is no leader.  Wilco is a band, the very definition of it.  Each member is a master of their instrument and while a good portion of the crowd seemed unfamiliar with their work, Wilco proceeded along with their eternal professionalism and had the crowd rocking.  Most of the material was from their 2009 album, Wilco (the album), but they balanced their set wonderfully with songs from the past.  This show was fantastic, and added a wonderful mix to a wonderful festival.
5. Umphrey’s McGee at First Avenue - Minneapolis, MN 1.31.09 – Night two of Umphrey’s McGee’s three-night run at First Avenue rocked!!  Just over a week after the release of their brilliant prog-rocking album, Mantis, the band introduced the new tunes with force while mixing in plenty of older favorites.  Friday night was for the rookies, but this night was for the pros.  First Avenue was filled with the hardcores, making it an amazing experience.  The night opened with the heavy head-bobbing “Push the Pig”, and ended with an awesome “Syncopated Strangers > Cemetery Walk II > Syncopated Strangers” mash.  This was an amazing night that shook the cold winter blues.  I’m grateful for the new friends I made this weekend.
6. The Swell Season at The State Theatre – Minneapolis, MN 12.5.09 – This was a beautiful show.  The Swell Season are made up of The Frames’, Glen Hansard, and Czech pianist, Marketa Irglova.  Together they won a an Academy Award for Best Song from a Motion Picture for the ballad “Falling Slowly” from the low budget Irish film, Once (a must see if you haven’t already).  On this tour they were supported by Hansard’s band, The Frames.  The night was mixed with songs by the duo, Glen Hansard playing solo, and together with the addition of The Frames.  They even included a nice cover of “Two-Step” by the Minnesota band, Low.  The State Theatre was the absolute perfect venue for this wonderfully moving show.
7. The Jayhawks at Basilica Block Party - Minneapolis, MN 7.10.09 – Seeing the Basilica of St. Mary gospel choir back up The Jayhawks on “Blue” while rain fell steadily is one of my biggest musical highlights of 2009.  There was a lot of anticipation for this show since the only other date the band reunited for in 2009 was for a festival in Barcelona, Spain.  It was unfortunate that it rained through most of the concert, but the packed crowd welcomed the music with little regard.  All night the fans could be heard singing along to the songs of these Minneapolis alt-rocking legends.  And Gary Louris’ guitar work impressed me more than I ever could have imagined.  I am very grateful to have been a part of this show.
8. Trampled by Turtles at First Avenue - Minneapolis, MN 11.6.09 – There is no questioning that this band is for real.  Trampled by Turtles is a quintet from Duluth, MN who play their own brand of bluegrass.  On this night they were on, and the sold-out crowd that packed First Avenue to witness it were blessed with an amazing performance.  I’ve seen Trampled by Turtles a lot of times, but this night was special.  A Radiohead cover started things off, and from their they hammered through songs from their four albums and also tunes from their currently untitled fifth album which is due next April.  It was a great night to celebrate Minnesota, a great night to celebrate Trampled by Turtles.  This band deserves the success they are starting to see.
9. Dan Auerbach at First Avenue – Minneapolis, MN 3.7.09 – I am probably one of the only ones around who think that Dan Auerbach is better with his solo band than he is with drummer, Patrick Carney, as the duo, The Black Keys.  This show at First Avenue made me realize how great of a songwriter Auerbach really is.  He plays guitar like an old bluesman sitting on a front porch, yet with catchy bounce that is hard to resist.  His solo album, Keep It Hid, that he was touring behind is fantastic.  The band, Hacienda, acted as his band on the record and tour and they were very impressive.  The addition of My Morning Jacket’s, Patrick Hallahan, on percussion certainly didn’t hurt matters either.  This was a great show.  Dan Auerbach is a legend in the making.

Glen Hansard

The Swell Season ended their 2009 US tour in Minneapolis, MN on Saturday, December 5th. The unlikely Oscar-winning duo made up of The Frames’ front man, Glen Hansard, and the soft spoken Czech, Marketa Irglova, were nothing short of brilliant.

The always lovely and eternally heartbroken Rachael Yamagata opened the show to a filled State Theatre of considerate yet enthusiastic fans. Yamagata’s set was short and sweet, with her imagery of each song oftentimes leaning towards the fixture of love, and her troubles in keeping it.

Glen and Marketa took the stage alone and opened their set on their knees with “Fallen From the Sky”; a pinging digital drum track from a small Casio keyboard provided the rhythm. Marketa looked a bit like a gypsy while wearing a traditional eastern European skirt and blouse, while Glen Hansard looked like a true Irishman, bushy red hair and beard moreover. Together they put on one of the most sincere and intimate shows I can remember.

Glen Hansard is a true singer/songwriter. He is earnest, appreciative, and genuine with a tattered acoustic guitar baring the skeletal structure of his passion. He and Irglova worked through a few songs as a duo before The Frames also took the stage to add more instrumentation. They worked through most of the songs from the fantastic movie Once (which everyone must see), other Swell Season songs, a few older songs by The Frames, and towards the end of the set Hansard covered “Astral Weeks” by fellow Irishman, Van Morrison. His poignant playing of that song induced a standing ovation.

Throughout the evening Glen wasn’t afraid to keep the crowd’s consideration with some lively endearing banter. Before a song when an 18th century violin was accidentally knocked over from its stand by The Frames’ violinist, Colm Mac Con Iomaire, Glen took several minutes to heal the beautiful instrument with some monk-like chanting. Thankfully the instrument lingered unscathed. But when he took time to describe the old women he had met recently who had lost her son in the World Trade Center attacks, I think a good portion of the crowd was on the edge of tears. From that story he went to the rim of the stage and half screamed out the most dynamic song of the night, “Say it to Me Now”. It was truly chilling.

One of the last songs he played solo was a traditional Irish song that he dedicated to the last remaining member of the original Irish rock-n-roll band, The Clancy Brothers, who had passed away just the day before. This time it was Glen who seemed to be on the edge of tears as he had the crowd singing along, “Raise a glass”.

The Frames have been around for twenty years. Their intricate playing complimented Hansard and Irglova beautifully, not once overpowering the duo as they embarked on perhaps their last US gig together for some time. Throughout the evening the tension of their relationship was palpable, and those emotions rang through every song.

Glen Hansard took the show out with an all-acoustic and unplugged version of “You Ain’t Goin’ Nowhere” by Bob Dylan. The full cast of the night’s show including Rachael Yamagata joined in. The song started at the front edge of the stage and ended with Hansard leading a snaking march around the stage with everyone following. The crowd was singing along, “Hoo wee, Ride me high, Tomorrow’s the day my bride’s gonna come, Hoo wee, Are we gonna fly, Down into the easy chair?”

I went to this show with no expectations, and left thoroughly in awe. The Swell Season were fantastic on this chilly late fall evening in Minneapolis. It was clear that Glen Hansard warmed the hearts of many though. He is a shining man. His love for music is real.

The Swell Season at The State Theatre, Minneapolis, MN 12.5.09 Setlist
Fallen From the Sky (duet)
Lies (duet)
Low Rising
Feeling the Pull
In These Arms
The Moon
If You Want Me (sung by Irglova)
Fantasy Man (sung by Irglova)
Say It to Me Now (Hansard solo)
Leave (Hansard solo)
What Happens When the Heart Stops? (Hansard solo)
Astral Weeks (Van Morrison cover, Hansard solo)
Traditional Irish song (Hansard solo)
The Court of Newton (violin solo by Colm Mac Con Iomaire)
Alone Apart (sung by Irglova)
Two-Step (Low cover)
When Your Mind’s Made Up

Encore:
Falling Slowly (duet)
High Hope
All This Means Nothing Without You (sung by opener Rachael Yamagata)
High Horses

Second encore:
Red Chord
You Ain’t Goin’ Nowhere (Bob Dylan cover)

The Swell Season sell out the State Theatre

The Swell Season

Glen Hansard of The Swell Season

Trampled by Turtles rock to a sell out crowd of faithful fans

It’s been just under a year since Trampled by Turtles last filled First Avenue to capacity.  After a recent stint on the east coast and a Halloween show in their hometown of Duluth, MN,  the Minnesota boys were back at the best rock club in the midwest and their fans were ready.  First Avenue sold out once again.

Charlie Parr

A guitarist and drummer from Duluth called The Boomchucks opened the show.  They were very appreciative to be onstage at First Avenue and played a nice and short set to get the night started. 

By the time humble and brilliant Northwoods folkster, Charlie Parr, took the stage, First Avenue was filled.  No time was wasted on stirring the crowd as he thumped his boot down on a homemade kick box and squealed across the strings of his trademark steel resonator guitar. The lively and youthful crowd bounced along with a roar and they didn’t ease until Trampled by Turtles walked off the stage some three hours later.  Charlie Parr was accompanied by Mikkel Beckmen from The Brass Kings on washboard. Dave Simonett, the singer and guitarist of Trampled by Turtles, later joined the two.  For Parr’s final song, the remaining members of Trampled by Turtles took their respective places on stage to create a smile-inducing jamboree. 

Soon after, the curtain was raised for Trampled by Turtles.  Never to be underestimated, the band brought in their sold out show with a wonderful version of “No Surprises” by Radiohead.  They then rocked through songs from each of their four albums as First Avenue heated up into a sweltery sauna.  It was so hot that security sprayed water into the crowd at times.  Simonett did his best to cool things down as he calmly sang the cold and slow moving lyrics of “Duluth”, the title track of their fourth album.  The fans who made the voyage down from the town made their presence known by singing along, “Still I like the quiet, of Duluth in the winter.  In the sacred morning, there’s no place like home.” The local support was nice to see and certainly not surprising.

Dave Simonett of Trampled by Turtles

Singer and guitarist, Dave Simonett, announced in the middle of the set that they just finished recording their fifth album which is due out in the spring.  The band then played several new songs from it and the crowd slowed down with attentive ears open.  The new songs were very good. Bassist, Tim Saxhaug, later took the vocal reigns to lead a uniting sing-along of the classic ”Stand By Me”.  It was upbeat and fantastic.  All night the band was relaxed and I’ve never seen them play a better live show.  The live experience of the band was more obvious than ever as they burned through a wonderful set for their favorite local fans.  Big things are due for these talented alternative bluegrass rockers, and rightfully so.  Go see this band!

Charlie Parr & Mikkel Beckman

Charlie Parr and Trampled by Turtles jamboree

Ryan Young of Trampled by Turtles

Erik Berry of Trampled by Turtles

10,000 Lakes Festival 2009

Wednesday, July 22nd, 2009 

Gomez – Gomez rules.  This was one of the bands I was really excited to see at the festival.  The crowd was relatively slim and while most were quite chatty with first-day festival energy, Gomez put on a very fine rockin’ performance.

Widespread Panic – With the day #1 crowd finally packing full the concert floor and most of the lawn, Widespread Panic headlined the night.  Their first set was nothing to write home about, but their second set brought the energy.  Still I have a hard time getting too excited over this band.  Jimmie Herring is a damn impressive guitarist though.

Kinetix - This Denver, CO rock band is led by a hip-hop singer and funky ass rhthym section.  These guys were a nice small stage treat after Widespread Panic.  I didn’t see it all, but what I saw was good and a whole lotta fun.

Pretty Lights - This set kicked butt.  Onstage was dj Derek Vincent Smith and drummer, Cory Eberhard.  Together they shook the entire concert bowl with electro-driven rhythyms and great mixes.  I was impressed.  

Thursday, July 23rd, 2009

Railroad Earth - Over the years I’ve heard a lot of good things about this band.  This was my first opportunity to see them and they were excellent band to bounce around to in the mid-day sun.  Rootsy Americana tunes is their game and they play it very well.

Mason Jennings - Umm, boring.  We’re talking a major yawner here.  And I waited through the entire set to ensure I had a good spot for Wilco.

Wilco - This was the best show of the festival and it wasn’t due to “the Price is Right” intro.  I talked to a lot of people up front who had never even heard of Wilco before, and once the music progressed I watched these same people rock their asses off.  The band opened with “Wilco (the song)” and ended with “Hoodoo Voodoo”.  In between was a lot of recent tunes with “One Wing”, “Bull Black Nova” and “Country Disappeared” sounding phenomenal from the new album.  The band was on all night and most of the crowd appreciated it.  Of course there were a few dipshits trying to ruin the party for everyone.  For every glow stick that hit that stage some little girl’s puppy died.  You stupid punks who were throwing those should truly be ashamed. 

Wilco will love you baby

Nels & Glenn of Wilco

Atmosphere – As soon as I got to the stage sprinkles came down.  I don’t know a lot about this hip-hop band but the section of their set I hung around for was fantastic.  The crowd was rocking as much as I had seen all weekend.  When the first downpour came, I tucked my camera under my arm and ran like Adrian Peterson.  I give props to those who tried to stay it out.  In the end a big set was cut way short due to thunderstorms.

Friday, July 24th, 2009

Tea Leaf Green – My first time seeing them and I wasn’t overly impressed.

Steve Kimock’s Crazy Engine – The band was ripping it!  I only caught a few tunes on my way to the main stage to hold down a front row spot for Trampled by Turtles but these guys were great.  Thankfully I heard the rest of their set from afar while waiting for TBT.

Trampled by Turtles – The boys from Duluth have grown up to the Main Stage!  I’m thinking the Field Stage would have been a better fit as this huge stage dwarfed the band but the crowd was out in groves and it was great.  They started off with a few jitters (can’t blame them), but as things warmed up their hardcore fanbase and new listeners gave them the support they deserved.  It was great seeing one of Minnesota’s finest treasures letting it fly up there on the big stage and it seemed to end far too soon.

Dave Simonett & Tim Saxhaug

Ryan Young & Dave Carroll

Erik Berry & his son

Widespread Panic - Hey promoters, why the hell didn’t Umphrey’s McGee have this headlining spot?  Seriously though, are you people friggin’ crazy?  Midwest represent!!  Although I’ve had some great times at Widespread shows in the past, their unchanging tempos, stale drumming and similar song structure is boring.  This set was just OK in my book, which ain’t saying much of anything at all.

Wookiefoot – This show was a load of fun and one of the highlights of the festival.  Although their music has never captured me, the stage show is the brilliance behind this band.  Everything from the lights, to the fire dancers, to the back-up singers, to the alien bugs on stilts makes this an impressively theatrical show.  The band pushes the creative envelope and delivers a positive message which in the end will always make me smile.

Saturday, July 25th, 2009

Umphrey’s McGee - My love for the music these guys create is definitely not unknown, but I had a hard time getting into this set.  They seemed to be on a mission to destroy everything in front of them with some very heavy jams.  They played as well as they always do but it wasn’t the most festival friendly set in my opinion.  The sun was incredibly hot which didn’t help at all.  These guys need to be seen at night to truly appreciate, and put them in a rock club and it’s prog-rocking heaven.  They have one of the best light shows out there and that arsenal wasn’t even touched.  Hey 10KLF, main stage headlining with two sets next time OK?  Thanks!

Umphrey's McGee

Dave Matthews Band - My love for this band faded the day I realized quality beer was not available in 30 packs.  That didn’t stop me from checking them out though and I’m glad I did.  I had just as much fun watching their hardcore (and large) fan base enjoy themselves as I did watching the actual show.  Their “Burning Down the House” cover was excellent.  Even though I felt they cut it short (why not 2 sets?), this show was good fun.  It was also another gorgeous night for tunes and a fine way to end my 10KLF 2009.

With beautiful people everywhere, near perfect weather, friendly security and staff, this ranks very high in my 10,000 Lakes Festival experiences.  My only gripe was with the scheduling but one cannot control everything.  Next time make Umphrey’s McGee a headliner for the sake of everything good in music.  Then I shall return.

The Hold Steady at Basilica Block Party

Even Minneapolis mayor R.T. Rybak got in on the festivities while wearing a Hold Steady t-shirt as the one-time Twin Cities rockers, The Hold Steady, were back in town.  The band was back this time for the 15th annual Basilica Block Party, the annual music fundraiser to support the Basilica of St. Mary church.  And while Friday night The Jayhawks and The Black Crowes endured on and off rain, Saturday night The Hold Steady were fortunate to be blessed with an absolute perfect summer evening in Minnesota.

Minneapolis mayor R.T. Rybak

Mayor R.T. Rybak introduced the band and then the crowd waited a long eight or so minutes before The Hold Steady finally took the stage.  Singer/guitarist, Craig Finn, was all smiles as he picked up his guitar and jumped into the opener ”Constructive Summer”.  From there on out the wild crowd rocked as the band ripped through their set overflowing with Twin Cities influence.  No new songs were introduced, but instead the band gave the hometown crowd what they expected and as usual the often fanatical Hold Steady crowd was there to respond with fists pumping, feet jumping and voices backing the band passionately.  “Lord, I’m Discouraged” was a gorgeous highlight especially considering the surroundings.

the always energetic Craig Finn

After about an hour and ten minutes, the band took a quick encore break before Craig Finn came back with a beer bottle in hand and grateful smile on his face.  He put the crowd into a frenzy as he talked about Minneapolis and how it has changed since the late 80’s when he roamed town.  “In fact the only thing that really seems the same is Minneapolis’ two greatest houses of worship”, he exclaimed as he pointed, “The Basilica and First Avenue!”

singer/guitarist Craig Finn

With guitarist Tad Kubler on acoustic, the band changed directions and worked through a two of their slower songs, “Citrus” and “First Night”.  It was a beautiful moment before mayhem once again ensued as night ended with “Stuck Between Stations” and “Killer Parties”.  The Hold Steady rocked the best show I’ve seen all year.  It was a massive night.

Franz Nicolay on keys

 The Hold Steady – Basilica Block Party, Minneapolis, MN - July 11th, 2009
Constructive Summer
Hot Soft Light
Chips Ahoy!
Sequestered In Memphis
The Swish
Magazines
Massive Nights
Party Pit
Don’t Let Me Explode
Stevie Nix
Multitude of Casualties
Yeah Sapphire
Southtown Girls
Lord, I’m Discouraged
Your Little Hoodrat Friend
Stay Positive
Slapped Actress
How a Resurrection Really Feels
————
Citrus
First Night
Stuck Between Stations
Killer Parties

FLAC audience recording available here.

Minnesota Twins

Rock-n-Roll

Don't Let Me Explode

The sun was shining brightly; it was a glorious summer day in Minneapolis.  On Saturday, June 20th the studious indie-rockers, The Decemberists, headlined 2009’s version of “Rock the Garden”.  The new and improved set-up proved to be a success with the stage facing the grassy natural amphitheatre where the old Guthrie Theatre once stood.  Sponsored by The Current 89.3 and the Walker Art Center, a sold-out crowd of nearly 10,000 rocked through the mid-day sun to benefit one of Minneapolis’ greatest treasures, The Walker Art Center. 

Opening the day was the local electronic rock band Solid Gold, who played a fine set in the peak of the heat.  Then came New York art-rockers, Yeasayer, and finally just as the sun was beginning to relinquish, the eclectic southwest Latin tinged band Calexico took the stage with a very impressive set.  After Calexico The Decemberists had their turn.

Dusk was just setting in when keyboardist Jenny Conlee took the stage alone.  She sat down quietly and held the keys in an organ tone for what was the prelude of The Decemberists’ rock-opera, The Hazards of Love.  Soon the rest of the band impressively well-dressed in dapper suits and ties took the stage and the crowd absolutely erupted.  Leading the band, singer and guitarist Colin Meloy settled in to “The Hazards of Love 1″ and from there they worked through the entire album with the ever-enthusiastic crowd following attentively.  Becky Stark, beautifully draped in a virginal white princess dress played the part of Margaret and was introduced in song four, “Won’t Want for Love (Margaret in the Taiga)”.  She swayed like a goddess with equally pure vocals and from that point forward I knew this was going to be far more than any old rock concert.

Shara Worden, in a clinging black dress and chopped black hair stormed the stage as the evil queen for her entrance in song eight, “The Wanting Comes in Waves Repaid”.  She went straight to the edge of the stage crouching low with her fist pounding down as a slight riot ensued amongst the masses with fists pumping hard and heads banging as Chris Funk and Colin Meloy ground away steadily at their guitars.  The energy was absolutely unbelievable, and wow that woman can wail!

From there Meloy took his turn in the pounding and rhythmic “The Rake’s Song”, one of the heaviest of the night as the females Conlee, Stark and Worden all hammered on tom drums.  The tune flowed into “The Abduction of Margaret” and ‘The Queen’s Rebuke The Crossing” where Shara Worden once again had the crowd stirring as she howled and jerked across the stage impulsively.  The set then calmed as Meloy strummed through “Annan Water” and Becky Stark returned with the voice of an angel for “Margaret in Captivity”.  “The Hazards of Love 3 (Revenge!)” and “The Wanting Comes in Waves (Reprise)” once again made the enthusiastic crowd sway as the story concluded.  The set ended in perfect fashion with Meloy’s mellow and lovely “The Hazards of Love 4 (The Drowned)”, and then band put down their instruments and walked off the stage.

It didn’t take long for the band to come back (sans Stark and Worden).  Colin Meloy first gave thanks to the The Walker Art Center and Minneapolis for providing a wonderful evening before bringing in “Leslie Anne Levine” from the band’s 2002 debut, Castaway and Cutouts.  The band then touched on all of their albums while working through five other songs.  The bouncing “Billy Liar” concluded with Meloy conducting a four-part chorus with the crowd.  After that Meloy explained he was going to play “the worst song he ever wrote” entitled “Dracula’s Daughter”.  Becky Stark and Shara Worden came back in changed attire to end the remarkable show with an explosion.  The band covered Heart’s classic 1976 hit, “Crazy on You” with both Stark and Worden ruthlessly nailing the vocals as the rest of The Decemberists played spot on obviously enjoying every moment of it. 

The Decemberists have never failed to impress me and this night was no exception.  With a wondrous performance combining both music and theater, they provided the perfect art.  And art is what we were there to celebrate.  It was a gorgeous summer night in the city and it could not have ended on a higher note.

The Decemberists – Walker Art Center, June 20th, 2009 setlist:

Prelude
The Hazards of Love 1 (The Prettiest Whistles Won’t Wrestle the Thistles Undone)
A Bower Scene
Won’t Want for Love (Margaret in the Taiga)
The Hazards of Love 2 (Wager All)
The Queen’s Approach
Isn’t It a Lovely Night?
The Wanting Comes in Waves/Repaid
An Interlude
The Rake’s Song
The Abduction of Margaret
The Queen’s Rebuke/The Crossing
Annan Water
Margaret in Captivity
The Hazards of Love 3 (Revenge!)
The Wanting Comes in Waves (Reprise)
The Hazards of Love 4 (The Drowned)
———
Leslie Anne Levine
Engine Driver
Billy Liar (with four-part chorus by crowd)
Dracula’s Daughter
O’ Valencia!
Crazy On You (Heart cover)

After cancelling their last two shows in Minneapolis in 2002 and 2005 (2005 cancelled to play Letterman), the Brit-rock band Doves finally landed in Minneapolis on Thursday, May 28th, 2009.  The sold-out show was at the historic little Varsity Theater in the Dinkytown section of the city.

The trio of Manchester, England rockers (with unofficial fourth member on keys) were in good form and in good spirits as their sound pounded through the carpet lined confines of the Varsity.  On tour to support their long-awaited fourth album, Kingdom of Rust, the band worked through a majority of the new album while also touching on plenty of their classic older tunes.  Highlights for me were “Snowden”, “Here it Comes” and “Black & White Town”.  ”There Goes the Fear” was a fantastic closer with everyone in the band banging percussion to end the night.

It seemed this show was an introduction to many in the crowd as a majority of concert-goers were oftentimes emotionless, but the band still brought large applauses throughout the night.  Doves played a very fine show, but I wasn’t much impressed with the opening band, Wild Light, whose redundant indie sound couldn’t keep me interested for a minute.

Minneapolis Setlist:
Jetstream
Snowden
Winter Hill
Rise
Pounding
Almost Forgot Myself
10.03
The Heat Is On tease (Jimi & Martin)
Words
Denier
Kingdom Of Rust
Ambition
Black & White
The Outsiders
Caught By The River
—–
Lonely
Northenden
Here It Comes
Last Broadcast
The Fear