I can’t even begin to express how much I admire four men, getting on stage and playing a high octane rock and roll set where everything was left for the audience. The spaces were ours to fill. Nobody does that. Nobody respects us enough to trust in our ability to not have our feelings manipulated.
At Forest Hills Tennis Center on September 19th, the Replacements will be joined by the Hold Steady and Deer Tick on what might be the best night of rock and roll this year, I’ve seen the Hold Steady many times and they are terrific live, Deer Tick playing for their heroes should kill it. A must see for sure.
A&E – Clean Bandit – After the success of “Rather Be”, I figured this classical plus EDM band were gonna be great but the New Eyes was a disappointed except the more you listen the less it is and the violins on this song are so great the track grows into a monster – A
My bet is this is it for Hold Steady. Finn’s solo album was much better that the two Hold Steady albums surrounding it on either side. The sonic bang bang of the band, the tightness, groove, whatever, can not replace the lack of anything approaching a memorable song.
She’s So Perfect – 5 Seconds To Summer – “She looks so perfect standing there in her American Apparel underwear”? Pre-teen girls may be questioning these bubblegum cuties but once the girls hit twelve years old they’ll get it – B
I know I trashed Hold Steady earlier this week but I said it might be a grower, I love the line “heartbreak hurts but you can dance it off.” And I know I said the new Belle was a bummer, but this is a good song. And I know I hate Avicii but the remix album is terrific.
Baby Ride Easy – Johnny And Jane Carter Cash – So now we know where Dave Edmunds and Carlene Carter heard it, Johnny and June covering the song for one Billy Sherrill back in the 80s. Not bad, and the fiddle break is more than that, but Dave and Carlene jumped for joy all the way through their version – B+
I am excited for the new Hold Steady and always to hear from Barry Manilow. From what I’ve heard of Shakira I can’t claim to be thrilled at the concept of her newbie but I could be wrong. Yokyo Police Club? Sure, let’s rock. And to top it off Grieves all important sophomore effort and a great lost Johnny Cash album.
Spinners – The Hold Steady – For a band I like so much, these guys are sure hit and miss, either it is the same old riff up hook up with speak sing vocals or they nail it down like it is the only song that matters. This is the former except the guitar is tastier than it was, ringing and chiming like never before – B
I get tired of Craig Finn’s shout along singing after awhile. I prefer him when he is, you know, actually singing his songs. Plus, looking at this setlist, no “Our Whole Lives” which, really they should play on occasion.
