Hold'n Steady with Dave Grohl and Bob Dylan

I don’t know why I haven’t blogged about music lately. Usually a new CD or a good show ignites my posting passion. Even though music posts have been scarce, I’ve seen a couple of very good shows and purchased a few excellent CDs recently. Therefore, it’s time to pimp some of the artists that I think you should check-out.

First and foremost, The Hold Steady get top billing because I’ve enjoyed their new CD as much any in a long time and I absolutely loved their show. Lead singer Craig Finn continues to amaze me with both his unique style and his infectious performances. He slings stories of drug-addled youth with a gravelly voice and gritty lyrics. Minneapolis landmarks are sprinkled into the songs, giving them a touch of personalization for those of us in the Twin Cities. I appreciate it when artists give props to my adoptive hometown.

On my birthday, Ambular and I joined PW, Gates Brown, and Bridget for the Hold Steady show. They played a sold-out First Avenue. Never before had I seen a performer so utterly gleeful. Finn was truly the happiest person in the room. He bounced around the stage like a 7 year old kid who knew he was going to get to stay-up late. Those in attendance all seemed to know they were lucky to see Finn’s performance that night. I know I will remember it for a long time.

Here is their video for “Chips Ahoy” off their new album “Boys and Girls in America.” If you like the video at all, you’ll love their disc.



Second, I have a man crush on Dave Grohl. Ambular surprised me with a ticket to the Bob Dylan / Foo Fighters show for my birthday. I was stoked about getting to see Bob support his new album “Modern Times.” But to get both Dylan and the Foo Fighters on the same night was too good to be true. And the show did not disappoint. Both acts wowed the crowd, and would have been worth the price of admission individually.

My Foo Fighters collection has been in heavy rotation lately, and “For Your Honor” grows on me a little more each time I hear it. Dave & Co. make damn fine music.



That's all for now, but check back soon. I'm hitting my blogging stride again, the posts should be more frequent. Cheers.