The Hold Steady are no frills rock ‘n’ roll band, who appear to just want to play music and have a good time. Their gravely voiced singer has a tone reminiscent of a young Randy Newman, and they have this great “working man’s band” vibe that the only thing separating them from the audience is the stage. With the right songs striking the right amount of people, I could see them go big time like early Springsteen and the E Street Band, but I wouldn’t be surprised if they maintained a level of activity that keeps them from getting real jobs, yet not always on people’s radar except for the most devoted fan like the Bodeans or the Smithereens.
The hot weather naturally caused some ladies to wear very little, and throughout the afternoon Al and I exchanged pertinent information where to direct our gaze (“Quick! Over there in the blue.” “The blond over your left shoulder.”), but some caused consternation for a 41-year-old when you see their young faces and realize your friend has a daughter that age and what you're thinking is illegal in some states. Although if I had a jury of my actual peers, I’d be in the clear.
We headed over to the Main Stage where the blues-rock duo The Black Keys was going to play. We cracked out our chairs on the grass and took in most of the head-bob inducing set, during which the occasional aroma marijuana wafted by. The drummer Patrick pounded the skins so hard it’s a surprise he didn’t bust them. Before the set was over we headed over to the Outdoor Stage to grab a spot for Conor Oberst and the Mystic Valley Band. A lot of ladies were excited he was going to play, shouting out their love for him before he even hit the stage. The organ is the main instrument that fills out the arrangements. It’s interesting that Oberst is top-billed because other band members alternate as lead singers, so they appear to be one group rather than a backing band. Dylan comparisons are too easily thrown around a lot when discussing musicians, but it has properly been applied with Oberst as this band reminds me of Dylan backed by The Band. Some songs also reminded me of Jackson Browne.
In preparation for the night ahead, Al and I had a few Heineken Lights and a slice of pizza in the beer garden while Franz Ferdinand performed an enthusiastic set with glee and abandon on the Main Stage. When the guitar started up on their breakout hit “Take Me Out” midway through their set, it was greeted by loud cheers and had many singing along. Towards the end of the set, they created a drum circle.
Article comments
1 - El Bicho
Thanks, Josh
2 - Josh Hathaway
No problem, El Bicho. You got to see and hear some great sights and sounds.
When I read about the poor clown who passed out ahead of time, my first thought was, "Fucking students." That's just not a full-share move. You can't go down before the bell in the first round. You just can't do it.
3 - El Bicho
And there's more on the way.
I hope a friend of the young fella at least grabbed his ticket before he hit the gurney and sold it for him.
4 - Mat Brewster
Sounds like a good time El B. That's a lot of rock for one day, I'm surprised you were alive to make it to day two.
5 - Coachella 2009
One of our writers went to Coachella all three days, and loved every part except for someone breaking his car windows and the extreme heat.