The Hold Steady @ The Horseshoe, Dec 12 (live review)

Craig Finn - Dec 12

In celebration of the Horseshoe Tavern's 67th birthday, The Hold Steady pulled in for a four night stand at the intimate venue.

The jam-packed club erupted when Craig Finn (fitted with a bright blue tie that read 'Happy Birthday') and crew rushed the stage.  After a few hellos they tore through a handful of blistering guitar rock tunes from Teeth Dreams, the band's latest studio album.


The group proceeded to run through their entire 2006 masterpiece record Boys and Girls In America.  While cuts like "Stuck Between Stations" and "Chips Ahoy!" were received with the expected gushing reaction, it was some of the records other tunes, like the sprawling "Southtown Girls" and the B-side "Girls Like Status" that really gripped the crowd.  Although even all these year's later, I still find my brain adding Franz Nicolay's keyboards to the live performance.

A trio of Stay Positive songs, including the title track, "Sequestered In Memphis", and "Constructive Summer" had the throngs singing along.  "Your Little Hoodrat Friend" capitalized on the built up energy for a stellar, penultimate send-off.

PKEW PKEW PKEW (gunshots)

Toronto's #1 party band, PKEW PKEW PKEW (gunshots) were the perfect opening act for the gig.  It amazes me how they haven't broken wide open.  I guess nobody like ass-kicking, hunourous rock songs about drinking and having fun anymore.  You, however, with your exceptional taste can catch them at this year's Canadian Music Week.  One listen to "Glory Days" or "Asshole Pandemic" and you'll be sold.

9.0/10