The Hold Steady Played Night 1 of Their Boys and Girls in America Anniversary Residency with Titus Andronicus at Brooklyn Bowl, 11/30/16

The Hold Steady

How a Resurrection Really Feels

I remember, back in 2006 or 2007, looking for some new music to buy. These were the days when I still bought most music on CD; so, after checking some "Best Of 2006" list somewhere, I came home with The Hold Steady's Boys and Girls in America in a little orange and white striped bag from Jack's in Red Bank. I'm going to admit that I didn't know what to make of it right away.

Boys and Girls in America is a big, loud, sometimes anthemic, classic rock-inspired album. I discovered it at a time when I was in full-on indie rock mode, and the keyboards and huge guitar chords sounded anachronistically Springsteenian to me at the time. Now, I've loved Bruce my whole life; but he hadn't been "cool" for a long time. As much as I hate to admit it, I think I may have been all about what was "cool" for a while there.

But you know what? I pushed past all that as I spent time with the record. I got lost in the strands of a story arc that I could see joining many of the songs. Frontman Craig Finn's talk-sing delivery invested the songs with drama and humor; and I eventually just gave myself over to the gut-punches of those massive guitars. Boys and Girls in America is one of my favorite albums ever.

The Hold Steady have returned from a hiatus to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the album. Keyboardist Franz Nicolay, whose work gives Boys and Girls a huge part of its signature sound, is back; and the band are in the midst of a 4-night stand at Brooklyn Bowl. Last night, I attended Night 1.

I initially had no tickets to any of the Brooklyn Bowl shows as pre-sale tickets disappeared within moments. Resigned to missing the live rendition of one of my favorite records of all time, I went about my life. Then, The Hold Steady started giving hints about the openers for each night. Night 1, it soon became clear, would be kicked off by Titus Andronicus. I got myself to the show.

I got myself to the show waaaaay early. Like almost three hours early. The idea of watching things over a sea of heads from the back of the room was wildly unappealing, so I arrived soon after doors. I relaxed with a couple of beers, then sauntered to the stage where I'd wait for about two hours.

Titus Andronicus hit the stage at the appointed 8:45. This would be an abbreviated opening set, but Titus Andronicus know what they're doing. They lit right into the usually mid-set one-two punch of "Fired Up" and "Dimed Out." Over eight songs, the band also hit a couple of oldies: "Fear and Loathing in Mahwah, NJ" and "Upon Viewing Brueghel's 'Landscape with the Fall of Icarus.'"

Patrick Stickles of Titus Andronicus

Just as Patrick Stickles announced, "We've got a couple more for you," the sound man told the band they'd run out of time. After some confusion and a partial breakdown of the drum set, everyone realized that there were still ten minutes left in the set. Titus Andronicus came back for an "encore" and squeezed in "A More Perfect Union," ending just as we hit 9:30.

Titus Andronicus

The crowd had filled in all around; and when The Hold Steady took the stage just after 10pm, the place exploded. From the opening riff of "Stuck Between Stations" to the final strains of "Southtown Girls," arms stretched toward the stage and people screamed out lyrics.

Craig Finn did his usual dance of reciting a lyric and then stepping away from the mic to repeat it silently at the audience. Those who have been to many, many more Hold Steady shows than I have (I think I'm at 3 right now.) knew just when to make certain hand signals, when to cross their arms or cross themselves. At the far side of the stage from me -- stage right, I guess -- Franz Nicolay bounced maniacally and drank from a full wine bottle.

The Hold Steady's Craig Finn

When "Chillout Tent" came up, Patrick Stickles and High Waisted's Jessica Louise Dye came out to do the guest vocals on the song. Dye had to work to be heard above the band but did a great job. Stickles inhabited his role.

Jessica Louise Dye

Once the band had finished with the album, they played songs spanning their discography, from Boys and Girls bonus track "Girls Like Status" to Stay Positive favorites "Constructive Summer" and "Magazines" to the band's very oldest song "Knuckles." They closed the main set with "How a Resurrection Really Feels," and it was awesome.

The setlist taped down to the stage ended with just "Encore -- Audible." The Hold Steady returned with Almost Killed Me's "Certain Songs" and went directly into "Stay Positive."

The Hold Steady's Tad Kubler

Then they played what is, apparently, the deepest of Hold Steady deep cuts, "Ballad of the Midnight Hauler." There was a guy up front named Brendan (I think) who was at his 76th Hold Steady show. "Last night was his birthday," said Finn. "And this was the only thing we could think of that would surprise him." Brendan sang every word.

As things wrapped up, Finn said his thanks and left us with, "Brooklyn. Minneapolis. New York City. You. You. You. Us. We are all The Hold Steady." And that's what I love about this band. They may not be re-inventing rock and roll; but, even though many of their songs are about difficult subjects and sad people, The Hold Steady's music is ultimately joyful. Their music is just one of many variations on the theme of a gritty, communal, cathartic, human experience; and those are wonderful things.

The Hold Steady continue their anniversary celebration at Brooklyn Bowl through Saturday.