Written by: Geoff Tischman
I’ve always thought you shouldn’t work on your birthday, but I’m glad as hell that Craig Finn doesn’t feel the same way.
The Hold Steady frontman celebrated his 48th year on the planet at Chicago’s Thalia Hall by playing a blazing set with his band to support their new album Thrashing Through The Passion and it was a remarkable night.
Storming through well-worn numbers like “Chips Ahoy!” and “Stuck Between Stations” it became clear to me that these Hold Steady classics have transcended the confines of their own songbook and have become American standards.
Elsewhere, “Sequestered In Memphis” and “Your Little Hoodrat Friend” were filled with angst and sizzle, while new tracks like “Entitlement Crew” and “Denver Haircut” came across as instant classics.
Finn was in fine form, his band was on fire and it seemed to be a very happy birthday, indeed.
The Hold Steady Set List:
- Constructive Summer
- Hot Soft Light
- You Did Good Kid
- I Hope This Whole Thing Didn’t Frighten You
- Hurricane J
- Party Pit
- Banging Camp
- Denver Haircut
- Sequestered in Memphis
- You Can Make Him Like You
- Blackout Sam
- Cattle and the Creeping Things
- Yeah Sapphire
- Chips Ahoy!
- Entitlement Crew
- The Weekenders
- Stuck Between Stations
- Your Little Hoodrat Friend
- Massive Nights
- Slapped Actress
- Fresh Pope (Pkew Pkew Pkew cover)
- T-Shirt Tux
- Most People Are DJs
- Killer Parties
