Kevin Marshall's America » hold steady http://www.kevinmarshallonline.com/blog Musing & misadventures of a writer, comedian, and local treasure Thu, 13 Nov 2014 00:17:24 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=4.0.38 Know Your Fist Pumps! http://www.kevinmarshallonline.com/blog/2010/04/09/know-your-fist-pumps/ http://www.kevinmarshallonline.com/blog/2010/04/09/know-your-fist-pumps/#comments Fri, 09 Apr 2010 13:00:39 +0000 http://blog.timesunion.com/marshall/?p=354 In preparation for a summer of rock concerts and this weekend’s visit from the cast member of the “Jersey Shore” with the least amount of charisma (I’m not paying a cover unless The Situation or Snooki’s Bump-It is present), I want to give y’all a quick crash course on fist pumps. You see, [...]]]> In preparation for a summer of rock concerts and this weekend’s visit from the cast member of the “Jersey Shore” with the least amount of charisma (I’m not paying a cover unless The Situation or Snooki’s Bump-It is present), I want to give y’all a quick crash course on fist pumps. You see, there are different types of fist pumps, with enough variations to make it confusing. Especially when there are two that are both associated with music.

Left: rock show fist pump. Right: "Jersey Shore" fist pump. Nary the two should meet.

Firstly, there’s the fist pump that made an appearance at Wednesday night’s Hold Steady show at The Linda – the rock show fist pump. This fist is usually brief in length and more indicative of a powerful movement in a song. Notice how the fist is thrust slightly forward. Sort of like a punch, but while done in an aggressive manner it’s not supposed to be threatening.

The Jersey Shore fist pump is a different animal altogether. This is more rhythmic and sustained in nature, and has more of a vertical motion. Instead of thrusting forward, it’s more like a smooth, steady piston that moves in accordance with a beat. One must also observe the more prominent bend at the elbow. Additionally, more of your core muscles are – or can be – employed while performing the motion.

So if you’re at a rock show and feel the need to pump your fist, careful! Make sure you’re going about it the right way. And don’t crowd surf. For one, crowd surfing is so 1994, and as far as I’m concerned it died with Layne Staley. For two, if you’re at a show with a variety of ages, that fifty-three-year-old man is most likely not going to be amused. He came here to see and enjoy the band, youngun, not have to be subjected to a dumpy white 160 pound frat boy in cargo shorts who couldn’t allow the band that is onstage and gets paid to do this for a living to hog all of the attention.

]]> http://www.kevinmarshallonline.com/blog/2010/04/09/know-your-fist-pumps/feed/ 10 Rediscovering a love for live music, courtesy The Hold Steady @ The Linda http://www.kevinmarshallonline.com/blog/2010/04/08/rediscovering-a-love-for-live-music-courtesy-the-hold-steady-the-linda/ http://www.kevinmarshallonline.com/blog/2010/04/08/rediscovering-a-love-for-live-music-courtesy-the-hold-steady-the-linda/#comments Thu, 08 Apr 2010 17:03:34 +0000 http://blog.timesunion.com/marshall/?p=345 Forgive the rush jobs, folks. I’m writing this on my lunch break.

I really should make more of an effort to be aware of what concerts are about to hit the area.

Until I saw a post yesterday on All Over Albany announcing there were still tickets left for The Hold Steady at [...]]]>

The Hold Steady (not pictured: new keyboardist Whats-his-name Jones)

Forgive the rush jobs, folks. I’m writing this on my lunch break.

I really should make more of an effort to be aware of what concerts are about to hit the area.

Until I saw a post yesterday on All Over Albany announcing there were still tickets left for The Hold Steady at The Linda, I’d had no idea they were returning to our area. And seeing as how tickets were only $24, I jumped at the opportunity.

The only album I own and have listened to in full is 2008’s “Stay Positive,” but that album also quickly became one of my favorites. Its bouncy Jersey rock inspired riffs with backing keyboards infusing elements of gospel made me thankful we live in the age that we do. Otherwise, I would’ve worn out the vinyl record or cassette tape in no time.

As much as I enjoyed the album, it wasn’t until last night’s experience that I became a fan of the band itself.

I missed opening act The Oranges Band due to play rehearsal (The Importance of Being Earnest opens May 14th – click here for more) but what little I heard of them after doing an internet search this morning I liked. They seem reminiscent of early 90s alt/indy rock, which I always love hearing.

The Hold Steady started their set about ten minutes after we arrived. Perfect timing! Unfortunately, their second song in they apparently rocked the place a little too hard, as the sound system completely crapped the bed on them mid-song. Lead singer/songwriter Craig Finn rallied the crowd in having an impromptu acoustic set in response, though it was more reminiscent of a casual sing-along with friends. He sang “Citrus” and “Cheyenne Sunrise” while techies worked feverishly to get them back up and running. But Finn and company were so engaging the crowd didn’t seem to notice or mind.

That’s what I think sets this band apart. Most other bands would simply joke about the malfunctions, then strike impatient poses while turning their back to the audience to express their dismay over the hand dealt to them. The Hold Steady, on the other hand, saw a crowd of all ages that simply wanted to have fun, and they obliged.

Once the power came back on, they powered through the rest of the set which including the encore approached (and may have surpassed) two full hours. Craig Finn proved to be the most entertaining front man I’ve ever seen live. He sings every song exactly the same and doesn’t have a range beyond a single octave, but it suits the music perfectly and his delivery and energy more than compensate for any perceived limitations his actual voice may have.

More than anything, though, he carried a love and appreciation for live performance that was infections. He’d jump up and down and wave his arms like an exuberant child receiving praise and adulation for the first time. They had the sound of a seasoned professional rock band, but the enthusiasm of a young band playing in front of their friends for the first time. They were so good live that they actually got me to let my “too cool for school” guard down and pump my fist in tune to the beats and riffs (not to be confused with pumping your fist “Jersey Shore” style).

It’s hard to find rock bands for adults that aren’t old men impressed with themselves and acting politically and socially enlightened. The Hold Steady is that band, yet still accessible to younger folks as well.

If they ever do come back to the area (and they seem to make the jaunt pretty often since they’re based in Brooklyn), don’t hesitate to pick up at ticket.

For those who haven’t heard them, check out the following video for the title track of their 2008 release, “Stay Positive.”

EDIT: TimesUnion.com “You Review” from Greg Haymes.

EDIT 2: Nippertown has posted their own thoughts as well as some great live shots. It also mentions they stopped by the WEXT studios for an interview and played some songs. It airs at noon tomorrow (Friday April 9th).

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