Ten Thousand Lakes

I am in Minneapolis for work this week and caught The Hold Steady at First Avenue tonight. I haven't seen someone enjoy fronting a rock and roll band as much as Craig Finn since Pollard. He was in his full glory in front of the hometown crowd emphasizing the Twin City references (there are about ten in every song) and trotting out a Twins jersey. The band is from Brooklyn now but most of them grew up in Minneapolis and are quick to reference the bands that we love from the area, especially the Replacements. Pirner guests on the new record and I spotted Gary Louris from the Jayhawks in the crowd tonight. The records can be an acquired taste with their big riffs and Finn's love or hate vocal style, but The Hold Steady know how to put on a rock show and share their love of what they're doing with the crowd. It made for a good Wednesday night so far from home.

Friday Songs

This one is in heavy rotation. Love the lyrics. He gave us this one live with Keene on piano keys and it sounded good at the time, but the stripped-down album version comes across better I think. As for the album, I'm (mostly) loving side 1 (especially the first four songs, Serious Bird Woman I'm not sure about) , side 2 after Rhoda Rhoda has yet to kick in.

In honor of MK, some toe-tappin songs for a Friday courtesy of a British label called Catbird Records.

Tap Tap - On My Way
Pet Politics - The Ghost Mary & Her Friends

Skippers

I never thought of Lou Pinella as Latino but I'll go with it if it means not having to listen to Steve "Psycho" Lyons. Andy, what are your thoughts on him becoming the new Cubs manager? I got his autograph at the Oakland Airport Holiday Inn in the early '80s and he seemed like a nice enough guy.

It is crazy to read that a couple players having disagreements with Macha sited as the main reason that he was fired. I know that we live in an era where the millionaire players have all the power, and that Beane really runs the show in Oakland. But how is someone supposed to step into that role and be effective if hurting Jay Payton's feelings are grounds for firing. I don't really have an opinion about Macha's skipper skillz, I just think it sets a bad precedent.

The Giants have a similar situation on their hands with Bonds clearly running the show. I wonder how different their management search would be if they had his situation resolved. Bochy, Brenley, Wotus...since when is a mustache a prerequsite to managing in SF?

What a relief!

Olivia is home and doing great -- laughing, running, climbing. I wouldn't believe it myself if I couldn't see it so here's a photo.

TGIF

Okies!

I watched a great documentary about a mid-western band started by brothers and lead by an insanely driven frontman who still lives in his hometown and hangs out with his high school friends. Pollard and GBV? Nope. Fearless Freaks featuring the Flaming Lips. I'll watch just about any rock documentary whether or not I like the subjects but Freaks is well made with a really interesting story behind it. And the music sounds great. I haven't listened to the Lips much of late but will be breaking out The Soft Bulletin.

Fearless Freaks Trailer