The Hold Steady, Art Brut and 1990s at The Granada
The Hold Steady, with Art Brut and 1990s
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
The Granada
Better Than: Most modern art.
Brief thoughts by Harper; photos and Art Brut interview by Wonderman Scott Spychalski
Craig Finn for President 2008!
If Eddie Argos and Craig Finn had been in charge of the world right after 9/11 instead of Tony Blair and George Bush, the world would be a better place today -- that is, assuming our leaders would've had time to record the two great albums each of them has released with their respective bands, Art Brut and the Hold Steady.
Indeed, Tuesday at The Granada was a soundclash of British and American bang bang rock and roll, beginning with wee newcomers 1990s, a Glasgow power trio that put a solid record, Cookies, earlier this year but seemed understaffed on stage. Maybe it was an off or just low-key night for the scrappy Scots, but their energy was low and the playing was on the sloppy side -- shocking, considering how tight, peppy and catchy-as-hell their record is. I recommend picking it up at your nearest independent music retailer.
The evening was all about Art Brut and the Hold Steady. Follow the link for some real rock action.
First, intrepid Pitch photographer Scott Spychalski cornered Bruters Jasper Future and Argos before the show. Here's their conversation, transcribed by Scott's own shutterbug hand:
SS: Is there anyone who you are surprised to find out that are huge Art Brut fans?Eddie Argos: GWAR. You know with the masks and costumes? BalSac [bass player Chris Bobst] tried convincing me the he came up the the term "ball sac" but I think it's been around a long time. [Laughs] David Johansen -- he was asked who his favorite bands were at the moment and he only mentioned us. ... I'm a big New York Dolls fan.
SS: If you could record a song with any musician living or dead who would it be?
Argos: Jonathon Richman! I would like an excuse to speak with him and become his friend. In my head thats how it would work. "Hey Jonathan, let's do a song together." Then we would become best friends"
Jasper Future: I'm trying to think of something funny ... Let's see ... I would like to record with Simon LeBon. [Laughing] I love Duran Duran.
SS: Do you like touring America? Have you seen any odd things?
Argos: It's my favorite. ... It's more exotic touring here ... We are so far away from home it makes it more exciting.
Future: Like the drive from Minneapolis to Seattle. A three day power drive, gets kind of weird out there, no phone reception. You are out in the middle of nowhere. You have to stop and get food at a casino ... It's like 3 in the afternoon and there are four people there. Everyone walks in their pajamas and people have never heard our accents and have never met anyone from Europe before.
SS: What are some of your favorite bands out of the current crop of British bands?
Future: Franz Ferdinand are always fantastic.
Argos: Most of my favorite bands are American. I really love the Hold Steady, actually. I really like Klaxons and Maximo Park. We played with Klaxons in France when Jamie jumped off the stage and broke his leg. We said "I think I've broken my back! Peace out!"
SS: Have you had anymore "confrontations" with any other bands lately? [Eddie recently had a dustup with Kele Okerke from Bloc Party]
Argos: Uh I'm good actually ... I said some pretty choice things about Razorlight lately.
SS: Yeah, who likes them? Change your clothes..
Argos: And your music! [Laughs]
SS: What is your greatest accomplishment band-wise to date?
Argos: Having our shit together. Just being in a band, I suppose.
SS: If you weren't in a band what profession would you be in?
Argos: A care worker. Social worker. There is more money in it than a band, ha.
Future: A cobbler.
Argos: Dessert chef!
Me: You have a very unique singing style. Can you tell me a little more about it?
Argos: Thank you very much, that's very polite. I'm doing my best. This is my voice, I can't really sing. I sing a bit more now. I used to just mumble and talk throughout.
And now, the piece de resistance ... A SLIDESHOW OF ALL THE AMAZING SHIT THAT HAPPENED!!!
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