Soul Asylum’s annual holiday show at First Avenue has become a fixture on the bar’s calendar in the past five years. It’s as predictable a part of the holiday season in Minneapolis as the Guthrie Theater’s “Christmas Carol” and channel 45’s Yule Log. Not that predictable is bad; it’s familiar, friendly and comfortable.
Yeah, not so much this year.
Sure, they played “Runaway Train”. Although Dave Pirner let the audience sing most of it (perhaps he’s as tired of it as many of their long-time fans who find it a way-too-popular anomaly in their catalog). Of course, they dedicated songs to Karl Mueller and Bob Stinson (“Without a Trace” and “Whatcha Need”, respectively). Naturally, Pirner did his trademark spinning and hair whipping and at least once guitarist Dan Murphy looked severely aggrieved at his Les Paul goldtop, pounding it with his fist and giving it a good shake.
That’s it for predictable.
Dave Pirner & Dan Murphy, Soul Asylum
The band opened their set from behind the screen while the seldom seen video, staring Karl Mueller, for “Artificial Heart” played. As the screen raised the band tore into the rarely played live “Marionette”. The “Artificial Heart” video wasn’t the only homage to deceased bassist Meuller; Michael Bland’s kick drum cover was the photo of Mr. Mueller and, erm, a heaping pile of clam dip from the cover of the 1988 EP Clam Dip and Other Delights (if really wanna see the EP cover, you can view it here).
Those first two songs really set the tone for the entire show. It was nostalgic without being cloying; it had retrospection without being overtly analytical. In other words, it was FUN. The band was back on form.
Pete Donnelly (the Figgs), Michael Bland & Tommy Barbarella, Soul Asylum
Pete Donnelly (the Figgs), Soul Asylum
More than a few in the audience expressed disappointment in the absence of bassist Tommy Stinson (on tour in South America with Guns ‘N Roses). However, Pete Donnelly, of opening band the Figgs, was an excellent replacement (no pun intended). His laidback stage presence and more muscular playing style arguably make Donnelly a better fit for Soul Asylum than Stinson. It’s likely the depth of the setlist is due to Donnelley’s filing in on bass and the rehearsals it necessitated.
Further filling out the sound was former Prince keyboard player Tommy Barbarella and a tuxedo clad man playing tympani and other percussion (sorry, I didn’t catch his name). Back in the day even the suggestion of keys on one of their songs would’ve caused massive derision from fans, however, Barbarella’s light touch didn’t overwhelm or draw undue attention.
Dave Pirner, Soul Asylum
Dan Murphy, Soul Asylum
This was a more spirited and enthusiastic and show than any in the past few years. It’s pace and overall vibe more reminiscent of their late ‘80s or early ‘90s shows. With a new album rumored for next year the timing is right for resurgence.
Jacques Wait and Arzu Gokcen, Pink Mink
Up first, local favorites Pink Mink ripped through a short set of their originals, sadly leaving out the Minneapolis-centric “Seekin’ Scott Seekins”. Undoubtedly, they made more fans this evening.
Pete Hayes, Mike Gent, and Pete Donnelly, the Figgs
Second on the bill was New York punk-pop stalwarts the Figgs. Proving again that a solid power trio can provide enough sound to fill a room and remain versatile enough to go from punk to mod (an out-of-nowhere version of the Who’s “Happy Jack and a rousing sing-a-long version of the Kinks’ “Victoria”) to straight ahead, classic rock ‘n roll. Talented musicians with a road-tested ability to work a crowd, they set the bar high for Soul Asylum to follow.
Set List:
Artificial Heart
Marionette
Somebody to Shove
All Is Well
Into the Light
Lately
Cartoon
Gone Till November
Whatcha Need
Black Gold
Without A Trace
New World
When I Ran Off and Left Her (cover – Vic Chestnut)
Gravity
The Streets
Misery
Silly Love Songs (partial/cover – Paul McCartney)
I Did My Best
Runaway Train
Closer to the Stars
Just Like Anyone (with a little bit of “Little Drummer Boy”)
Encore:
Mercedes Benz (cover – Janis Joplin)
Black Star
Summer of Drugs (cover – Victoria Williams)
Stand Up and Be Strong
Pete Donnelly (the Figgs), Dave Pirner & Michael Bland, Soul Asylum
Dave Pirner, Soul Asylum
Dave Pirner prepares to throw his guitar, Soul Asylum
