Both playing the same night in a week and a half or so...which do I go to?

Here's the pros and cons...

The Faint
pros: already had people ask about going and told them I probably would - starts earlier in the evening, good for a work night

cons: only listened to them a little bit, not as familiar - more expensive

Hold Steady
pros: Seperation Sunday is probably one of my favorite rock albums of the past several years - cheaper - just seems like a band that would put on a good show live

cons: starts later (and they'll probably make me wanna drink a lot) - probably most of the people i could talk into going to a concert during the week are already going to The Faint - they'll probably play there last album stuff more and I wasn't as wild about it

So...which do I pick?

Let me know.

hold steady for me...

however the faint do put on a good show even if you are not completely familiar with their music.

I've heard really good things about the Hold Steady, but I can say really good things about the Faint. Extremely high energy live show (one of a very few that get the indie kidz dancing), and lots of fun.

Never could get into the Faint.

i am going to go out on a limb here and say that HS will easily win this poll....

That's crazy talk.

Hold Steady. If at all possible go ahead and set it up so your work knows you'll be in late the next morning. Even an extra hour can help with a hangover.

The Faint were good when I saw them. Fun show. A definite goth feel to the crowd when I went. Lot of black.

I just think Hold Steady would be bring teh rock and I want to see them badly. Massive booze hounds and loud electric guitars will always pique my interest.

Can I vote for neither of them?

Just to even the playing field...have I mentioned the rather hot lesbian strippers who are planning on going to The Faint?

both of these bands put on very good shows. i doubt either will disappoint.

i haven't seen the faint since 2003 and i've seen the hold steady three times since then, so my memory of them is clearer. you're right, though, the hold steady's set is going to be full of boys and girls in america songs and a smattering from the first two albums. (they didn't even play "knuckles" when i saw them in october.) craig finn is also a better frontman than todd fink, but...

for you, i'd say the faint because it's earlier (weeknight), you'll know people (if you're the type of person who can't go to a show alone), and you may not like the hold steady's set list (heavy on songs from an album you don't care for).

well that settles it.

What does "rather" mean?

I'd really like to see both.

Sorry...don't post pics of people online without them knowing. They do work at one of the classy joints though. Mostly they're considered very hot by most, heads turn, but I'm kinda not so into that artificial look they have, so I qualify it.

My vote: The Hold Steady - do what Derris says. Tell work you have an appt. or something so you can stay in bed a little later to work off the hangover you will undoubtedly have after this show.

The Faint have lost a little spring in their step over the past 5 years if you ask me.

Hot Lesbian Strippers = YOU CAN'T HAVE THEM

I meant that I'd like to see both bands, not both strippers.

Well...you pulled out the stripper quote...how was I to know?

Yeah, I'd really like to see both. Hasn't been much in the way of good shows around lately, then 2 in one night.

Go to both. Get the transporter working (and/or time machine) and you're all set.

They're both great live but I'd probably want to see The Faint since I've seen Hold Steady 3 times already.

I was planning on going to that Hold Steady show, nobody. The Thermals are opening for them, or vice versa. I'm not sure.

well...if I lean that way, I'll have to buy you a drink

Yeah, let me know what you decide. I haven't been to Off Broadway yet.

It's not a bad place...smallish...nothin' fancy...should be a pretty good venue for 'em. I'm gonna probably go see the Paybacks there this weekend.

I like The Faint a lot. But I have seen them 4 times since 2004. Haven't seen The Hold Steady yet. I'd likely go with the latter if I had to choose.

whoa, whoa. back it up. the thermals are opening for the hold steady? that's a pretty awesome double bill right there. i saw the thermals last week and they really good. who's opening for the faint?

The venue's web site says Flowers Forever. Never heard of 'em.