We went there on business...

It's been a great pleasure getting to know fellow Brooklynites and all around kick ass band The Hold Steady as they've been working on the release of their incredible new album 'Stay Positive.' Highlights are too numerous to mention -- not least of which was an incredible show at McCarren Pool a few weeks ago where the band took the stage just as the sun rose after a deluge of 'Day After Tomorrow' proportions.

This week release date is finally upon us, and things kicked off with a performance on Letterman last night. If you've ever wondered just what happens on the other side of the camera here's a little souvenir we were able to grab after the show:


The best part of the show was undoubtedly the band's performance of "Sequestered In Memphis," but an (arguable) close second was the incredible sketch that was put together by comedian Andy Kindler, who traveled with the band for shows and turned in a hilarious segment on what it means to be (in his words) "The Best Rock Band In America." See for yourself:



And of course here's the performance of "Sequestered," complete with a horn section for good measure:



In the meantime, in third place among cool things, was the uncanny wardrobe resemblance between Craig Finn and my fellow Shore Fire cohort Rob Krauser. I managed to get a shot:


And to answer the next question, of course I tried to get the stripes to line up. Note to Rob and Craig, if you ever have plans to go to the same prom, trade some emails first.

Next up for the Hold Steady is a massive U.S. tour, including a stop at the Pitchfork festival in Chicago this weekend. Look out for them in a venue near you, they're going to build something this summer.