Stay Positive
The Hold Steady
Stay Positive
Stay Positive is the fourth album from The Hold Steady, a classic rock outfit. Unlike the shortlived Darkness, The Hold Steady has managed to survive in the 21st century by churning out exciting live performances and generate enough fanbase, part of the reason is due to the formulaic nature of their records. While not changing much, Stay Positive feels like a mellower and more experimental record for the band.
Lead vocals Craig Finn has the classic rock growl, though sometimes he almost sounds like he is talking instead of singing, but the guitar solos and keyboard flourishes make up for that. The themes haven't changed, there are still drugs, sex and religion as the down and out try to make it in the world. However, the band manages to inject humor and dry wit in every song.
The album starts off well, with both 'Constructive Summer' and 'Sequestered in Memphis' getting you into the fist pumping mood. While the rock staples are here and there are the usual sing along choruses, the experimental tracks do shine, like the harpsichord lead in 'One for the Cutters'. And you would have gone through the banjo and the talk tracks by the time 'Slapped Actress' brings you to the climatic end.
The Limited Edition also releases 3 other songs, but as a single track.
Listen to: "Lord, I'm Discouraged", "Sequestered in Memphis"
Stay Positive
Stay Positive is the fourth album from The Hold Steady, a classic rock outfit. Unlike the shortlived Darkness, The Hold Steady has managed to survive in the 21st century by churning out exciting live performances and generate enough fanbase, part of the reason is due to the formulaic nature of their records. While not changing much, Stay Positive feels like a mellower and more experimental record for the band.Lead vocals Craig Finn has the classic rock growl, though sometimes he almost sounds like he is talking instead of singing, but the guitar solos and keyboard flourishes make up for that. The themes haven't changed, there are still drugs, sex and religion as the down and out try to make it in the world. However, the band manages to inject humor and dry wit in every song.
The album starts off well, with both 'Constructive Summer' and 'Sequestered in Memphis' getting you into the fist pumping mood. While the rock staples are here and there are the usual sing along choruses, the experimental tracks do shine, like the harpsichord lead in 'One for the Cutters'. And you would have gone through the banjo and the talk tracks by the time 'Slapped Actress' brings you to the climatic end.
The Limited Edition also releases 3 other songs, but as a single track.
Listen to: "Lord, I'm Discouraged", "Sequestered in Memphis"
