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 The Hold Steady takes rock music with a firm grip and shakes it violently until it turns into something familiar, yet completely new at the same time.
Their newest album, Stay Positive, pushes indierock to a fresh, energizing level.Everything about Stay Positive is just a little bit different from what you may have heard before. Sure it has rollicking guitar solos, distorted riffs, and effects galore in each song. But it also has intricate piano parts that could be mistaken for Ben Folds or Billy Joel . The albums lyrics may holler about people, god, and self. But, they also shout about Joe Strummer and subpoenas. Stay Positive is the Hold Steady’s fourth album and is by far their best outing. The first thing that stands out about The Hold Steady is frontman Craig Finn’s distinct voice. Once you hear it, you won’t mistake it for anyone else’s. Finn has let out some of the most positive songs (Hence the title of the album) I have heard in a long time, and some of the most sing-a-longable (screw you, spellcheck, it’s a word now.) This album flat out makes me want to sing along. The first two tracks “Constructive Summer” and “Sequestered in Memphis” are two songs that you can roll the windows down to on a summer drive. And if you are looking to pick up some chicks, try singing “Yeah Sapphire” or “Magazines” to them. Laid back and easy to listen to, Stay Positive’s tracks have engulfed me in complete summer bliss. There are few Indie Rock bands that can pull off a guitar solo. The Hold Steady, thankfully, is one of those bands. Lead guitarist Tad Kubler blends a ratio of effects and distortion to create a unique, yet clean sound (see: “Joke About Jamaica”). I also cannot get enough of Franz Nicolay’s keyboards. The keyboard’s always in the songs, sometimes in the background quietly complementing it (see: “Slapped Actress”), other times in the foreground demanding attention (see: “Magazines”). Instrumentally, Stay Positive is outstanding and the Hold Steady are dramatically underrated as musicians. If I have any negatives to Stay Positive. It’s that the albums slower, more intimate tracks just aren’t as catchy or as fun. “Both Crosses” and “Lord, I’m Discouraged” are two tracks that are meaningful and make one think, but feel like a little pot hole in Stay Positive’s summer road trip. Stay Positive is one of my favorite albums of the summer and of 2008. Completely unique, and completely accessible, Stay Positive deserves everybody’s attention for at least one play through. As I continue to listen to this album (and continue to put the song “Magazines” on every playlist I make the next 10 years), I cant help but feel excited to see what The Hold Steady has in store for their next album. 9/10 Download Now!: “Magazines” and “Sequestered in Memphis” … Hell, just buy the album. |