Stay Positive

Stay Positive, when compared to the previous releases of THS, does have a feeling of a smirking smile, even in the midst of the subject matter. Everything from (dare I say) Springsteen style epic rock ballads and subject matter, to beat poetry and phenomenal lyrical story telling.

I've read that Craig Finn has indicated that he sings about the specific to describe the general"- and he does it quite well. Often times, its a bit didactic, hes repeating the same lines which didn't need underlining and emphasis. But there is brilliance, and pretty consistent brilliance.

Songs like "Constructive Summer " and "Sequestered in Memphis" are smooth and quite perfect- and "yeah sapphire" is a rock guitar gem. IF you like indie/alternative rock, and respect the classic rock aspect, this is a must own.

To be honest, I have a love affair with the Hold Steady. Their songs, although growers, are such great stories of life, friendship (and drinking). To me "Stay Positive" is definitely a grower-type album. It starts off SO strong with "Constructive Summer" and "Sequestered in Memphis" and then kind of drops off for "One for the Cutters" and "Navy Sheets." But the album comes back strong (but soft) during "Lord, I'm Discouraged." After that ballad (which is kind of acts the same way "Citrius" did on "Boys and Girls in America"), it is all uphill. "Both Crosses" is deal-able. But everything else is so solid. They tell stories of Holly and the usual cast of Hold Steady characters. The places are the same and the debauchery carries many of the same themes. I know Craig Finn said this album is grown up, but I still see themes of youth in the music and in the lyrics.
All in all, "Stay Positive" is 11 track album with two 'eh' songs, one 'so-so' song, and seven Hold Steady masterpieces.

C'mon!!!!!! its a lyric music voice imitation of the bad seeds and Mr. Nick Cave! i hear a lot about this group the best album of the year stuff and all of that but... it was shocking! i buy the cd and i hear nick cave, i mean its a good album beacuse is a copy of a great band, im a nick cave fan for many years, i knew lyrics music and voice to the perfection and i already hear this in many albums of the seeds... well shame... sad nobody in this reviews know The bad seeds...

The Hold Steady have shown a lot of promise, and now they get it right: killer sound with lots of crunchy guitar, more confident vocals, great sing-alongs, lyrics that stick in your head like shards of glass ... this is their first fully realized recording. It's a monster. Everyone is talking about "Sequestered in Memphis," and it's a great song, but every song here has something special to offer -- especially the closer, "Slapped Actress." Don't wait to hear this Bruce Springsteen Meets Mott The Hoople rock n' roll Frankenstein; get it now!

"Sequestered in Memphis" is such a great song, and the album got such big hype, that I was expecting much more. The production of the album is poor from a sound quality standpoint. You can't really hear all the instruments, the sound is garbled, and the vocals are not easily understood. Pretty much a disappointment.