The Hold Steady - Stay Positive

Apparently, the Hold Steady began when "lead guitarist Tad Kubler and frontman Craig Finn first had the idea... sitting at home watching The Last Waltz. Finn asked Kubler, "Dude, why aren't there any bands like this anymore? Let's do this from now on." Not a bad reason to start a band, in my opinion, and the fact that they make music to have fun, not to make money or become famous, shines through in their newest record, Stay Positive.

The Hold Steady seems to really take their 'do-whatever-we-want' philosophy to heart, as becomes clear listening to this cd. No two songs really sound alike (aside from guitar tones, maybe), and The Hold Steady seems to kinda make it up as they go along, like children playing with Lego(s). (I know it makes them mad, it just doesn't sound right without the 's'). And somehow, it works out well. The lyrics manage to sound stream-of-consciousness, yet pre-planned, which works to their advantage on both sides. The measure of the lyrics is also subject to their unpredictability, and Craig Finn's gravelly words never seem to come out like you'd imagine they would, which makes the songs more interesting to listen to.

Most of the songs on Stay Positive tell a story, whether it be about incidents from the past, a girl they know and the crazy things she did, or a girl they're currently distressed about. Actually, a surprising amount of these songs are specifically about a girl or girls. 'Constructive Summer' talks about drinkin', reminiscing, and, you guessed it, summer. Declaring that "St. Joe Strummer might've been our only decent teacher," The Hold Steady warns us that "we are our only saviors." 'Sequestered In Memphis' finds Finn hazily recounting a story about a certain girl and bathroom, explaining how he "went there on business," and ended up "sequestered in Memphis," culminating in a clappy sing-along. 'One for the Cutters' is a Dylan-esque story about a series of events set into motion by a girl joining a party and subsequently getting sucked into some undesirable circumstances. 'Navy Sheets' paints a picture of lost innocence, while 'Lord I'm Discouraged' finds a sad man talking to his faith about a woman who is changing while he stays the same. Slapped Actress, the album's closer, contains some of my favorite lyrics, notably "We are the actors, the cameras are rollin’. I’ll be Ben Gazzara, you’ll be Gena Rowlands... We’re the directors, our hands will hold steady. I’ll be John Cassavettes, let me know when you’re ready."

All in all, I think the best way to describe The Hold Steady is they're just a rock band, which is something that few bands currently are. Uncorrupted by seemingly anything besides 70's rock (which I hardly call corruptive, but certain parents would've begged to differ), The Hold Steady seems to say damn the consequences, and the critics seem to agree. Stay Positive hides some catchy hooks in some unlikely places, and, though dark at times, it's a feel good album that is perfect for something to listen to as the summer starts to dwindle down to an end.

5/7