The Hold Steady - YaGotta Stay Positive

Mon 28th Jul, 2008 in Music Reviews

Vignettes of life in America and stories that can bring images of your own life to mind (well, at least mine) are what we find on Stay Positive from The Hold Steady. This is definitely their best sounding album as the band matures into something fine, so fine. Religious imagery, street life, outsiders and places that seem so familiar abound on this record.

The title track wants you to be in a sweaty bar in Jersey or Brooklyn with Craig Finn swallowing the microphone and screaming out at the patrons. They are positively alive with sounds that definitely have you thinking of Springsteen and their other influences. As a matter of fact, I hear a lot of Graham Parker and the Rumour inside these tracks. Or maybe it is just the energy from that time and place? Whatever, it is the sound of a band at their peak, and it stands up to constant repeats.

This sort of mid-western band has settled into their New York home and they channel the energy of that town into their songs. Running right along with Craig on vocals are the dynamic keyboard playing of Franz Nicolay and the fabulous fret play of Tad Kubler on guitar. Check out Joke About Jamaica and the interplay of these two fine players. Your jaw will drop thinking that these fellows have only been around a short while. (Check out the fabulous retro guitar solo on Lord, I’m Discouraged, too. Whew, it is a burner.) Bobby Drake covers the beat with his drumming and Galen Polivka keeps it all running straight with his basslines.

I don’t have enough superlatives in my bag to use about this band and Stay Positive. It is simply one of those records that you want to hold, hear, learn the lyrics and play for everyone that you know. Bands like The Hold Steady come to life every so often, and they are one of the greats who can bring life and intensity into what they produce.

Regretfully I missed their visit to Australia in early 2006, but rumours abound of them coming back. So hold on, keep your eyes open for that return, and don’t miss them. Oh yeah, and Stay Positive.