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The Hold Steady: Stay Positive |
Contributed By: D. Buchan
Created On: Wednesday, 02 July 2008
Hits: 121
 Stay Positive The songs came together on the road, as the band was touring the world behind 2006 s breakthrough Boys and Girls in America, a run that found the band playing well over 200 shows in 2007 alone. Says Finn, “possibly the most exciting aspect of our band is the community of fans that have followed us around the country. In talking to them, we have found that no matter their ages, they are so much like us as people, that they seem at times an extension of the music. A great American philosopher named D. Boon once said 'Our band could be your life.' I think that is true. But 'Your Life could be Our Band' is also a true statement. I know this because we have lived it. These are our lives. These are your lives. This is our fourth record. Stay Positive”.
“Constructive Summer” opens the album with a healthy paced rock anthem that even includes group vocals. The song, through chord progression and lyrics, lays out images of having a summer filled with innocence and exploration. Although “Constructive Summer” makes a good opening song, “Sequestered In Memphis” raises the bar. The song manages through the first verse just in time to make it to the catchy chorus melody. The song sticks out as one of the albums most memorable due in large part to the second half of the track.
Both “One For The Cutters” and “Navy Sheets” have a, more than usual, chaotic feel to them and lack some of the hooks that the rest of the songs have. Neither one fell into its own groove and started rubbing the wrong way with each listen. The two songs are unique to the record though and the only ones which could be described as “slightly painful”. The title track, “Stay Positive” along with the following song “Magazines” are right up there with “Sequestered In Memphis” as some of the best. “Stay Positive” recounts some of the dues the band has paid in making it to where they are now. Overall, if this is your style of music and your idea of a good time then turn up the volume because the satisfying record should suite you well. While ‘Stay Positive’ is not perfect it more than achieves the band’s goal of aging them gracefully.
 
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