Product Description

Limited edition packaging (50,000) includes 3 bonus tracks:

Bonus Tracks
1.Ask Her for Adderall
2.Cheyenne Sunrise
3. Two Handed Handshake

Track Listing

1. Constructive Summer
2. Sequestered in Memphis
3. One for the Cutters
4. Navy Sheets
5. Lord, I m Discouraged
6. Yeah Sapphire
7. Both Crosses
8. Stay Positive
9. Magazines
10. Joke About Jamaica
11. Slapped Actress

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1836 in Music
• Released on: 2008-07-15
• Number of discs: 1
• Format: Extra tracks

Amazon.co.uk
The Hold Steady's ascent and eventual breakthrough with 2006's Boys & Girls in America was never pre-ordained. If anything they did it without the tastemakers' consent. Their shtick is old-fashioned through and through, beginning with Thin Lizzy and ending with Bruce Springsteen, performed by men advanced enough to have experienced those touchstones first or second hand. And look at them--not exactly The Strokes, are they? But it was precisely their enthusiastic unoriginality, the fact that the clichés were piled on so thick and so fast, that they triumphed. And placed next to that unapologetically feel good record, that Stay Positive sounds so immediately brighter and more muscular is undoubtedly a great sign. Production is really cranked up--see the horns wedged into "Sequestered in Memphis", the REM mandolin texturing of "Both Crosses" and the surprising harpsichord flagrancy of "One for the Cutters". They're clearly determined to not be so easily pegged this time around, though admittedly they never exactly go that far off-piste. "Our songs are sing-along songs," announced Craig Finn semi-helpfully, and though the spirit is right, with such a conversational lyrical style that is rarely the case. It's more about the rock gestures and knowing when to punch the air. And there are instances aplenty, from the Pete Townsend-esque windmill power-chords in "Constructive Summer", to the overblown solo in "Lord I'm Discouraged" that is so "November Rain" it's practically going through Stephanie Seymour's trash (those not watching MTV in the mid-90s, hit Youtube). --James Berry

Customer Reviews

Another solid album
This album is certainly along extremely similar lines to "Boys and Girls in America" If you liked that album, you will definitely like this one and vice versa. The band continues to rock with some great up-beat and realtively heavy alternative tunes. The lyrics are also have the same intoxicated one-night-stand theme. I was worried that it would sound exactly the same as the last album, but there are enough variations on the theme to keep it interesting while maintaining their unique style throughout. Overall, a great album, but I would start w/ "boys and girls.." if you haven't heard that one first.

Overall pretty decent
This album is about half way between the brilliant Separation Sunday and the dismal Boys and Girls. In sound, it probably rates closer to BAGIA, but lyrically it is stronger than that album. Personally I prefer the harder and darker sound of Separation Sunday, which to me sounded more adult and mature, while I find the keyboard-filled easy-listening rock-n-roll of BAGIA and this album to be a bit boring. So, in summary, if you loved BAGIA (as I know many people did) you will probably really enjoy this album.

Quality music from a quality band
I've been a big fan of the Hold Steady since their early days. Actually, since before their early days, when Craig Finn fronted Lifter Puller (check that band out if you haven't heard them!!). Despite a lot of critical acclaim, the Hold Steady still doesn't get the respect they deserve. "Stay Postive" is yet another in a string of solid rock and roll albums from this phenomenal band. Craig Finn's unique lyrics and vocal delivery, which is more than just a little reminiscent of Mr. Springsteen, make every song an adventure of the most pleasurable kind. There really isn't a bad song on this record. For anyone who likes good old-fashioned rock & roll with some clever, witty, and intelligent lyrics, the Hold Steady will more than satisfy you. And if haven't seen this band live, you MUST do it the next opportunity you get. They put on a heckuva show!!