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The Hold Steady – Stay Postive
Reviewed by Mike
1. Constructive Summer 7.0
A solid rocker opening with dramatic Springsteen-esque piano showing up midway through the song. To me at least, this is the most interesting aspect. I find the hair metal guitar squeals to be a likeable addition. Lyrically, Finn focuses on the blue collar world with talk of “build something this summer” and “working at the mill until you die”.
2. Sequestered in Memphis 9.0
Finn provides excellent imagery with this story within a story.
Man, they want to know exactly which bathroom…
Dude, does it make any difference? It can’t be important…
Yeah, sure, I’ll tell my story, again…
It’s this kind of snarky storytelling that helps keep The Hold Steady relevant and worthwhile. The addition of a wicked hammond and punchy brass fills out the emtpy spaces with life.
3. One For the Cutters 8.0
” Welcome m’lady! Would you like a giant drumstick with your sprite?
Townies meet a far suburban renaissance festival. Despite the odd inclusion of a harpischord, the piano playing is excellent and the song is lavished with crunchy leaning walls of guitar where it matters.
4. Navy Sheets 4.5
The whippy synth line sounds like a dying goose. Overall, the ideas in this song just aren’t as interesting as elsewhere on the record. Not even getting drunk at the laser light show saves this one.
Whatever you do, don’t turn on the black light.