Class is in session.

It’s obvious from the beginning of The Hold Steady’s fourth album Stay Positive that these guys are students of Rock and Roll. As singer Craig Finn spits outs the opening lines he references Iggy Pop and Husker Du at the same time. Influences of “Saint Joe Strummer”, The Replacements, Dinosaur Jr, Led Zeppelin and The Who are obvious. Add the already established E-Street Band-like keyboards and this album is like a ride at that new Hard Rock amusement park they just opened in Myrtle Beach, only more dangerous and probably louder. 

The Hold Steady’s own unique contribution to Rock and Roll however is strong enough to dispel any retro stereotypes. They write songs with an almost stream of consciousness lyrical structure, rolling images of “beer halls”, “murder investigations”, “parties with townies”, “car crashes” and “gushing blood” over their bruising, guitar heavy accompaniment. Chant-a-long ready choruses rise above the pulsating beat and Finn’s nerdy, herky jerky vocals tell the stories with a reverence that comes from the perspective of a fan of rock who, if he wasn’t in this band, would be in the mosh pit rocking with them.

 Stay Positive was leaked seven weeks early on the internet so to make up for it, the cd features three new songs “Ask Her For Adderall”, “Cheyenne Sunrise” and “Two Handed Handshake” tacked onto the end in a hidden track. Gestures like these have endeared The Hold Steady to their fan base since their bar band beginnings earlier this decade and they now have an album to match the passion of their following and their live shows.  

Listen for songs from the album Stay Positive  by The Hold Steady all this week on Paul Shugrue’s new music show “Out of the Box” on Hampton Roads public radio 89.5 WHRV Mon. through Thurs. from 7 to 9 p.m., Sat. afternoon from 1 to 5 p.m. and on-demand at www.whrv.org/outofthebox.

 

 

 

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