A Positive Rage by The Hold Steady

The Hold Steady almost killed me two weeks ago when they released A Positive Rage, a live album recorded in 2007. The Hold Steady has a reputation for being a great live band, and this album is proof. Band Members Craig Finn, Tad Kubler, Galen Polivka, Franz Nicolay, and Bobby Drake put energy into their straightforward rock and roll. Despite being middle-age men who seemed to have jumped on the rock n’ roll train a little late in their life, these musicians know how to put on a show for their fans and newcomers to the band. Pulling from classic rock, a little bit of punk and a lot of bit from The Replacement’s style of alternative/punk/rock, the band is led by the ever literary Craig Finn, the bands vocalist and lyricist. Finn’s rambling lyrics often times are more spoken more than sung, but he “speaks” with such honesty and affirmation you can only believe the stories he is telling are true (not to mention he has great dance moves that would make any middle-age white male proud).

However, if you are looking for tracks from the band’s Stay Positive album, they’re not to be found as this was recorded before the album was released (though you do get to hear an early version of both “Ask Her For Adderall” and “Lord, I’m Discouraged”). The CD version of the album comes with a bonus DVD that has a behind the scenes look at the middle-age band. It is mostly mixed with performances and short interviews, nothing too exciting, but it brings you closer to the band that focuses on the inclusion of their fans. Also as an added bonus you get 5 bonus tracks left over from Stay Positive the band’s 2008 album. The five tracks are all classic Hold Steady. I would recommend to check out this release, or at least do yourself a favor and check out The Hold Steady.

Top Tracks:

Stuck Between Stations

The Swish

Chips Ahoy

You Can Make Him Like You

Killer Parties

Below is a live video of "Stuck Between Stations"