Record Label: Vagrant
Genre: Rock
Band Link:
Buy on Amazon.com link

Believe it or not, this is the first time I’m listening to the Hold Steady. They hail from Brooklyn and blew up after they released “Boys & Girls In America.” Their new album “Stay Positive” comes out July 15th on Vagrant and I’m sure people will eat this. For me, there are several things I don’t like about this band or album.

Craig Finn’s vocalists are distracting and doesn’t really go along with the music when the band plays fast. The music itself sounds really cluttering at times, especially on the song “Construction Summer.” I can barely make out the keys and other instruments in some songs. It very well could be the production of the album. I wonder if the band sounds better live than they do in the studio? I think the Hold Steady sound better when they slow things down a little, like in their third song “One for the Cutters.” I think this album gets better as it goes along but for the most part, I wasn’t feeling this album or this band. I tried to like this, but I’m sure all the hipsters will eat this shit up.

Bottom Line: This sounds like a clusterfuck to me but apparently everyone likes these guys.
Notable Tracks: One for the Cutters, Lord I’m Discouraged
Overall Rating: