Best Good Old New Classic American Rock Band

Stay Positive might not be the greatest Hold Steady album. I'd still go with Separation Sunday. This is their fourth album and leader Craig Finn is at the crossroads of trying to figure out what to do next. There are still nods to the bands previous meat and potatoes rock. Everyone hears Springsteen but I hear Thin Lizzy. But Finn tries to mix it up a little here, and the lyrics hint at something darker in his mind. But just when things veer off course, along comes one of those classic rock moments that Finn loves so much. Regardless of whether this is the best Hold Steady album, it's a good one. And with it they just might be the best Good Old New Classic American Rock Band going.