A Positive Jam
Shortman StudiosA Positive Jam breaks great albums down track by track to find out what makes the music great, what goes into the songs, and why these albums matter. The second season covers The Hold Steady's breakthrough second album, Separation Sunday, an ambitious follow-up that saw the band refine their sound, their style, and their narrative approach, and which put them on the map with the wider music-listen... more
| Publishes | Weekly | Episodes | 31 | Founded | 6 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Categories | MusicMusic Commentary | ||||
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Latest Episodes
As listeners will know, A Positive Jam Season 2 host Shawn Westfall has called Separation Sunday our generation's The Wasteland, and so our final bonus episode of the season puts that to the test. We read T.S. Eliot's The Wasteland in a Craig Finn-in... more
In our first of two bonus episodes for Season 2, we welcome Father Christian Raab, a Catholic Priest and scholar who also has a musical and Midwestern background, which gives him quite the perspective on Separation Sunday. We talk about beauty, man a... more
We're crashing the Easter mass, hair done up in broken glass, and despite what the mural says up on East 13th (which one?) we're going to walk on back.
For the last track of Separation Sunday, we do one of our closest readings, wondering about video... more
"Crucifixion Cruise" is the briefest track on Separation Sunday, and arguably both the most forgettable and the biggest sign of concept album excess on the album. But!
But there are some serious questions the song poses that we try to put our mouth ... more
Hard rocking blues, scene reports and literary or religious spirits, and one of the tightest cover bands we've ever heard: "Chicago Seemed Tired Last Night" has a lot going on. And since Craig Finn told us what to celebrate, we invited a special gues... more
Everything is corroding, so we're hitting the road. Well, we never made it to Los Angeles, and Jackie O warned us off of Dallas, but on The Hold Steady's "Don't Let Me Explode", a doo wop dance across the country, we find ourselves talking about curv... more
For track 7 of Separation Sunday, "Multitude of Casualties", we hit a cruising velocity. We drove this episode like we stole it, but somehow avoided casualties. Instead we romped through Colorado's history, classic cult movies of the 70s and the 80s... more
There's maybe no better song to appreciate the Hold Steady than "Stevie Nix", track 6 on Separation Sunday. The song hits for the Hold Steady cycle, with hard rock, balladry, howling vocals, sharp lyrics, storytelling, shifting perspectives, and epic... more
Key Facts
Reviews
- The Good Stuff Kids Go For!
Just like Sunny D, this podcast has got the good stuff kids go for - a deep dive into The Hold Steady’s seminal debut album!
I really hope they continue through their entire discography...
Apple Podcasts5bland4life
United States6 years ago - This is simply too good :)
“A Positive Jam” starts out brilliantly, recounting the hosts’ respective first encounters with the much beloved Hold Steady. This first episode presents what is sure to be an excellent, highly entertaining, and extremely thoughtful series of reflections on a very important record. Cannot wait for more!
Apple Podcasts5kudamatsukyleUnited States6 years ago - Even if you don’t know the Hold Steady...
...it’s still a blast listening to people talk about the band and the music they love and try to explain why they love it. Breaking it down track by track seems daunting, but when it’s in the hands of HS disciples like these, it’s a breeze.
Apple Podcasts5Dub C DJ, Ya KnowUnited States6 years ago - Infectious
Gotta be honest, I hadn't heard of The Hold Steady but a friend recommended the podcast so I gave it a listen. Mike's adoration is clear and even infectious, thanks to the way he breaks down the songs/circumstances/musicians. This was a two-for-one: a new podcast and a new band to listen to!
Apple Podcasts5the one year oldUnited States6 years ago - Thoughtful
It’s clear out of the gate that the folks behind this podcast have put their hearts and minds into this show. Passionate about The Hold Steady’s and knowledgable about music generally, complemented by crisp and clear storytelling, this is a podcast to listen to.
Recommended!
Apple Podcasts5mikekennybUnited States6 years ago - Great storyteller - can’t wait!
Mike Taylor is a great storyteller and I can’t wait to tune in to this podcast about one of his favorite albums. Reminiscing about this time in music is going to be a wonderful adventure!
Apple Podcasts5rodeeceUnited States6 years ago - So positive
Almost Killed Me is one of the most impactful rock albums of the last 20 years, and A Positive Jam is the deep-dive podcast it deserves. These guys break it all down in an engaging, informed, fun way that’ll hook Hold Steady fans and newcomers alike.
Apple Podcasts5matteopbUnited States6 years ago - My new favorite pod
I love approachable, passionate, in-depth work on music. These guys have done their research and have great insights. I can’t wait to listen to Almost Killed Me with them!
Apple Podcasts5Chris BobbittUnited States6 years ago - Got to start it Positive!
Very excited to hear this podcast, love the album and the hosts!
Apple Podcasts5Amymorte
Spain6 years ago - Excited about this!
Will be so fun to have passionate and thoughtful fans look back at this great album!
Apple Podcasts5HanoverHoyaUnited States6 years ago - Solid concept
Gonna enjoy digging into this album. Love, a Phish fan
Apple Podcasts5TweezerReprise83United States6 years ago - A VERY positive jam!!!
The podcast is great for long time Hold Steady fans, but also an excellent primer for anyone getting into the band, as well. There’s so much useful dissection in here.
Highly recommend if you are a music fan and aren’t as familiar with The Hold Steady.
Apple Podcasts5Just1palUnited States6 years ago - Awesome
I’ve been waiting for someone to break down The Hold Steady’s early albums, and it’s clear Mike and Daniel genuinely love the band. Excited to hear the song by song breakdowns!
Apple Podcasts5mbrookstaylorUnited States6 years ago
Chart Rankings
How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.
Apple Podcasts | #213 |  India/Music/Music Commentary |
Top Music Commentary Podcasts
Audience Metrics
Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.
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A Positive Jam launched 6 years ago and published 31 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.
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