STAYING POSITIVE

On Clear Heart Full Eyes, Craig Finn’s recently released solo debut, the Hold Steady frontman celebrates the same world that provides the setting for albums such as Boys and Girls in America—one where “Jesus isn’t getting through,” so Freddie Mercury and Johnny Rotten become idols, and the kids drink booze ’cuz they’re dead on the inside. The difference? This time, he finds it in Tennessee and Austin rather than the pit at a horse race or the “chill-out tent” of some festival. If you don’t mind the sound of steel guitar or scaled-back hooks, it’s still a good listen, and it should be fun to hear live tonight at Mercury Lounge

Wed., Feb. 29, 6:30 & 9:30 p.m., 2012