Positive No Announce Timely New Single “Thanksgiving,” And Share Hot Toddy Recipe

Richmond rock band Positive No has returned with a new single, “Thanksgiving,” the first taste of music from the group since their 2017 record Partners In The Wild… but that’s not all! The band has also coupled this new single with a personal hot toddy recipe to help stave off the impending frost and stir the emotions of that song even more.

According to the band, “Thanksgiving” is an ode to the relatively obscure West Virginian writer Breece D’J Pancake, and his 1983 short story “First Day of Winter.” Band member Tracy Wilson first discovered the story in 2003, a year after the short story was re-issued as part of the anthology The Stories of Breece D’J Pancake. Since that discovery, Wilson has re-read it every fall and has finally captured in song the gripping emotion and instant impact of the story for all to hear.

Overtop a snaky alt-rock undercurrent, “Thanksgiving” opens up its tribute to the American farm family with arresting vocals that tell the tale in a vividly impish manner. What follows is a fascinating piece of rock music, rooted in ’90s musicianship yet written with modern day clarity and insight that helps lay bare the heartbreaking woe of the story, as well as the genuine humanity.

Oh, and there’s also that hot toddy recipe! Let’s hear straight from the horse’s mouth on that one:

“From our Positive No family to yours this holiday season, please enjoy this recipe that has been in ours family for over half a century. This hot toddy is guaranteed to defrost the cold fingers and toes of party goers while filling your home with the cozy aroma of mulled cider. This warm punch serves 20-25 people.”

Not a bad Friday morning, huh? A new song to listen to and a new recipe to check out? Hopefully you’ll enjoy them at the same time to shake off your midterm hangover and kick-start the weekend in a lively manner.

“Thanksgiving” is available today through Positive No’s Bandcamp page, and you can also listen to it below, followed by that special Hot Toddy recipe.

Positive No Hot Toddy Recipe

♦ First put these ingredients into a large stock pot and bring to a low boil:

2, 32 ounces of cranberry cocktail juice
1 half gallon of apple cider
1/2 cup of brown sugar
1 orange sliced into 4 quarters
4 whole cloves poked in the skin of each orange slice (16 cloves total)
8 -12 cinnamon sticks (use less if you want less spice)

♦ Then, when a boiling point has been reached, lower heat and add:

1 fifth of bourbon
2 cups of seasonal moonshine like apple or pumpkin or Apple Jack if you prefer)

♦ Finally, serve hot in a mug or glass that can take heat and ENJOY with loved ones.