Positively Live
Many songwriters rely on introspection and world-weariness to  fuel their compositions. Perhaps it's easier to craft powerful lyrics  and a hypnotic melody if your soul is tortured. But D.C.-based folk duo  the Kennedys have not taken this route.Positively Live, a  14-song collection that seeks to capture the renowned energy of their  stage performances, is filled with songs of hope and optimism. All  tracks feature two voices, two guitars--nothing more. However, this  sparse presentation is not enough to make the Kennedys more palatable.  Pete's captivating solos and lightning-fast picking cannot mask the  duo's limitations, mostly their simplistic, syrupy-sweet lyrics.  Die-hard fans may swoon, but newcomers should check out the Kennedys' 2000  release, the electronic-influencedEvolver, for a more  intriguing offering.--Sally Weinbach