Sidetracked

Artist: B.B. King
Song: “Blues Before Sunrise”

“Blues Before Sunrise” is perfectly simple, with a basic blues progression and chilling piano backing King’s masterful guitar skills. Low-fi production values easily transport you to a smoky blues bar in Chicago as if you’re listening to King live. His dynamic and mature voice shines through effortlessly and makes it easy for the listener to sit back and enjoy.

Grade: A
by Paul Mattingly



Artist: Fall Out Boy
Song: “I Don’t Care”

The new single from pop-punk’s most talked about will definitely divide fans even more. “I Don’t Care” recalls a faster-paced “Tainted Love,” featuring buoyant guitars and Patrick Stump’s tremendous, confident voice. Yet in between lyrics like “I don’t care what you think as long as it’s about me,” it’s clear all the glossiness keeps the track from being really impressive.  

Grade: B-
by Cory Barker



Artist: Of Montreal
Song: “Nonpariel of Favor”

Through two minutes of its running time, “Nonpariel of Favor” is about as upbeat and poppy as anything you would expect from Of Montreal. But suddenly, the bright lyrics and melodious instruments morph into some conglomerate of indistinguishable alien noises and weird sounds. The results: a solid track wasted by a disappointing and bizarre ending.

Grade: C
by Danielle Fleischmann