Sidetracked

Artist: Jack’s Mannequin
Song: “Swim”

A heart-thumping bass line powers one of the best tracks off Jack’s Mannequin’s new album, The Glass Passenger.  “Swim” kicks into a whole new level mid-way through, as Andrew McMahon’s voice strains over a beautiful string set-up. Chances are, by the track’s end, you’ll have goosebumps as adrenaline flows through your ears.  
 
Grade: A
by Cory Barker

Artist: Kanye West
Song: “Love Lockdown”

Ever expect a Kanye song with no rapping? That’s exactly what “Love Lockdown” is. Here, Mr. West does his best Al Green impression with a whole lot of help from an Auto-Tune. The song actually proves to be quite good, with a tremendous piano melody and the use of Japanese taiko drums, proving Kanye is still one of music’s most innovative artists.

Grade: B+
by Wes Jakacki

Artist: Delta Spirit
Song: “People C’mon”

Raw rock ’n’ roll can’t get any better than when this southern California quintet expresses the harsh realities of the world: “If you’re feeling what I’m feeling c’mon / All you soul searching people c’mon.”  Through stabbing lyrics and coffee shop sounds, they generate a ’60s sound that’s bound to grab the attention of anyone who gives them a try.

Grade: B
by Drew Anderson