Sidetracked

Artist: Snow Patrol
Song: “Take Back the City”

If you’ve sat around recently and thought, “I wish more bands would exploit technology to sell their overproduced, artless schlock,” Snow Patrol’s “Take Back the City” has your cure. Rife with cliched lyrics, auto-tuning and guitar layering, this could oil a bowling lane.

Grade: D
By Amanda Lowry


Artist: Eminem
Song: “I’m Having a Relapse”

“I’m Having a Relapse” marks the triumphant return of Marshal Mathers, but should we care?  The beats are fresh, the spits are legit, and from this track it seems like he is less angry and is going for a more old-school, laid-back feel. But does anyone want to hear any more of the same subject material – or Eminem’s voice, for that matter?

Grade: B+
By Alex Benson


Artist: The Jakes
Song: “Cough Syrup”

Bland name aside, The Jakes and their single “Cough Syrup” provide a sound infused with both indie rock and blues while delivering lyrics that appeal to the mainstream. “Cough Syrup” best resembles Kings of Leon and Vampire Weekend, but packs a punch that’s sure to propel them onto the airwaves of radio and Fuse in no time.

Grade: A-
By Drew Anderson