Sidetracked

Artist: The All-American Rejects
Song: “Gives You Hell”

Not many acts can write a hook like The All-American Rejects, but their newest “Gives You Hell,” lacks the scope that made “Swing, Swing” and “Move Along” two of the best pop songs this decade. Though it’s too simplistic, the catchy chorus and gang vocals help “Hell” stay in your head for days upon end.

Grade: B
By Cory Barker


Artist: Minus the Bear
Song: “Pachuca Sunrise”

Minus the Bear’s instrumental sound has always been on par with Explosions in the Sky or Interpol, but their new acoustic EP has allowed them to surpass almost all their peers. “Pachuca Sunrise,” along with every other track on the EP, gives the band a range they haven’t shown before.

Grade: A
By Alex Benson


Artist: Coldplay
Song: “Lost?”

This reinterpretation of “Lost!” is one of the few examples of a remix being better than the original. Instead of using lavish production techniques and instruments the only thing accompanying Chris Martin’s vocals is one piano, making for the band’s most mesmerizing song since “The Scientist.”

Grade: A
By Paul Mattingly