STRAND OF OAKS: Shut In

This week, Philly homeboy Strand of Oaks released his Dead Oceans debut, HEAL, and the critics HATED it:

“Epic.” – NPR

“Glorious…matches Springsteen’s phrasing with the Replacements’ wounded alt-rock.” – SPIN

“Moving…stark and at times emotionally harrowing.” – Pitchfork

“A hell of a record.” – Stereogum

“Rock ?n? roll masterpiece.” – AV Club, A rating

Oh well, better luck next time. They play The Mercury Lounge in NYC tomorrow night.