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.