Year in Rock 2011 Nominee: Cage the Elephant

CAGE THE ELEPHANT
Shake Me Down

From: Thank You Happy Birthday
Released: January 11

In late 2010, Cage the Elephant premiered the lead single from their sophomore album to mixed reviews. Many fans were expecting a return to the snotty, groovy rock that coursed through previous singles "Ain't No Rest for the Wicked" and "In One Ear". Instead, what we got was a more sombre, almost mature tune that eschewed instant gratification for a slower burning satisfaction. And eventually everyone caught up to them, as "Shake Me Down" became a pretty substantial rock radio hit. Unfortunately, much of the rest of the album proved much more difficult to find the joy in; a good number of tracks seem like hastily assembled deadline meeters that pile on top of each other with no regard for melody or common sense. Maybe for album number three they'll take their time and craft a whole album's worth of solid tunes; "Shake Me Down" proves they're more than capable of doing so.

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