Music Theory: The Stand Ins

- I think it can be said without argument, that Okkervil River had made quite a name for themselves by the time Black Sheep Boy and The Stage Names had come out. However, with their newest release, the boys from Austin, Texas have me questioning their credibility. I loved BSB and TSN as much as anyone else, but the Stand Ins fails to break any new ground. It sounds like a shawdier version of The Stage Names, which midway though the CD resorts to typical pop hooks, and guitar riffs. While I wouldn't completely write it off, and I don't regret buying it, I would have expected more from Okkervil. All in all, 7/10.