On their major-label debut, these Saskatchewan rockers – who won Rolling Stone's "Choose the Cover" contest last year – roll out taut, sun-beaten boogie that's snapped into scuzzy shape by producer Patrick Carney of the Black Keys. The Sheepdogs' talent is for variety and economy; songs that might go on for seven minutes are trimmed down to three, as they pinball from garage stomp ("Feeling Good") to Sweet-style metal pop ("While We're Young") to Allman Brothers-esque jazz rock ("Javelina!"). Listening to the Sheepdogs is like having good luck finding classic rock stations on a long road trip.

Click to listen to The Sheepdogs' 'The Way It Is'

“Youth Knows No Pain”

“Like on 'Youth Knows No Pain' — we are the ones that should demonstrate, because we can take it,” Likke Li said. “We can pierce ourselves, take Ecstasy, dance all night and still go to work at our McDonald's jobs.” Despite the hedonistic sentiment in the song, the Swedish singer also admitted in hindsight her youth had repercussions. “I remember when I was 18-19 and feeling that I know it all,” Li said. “I always feel that I know it all. But that song is about realizing you don’t, and reflecting, ‘Boy, if I only knew what would follow.’”