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'

“More Than a Feeling”

Boston mastermind Tom Scholz was as surprised by anyone when he sent his unsolicited demo to record labels and got back a positive response. Scholz said, “I couldn’t believe it. Nobody knew who we were, so I wouldn’t even say we were struggling. It was groveling.” Part of the credit for the interest must go to the anthemic rock number "More Than a Feeling." Inspired by the Left Banke's 1966 hit "Walk Away Renee," Scholz worked on the song for five years in his basement studio before it was released on this album.