4

The first “great” new release of 2013 has arrived by Nashville indie rock band The Great Affairs. Front man Denny Smith and company kick off the new year right with this infectious, 7-track EP, that’s guaranteed to filch your soul and rankle inside your mind until it drives you bat shit crazy. Key tracks include the Tom Petty-esque “Sherrybaby,” the scorching “Fists & Guitars,” and “Gone,” which recalls 1970s era Rod Stewart. The only downside to this release is that it’s not a full album (although the special edition CD additionally includes seven demo tracks), but The Great Affairs’ 4 is a surefire cure for the winter blues and your ailing rock n’ roll heart.