Ever wonder why rock critics use phrases like “this generation’s Dylan” to describe Conor Oberst and Bright Eyes? Just to piss people off? As an easy hook for ageing rockers? There may not be another artist today so overtly and capably ripping off the rambling, verse-upon-verse epics Dylan has perfected over the years, but the expectation that comes with the “new Dylan” tag is too heavy for anyone to bear. A few of Oberst’s songs…

Named after the metronome beat that allows musicians to record a track in time with the music, D.C.-based quartet Shwa’s EP Click Track is hardly as consistent as its namesake, but it shows a hint of promise. Musically, the band pulls off some interesting ideas, such as the Pablo Honey-esque Radiohead guitar line in “Amygdala” or the bouncy pop beat that leads “Amy” along. But Shwa sets its sights too high with the first track,…