Black Kids Wizard of Ahhhs (EP)	Yeah Yeah Yeahs Is Is (EP)

Scouting Report: Up until now, we've been reluctant to review EPs. The fear is that our Proven Reviewing System would return an inaccurate score, when compared to full-lengths of the same (or even slightly lesser) over-all quality. You could make the philosophical argument that no EP, no matter how good, has the possibility to make the lasting impact that full-length releases do, and should not be afforded parity.

And so, an experiment: for the purpose of reviewing EPs, the album in question starts with a runner on second. The belief being that this will help address the imbalance between a good record and a good EP, from a quantitative standpoint.

So, today's EPs make for an intriguing match-up. Florida’s (!) Black Kids are well-known for the high marks granted to their self-released (and unfortunately-named) EP Wizard of Ahhs from indie-kingmakers Pitchfork. And they may be even more well known for their subsequent role in the eye of a firestorm kicked up by a particularly spot-on Idolator article. Here’s hoping they got their publicist a really nice muffin basket for Christmas. As for The Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Is Is is the result of a three-year old burst of creativity from a particularly tense period in their history. It dates back to shortly after the release of Fever to Tell, a record that everyone in the world liked, except for me. Frankly, I think they have a better batting average with EPs anyway.

Let’s get this one in before it starts raining!

First Up: Wizard of Ahhhs

1. Hit the Heartbrakes (3:37) | This sounds like Asia until he starts singing. | HIT, one in (see above), one on
2. I’m Not Gonna Teach Your Boyfriend How To Dance With You (3:32) | I can understand the hype. After all, America needs a Go Team to call their own. | HIT, runners at the corners.
3. Hurricane Jane (4:27) | STRIKE, 0-1
4. I’ve Underestimated My Charm (Again) (3:33) | Well, *that* knocked me right off the fence. A huge, almost Spector-esque pop song. | Bases-Clearing DOUBLE, two runs score, inning over.

The music industry - from a talent-nurturing stand point - has, over the last two decades, gone from a baseball-style paradigm to a basketball one. Rookie baseball players almost never make an immediate splash, but are instead made to work on their game through various levels (think: indie label / major label). They are almost always players whose very names are relegated to the industry scouting reports and particularly geeked-out insiders. Basketball has a high profile draft, high profile contracts and immediate expectations. Potential is conflated with actual talent, a failure to return on an investment is felt immediately, and second chances are rare. Black Kids exhibit - for four songs anyway - a natural flare for frothy, hooky, hormonal pop. This band seems like one to follow, especially once the drummer gets another 200 practices under his belt. I’m with Idolator on this one: let’s, for once, let them alone and let them grow on their own. For Black Kids, 3 runs on 3 hits, none left on.

Next Up: Is Is

1. Rockers to Swallow (3:13) | Huge, belligerent. Nice to see Phil Collins’ old snare is being put to good use. | DOUBLE, one in (see above), one on
2. Down Boy (3:56) | Aw, she’s singing to her dog! Jokes aside, haunting tune. | HIT, another run scores, one on
3. Kiss Kiss (2:47) | DOUBLE, another run scores
4. Isis (4:03) | I’m speechless. | Two-Run HOMER
5. 10X10 (3:47) | A fine denouement, though inessential. | BALL, inning over.

Seriously, this may be the best thing I've heard all year, even if the year in question isn’t 2004. Unbelievably intense, evocative, impeccably produced, with all members getting to showcase their strengths. Too bad it’s not being taken seriously merely because of its length, because it kicks the shit out of their “famous” record. For the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, 5 runs on 4 hits, none left on.

Soooo, that whole guy-on-second thing may have been unnecessary. Great stuff from both bands, plus, it’s long enough to be an official score: Yeah Yeah Yeahs 5, Black Kids 3. Stay tuned for more Indie Rock Baseball.