Quick, Before It Melts.

I'll not even attempt to make any prophetic statements about the anticipation/backlash that awaits the Cassadaga, the new Bright Eyes album. There is a weight of expectation on Conor Oberst's shoulders, or at least you'd think there would be after the warm reception his 2005 twin albums received, and the heaps of praise that have come his way in his short career. It's enough to make some artists crack and buckle and release their very own Sam's Town. Based on the samples being made available by Saddle Creek in anticipation of Cassadaga's April 10th release, there will be plenty of fuel to fire the debates between fans and critics, loyal and leery alike.