The ‘90s Are Alive and Well Bracket

Nas, Life is Good (July 17)
Nas’ flow remains dexterous as ever on the tracks that have been released from this album, and the cover (which portrays him contemplatively holding ex-wife Kelis’ wedding dress) hints that he might be taking some cues from Drake’s emotional take on hip-hop. This is Nas' first album after a four-year hiatus, and I want it to be a comeback, I really do. We need fewer Lil Waynes and more Nas... es.
Verdict: Marry
Listen: "The Don"

Soul Asylum, Delayed Reaction (July 17)
As has been the case since mid-1993, I don't really want to listen to "Runaway Train" right now, and Dave Pirner is probably more known for his fling with Winona Ryder than anything else, but go back and listen to Grave Dancers Union. It’s actually pretty rockin'. Anyway, Soul Asylum deserve a shot at something approaching a comeback following the 2006 death of founding bassist Karl Mueller (whose shoes have since been filled by the perennially-for-hire Tommy Stinson).
Verdict: Fuck
Listen: "Gravity"

Toadies, Play.Rock.Music (July 31)
The Texans behind “Possum Kingdom,” were like The Presidents of the United States without the sense of humor. They’re still waiting to be put on the soundtrack for Mallrats 2.
Verdict: Kill
Listen: "Summer of the Strange"