On one hand, I really like urban documentary songwriting on the Streets' debut, Original Pirate Material. It's more hip-hop than punk, but the occasionally reggae-influenced beats suggest an update on Clash motifs. But it's really hard to take sole Street Mike Skinner's toughness seriously when he sounds like someone I could beat up.

I'll get the chance to size him up in person on Monday, March 17 at the Metro. Tickets go on sale this Saturday.