Quick and dirty, as you like: in the first match-up, Van Halen was looking ok until a late slew of support in the direction of hip hop sealed the deal for Rakim. “When I B On Tha Mic” defeats “Poundcake,” 124-111.9.

Rakim stretching out after a hard fought win.

Soul rings triumphant and Josh Hoge really didn’t have a fighting chance here. “Cry To Me” cruises into the Round of 64 over “Stay Away,” 133.25-91.6.

Our third match was our closest- unfortunately for the Crown City Rockers, they’ll have to get back in the Mystery Machine and watch the rest of the tourney from the sidelines- The Deep Dark Woods’ “All My Money Is Gone” defeats “B-Boy,” 142.6-135.

Lastly, Josh Ritter put up a good fight but the Man In Black is the Man In Black. “Get Rhythm” posts the win over “The Temptation of Adam,” 150.75-141.3. TTOA replaces the Japandroids’ “The House That Heaven Built” as highest averaging first round exit with a 6.729. As we like to say though, if you can’t win an early match, you’re not going to win the People’s Choice Tournament- see you next time, Josh.