First Listen: New Releases for 5 July

A slow week has some catch-up with some stuff we missed. Some significant highlights, but there are only a handful of them...

Artist: Defoe
Album: Too Soon to Cry
Quick Description: Light, airy indie pop.
Why You Should Listen: You're looking for something really soft and fragile, but similarly accessible.
Overall Thoughts: I feel like I'm describing this wrong, and I apologize in advance. I loved this album. Loved loved loved it. But it feels like a delicate flower that could also bite you if you're not careful, and the mystery that I feel permeates this record is part of what makes it so compelling. I can't wait to get back to this one, and only hope you'll feel the same way.
Recommendation: A wonderful listen this week.

Artist: MessiahCarey
Album: Odd Man Hypothesis
Quick Description: Local hip-hop album from a multi-talented artist.
Why You Should Listen: This is a real vision in a lot of ways, and transcends what you might expect from independent rap/hip-hop.
Overall Thoughts: I did not expect to love this as much as I did. Sure, the local connection makes me extra excited, but the reality is that this is a rock solid rap album and has more than its share not only of good rap moments, but top-notch production and instrumentation. It's nearly perfectly-executed, and I really enjoyed this listen. Even in a busy week, I'd recommend it.
Recommendation: Make time for this.

Artist: Joey Cape
Album: Let Me Know When You Give Up
Quick Description: Power pop moments from the Lagwagon frontman.
Why You Should Listen: Joey Cape has enough goodwill stored, and earns the listen here.
Overall Thoughts: I won't pretend this worked for me all the way through, but in terms of a solid alt-power pop record, this is really great. A solid mix of upbeat songs with some mid-tempo offerings, this is a good listen from start to finish.
Recommendation: Worth the time.

Of note:

* Mega Bog - Delphine
* The Soft Cavalry - The Soft Cavalry
* Pom Poko - Birthday
* Jesca Hoop - Stonechild
* Olympia - Flamingo
* Necking - Cut Your Teeth
* DYGL - Songs of Innocence and Experience
* Gilliver - Gilded Lily

EPs:

* Camp Blood - Camp Blood
* Leland Sundries - Pray Through Gritted Teeth
* Dis Fantasy - Dis Fantasy

Also out:

* 3TEETH - METAWAR
* MOLLY - All That Ever Could Have Been
* Moonsign - Okay You First