If It's Too Loud...

Artist : The Sheila Divine Album : The Middle Ages Quick Thoughts : If you know Boston music at all over the last 30 years, you know Aaron Perrino and The Sheila Divine. No musician in the area has persevered quite like Perrino, and I will say that The Middle Ages is my favorite Sheila Divine record and possibly the best thing Perrino's done since the 2003/4 Dear Leader records. That the band never really got its due nationally always felt like a crime, and while one could hope that this is the long-awaited breakthrough, Boston's best-kept secret might have put out the best album of the year. Songs of Note : "Gods of War," "Middle Ages," "No Favors," "Hurry Up," "Celebrate the End," "We Once Burned" Artist : Boards of Canada Album : Inferno Quick Thoughts : Boards of Canada is like a techno locust: they go into hibernation for a few years and then pop up and basically consume your life for a bit. The gro...

Artist : Alvvays Album : Blue Rev Quick Thoughts : Alvvays burst on the scene in 2014 and blew up with "Marry Me Archie," and haven't taken their foot off the gas since. This is easily the best listen of the week: song after song after song that is a winner. If you like the fuzzy indie stuff, make it a point to add this to your rotation. Songs of Note : "Pharmacist," "After the Earthquake," "Many Mirrors," "Very Online Guy," "Belinda Says" Artist : Johanna Warren Album : Lessons for Mutants Quick Thoughts : An impressive, somewhat stark affair recorded live to tape that provides a somewhat distant feel. The album is hauntingly wonderful and deserves a listen, but what's great is how this sticks with you over its runtime and beyond. In a busy week, it stands out in ways I didn't expect from someone's sixth album. Songs of Note : "Piscean Lover," "County Fair" Artist : ctrl + me Al...

Artist : Melissa Carper Album : Daddy's Country Gold Quick Thoughts : That this came out the same week as a Loretta Lynn album is amusing, because this is some great throwback country. The retro feel from presentation to the actual music feels pure and honest, which isn't always the case with country acts that seem to keep their tongues in cheek. But when you have a song like "Would You Like to Get Some Goats?" how can you resist? Songs of Note : "Back When," "Old Fashioned Gal," "Would You Like to Get Some Goats?" Artist : Friedberg Album : YEAH YEAH YEAH YEAH YEAH YEAH YEAH YEAH Quick Thoughts : This is only a five-song, 16-minute EP, but my goodness, it is all killer no filler. The first four songs are all addictive poppy bangers, and the closing track, "Your Hollywood," cools things down perfectly. This is probably my favorite overall release this week. Songs of Note : "Pass Me On," "Lizzy" ...