If It's Too Loud...

Busy week this week, apologies for the half-effort First Listen. Just WAY TOO MUCH MUSIC. Album of the Week * Esme Bridie - Today It Rains : Out of nowhere came this absolutely gorgeous album. A little on the pop folk side, Esme has a really strong and confident voice and presents a series of songs that remind me so much of some of my favorite folk acts. If you haven’t become enamoured with what she is doing by the time “Tower of Regret” comes along, I don’t know what to tell you. Easily the best of the week, and right at the top of my list for 2018 so far. Must Listens: * Squirrel Nut Zippers – Beasts of Burgundy : Back after what feels like forever, and it doesn’t appear that they’ve missed a beat. * Dom Flemons – Black Cowboys : An album of standards and old-timey roots music, a great indication as to why he’s one of the best going right now. * The Tillers – The Tillers : Traditional bluegrass with a more modern attitude. Extremely enjoyable. * Cavern of Anti-Matter ...

Some solid releases this week! Album of the Week : Artist : The Avett Brothers Album : True Sadness Quick Description : Newest album from a band that's been all over the place since their mainstream breakout. Why You Should Listen : This is a return to form in some ways and just an interesting listen in others. Overall Thoughts : I can't say I've been in love with the recent output from the Avetts, with I and Love and You being great and the albums following it having some highlights but not quite reaching their apex. They've moved away from a more pure country-ish vibe, but come back to it a little here while still embracing the mainstream by finally embracing the totality of what they've become. Yeah, you have truly great songs (and classic-sounding to boot) like "Smithsonian" as well as legitimately crazy songs like "Satan Pulls the Strings," but the album itself is really one I've been itching to get back to after the first lis...