If It's Too Loud...

Artist : Vanessa Peters Album : Flying on Instruments Quick Thoughts : Vanessa Peters is arguably music's best kept secret. As of the time of this writing, she has fewer than 2,400 monthly listeners on Spotify despite putting out album after album of great, folk/country music. Flying on Instruments continues this line of success with so many memorable songs, both quiet ("Halfway Through") and rollicking ("Pinball Heart") that no one else can touch. She's amazing, this album is great, don't miss out. Songs of Note : "Beauty or Grace," "Halfway Through," "Better," "Pinball Heart," "Out to Sea" Artist : Mama Zu Album : Quilt Floor Quick Thoughts : We miss Those Darlins. They never really got their due in their time, and the passing of Jessi Zazu only magnified the loss. Quilt Floor is the culmination of music she was working on before her passing, and it's both a lovely tribute to a musician ...

Artist : Sarah Harmer Album : Are You Gone Quick Description : First new music in nearly a decade from the Canadian folkie. Why You Should Listen : She hasn't missed a beat. Overall Thoughts : Her first album in around a decade, in many ways, picks up where she left off. Maybe a little more adult radio rock in some places than the rootsy folk that made me so interested in her work to start, but that isn’t a bad thing. The layoff didn’t hurt her sound at all, and I’m just glad she’s back. Recommendation : Make time for this. Artist : Grimes Album : Miss Anthropocene Quick Description : New music from the off-center pop songstress. Why You Should Listen : This is kind of epic, and a huge step forward. Overall Thoughts : I’m already a big Grimes guy, so it’s not shocking that I’m really into this for a lot of reasons. Grimes has never shied away from taking a more difficult path in her songwriting, and this album is even more ambitious than Art Angels , yet also acting...

A solid week. Album of the Week : Artist : The Secret Sisters Album : You Don't Own Me Anymore Quick Description : Long-awaited third album from the folkies. Why You Should Listen : This is a gorgeous, amazing album. Overall Thoughts : I won’t lie – the second Secret Sisters album didn’t grab me the way the first one did. This new album sounded promising given the early music that was released, and the whole album is a nice, familiar relief. I loved every aspect of this, which is why it’s my album of the week – it’s taken a few albums, but they’ve really perfected their sound. The harmonies are spot on, the music absolutely gorgeous. There is nothing negative I can say about this, and it’s an album that needs to be on your list for listening this week. Recommendation : A must-listen, easily the best of the week. Artist : Katy Perry Album : Witness Quick Description : Pop starlet's latest. Why You Should Listen : It's not what you think. Overall Thoughts ...