If It's Too Loud...

Artist : Li'l Andy Album : The Complete Recordings of Hezekiah Procter (1925-1930) Quick Thoughts : I didn't know Li'L Andy prior to this week, and this is more a concept record done really, really well than anything else. It's got that old timey feel to it, and half the album is filtered in such a way that it sounds like an old Victrola. As a concept album, it's awesome. As music, it's awesome. Give this a listen. Songs of Note : "Dr Kerr's Ballyhoo," "Jenny Blythe," "In the Roebuck Catalogue" Artist : Becca Stevens and Attacca Quartet Album : Becca Stevens | Attacca Quartet Quick Thoughts : Becca Stevens toured with Attacca Quartet a few years back, and she later married one of the members of the group. This effort takes a number of her songs (and an awesome Radiohead cover) and gives it the Attacca treatment to great results. This album is really great, and good for fans of either or both acts. Songs of Note : ...

I never expected a modern classical record to reach my top ten, never mind my top three, but here we are. A year ago, I didn't even know Attacca Quartet existed. Then came Real Life , which is their "debut album" of new material that not only pushes through the boundaries of what you might think modern classical can do, but reshapes them along the way. They have traditionally been informed by electronica and synthesized drum beats, and this record leans into that a lot , up to and including enlisting a number of electronic/experimental artists to jump in on a few songs. It all works. The music from this stayed lodged in my head all fall, and I'm so glad I tripped up on Real Life . It's an unexpected surprise and just an incredible achievement, and I can't wait to hear what they come up with next. Songs of note: "Electric Pow Wow Drum," "Real Life," "Remind U," "Xetaka 1"

Artist : Attacca Quartet Album : Real Life Quick Thoughts : We don't do much, if any, modern classical here. Just not our lane. Attacca Quartet's new album, however, has me rethinking that. The string foursome do some really impressive and progressive stuff with their instruments and with the songwriting, to the point where pieces that involve acts lime TOKiMONSTA and Squarepusher sit alongside other originals, it all blends together perfectly. This is my favorite thing I've listened to this year by far, and you need to make time to give it a shot. Songs of Note : "Real Life," "Xetaka 1," "Remind U" Artist : Covey Album : Class of Cardinal Sin Quick Thoughts : I wish I knew how to properly describe Covey. This debut album has a lot of emo overtones to it, but instead of being overly earnest and over-the-top, it shows a level of restraint and stability that gives the whole effort more weight. Each song feels almost perfectly crafted...