If It's Too Loud...

Artist : Mannequin Pussy Album : Patience Quick Description : Great indie rock if you can get past the name. Why You Should Listen : This is the surprise of the week for me. Overall Thoughts : As Ken put it, "'Wow, this Mannequin Pussy is really great' I declare uncomfortably...." I really, really enjoyed this album and this may be one that has some longevity behind it. If you can get past the discomfort of this band’s name, you’ll probably have a good time with this. Solid indie rock. Recommendation : A must-listen. Artist : Dirt Road Sweetheart Album : Rose of My Heart Quick Description : Nora Jane Struthers and her dad take root right into your soul. Why You Should Listen : This is just a lovely listen. Overall Thoughts : I am a big fan of Nora Jane Struthers, and this new album coincides with a rerelease of her first album with her father . The duo, under this name, does traditional roots music and, while it definitely isn’t designed to set the roo...

Album of the Week : Artist : Meklit Album : When the People Move, the Music Moves Too Quick Description : Soul/R&B with some great musicality. Why You Should Listen : It's unlike anything else you've heard lately. Overall Thoughts : This just came out of nowhere. I’ve never heard of Meklit before today, but I think we’ve found a new favorite here. I think my best comparison to this, to start, might be Janelle Monae if she spent more time with non-electronic instruments and less time singing about robots, but that doesn’t do this justice. There’s such a high level of musicality to Meklit’s take on R&B, to the styles being explored, that it’s just impossible to ignore. On first listen, it was almost exhausting (in a good way) trying to keep up with everything happening, and all I’ve wanted to do since diving in last week is jump back in. Even if this doesn’t end up being one of my favorite albums of the year, it’s absolutely my favorite this week and absolutely...