If It's Too Loud...

Photo by Dominic Berthiaume Montreal's Bibi Club have recently released the deluxe edition of their 2024 album Feu de garde (les braises) which includes a reworked version of "you can wear a jacket or a shirt." This new version is significant not only because it includes saxophone but also vocals from the legendary Calvin Johnson (Beat Happening, Dub Narcotic Sound System, The Halo Benders). The song is this ultracool laid back and groovy indie rock song that is made cooler by the addition of Johnson. The song has a quality that seems like it mixes 60's cool with 90's indie rock and today's alt-pop. Bibi Club have taken some of the most vibrant sounds of all time and mixed them all together, and then invited Calvin Johnson to add some extra cool. Bibi Club say of their latest single: “We're fans of K Records and Calvin Johnson's projects. His ongoing contribution to the independent music scene over the years is meaningful, evocative, inspiring, and ess...

Photo by Sarah Cass Anything the legendary Calvin Johnson does is guaranteed to get our attention here at If It's Too Loud... Between founding K Records and being a member of Beat Happening, Halo Benders, and Selector Dub Narcotic, the man has built up enough credibility that everything he does will be at least interesting. His latest project is under his own name and is a collaboration with Patrick Carney of The Black Keys. According to the press release, Johnson recorded in Nashville, TN with the phrase "Rock'n'Roll Will Never Die" as a starting point, and yes, "Kiss Me Sweetly" is more rock than a project like Selector Dub Narcotic, but it's not completely a rock song. Johnson croons throughout the song, and harmonizes shockingly well with Michelle Branch. The whole song almost has a 1960's spy movie theme feel to it. It's not really a rock'n'roll song, but it is cool as hell and a must listen. You can listen to "Kiss Me...

Selector Dub Narcotic is a new project from the legendary Calvin Johnson. In case you don't immediately recognize the name Calvin Johnson, he founded K Records as well as the highly influential bands Beat Happening, Halo Benders, and Dub Narcotic Sound System. Selector Dub Narcotic is his collaboration with hip hop producer Smoke M2D6. Calvin Johnson doing hip hop sounds like a weird, weird combination, and you'd be right. I can't say that "Hotter Than Hott" is a good song. Odd is probably a better description. But it is fun. And highly infectious, especially as it goes on. It's worth at least a few listens. It is Calvin Johnson, after all. But there's also a good chance you'll become obsessed with the song after the third listen. You might thank me (or be furious with me) later. Selector Dub Narcotic's album, This Party is Just Getting Started, will be out September 16 on K Records, of course. You can watch the video for "Hotter Than Hott...