If It's Too Loud...

Artist : Las Calakas Album : Hechizo Quick Thoughts : Having gotten a little more into international music lately, Las Calakas comes out of nowhere to be a really fun listen. They've got plenty of punk influences, to be sure, but there's an element of this being sort of a party record throughout. While songs like "Top Down" won me over in particular, there's really nothing on here that isn't just a good time. I really loved this record, you probably will, too. Songs of Note : "Top Down," "La Culebra," "Cumbia Maciza 2," "Calentura" Artist : Savak Album : Human Error / Human Delight Quick Thoughts : Savak is a new act for me, but one that came as a real pleasant surprise. They're definitely leaning alt-indie, but my goodness do a lot of these songs hit just right. There is a lot to love here overall, and Savak is an act I'm looking forward to getting back to. Songs of Note : "No Blues No Jazz,"...

It got way too busy, so here's some quick hits. Must Listens : Lucy Dacus - Historian : Believe the hype. This is not only the best album of this week, but maybe of 2018 so far. It's a brilliant record that combines the best of Margaret Glaspy, Sharon Von Etten, and a ton of our favorite singer-songwriters lately to bring a raw, compelling album that just sticks to your guts. I loved it on first listen, and I put it back on earlier today because I wanted to and it just has so many great layers. Don't miss out on this. Tracey Thorn - Record : If I’m being honest with myself, I’ve liked but haven’t loved Thorn’s solo work. That changed considerably with this latest effort, which feels more essential and urgent than anything she has put out since her Everything But the Girl days. I’d expect things to not be this way given Thorn’s lengthy career up to now, but there are just so many songs on this record that are rock solid. If you’ve jumped off the bandwagon, now i...