If It's Too Loud...

Artist : Carly Rae Jepsen Album : The Loneliest Time Quick Thoughts : So I get that I'm a Carly Rae fanboy, but I think what I love the most about this album is how much it really grew on me through the whole thing. It's no Emotion (but what is?) but it's a great listen with a ton of charm in a week with another massive pop release alongside it. In terms of what I want from a pop album? I'll take this over Midnights as an airy, more grounded affair. Songs of Note : "Joshua Tree," "Beach House," "The Loneliest Time" Artist : Shutups Album : I can't eat nearly as much as I want to vomit Quick Thoughts : This album surprised me over and over. They're a little pop-punk, a little new wave, and when they hit, they hit perfectly. Some songs are just super memorable and sticky, and I kind of love that in a week with a lot of interesting and challenging listens. Give this one a shot. Songs of Note : "10/10x (Iron Out the Creas...

Artist : Indigo Girls Album : Look Long Quick Description : New album from the folk legends. Why You Should Listen : I'm not someone who has ever really liked them, and I really liked this. Overall Thoughts : Everyone likes "Closer to Fine," and I'm very partial to 1994's "Least Complicated," but this is not a duo I've ever really gotten into. No specific reason, just not my style. This, however, is my style. This is a bit of a fun romp in some places, and a serious piece in others, and there are songs like album opener "Shit Kickin'" that just really do it for me. Don't skip out on this one, especially if you have some preconceived notions about the act. Recommendation : A solid listen this week. Artist : Steve Earle and the Dukes Album : Ghosts of West Virginia Quick Description : Another new album from another legend. Why You Should Listen : Steve Earle is basically showing us how classic, outlaw country is done. ...

A slower week, but with two heavy hitters. Artist : Carly Rae Jepsen Album : Dedicated Quick Description : Latest album from the pop star. Why You Should Listen : There is a lot riding on this follow-up to her last effort. Overall Thoughts : For those who are not choosing between Taylor and Katy, this is probably the pop event of 2019. E*MO*TION was so good that it’s unrealistic to believe that Jepsen could top it, and to be clear, she does not. With that said, there is a nice throughline of the sort of 80s/early 90s pop that continues here that Carly Rae does so well, and songs like “Real Love” could end up being one of her long-term classics. If you’re not on the bandwagon yet, I don’t know if this will change your mind, but I am a happy fan. Recommendation : A great listen. Artist : Alex Lahey Album : The Best of Luck Club Quick Description : Indie favorite with a brand new album. Why You Should Listen : Her solo debut was amazing, this is probably better. Overall...

This was a busy week, but a really disappointing one. A handful of good albums, and a lot of disappointing and/or otherwise non-noteworthy efforts. So don't consider this a habit, but I'm treating this week a little differently. But first, the best of the week: Album of the Week : Artist : Banks and Steelz Album : Anything But Words Quick Description : Side project from Interpol's Paul Banks and Wu Tang's RZA. Why You Should Listen : The mix of collaborators is enough to give it a listen... Overall Thoughts : ...and the quality is enough to keep it around. It, like a lot of collaborations, is certainly imperfect, but this is just a solid listen across the board. The production is interesting, the songs pretty solid, and it's overall just a great listen this week. What's surprising for me in particular for this is that RZA's been around forever and Interpol a fair amount of time as well, but this feels fresh and energetic in a way a lot of co...