If It's Too Loud...

Artist : Gillian Welch and David Rawlings Album : Woodland Quick Thoughts : Gillian Welch continues to be the standard-bearer for mainstream rootsy folk music, and this latest collaboration with David Rowlings does not have the hollow, stark feel of All the Good Times (Are Past & Gone) , but still feels pure and true regardless of what her early or persistent critics may think. If anything, Welch is too good at this, and we should simply be glad we're still getting new music from her on a regular basis again. Songs of Note : "Empty Trainload of Sky," "What We Had," "North Country," "The Day the Mississippi Died," "Howdy Howdy" Artist : Little Hag Album : Now That's What I Call Little Hag Quick Thoughts : The debut release from Little Hag, with "Tetris" and "Facebook," won us over immediately. The debut, Leash , was a favorite in these parts as well. Then comes Now That's What I Call Little H...

Artist : Kalen and Aslyn Album : Back of Our Minds Quick Description : Gorgeous rootsy folk. Why You Should Listen : One of many male/female folk duos, but they're the real deal. Overall Thoughts : Ken sent this over to me, and I'm glad he did, because this was super beautiful in so many ways. The songs are fairly straightforward, but the production value feels just right and the tone of this so surprisingly pleasant. We've had a few winners as of late with these folk duos, and I'm glad this hit my radar. Recommendation : Absolutely worth the time. Artist : TJO/Tara Jane O'Neil Album : Songs for Peacock Quick Description : A minimalist electronic mixtape. Why You Should Listen : Tara Jane O'Neil has done a lot of great music so far. Overall Thoughts : Her first big release under the TJO moniker, this is a covers album with a lot of interesting... everything. As musically compelling as it is compelling in terms of the song choices being made, this...

A solid week! Album of the Week : Artist : Matt Pond PA Album : Still Summer Quick Description : Latest from the indie rock act. Why You Should Listen : This is their best effort yet in a series of solid listens. Overall Thoughts : Matt Pond PA’s continuing to put out high quality records. This might be their third since the band announced they were finishing up, but I’m fine with seeing more releases if they’re this good. The title track is great indie power pop with a light touch, and of course we love “The Ballad of Matt and Laura” around these parts. Truly, they’ve put out three of their best albums in recent succession, and this is continuing along those lines. Recommendation : A solid listen and the best of the week. Artist : David Rawlings Album : Poor David's Almanack Quick Description : Gillian Welch collaborator with a new album of rootsy goodness. Why You Should Listen : David Rawlings is responsible for some of the purest roots music going. Overall T...