If It's Too Loud...

Artist : Tele Novella Album : Poet's Tooth Quick Thoughts : Tele Novella describes their music on Spotify as "coin-operated medieval country songs through a 1950s western lens," and I can't find a better way to describe the entire package here. It's a soft, familiar listen with highlights throughout, and with a perspective and aesthetic that feels pure and authentic. This was a great listen this week, and comes highly recommended. Songs of Note : "Young & Free," "Hard-Hearted Way," "The Unicorn," "Changeless Kingdom," "Poet's Tooth" Artist : Family Obligation Album : Grow Up Quick Thoughts : I don't know how I tripped up on "Black Hole" a few weeks back, but this sort of indie pop-punk warms my heart and Family Obligation is amazing at it. Hooks for days, it's noisy and melodic with a little attitude and a lot of fun. This band has largely flown under the radar so far, but deser...

Let's talk about Rebecca Black for a minute. Assuming you had internet access about a decade ago, you couldn't get anywhere without hearing "Friday." It was a song. That much is true. The artistic merit beyond that, however, was charitably questionable. It turned out that the label that put it together was less a musical endeavor and more an effort to make some money off a young girl with a rudimentary song. Regardless, as The Room of pop music, it has its share of qualities that keep it from being completely forgotten. A decade later, and Rebecca Black is on the C-list periphery, with a popular enough YouTube channel and some occasional news coverage. What surprised me was when she popped up on Dorian Electra's album last year, with a glitched-out vocal that fit right in with Electra's brand of hyperpop. Then, out of nowhere yesterday, comes a 10th anniversary remix of the song that made Rebecca Black (in)famous. It's clear to...

Artist : beadadoobee Album : Fake It Flowers Quick Description : Big on Tiktok singer-songwriter with an amazing album. Why You Should Listen : Don't let her buzz on an app we're all too old for steer you away from this. Overall Thoughts : Ken found her first with her great "I Wish I Was Stephen Malkmus," but her song "Coffee" and a remixed version have a combined 782 plays on Spotify due to its prevalance on TikTok. But we're not here to talk about that, but rather this great album. It absolutely feels like a 1990s Juliana Hatfield record in so many ways, and it's super great. This is super likely to be a big hit this year, so get in on the ground floor (or at least what's left of it for those not on TikTok) and enjoy. Recommendation : One of the best of the year. Artist : Lauren Mann Album : Memory and Desire Quick Description : Canadian folkie back with another great record. Why You Should Listen : Lauren Mann has a history o...