If It's Too Loud...

The rest for the week: Artist : Cults Album : Offering Quick Description : Latest from the buzzy reverb rockers. Why You Should Listen : Cults has made enough of a splash that they're worth a listen. Overall Thoughts : Everyone knows "Go Outside," but this third album moves in a bit more of a poppy direction for them, and it works in the sense that they absolutely have hit their stride as a band, but this is a sound that hasn't quite stayed as relevant as one might expect. I feel like I'm damning this with faint praise, but this album is just good, but not essential in a busy week. Recommendation : Perhaps a fans-only affair. Artist : Liam Gallagher Album : As You Were Quick Description : Former Oasis frontman with his debut solo effort. Why You Should Listen : You really liked Oasis. Overall Thoughts : This is an okay album. It's not good, it's not bad. But Liam will always be compared to Noel, and we have a High Flying Birds record comi...

A slower release week than what we've been used to. Album of the Week : Artist : Watkins Family Hour Album : Watkins Family Hour Quick Description : Roots-infused staples and originals from the longtime Largo residency led by Sara Watkins. Why You Should Listen : You like the associated acts (Nickel Creek, Fiona Apple); you think Prairie Home Companion would be great if it were only the music. Overall Thoughts : Album of the week because of the stature and music here, this forges no new ground but is a nice, pleasant, enjoyable musical diversion. As someone who hasn't listened to the show, I don't know how it adds up, but it's definitely a good time. Recommendation : In a short week, it's great. In a busier week, it might slip through the cracks, but it's worth your time no matter what. Artist : L'Orange, Kool Keith Album : Time? Astonishing! Quick Description : Project between the classic rapper and the well-regarded hip-hop producer. Why...