If It's Too Loud...

Artist : Bodywash Album : I Held the Shape While I Could Quick Thoughts : This one was a really pleasant surprise. It's like a nice mix between shoegze and electronic-infuenced alt-rock. The album has that perfect hazy feel with a ton going for it, and I'm looking forward to getting back to this one quite a bit. Songs of Note : "Picture Of," "Massif Central," "Perfect Blue," "Sterilizer" Artist : Kid Koala Album : Creatures of the Late Afternoon Quick Thoughts : The consistently underrated turntablist is back with a very enjoyable record. The beats are great, it's got a nice sense of humor, and it's a good reminder that electronic music can be a lot of fun. I loved this a lot more than I thought I would, so check it out. Songs of Note : "Hear Now," "Get Level," "The Cards" Artist : El Michels Affair and Black Thought Album : Glorious Game Quick Thoughts : Easily my favorite listen of the...

You know an album is good when it sets off a new musical obsession. Yeti Season did exactly that. Leon Michels, lead songwriter and producer of El Michels Affair, had prior stints with Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings and members of Wu-Tang, and now produces and backs other acts along with new material. This third album of originals feels like it should soundtrack a movie in the 1970s that hasn't aged as well as you remember, and is just as reliant on its specific and intentional production choices as it is on the actual quality of the songs. I don't know how I found them, but El Michels Affair led me to Altun Gun, to TEKE::TEKE, to a whole world of retro/psych music I didn't know existed. Yeti Season is the best of the bunch, but I appreciate this for turning me onto such great music just as much as I appreciate it for the musical revelation it is.

Another slowish week, so playing a little more catch-up. Artist : Watchhouse Album : Watchhouse Quick Thoughts : Watchhouse is the former Mandolin Orange, a band we love around these parts. The Americana duo has always been consistent, and this rebranding of the name doesn't impact the quality of the music at all. This is really just rock solid Americana with some near-perfect execution, and continues along the trajectory they've set over the years. A favorite this week, for certain. Songs of Note : "Better Way," "New Star" Artist : Liz Bills Album : Liz Bills & the Change Quick Thoughts : This is a rootsy, soul-tinged affair from a Massachusetts musician that deserves some attention. Liz Bills has an impressive voice and knows how to put a song together, and when it all comes together perfectly, it's hard not to fall for it. I didn't know Liz Bills before Ken sent this one over to me, and I appreciate the introduction - I'll abs...

Artist : Bull Album : Discover Effortless Living Quick Thoughts : This is some solid, standard alt/indie stuff from top to bottom. It's sometimes fun, it's sometimes quirky (like with "Love Goo"), but it's really just the sort of springtime effort I'm happy to have heard. Just a lot of good stuff here from a new (to me) band that I'll definitely be keeping my eye on. Songs of Note : "Love Goo," "Bedroom Floor," "Eugene" Artist : Sunny War Album : Simple Syrup Quick Thoughts : We adore Sunny War around these parts, and Simple Syrup is yet another entry in her superbly consistent catalog. This shows continued growth while still providing some good songs along the way. Loved every moment of this in what is a pretty busy week. Songs of Note : "Kiss a Loser" Artist : Antonioni Album : Antonioni Quick Thoughts : My favorite album last year was Cartalk's effort, and there's a lot of acts right no...