If It's Too Loud...

It's that time of year again, and in what is a strange year for all of us with the pandemic and all, I kick off my list this year with Born Again by Ellis. Ellis does a great job of setting herself apart from other hazy, distortion/reverb-drenched singer-songwriter material by having some truly great songwriting chops and some raw honesty for ideas and concepts often explored only in metaphor. Songs like the title track, like "Happy," all speak to an up-front vulnerability that resonates when things are normal, never mind during a public health crisis where we're seeking any sort of human connection. Its a short listen, but an essential one. Ellis later released a covers EP that proved to me that this album is not just a one-and-done flash in the pan, so I'm excited to hear what comes next. Songs of note: "Happy," "Born Again," "Into the Trees," "Shame."

Artist : Wu Fei and Abigail Washburn Album : Wu Fei and Abigail Washburn Quick Description : A great cross-cultural musical endeavor. Why You Should Listen : Abigail Washburn and Wu Fei are both virtuosos in their own right. Overall Thoughts : There's good music, there's important music, and then you get albums like this that are both good and important. Just a great work of art on its own with a lot of moments that really work great on their own, and the former college music major in me senses a lot of little bites of things to explore on future listens. There's no flaw in this at all, and it's something you should absolutely find time for. Recommendation : A must-listen. Artist : Parsonsfield Album : Happy Hour on the Floor Quick Description : Folk rock done right. Why You Should Listen : Perfect mix of folk, rock, and country elements. Overall Thoughts : This feels fun. It feels fun in the way that early Dawes and Avett Brothers records were, in that ...