If It's Too Loud...

Artist : The Decemberists Album : As It Ever Was, So It Will Be Again Quick Thoughts : The Decemberists remain the most consistent act to come out of the early-aughts indie scene, with this new album (their first in a few years) playing in some of the same comfortable grounds of their predecessors. "Oh No!" has all the trappings of an instant classic, "Long White Veil" feels like early Decemberists, and even going a little experimental with a 20 minute epic closer works. A solid listen on a whole. Songs of Note : "Long White Veil," "Oh No!," "Born to the Morning," "America Made Me" Artist : Las Nubes Album : Tormentas Malsanas Quick Thoughts : Ken sent this one over, and it's great. It's one of a few typical alt-rock listens that just work, and the Spanish influence sets it apart on a whole. No reason to let the language barrier stand in the way, especially with "Agua Plastica," which is a favorite...

Artist : Barbara Manning Album : Charm of Yesterday...Convenience of Tomorrow Quick Thoughts : Barbara Manning is a west coast cult classic, and her new album collects some recent recordings in preparation for a tour, and it's a good reminder both of how talented she is as a musician and how overlooked she's been in the indieverse. As someone who hadn't thought of her in some time, this was a welcome late-year surprise, and I really enjoyed this one. Songs of Note : "Reverse Disguise," "Twilight," "Heat," "So Much Wine" Artist : Florrie Album : Personal Quick Thoughts : Holding down the pop forts in 2023 is Florrie, who put out a number of solid one-offs over the course of the last few years. Personal compiles those into a bright, beautiful package that feels no filler all killer, and provides a single-shot introduction to a singer-songwriter who will probably make serious waves with her debut album later this year. Songs of ...