If It's Too Loud...

Photo by Jake Gravbot You may not know Assertion yet, but you'll know William Goldsmith. It's the new project from the Sunny Day Real Estate founding member and ex-Foo Fighter. If you're a fan of either of Goldsmith's other bands, chances are you're going to like Assertion. Their first single, "Supervised Suffering" (which marks Goldsmith's return to music after taking ten years off), has the heartfelt proto-emo sensibilities of Sunny Day Real Estate and the stadium ready anthem feel of Foo Fighters. It's a huge sound that avoids the middle ground that much mainstream rock dips into while still having a sound that can appeal to people that still listen to actual radio, as well as us music elitists.  William Goldsmith says of the new project:  "A decade-long journey that started out walking away from music has led me right back to it and the very reason I started - but with a whole new appreciation and respect for it. I feel extremely fortunate...

Artist : Foo Fighters Album : Concrete and Gold Quick Description : Latest from the alt-rock legends. Why You Should Listen : I suppose it's not to the point where the Foos are a nostalgia act, right? Overall Thoughts : Oh, Foo Fighters. On one hand, you have one of the premier alt-rock bands of the post-grunge era with a new album. On the other, I’m not sure they’ve had a truly great (or even good) album in well over a decade. This feels like a mess of rock excess that’s trying too hard, and that might be generous. It makes me wonder whether The Colour and the Shape is actually good at all, given the taste this left in my mouth. Recommendation : Don’t make my mistake, just pretend this didn’t happen. Artist : Angus and Julia Stone Album : Snow Quick Description : New album from the Aussie duo. Why You Should Listen : These two continue to be some of the better mainstream acts running. Overall Thoughts : A favorite of the coffee shop folk music set, this album i...

A quieter week than normal as we approach the American Thanksgiving holiday. I'd also review the new Adele, but, well... Album of the Week : Artist : Sheer Album : Uneasy Quick Description : Shoegazey-style indie alt-rock. Why You Should Listen : You are looking for that nostalgia hit this week, but want something really great Overall Thoughts : Ken posted about the title track last month and I fell in love with it right away as well. The full album, thankfully, is about as good as the single, and that means great things for a band that I don't think is getting enough attention yet. It's just one of those solid, surprise albums that make it fun to discover new music. It's one you'll want to tell your friends about. Recommendation : Highly recommended album of the week, and it's not even close. Artist : Kingsley Flood Album : The Good Fight Quick Description : Latest EP from a favorite of ours. Why You Should Listen : You look for more of a ro...

We're starting to see things slow down a bit on new releases, but what looks like a lean week actually has a lot of new releases of interest. Whether they're any good, though... Azealia Banks - Broke With Expensive Taste : This was a surprise release over the weekend after being trapped in record company limbo for some time, and, for what it's worth, it's one of the most interesting rap albums I've heard in a while. A lot of different sounds and styles throughout, it's like Janelle Monae with more rapping and less asthetic. I'm really into this album more than I thought I would be, and it's definitely one that's staying in rotation for a while. Highly recommended, definitely the release of the week. Foo Fighters - Sonic Highways : I've always been fond of Foo Fighters and I thought their last album was actually pretty solid, all things considered. Unfortunately, Sonic Highways feels like an abrupt transition into legacy rock act te...