If It's Too Loud...

Artist : Natalie Jane Hill Album : Solely Quick Thoughts : This is some pretty solid folk stuff in a week with a few folk options. I really liked a lot of this, and songs like "Orb Weaver" in particular have a lasting impact. Not a ton to say about this one, but it's worth the time. Songs of Note : "Orb Weaver," "If I Were a Willow," "Solely" Artist : Lunar Vacation Album : Inside Every Fig is a Dead Wasp Quick Thoughts : Lunar Vacation has an album with a gross title, but the music here is solid. It's fuzzy alt-rock that's pretty melodic and really addictive, and kept surprising me throughout its runtime. A lot to love on this one, but it's absolutely the record I'm most looking forward to going back to this week. Songs of Note : "Shrug," "Making Lunch (Not Right Now)" Artist : Xeno & Oaklander Album : Vi/deo Quick Thoughts : Xeno & Oaklander were doing the retro synth thing before...

We're in the doldrums of summer, and the new releases this week (along with a few we missed) aren't ones I have a lot to say about, so some quick hits. Highlights: * Vanilla Sugar - She (If She Makes War and Poppy had a kid.) * Allegra Krieger - The Joys of Forgetting (Solid, interesting listen.) * Matt Pond PA - Songs of Disquiet (Awesome as always.) * Marlowe - Marlowe 2 (Nearly as good as the first one.) * Grain Thief - Gasoline * Leila Moss - Who the Power Of note: * Jacknife Lee - The Jacknife Lee (Interesting release from the noteworthy producer.) * Peggy Gou - Play Gou (Billed as a workout mixtape, it's a solid electronic sampler.) * Pomplamoose - Lucid Dreaming Soundtrack * Helvetia - This Devastating Map * Jason Molina - Eight Gates * Jody Glenham - Mood Rock * Jenny O. - New Truth * Washed Out - Purple Noon * Mary Chapin Carpenter - The Dirt and The Stars * New Fries - Is the Idea of Us * Figueroa - The World As We Know It EPs: * L...

A much busier week than we've been used to! Artist : Jain Album : Souldier Quick Description : Second album from the French pop singer is better than the first. Why You Should Listen : Jain is odd and unique and fun all at once. Overall Thoughts : I forget how I tripped up on Jain's last album, but she has a very unique style that is very appealing. Her new album is somehow better than her previous efforts, with "Flash (Pointe Noir)" being an instant classic and a song, "Inspecta," that is sampling Inspector Gadget ? I'm in. This is probably my favorite listen of the week, and there are too many fun things going on here to ignore. Recommendation : A solid pop release with a lot going for it. Artist : Whitney Ballen Album : You're a Shooting Star, I'm a Sinking Ship Quick Description : Debut from a new favorite here. Why You Should Listen : Ballen is upping the singer-songwriter game here. Overall Thoughts : Ken and I have both b...