If It's Too Loud...

And the rest of the week: Artist : Future of the Left Album : To Failed States and Forest Clearings Quick Description : A mini companion EP to go along with their new album. Why You Should Listen : It's a smaller dose, and perhaps better? Overall Thoughts : This is music from the same sessions as the album I covered yesterday, and perhaps it's just that it's a much more concise piece that I enjoyed it more. A handful of good songs, the whole is pretty solid, and perhaps jump in on this one first? Recommendation : A great companion to their other album. Artist : Ben Harper and the Innocent Criminals Album : Call It What It Is Quick Description : Ben Harper's latest sort of folky sort of funky effort. Why You Should Listen : You probably already know if you'd like this. Overall Thoughts : Ben Harper had a minor hit with "Steal My Kisses" around 15 years ago, and I feel like he's more been on the edges of the sort of jam band thing for a w...

There are two things we truly love here at If It's Too Loud...: Free music and covers. That means when a band releases a free album of covers we're all over that. Boston's folky quartet Grey Season just released one, and it's pretty terrific. For a folk band, there are some pretty obvious and classic choices like Bob Dylan and The Band, along with some other classic artists not usually associated with folk, such as The Rolling Stones ("Sweet Virginia," one of my personal favorites) and The Doors. They also selected some newer, contemporary covers (Father John Misty and Iron & Wine). For folk purists, they even do some traditional folk covers like "Moonshiner." Grey Season has that more mainstream rock-ready folk sound you hear from bands like Houndmouth and The Felice Brothers, but that's meant in the best possible way. You can get your very own copy of Undercover  by joining Grey Season's mailing list . To try it out before you make ...