If It's Too Loud...

Artist : Melissa Carper Album : Daddy's Country Gold Quick Thoughts : That this came out the same week as a Loretta Lynn album is amusing, because this is some great throwback country. The retro feel from presentation to the actual music feels pure and honest, which isn't always the case with country acts that seem to keep their tongues in cheek. But when you have a song like "Would You Like to Get Some Goats?" how can you resist? Songs of Note : "Back When," "Old Fashioned Gal," "Would You Like to Get Some Goats?" Artist : Friedberg Album : YEAH YEAH YEAH YEAH YEAH YEAH YEAH YEAH Quick Thoughts : This is only a five-song, 16-minute EP, but my goodness, it is all killer no filler. The first four songs are all addictive poppy bangers, and the closing track, "Your Hollywood," cools things down perfectly. This is probably my favorite overall release this week. Songs of Note : "Pass Me On," "Lizzy" ...

Photo by Jared Swafford I keep seeing Janet Simpson's music compared to Lucinda Williams. It's an obvious comparison, but it's certainly not wrong. Her latest single, "Slip," sounds like vintage Williams, when she's trying to clean up her grit for mainstream consumption but always misses just enough to keep it Lucinda Williams. "Slip" might be one of the best country rock ballads I've heard this century. It has enough bass to give it a menacing groove that you know you should say no to, but how could you? And then Janet Simpson's voice kicks in, and there's no going back. This is the kind of song that truly defines the alt-country genre. You can't really say it's country, and you can't even say it's rock. It's just enough of each to repel those with a closed mind, but for the rest of us "Slip" is going to be impossible to resist. Although why would we want to? You can listen to "Slip" below. Safe Di...

Photo by Jared Swafford A lot of artists do the country rock thing, but few do it as well as Janet Simpson. Her latest single, "I'm Wrong," is exactly what you want from the genre: It's a little too rock to be country, and a little too country to be rock. While it's hardly pop country, it nuzzles itself into the pop side of outlaw country, reminding me of other favorites of ours like Nikki Lane or Tristen. It's also the perfect song for this time of year, as we're all longing for winter to finally end and warm weather to return. "I'm Wrong" is the perfect summer driving song, where you do have someplace you're going but why rush to get there? In five months or so, this song is going to end up on a whole lotta playlists. You can listen to "I'm Wrong" below. Safe Distance is due out March 19 on Cornelius Chapel Records. You can pre-order a copy of the album here . For more on Janet Simpson, check out the artist's website .