If It's Too Loud...

Artist : Joana Serrat Album : Big Wave Quick Thoughts : This is my favorite listen in a long, long time. Joana Serrat is new to me, even though this is her latest of many records. The level of songwriting here, the instrumentation, the absolute gorgeous music across the board here is incredible, and it's an album that made me stop and pay attention over and over and over. "Freewheel" in particular is one I keep sharing with people because it's that good, but the album is sort of like a folk rock/dream pop hybrid that is unlike anything I've heard of late and yet feels so, so right. One of the best of the year, without question. Songs of Note : "The Cord," "Freewheel," "Sufferer," "Are You Still Here," "Big Lagoons," "Broken Hearted" Artist : AURORA Album : What Happened to the Heart? Quick Thoughts : AURORA's been around for close to a decade now, and this is a pop record of someone confiden...

Artist : Logan Lynn Album : New Money Quick Thoughts : This has no business being as good as it is. It's electro-pop with a sort of anti-folk bent, but I loved it over and over and then got to the Liz Phair cover, which is perfect . Logan Lynn won't be for everybody, but if you're looking for a Marc Rebillet-ish danceable record this week, check this out. Songs of Note : "It's Been Forever," "Fuck and Run" Artist : Che Noir Album : Food For Thought Quick Thoughts : This is a really great rap album this week. Che Noir offers up a record with some excellent low-key backing beats and one great song after another. She's more Sa-Roc than Nicki, and that's to her benefit as well. The whole thing is great, and is definitely my favorite rap album this week. Songs of Note : Artist : Artsick Album : Fingers Crossed Quick Thoughts : Sometimes Ken sends me things I've never heard of, and they're so good that I shoot him the "hol...