If It's Too Loud...

Artist : Lily Seabird Album : Alas, Quick Thoughts : I don't recall tripping up on Lily Seabird's debut album when it dropped in 2021, but this follow-up is making her back catalog a top priority. Pulling from a variety of influences ranging from folk to indie pop to more traditional roots and alt-rock, we end up with an album that really doesn't miss. The record builds itself one on top of the other, with the weight of it all culminating in the truly epic "Waste" that leads into bringing the whole thing home. It's a really great listen, and one that I loved. Songs of Note : "Grace," "Twenty," "Dirge," "Waste" Artist : Marika Hackman Album : Big Sigh Quick Thoughts : Marika Hackman is quietly becoming a must-listen figure in indie singer-songwriting. She's not doing anything all that flashy, she's not blowing your socks off with the presentation. She's just making music that sticks with you (and tha...

A sign of how great the best music of this year has been? At one point in my list, this was my #1. Marika Hackman's third album definitely has a different feel than her first two. I went from a low-key fan to low-key obsessed thanks to this album, which is a cohesive and interesting listen that's equal parts sexual and sophisticated. There are layers here I didn't expect, songs here that lodged themselves in my head for weeks, and imagery that stuck with me long after I was finished listening. It's one of the albums I recommended more than any other this year, as well. To Hackman's credit, this seemed to be a breakthrough release for her, with "Hand Solo" getting some radio attention and more people talking about her than I saw for her last album. Still, this is an album that feels isolated and personal even with such an expansive intent. I'm glad it exists, and every time I listen to it I'm reminded as to why it's a favorite. Songs...

Things appear to be picking up for the fall... Artist : Spirit Family Reunion Album : Ride Free Quick Description : First album in far too long from a favorite here. Why You Should Listen : Spirit Family Reunion is criminally underrated. Overall Thoughts : At this point, can we just call Spirit Family Reunion the best kept secret in roots/folk? From the moment Ken and I saw them open for David Wax Museum back at the church in Boston, they have consistently put out some of the best music in their genre, and after a long break and some lineup shuffling? As far as I’m concerned, they haven’t missed a step. There’s not a missed moment on this record, and it feels as pure and authentic as ever. Recommendation : Do not miss this album – it’s not only the best thing out this week, but perhaps one of the best records of this year. Artist : Lilith Album : Safer Off Quick Description : Long-awaited debut from some indie alt rockers. Why You Should Listen : This is a solid album...

While I don't regret seeing Wonder Woman over the weekend, 20 new releases and a lot of overtime at work left me with little time to write. A day late and a dollar short, here's an abbreviated highlights version of this week's releases. Must Listens This Week : * Benjamin Booker - Witness (Best release of the week. We loved his debut, and somehow he's gotten even better. It's scary good) * Marnie - Strange Words and Weird Wars (A favorite of the week, strange and striking album) * Alt-J - Relaxer (Maybe their weakest effort so far, and still one of the best of the week. Their singles always make more sense in the context of the album) * Rachel Baiman - Shame (Fun, addictive Americana) * Chastity Belt - I Used to Spend So Much Time Alone (The darker side of things with the recent resurgence of female-fronted alt-rock. Really great) * Dispatch - America, Location 12 (A solid comeback, and an album I'm really into) * Marika Hackman - I'm N...