If It's Too Loud...

The record labels are too busy shopping to release much new music this week, so this also covers some interesting ones we missed. Album of the Week : Artist : Various Artists Album : EMO-TION Quick Description : Charity compilation from a Boston label that provides emo-esque covers of Carly Rae Jepson's E-MO-TION Why You Should Listen : This is a solid effort around a solid album, and you may even see this as benefiting a solid cause! Overall Thoughts : The pop album of our era gets a rock treatment, with great efforts for "Boy Problems," for "I Didn't Just Come Here to Dance," and "Making the Most of the Night." I am all about this and you will likely be as well whether you're a fan of Carly Rae, of the associated acts, or none of the above. It's great fun. Recommendation : A must hear. Artist : Moving Units Album : This is Six Quick Description : Latest from the dance-rock vets. Why You Should Listen : Moving Units has s...

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...

After a few epic weeks, a slower burn, this time with one high-profile release and some interesting pieces on top of that: Janelle Monae - The Electric Lady : Musically, I love pretty much everything about Janelle Monae. She's got a really unique aesthetic for R&B that plays into my love of sci-fi and over-the-top storytelling, she knows how to cultivate a musical image that compliments the pop sensibilities of having a clear physical one, and, most importantly, the music is great . While I've found I like some rap music over the last few years, more straightforward R&B hasn't always worked for me, but Monae does. The Electric Lady doesn't quite meet the heights of The ArchAndroid , but I'm pretty sure that would have been impossible. The new album is definitely one of the better things to come about this year, its only flaw being a little too produced. Definitely worth your listen. Emiliana Torrini - Tookah : Emiliana Torrini is an artist that I...