If It's Too Loud...

...and a bit of July, but don't tell anyone. Artist : Cheekface Album : Podium Quick Thoughts : Cheekface is prolific, unique in their sound, and still somehow puts out winner after winner. This album actually does mess with the blueprint a bit, with some different vocal choices and some sonic additions (like the record scratches in "Hostile Street"). Overall, though? Another great listen from your favorite local band. Songs of Note : "Hostile Street," "MFT," "Black Site, "U Can't Do It," "I Decline" Artist : Homeboy Sandman and Jack Splash Album : Resonance Frequency Quick Thoughts : I generally enjoy what Homeboy Sandman does, but this collaborative listen is likely to become one of my favorites of his catalog. Lots of interesting samples compliment his flow perfectly and it creates a really fun album that's worth your time. Songs of Note : "TWENTYFOURSEVEN," "Weed Stores Everywhere,...

Photo by Sarah Cass You're going to want to prepare yourself for this one. "Not How I Hoped," the latest single from Sera Cahoone, is great. Like... really great. It's a heartbreak ballad that combines folk, singer-songwriter, and a little blues and country. As soon as Cahoone's vocals kick in, you're instantly hooked and hanging on her every word and inflection. This ends up being one of the most mesmerizing songs of the year, without doing anything but being a great song. It's the kind of song that anyone that has ever experienced heartbreak will end up loving, from the biggest indie snobs to the most mainstream music fans. "Not How I Hoped" has the kind of universal appeal of Lucy Dacus' "Nightshift." The reward of having a music blog is when you find a song that you know is going to end up beloved by many, and this is one of those songs. Sera Cahoone says of her latest single: "This song flew out of my broken heart many moo...

Photo by Sarah Cass Singer-songwriter, musician, and producer Sera Cahoone has a great new song out to help get you through your Friday. "Pulling Up Roots" is a great slice of modern roots music. It's a little bit ramblin' while still being smoothly produced. This is the kind of song perfect for any and all folk festivals, and it could easily fit onto Adult Contemporary radio. Cahoone has a unique enough sound to make music snobs (and journalists) happy while still appealing to the Mix FM listeners in your office. Plus, "Pulling Up Roots" is being put out by Sub Pop, so it has an instant cool factor. Sera Cahoone says of her latest single: “‘Pulling Up Roots’ is about getting to the other side and experiencing growth and momentum after a challenging time.” You can watch the video for "Pulling Up Roots" below. I've Missed You All These Years is due out August 28 on Sub Pop Records. For more on Sera Cahoone, check out the artist on Instagram and...

Lots to get to today... Album of the Week : Artist : Desperate Journalist Album : Grow Up Quick Description : Poppy post punk. Why You Should Listen : You still have some Doc Martens in the closet and want to party. Overall Thoughts : My favorite listen of the week from a band I did not know at all prior to this release, the best way I can describe them is Bully/Wolf Alice merged with Savages to give a fairly unique post-punkish sound that still has some solid poppy elements. A lot of releases this week and few truly grabbed me the way this one did. I sent it to Ken to listen to very early on in my listen, and this might be one of those weird dark horse albums that stays in my rotation for a while. Well done. Recommendation : Best of the week. Artist : Luke Reed Album : Won't Be There Quick Description : Indie poppish singer-songwriter stuff. Why You Should Listen : You need that album to usher in the spring/summer months. Overall Thoughts : A member of Bent Sha...