If It's Too Loud...

Doing Anything this Weekend? is a feature here at If It's Too Loud... where we feature some live shows in and on the far outskirts of the Boston area. Our main rules are that they have to be reasonably priced shows that you can attend last minute. They'll feature If It's Too Loud... approved bands, and we'll provide event links when possible. And since we're in outdoor music season, these events are weather permitting. If you're looking for last minute plans this weekend, we recommend: Friday May 17 Nuggets Celebration featuring Lenny Kaye & Friends (Jon Wurster, Ted Leo, Bill Janovitz, David Minehan, Clint Conley, Tanya Donelly, Barrence Whitfield, & more) at The Cut, Gloucester, MA Miracle Blood, Spiritkiller, Deprogrammer Cult, and Jiddo at O'Brien's Pub, Allston, MA Twin Foxes, Her Head's On Fire, and Salem Wolves at Wes' Rib House Upstairs, Providence, RI Willi Carlisle and Aaron Jonah Lewis at 3S Artspace, Portsmouth, NH Jon Snodgra...

Artist : Johanna Samuels Album : Bystander Quick Thoughts : Johanna Samuel's latest is a gorgeous folk-adjacent listen, to be sure, but I want to especially note that this gives off immense Aimee Mann vibes in all the best ways. It's an introspective, interesting record with some great songwriting and absolutely memorable moments. Easily my favorite of the week and one I'm looking forward to getting back to. Songs of Note : "Holy Mothers," "Golden Gate," "Valentine's Day is Stupid" Artist : The Watson Twins Album : Holler Quick Thoughts : Most people (still) only know the Watson Twins from their work with Jenny Lewis on her first solo album, and it's not fair. The two women have put out some consistent roots efforts over the years, and Holler is good enough where I start to wonder why they're not talked about more. Do not skip this one, it's a great listen. Songs of Note : "Holler," "Sissy Said," ...

Just a lot out this week, so we'll do highlights. Artist : Skating Polly Album : The Make It All Show Quick Description : New album from the indie rockers. Why You Should Listen : Skating Polly is similar to Speedy Ortiz in some regards, and they are poised to break out. Overall Thoughts : I liked Skating Polly’s last effort, which was a sort of car crash of musical sounds and styles that had me hooked. Even still, it wasn’t without its flaws, but that was more than okay – it was still a great listen. This new album feels a lot more organized and structured, and the result (while a little less chaotic) is something that really shows growth as a band without losing the sort of manic quality that sets them apart. Recommendation : A favorite this week. Artist : Parker Milsap Album : Other Arrangements Quick Description : New album from a favorite here. Why You Should Listen : You're looking for a little more adult alternative in your life. Overall Thoughts : We’v...

A crazy week, so two weeks it is! Album of the Week : Artist : Sarah Shook and the Disarmers Album : Sidelong Quick Description : Rootsy rock. Why You Should Listen : You like the sound of Lydia Loveless with a little more grit. Overall Thoughts : When I started listening to this album, a rootsy barnburner of a record, I was curious as to how long I might be able to tolerate Sarah Shook’s vocal warble. By the end, I was wondering why I cared at all to start, as the value of this album is in the entire package – Shook’s unique vocal presentation, the excellent musicianship, and the killer songwriting. When the only negative thing anyone can say about an album is “the vocals might have to grow on you” in a genre that’s dominated by often-obnoxious twang, you know it’s something you need to spend some real time with. I truly loved this album in a way I didn’t expect. Recommendation : An easy choice for album of the week. Artist : R. Ring Album : Ignite the Rest Quick Desc...

Photo by Angel Ceballos I always wonder why more established artists don't collaborate with their up and coming counterparts. It seems like it would help both artists reach a new base of like-minded fans. Plus, it's just cool. You get it sometimes with Trent Reznor and David Bowie, Jeff Tweedy and Mavis Staples, or Jack White and Loretta Lynn. It always seems to be the younger, hipper artist writing and/or producing for the veteran artist. That's not the case with the new Skating Polly EP. The duo, comprised of step-sisters Kelli Mayo and Peyton Bighorse, joined up with Louise Post and Nina Gordon of the recently reunited Veruca Salt, who co-wrote the EP with them. "Hail Mary" really shows the influence. The song is just heavy and dark, and seems to combine the earlier, more indie rock leanings of Veruca Salt with the heavier, more rockin' side the leaned towards later on. Plus, Gordon and Post really showed Skating Polly how to harmonize. The result is ...

Some very solid stuff out this week. Album of the Week : Artist : Margo Price Album : Midwest Farmer's Daughter Quick Description : Debut classic country album via Third Man Records. Why You Should Listen : If you have any sort of love for classic country in the vein of Loretta Lynn, you need to add this to your list. Overall Thoughts : I enjoyed this far, far more than I anticipated, as it's the perfect blend of the modern and the old school and results in one of the more fun albums of recent times for me. There's not a missed note on this, and really just further demonstrates that Third Man is putting out just some of the highest quality music out there. Margo Price is a name you need to know, because this might end up blowing up unexpectedly, it's that good. Recommendation : One of the best things I've heard in 2016 so far. A must listen. Artist : RJD2 Album : Dame Fortune Quick Description : Latest album from the electronica producer. Why You S...

Skating Polly might very well be your next favorite band. It's a distorted punk-ish mess with some serious pop chops. Their Ugly Pop EP features three previously released songs and two newer songs, so it's a great way to check them out for the first time.  Their sound has some pretty serious grunge roots while still being accessible as hell. Think Babes in Toyland meets Cake Like. "Oddie Moore," one of the newer songs on Ugly Pop EP , is a lighter ready power ballad, albeit with in your face choppy vocals. "Cosmetic Skull" is an ultra-poppy keyboard ballad, more like a Sia song (or at least, what I'm mostly sure Sia sounds like.) "Alabama Movies" is my favorite, and fits more traditionally in the loud/quiet/loud tradition of my favorite 90s alternative. Loud screaming, distorted as fuck guitars, dual vocals... it's pretty much a perfect anthem. Ugly Pop EP is available for free via Bandcamp . For some more information on Skating Polly...