If It's Too Loud...

On a housekeeping note, I'm trying a different format for First Listen for the next few weeks. Smaller capsule reviews = more highlights, and I'm piloting a mix of my favorite tracks, which you can find below. Let us know what you think. Artist : Vivian Leva and Riley Calcagno Album : Vivian Leva and Riley Calcagno Quick Thoughts : Man, we love some well-crafted roots music here. This is some really gorgeous stuff, with the right mix of more upbeat bluegrassy tunes alongside the more midtempo fare. Plus, the musicianship here is incredible. There's not a bad moment in this record, and it's absolutely a favorite this week. Songs of Note : "Good and Gone," "My Teardrops Say" Artist : The Anchoress Album : The Art of Losing Quick Thoughts : The Anchoress gives off solid PJ Harvey vibes for me, and I basically loved every moment of this album. The sum is great, but some of these parts are just awesome. If you like your rockin' women wit...

A lighter week, so there's some catchup involved... Artist : Billy Nomates Album : Billy Nomates Quick Description : Odd alt-punk. Why You Should Listen : It has Big Mark E. Smith Energy. Overall Thoughts : A friend tweeted about this saying that it was basically made for her, and, after listening, I realized this was basically made for me, too. It's definitely an acquired taste, and I think most people will know if they like this within the first minute, but for me? This felt like the best songs from The Fall along with the musicality of Fiery Furnaces topped off with a strong point of view. Billy Nomates is unlike anything out there (the closest comp might be Sleaford Mods, one member of which has a guest spot on this album), but it's defiantly unique in all the best ways. Recommendation : You owe it to yourself to give this a shot. Artist : Catherine Anne Davies and Bernard Butler Album : In Memory of My Feelings Quick Description : Solid singe...