If It's Too Loud...

Artist : Carla J Easton Album : WEIRDO Quick Description : An instant favorite serving of indie pop. Why You Should Listen : This is weird enough to be outside of the mainstream, but poppy enough to have broad appeal. Overall Thoughts : This one came out of nowhere and shot directly to the top of my list for 2020. There's so much to love about this entire thing - it feels like a long lost 80s pop record sometimes, others it's like a strange modern indie piece. All of it is wonderful, and it's something I absolutely adored. Don't miss out. Recommendation : One of the best of the year. Artist : The Avett Brothers Album : The Third Gleam Quick Description : A new short album by the alt-country act in their Gleam series. Why You Should Listen : If you're typically more down with their introspective folk side, the Gleam records deliver. Overall Thoughts : The last Avetts album was hit-or-miss in a lot of ways, but seeing a new Gleam release brought it ...

Some solid releases this week! Album of the Week : Artist : The Avett Brothers Album : True Sadness Quick Description : Newest album from a band that's been all over the place since their mainstream breakout. Why You Should Listen : This is a return to form in some ways and just an interesting listen in others. Overall Thoughts : I can't say I've been in love with the recent output from the Avetts, with I and Love and You being great and the albums following it having some highlights but not quite reaching their apex. They've moved away from a more pure country-ish vibe, but come back to it a little here while still embracing the mainstream by finally embracing the totality of what they've become. Yeah, you have truly great songs (and classic-sounding to boot) like "Smithsonian" as well as legitimately crazy songs like "Satan Pulls the Strings," but the album itself is really one I've been itching to get back to after the first lis...