If It's Too Loud...

Artist : Las Calakas Album : Hechizo Quick Thoughts : Having gotten a little more into international music lately, Las Calakas comes out of nowhere to be a really fun listen. They've got plenty of punk influences, to be sure, but there's an element of this being sort of a party record throughout. While songs like "Top Down" won me over in particular, there's really nothing on here that isn't just a good time. I really loved this record, you probably will, too. Songs of Note : "Top Down," "La Culebra," "Cumbia Maciza 2," "Calentura" Artist : Savak Album : Human Error / Human Delight Quick Thoughts : Savak is a new act for me, but one that came as a real pleasant surprise. They're definitely leaning alt-indie, but my goodness do a lot of these songs hit just right. There is a lot to love here overall, and Savak is an act I'm looking forward to getting back to. Songs of Note : "No Blues No Jazz,"...

Album of the Week : Artist : The Honey Dewdrops Album : Anyone Can See Quick Description : Porch-style roots music. Why You Should Listen : It's a gorgeous album reminiscent of so much of your favorite roots music. Overall Thoughts : One of the few highlights of a mostly-lackluster Oscars last weekend was Dave Rawlings and Gillian Welch performing their song from The Ballad of Buster Scruggs . It reminded me how much I love what those two do when they collaborate, and this album is directly reminiscent of that. Great harmonies, solid folk music – it’s the whole package, and it’s exactly what I was looking for. Recommendation : Easily the best of the week. Artist : Matthew Mayfield Album : Gun Shy Quick Description : Mainstream-friendly alt-rock. Why You Should Listen : It's indie enough for your sensibilities, but mainstream enough where your friends won't hate you for it. Overall Thoughts : Matthew Mayfield clearly came from the Bob Schneider school of alt-r...