If It's Too Loud...

Artist : Lucy Dacus Album : Forever is a Feeling Quick Thoughts : We love the whole boygenius Cinematic Universe here, having been on the Lucy Dacus bandwagon as early as "Night Shift." Her third album is her first with a major label, and where it might be a little more ostentatious at times in ways that it doesn't need to be, it more than makes up for it with some of the most brutal and memorable lyrics happening at present. There are so many moments here that just make you mutter curse words under your breath because they hit so hard, and I'm an almost 44-year-old straight married white man. She's something special, and I'm glad the world is getting to know her music more. Songs of Note : "Ankles," "Limerence," "Modigliani," "For Keeps," "Forever is a Feeling," "Best Guess," "Bullseye," "Most Wanted Man" Artist : Gloin Album : All of your anger is actually shame (and I be...

Artist : The Blow Album : Brand New Abyss Quick Description : Latest from the popular indie act. Why You Should Listen : They're very buzzworthy. Overall Thoughts : This is a higher-profile indie release this week, and I’m not afraid to say I’ve never quite gotten The Blow. For me, they seem like a poppier version of The xx in a lot of ways, except that the sparse nature of what they do never fully connects. On the other hand, I know a handful of people who are pretty big fans, so this might more be an issue of my not getting it than anything else. You might love this, so give it a chance and you’ll know pretty fast if it’s for you. Recommendation : Worth some time Artist : Tricky Album : ununiform Quick Description : Latest from the trip-hop legend. Why You Should Listen : It's the most interesting release of the week musically. Overall Thoughts : Tricky sounded unlike anything else in the mainstream during his peak, and, honestly, he sounds unlike anything els...

I can't tell you how good it feels to have a week jam-packed with new releases AND have them all be high-quality releases from top to bottom. Everyone can find a winner from this week's offerings. Andrew Jackson Jihad - Christmas Island : I'm a fairly recent convert to Andrew Jackson Jihad, a band that combines the melodic/instrumental sensibilities of The Mountain Goats with the best irreverent parts of the anti-folk movement. Christmas Island is their fifth album, and it's certainly their most ambitious from a musical level with a lot of the same craziness of their previous. Leadoff track and single "Temple Grandin" is a fuzzed out blast, and the album continues along a bit of a madcap vein throughout. I fully recognize that this band isn't for everyone (my wife in particular is displeased with them in general), but if this is truly your thing, you're in for a treat. Fujiya and Miyagi - Artificial Sweeteners : I first heard Fujiya and Miyagi...