If It's Too Loud...

Artist : Nell Smith Album : Anxious Quick Thoughts : Nell Smith's Nick Cave covers record with the Flaming Lips a few years back was one of my favorites of the year. At the time, she was a 12 year old that forged a connection with Wayne Coyne and I have impatiently waited for her debut album ever since. I must have missed the news, however, because I learned upon release that this solo album is also a posthumous release, having died in a car accident last fall at only 17. It's always tragic when a teenager dies, but for those of us who love music, this one hurts a little harder, especially when the musical bookend we get here is so, so good. One of the best of the year, in fact, which I wouldn't have seen coming. It's a little weird, a little poppy, a little indie... what's kind of stunning is that she shows a range here that feels more appropriate for someone ten years old. Songs of Note : "Anxious," "Daisy Fields," "The Worst Best Drug...

The Green River Festival is always a highlight of any year. They've just released the line-up for the 2021 edition, and somehow this is just the initial line up. It's safe to say that this is by far their most exciting line-up ever! As always it skews heavily towards folk/Americana, but they've truly outdone themselves this year. Headliners for the three days are Jon Bastiste, Shakey Graves, and Ani Difraco, which would be thrilling enough. The other announced bands include long time If It's Too Loud... favorites like Drive-By Truckers, Deer Tick, and JD McPherson, alongside more newly discovered favorites like Sierra Ferrell, Twisted Pine, Rachel Baiman, and Bella White (who I just discovered over the weekend and haven't even had a chance to post about yet!) Plus, there are other artists we're big on like Valerie June, Mandolin Orange, Bonny Light Horseman, Charlie Parr, and Rebirth Brass Band that are all playing.  Green River Festival will run August 27-29 at...

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...

Slowing down a bit... Album of the Week : Artist : Valerie June Album : The Order of Time Quick Description : Gorgeous folk music. Why You Should Listen : Valerie June is incredibly good and is quickly reaching "criminally underrated" status. Overall Thoughts : I loved her debut album, and it's clear with this new album that she's sticking to a winning formula even while trying a few different things. "Astral Plane" hit a little early and the instrumentation behind the haunting vocals was just so arresting every time it came through. It's a great step forward, perhaps better than her debut, and is absolutely one of my favorite listens of 2017 so far. Recommendation : A must listen, no excuses. Artist : Hurray for the Riff Raff Album : The Navigator Quick Description : A slight shift in sound doesn't change how good an album this is. Why You Should Listen : Hurray for the Riff Raff is a favorite around these parts, and this is a highl...

The Green River Festival has long been one of the most beloved, if almost secret, annual New England music festivals. It was long run by the Greenfield, MA Chamber of Commerce and because of that always seemed to be geared towards an older audience. That started to change back in 2013 with the inclusion of Gogol Bordello to the festival, and last year it started being presented by Signature Sounds , the fantastic Northampton, MA based record label. The festival sold out in advance last year, and this year will be an even quicker sell out for its 29th year. Saturday is just ridiculous with Tune-Yards, Wood Brothers, western MA rock god J Mascis, Booker T. Jones, Milk Carton Kids, Langhorne Slim & the Law, blog favorite Lydia Loveless, Polaris (aka the band from The Adventures of Pete & Pete !), and more. Sunday is also solid with Steve Earle & the Dukes, Punch Brothers, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Valerie June, Elephant Revival, Joe Pug, and more. Besides music, the festi...

Thank you for dealing with the delay. While you wait for tomorrow's new releases, here are some favorites from last week: Washed Out - Paracosm : Washed Out might be best known for his song being used for the theme for Portlandia , but those expecting another chillwave piece are going to be disappointed in this album that, on one hand, sounds like nothing else before it, and, on the other, doesn't sound like anything especially compelling. On first listen, it's just kind of...there, and nothing about it stands out. I was hoping for some nice electronica and got something very different, and I'm honestly torn about this album so far. Glen Campbell - See You There : Glen Campbell recently finished his farewell tour, as he is suffering from Alzheimer's disease. This album is his revisiting some of his most famous or important songs a final time in a more stark, spacious tone. It's a great album, but the shadow of Campbell's illness really impacts one...