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 ...

And the rest! Artist : Bryde Album : Like an Island Quick Description : First proper album from half of Paper Airplanes. Why You Should Listen : It's tricky indie rock with a folk bent. Overall Thoughts : Nearly my album of the week, this is sneaky great. Bryde takes the quiet->loud dynamic and sits directly on the edges of both, providing a surprising style that feels unpredictable even as you hear certain songs multiple times. The entire approach here is familiar, yet has a unique enough spin that you won’t feel bored. Recommendation : Really worth giving a shot. Artist : Mr. Fingers Album : Cerebral Hemispheres Quick Description : The return of a house legend. Why You Should Listen : It's like a time capsule of 1980s dance. Overall Thoughts : It’s been 20-odd years since this important house music artist put anything new together, and this album feels like a dose of retro dance music from start to finish. The problem with it is the overall lack of evol...