If It's Too Loud...

Artist : The Shacks Album : Big Crown Vaults Vol. 2 Quick Thoughts : "Wings" made some playlists for me a while back, and I didn't realize an album was dropping. Wow, it is good! A really solid listen from start to finish, with Isobel Campbell-esque vocals and a light touch to it that transcends the normal idea of indie twee. Produced by Leon Michels of El Michels Affair as part of the Big Crown Vaults series, I loved this a lot and it's worth your time. Songs of Note : "For Real," "Trip to Japan," "Wings," "Crimson & Clover," "Wind," "Drone" Artist : Your Old Droog Album : Movie Quick Thoughts : Everyone's so busy with the Kendrick/Drake feud and the return of Slim Shady that we've led Your Old Droog wallow in semi-obscurity. Movie is the latest in a line of albums that show he deserves to be part of the discussion, with an album that feels as much as an introduction to new listener...

Buffalo's Che Noir is making some of the most interesting hip hop out there today, and that continues with her latest single. "Junior High" features verses by Evidence and Your Old Droog, and doesn't sound quite like any other hip hop song we've heard in a while. The song features a looped piano that is playing out of tune as the primary instrumentation. The song isn't an anthem or a banger. Instead, it's all about the mood, which fits the subject matter of what Che Noir and her collaborators' lives were like in junior high. The song is a bit uncomfortable listen, but in the same way that early Public Enemy could be uncomfortable to listen to. Che Noir says of her latest single: “'Junior High' is a personal favorite because we were all on the same page conceptually, and you get a different perspective from each artist. It came together so perfectly and when I heard the final version, I knew it had to be a single.”  You can listen to "Junio...

There may be one early 2020 in here, but these are some of the ones we missed over 2019 that we've discovered. Artist : Cowgirl Clue Album : Icebreaker Quick Description : Some solid and accessible alt-pop. Why You Should Listen : This is like the PC Music craze, but one your significant other might not hate you for. Overall Thoughts : In my “year of glitchpop” diversion, this one slipped through the cracks until recently. Not really glitchy, but definitely the sort of off-brand indie pop I’ve been loving, there’s a lot to enjoy here for an album that presents itself as a very light effort. Recommendation : One I'm glad I didn't miss out on. Artist : Your Old Droog Album : Jewelry Quick Description : Third release in 2019 from the rapper. Why You Should Listen : Come for the rap music, stay for the songs about modern Judiasm? Overall Thoughts : Another surprise release here, this one a holiday release that celebrates Droog’s Jewish heritage with a ton of sol...

A super, super busy week. Artist : Anna Tivel Album : The Question Quick Description : Latest from a favorite folky. Why You Should Listen : Anna Tivel does something a lot more special than you'd initially think. Overall Thoughts : I’m trying to figure out what it is that makes Anna Tivel so compelling. She’s a favorite here, and I assume it’s likely due to the delicate nature of her instrumentation, or maybe it’s because her vocals work so well with the structures of her songs, or maybe it’s just songs like “Minneapolis” (her best songs are named after places), or maybe it’s just because she is so good at what she does from start to finish. This is an obvious must-listen for anyone into the more folkish side of things, and I hope this ends up being an overdue breakthrough for her. Recommendation : Make sure you give this a listen. Artist : Tami T Album : High Pitched and Moist Quick Description : Brutally honest electronic confessionals. Why You Should Listen : ...

An interesting release week. Album of the Week : Artist : Frances Album : Things I've Never Said Quick Description : Compelling singer-songwritery tunes. Why You Should Listen : You like arresting music that surprises you. Overall Thoughts : I went in blind on Frances for the most part – I feel like I heard a song once upon a time, but that’s neither here nor there. This album really surprised me, which is why it’s my pick for album of the week. Haunting is the wrong word, because I feel like there’s a connotation to that idea that goes with a darker tone or a more ethereal take on the music. It’s not traditional folk, but it’s not standard/modern singer-songwriter fare, either. On first listen? It just feels different. And immediate. And essential. It’s an album that didn’t want to be in the background and kept commanding my attention, which doesn’t happen a whole lot in this way. I truly loved this, and I look forward to spending more time with it to see where it...