If It's Too Loud...

Artist : Sofia Talvik Album : Center of the Universe Quick Thoughts : We can't be objective about Sofia Talvik in these parts, but the good news is that we don't have to be. Center of the Universe is the latest album in a series of great, reliable folk records, and songs like "Too Many Churches" and "Two Thirds" present some of her best individual songs in a while. You can't go wrong with Sofia Talvik, and this is as great an entrypoint for her work as it is a wonderful addition to her already stellar catalog. Make sure you find time for it. Songs of Note : "Center of the Universe," "Two Thirds," "Meanwhile in Winnsboro," "Too Many Churches," "Broken" Artist : Beth Bombara Album : It All Goes Up Quick Thoughts : I hadn't heard of Beth Bombara before this August, and I need to say that this album was one of a few that blew my mind this month. There's a raw energy and sharp edge to this ro...

Ran completely out of time this week, so some quick hits: Top Releases : * clipping. - Visions of Bodies Being Burned (Puts basically any other recent rap release to shame.) * Zilched - DOOMPOP (A great, shoegazey, alt-rocky record. A favorite this week.) * Ben Harper - Winter is For Lovers (Gorgeous instrumental acoustic guitar work.) * Raye Zaragoza - Woman in Color (Solid country music from a voice with plenty to say.) * No Thank You - Embroidered Foliage (Great alt-rock, major step up from their debut.) * Sir Chloe - Party Favors Of note : * The Mountain Goats - Getting Into Knives (Very adult-alternative of them.) * Felix Hatfield - False God * Girlhood - Girlhood * Ela Minus - Acts of Rebellion * Loma - Don't Shy Away * Leah Barley - Bring Out Your Dead * Ruby Mack - Devil Told Me * Ivan & Alyosha - Ivan & Alyosha * Cherry Pickles - The Juice That's W...