If It's Too Loud...

Artist : Speedy Ortiz Album : Rabbit Rabbit Quick Thoughts : Speedy Ortiz and Sadie Dupuis are extremely good at what they do, and Rabbit Rabbit is another solid entry in a long list of them. It's got that angular baseline feel combined with a lot of interesting songwriting and great vocals. Basically nothing unexpected except for how great it is. If you're a fan, you won't be disappointed, and if you're new, this is a great place to start. Songs of Note : "You S02," "Plus One" Artist : Slowdive Album : everything is alive Quick Thoughts : Shoegaze legends Slowdive are back after a six-year absence with another great effort. It's dreamy and hazy in all the right ways, and captures a band still operating at the top of its game decades after their start. A mandatory listen this week. Songs of Note : "prayer remembered," "alife," "the slab" Artist : Jeff Rosenstock Album : HELLMODE Quick Thoughts : Jef...

Artist : Melissa Carper Album : Daddy's Country Gold Quick Thoughts : That this came out the same week as a Loretta Lynn album is amusing, because this is some great throwback country. The retro feel from presentation to the actual music feels pure and honest, which isn't always the case with country acts that seem to keep their tongues in cheek. But when you have a song like "Would You Like to Get Some Goats?" how can you resist? Songs of Note : "Back When," "Old Fashioned Gal," "Would You Like to Get Some Goats?" Artist : Friedberg Album : YEAH YEAH YEAH YEAH YEAH YEAH YEAH YEAH Quick Thoughts : This is only a five-song, 16-minute EP, but my goodness, it is all killer no filler. The first four songs are all addictive poppy bangers, and the closing track, "Your Hollywood," cools things down perfectly. This is probably my favorite overall release this week. Songs of Note : "Pass Me On," "Lizzy" ...