If It's Too Loud...

Artist : Tchotchke Album : Playin' Dumb Quick Thoughts : This was an absolute delight of a listen. Playin' Dumb is a lovely pastiche of 60s psych-pop / Elephant 6 indie pop that touched every nostalgia button I have and then some, and I truly loved the listen. In what feels like a time of perpetual darkness, this was such a bright surprise, so make time for it if only for your mental health. Songs of Note : "The Game," "Did You Hear?" "Kisses," "Poor Girl," "Skipping Around" Artist : Show Me Mary Album : All the Things You Are Quick Thoughts : Show Me Mary offers a fuzzy alt approach to the docket with some seriously excellent tunes. "Daisy Cutter" immediately went into repeat for me, but the whole album has a lot going for it in a way that really resonated with me. Don't skip it. Songs of Note : "Daisy Cutter," "Senescence," "Never Ends," "Lie to Me" Artist ...

Artist : Aesop Rock Album : Spirit World Field Guide Quick Description : Latest effort from the indie underground rapper. Why You Should Listen : He's a consistent voice and this effort is as high quality as anything he's produced. Overall Thoughts : This is his first album of material that isn't a collaboration or a soundtrack effort in close to five years. While he hasn't stayed idle, he hasn't missed a beat, either, and the maturity that surrounds this (while it's a lot to expect someone nearing 40 to resonate with a rap album, a lot of stuff here cuts deep) makes it something a little more special than the other rap efforts this week. The album is fairly conceptual, but also succeeds in having parts that work great independent of the whole. This is a great starting point if you've never listened before, but longtime fans like myself will find plenty to enjoy. Recommendation : A great listen this week. Artist : William Basinski Album : ...