If It's Too Loud...

The last two weeks because I know I'm not going to get to this. Highlights: Artist : Aesop Rock Album : I Heard It's a Mess There Too Songs of Note : "Crystals and Herbs," "Full House Pinball," "The Cut," "Opossum," "Poly Cotton Blend" Artist : Anna von Hausswolff Album : ICONOCLASTS Songs of Note : "Facing Atlas," "The Iconoclast," "The Whole Woman," "The Mouth," "Stardust," "Struggle with the Beast" Artist : Sorry Album : Cosplay Songs of Note : "Jetplane," "Antelope," "Today Might Be the Hit," "Waxwing," "JIVE" Artist : The Mountain Goats Album : Through this Fire Across from Peter Balkan Songs of Note : "Fishing Boat," "Dawn of Revelation," "Peru," "Armies of the Lord," "Broken to Begin With" Artist : Sabine McCalla Album : Don't Call Me Ba...

Artist : Li'l Andy Album : The Complete Recordings of Hezekiah Procter (1925-1930) Quick Thoughts : I didn't know Li'L Andy prior to this week, and this is more a concept record done really, really well than anything else. It's got that old timey feel to it, and half the album is filtered in such a way that it sounds like an old Victrola. As a concept album, it's awesome. As music, it's awesome. Give this a listen. Songs of Note : "Dr Kerr's Ballyhoo," "Jenny Blythe," "In the Roebuck Catalogue" Artist : Becca Stevens and Attacca Quartet Album : Becca Stevens | Attacca Quartet Quick Thoughts : Becca Stevens toured with Attacca Quartet a few years back, and she later married one of the members of the group. This effort takes a number of her songs (and an awesome Radiohead cover) and gives it the Attacca treatment to great results. This album is really great, and good for fans of either or both acts. Songs of Note : ...

Artist : Mannequin Pussy Album : Patience Quick Description : Great indie rock if you can get past the name. Why You Should Listen : This is the surprise of the week for me. Overall Thoughts : As Ken put it, "'Wow, this Mannequin Pussy is really great' I declare uncomfortably...." I really, really enjoyed this album and this may be one that has some longevity behind it. If you can get past the discomfort of this band’s name, you’ll probably have a good time with this. Solid indie rock. Recommendation : A must-listen. Artist : Dirt Road Sweetheart Album : Rose of My Heart Quick Description : Nora Jane Struthers and her dad take root right into your soul. Why You Should Listen : This is just a lovely listen. Overall Thoughts : I am a big fan of Nora Jane Struthers, and this new album coincides with a rerelease of her first album with her father . The duo, under this name, does traditional roots music and, while it definitely isn’t designed to set the roo...

A lot of stuff out before the American holiday weekend. Album Release of the Week : Artist : Hatchie Album : Sugar and Spice Quick Description : Aussie indie pop. Why You Should Listen : This is probably the best indie pop release of 2018 so far. Overall Thoughts : It’s rare to list an EP for the best release of the week, but here we are with Hatchie, a side/solo project of sorts from the guitarist in Babaganoüj. This is super-dreamy, super saccharine indie pop with tons of infectious melodies. She’s rightfully getting some good buzz surrounding this release, and I personally can’t wait for a full-length. Recommendation : Don’t miss this one. Artist : Prefuse 73 Album : Sacrifices Quick Description : Latest from the glitchy electronic act. Why You Should Listen : Prefuse 73 has been a stalwart in the electronic music scene for decades. Overall Thoughts : I knew someone who was obsessed with Prefuse 73 20-odd years ago. Having kind of dove into weirder musical intere...