If It's Too Loud...

I've wanted to do this for years, but I'm finally getting to it this year. There are new Christmas albums out, and of those of interest? Well... The Nice List Ingrid Michaelson's Songs for the Season is basically exactly what I look for in traditional holiday fare. Far too many singers, when going for the more typical songs, make it more about them than make it about the music. Michaelson wisely gives us a presentation of Christmas music that has her identity stamped on it without overpowering the whole production. There may not be a better pop singer to do this these days, so make sure this hits your rotation. JD McPherson's Socks is a great set of Christmas originals by someone who has kept his music in the retro side of things for years now. I've loved a lot of his music, and Socks just has that old time radio feel to it that feels appropriate for the season. The Old 97's Love The Holidays is an appropriately goofy and fun Christmas album...

A much more standard week this week. Album of the Week : Artist : Girlpool Album : Powerplant Quick Description : Folk rockers turn up the noise a bit. Why You Should Listen : This is a positive evolution for this duo. Overall Thoughts : Album of the week this week, even though it’s following a trend of a lot of recent releases I’ve loved. 2017 is quickly turning into the year of woman-led rock music with a message, and Girlpool is lining up for their shot at the throne with this effort, which is bigger and grander sounding than their folk-heavy debut from a couple years ago. Truth be told? I like this version of them more, and I suspect you might as well. Great for fans of their old anti-folk-style stuff as well as those who are looking for the next great indie listen... Recommendation : ...this is worth some time in your rotation. Artist : Dharma Bombs Album : Old Time Romance Quick Description : Good ol' jazzy tunes. Why You Should Listen : You miss the Squirr...

A slow week for us here, but some tax day goodies came out this week that you might like to hear. The Secret Sisters - Put Your Needle Down : I fell in love with The Secret Sisters with their first album, which had some nice traditional songs interspersed with some fun originals. Their second album is more of the same in many regards, but doesn't feel like an old retread like some other sophomore efforts do. If you enjoyed The Haden Triplets and their effort this year, you might end up liking this one more. Jessica Lea Mayfield - Make My Head Sing... : When I first dove into the roots/bluegrass genre a few years back, Jessica Lea Mayfield is a name that popped up semi-regularly. I loved her second album in particular and I've been rather impatient in waiting for a new one to come out. This album is certainly a far cry from the rootsy stuff she started out with, and even her previous album showed signs of trying to branch out and find her sound. That exploration continu...