If It's Too Loud...

Artist : Blondshell Album : If You Asked for a Picture Quick Thoughts : I still think of "Kiss City," from Blondshell's debut album, as a super recent song, so I was pleasantly surprised to see the follow-up out so quickly, and further impressed at how great it is. The songs here are super tight, super honest, and super catchy all at once, and it scratches so many of those itches and does what it does so well that it became a must-listen this week. While "23's a Baby" will give shades of Phoebe Bridgers, it's songs like "Change" and "He Wants Me" that allows the band to stand up on its own. A great listen this week. Songs of Note : "T&A," "23's a Baby," "Change," "He Wants Me" Artist : Kassi Valazza Album : From Newman Street Quick Thoughts : Kassi Valazza has shown a remarkable consistency in her roots-tinged folk efforts, and From Newman Street might be her best yet. Her vo...

Artist : Miya Folick Album : ROACH Quick Thoughts : Miya Folick has carved a nice little singer-songwritery niche for herself in recent years, and her latest effort feels like a leveling up of sorts. Solid, compelling songwriting and interesting instrumentation make for a really great album that could serve to launch her into the bigger conversation. Songs of Note : "Bad Thing," "Get Out of My House," "Drugs or People," "Cartoon Clouds," "Shortstop" Artist : Kassi Valazza Album : Kassi Valazza Knows Nothing Quick Thoughts : This album made both of our shortlists this week, and it delivers. It's a gorgeous slice of Americana with enough familiar trappings to offset its own unique voice. I loved, loved, loved this album and would recommend it even in a busy week. Absolutely worth your time. Songs of Note : "Song for a Season," "Rapture," "Smile" Artist : Clark Album : Sus Dog Quick Thought...

Portland, OR's Kassi Valazza is referred to as a "cult country sound," and once you hear her latest single you'll get it. "Watching Planes Go By" is definitely country, but it's not quite any country you've heard. It may have a bit of a 70's country base, but it just goes off in bizarre an unexpected directions. Valazza and her backing band (TK & the Holy Know-Nothings) have crafted a song that starts off quiet and haunting in an outsider art kind of way that slowly morphs into a psychedelic indie/noise art freak out. It has this wonderful Fairport Convention meets Daniel Johnston meets Sonic Youth sound, and if that even remotely sounds like your kind of thing, you need to check out "Watching Planes Go By." You can listen to "Watching Planes Go By" below. Kassi Valazza Knows Nothing is due out May 26 on Loose, and is available for pre-order through Bandcamp . For more on Kassi Valazza, check out the artist's website ....