If It's Too Loud...

I feel bad bringing you the cover since Lauren Ruth Ward has also released a fantastic new original song, but covers are one of our favorite things here at If It's Too Loud..., so... In an email to fans, Lauren Ruth Ward explains that she's friends with Billy Steinberg, co-writer of The Divinyls legendary song "I Touch Myself." He put her in touch with Divinyls guitarist Mark McEntee, and Ward's cover of "I Touch Myself" was born! Ward's version of alternative singer/songwriter music that you can dance to is custom made for a Divinyls cover, and this might be the most spot on cover we've ever brought you. Sure, it helps to have the original guitarist along for the ride, but Ward does "I Touch Myself" perfectly without any sense of irony, just reverence for the original classic. You can watch the video for Lauren Ruth Ward's version of "I Touch Myself" below. You should also check out her new original song "Valha...

We're back this week with another multi-band Friday Freebie that spans multiple genres. As always, if you download any of this music, consider throwing the band a few bucks, buy some merch, or at least give them a follow on their social media. Grave School - Strange Routine It's been a little over a year since we've had any new music from Grave School, but luckily they're back with a new EP. Strange Routine  is still the 90's inspired indie rock we love from Grave School, and I hate to use tired cliches, but the new EP seems a bit more mature and weary. A song like "Strange Routine" feels like working your first adult job, and even a big, fun, upbeat song like "Jason" feels a bit more melancholy. Strange Routine is available now for free via Grave School's Bandcamp . Lauren Ruth Ward - Back Pocket EP Lauren Ruth Ward just released her first full length, Well, Hell. It might be a weird choice for us to start with a B-sides...

A busy week! Album of the Week : Artist : Anna Tivel Album : Small Believer Quick Description : Latest from a favorite folkie. Why You Should Listen : Anna Tivel is crazy consistent. Overall Thoughts : Ken has raved about Anna Tivel before, and I’ve been jumping back and forth on her back catalog since he turned me onto her. The new album? It’s predictably great. There’s a reason we’re a big fan of hers here, and while she’s not trying to reinvent the wheel with her brand of folk music, there’s something to be said about nearly perfecting it. This is a solid listen for this week, and definitely worth your time. Recommendation : My favorite of the week. Artist : Keep Shelly in Athens Album : Philokalia Quick Description : Weird, yet accessible, electronic music. Why You Should Listen : Keep Shelly in Athens has been under the radar too long. Overall Thoughts : I missed the release last year, but the release from a few years ago was of interest to me. This new album ...