If It's Too Loud...

Luke Winslow-King spent ten years living and playing music in New Orleans. In 2017 he moved back to his home state of Michigan and hadn't been back to New Orleans for two years. Last Friday he made it back to play the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. To celebrate his return, Winslow-King has released a new single, "Going to New Orleans." "Going to New Orleans" is a mellow and funky celebration. It's a party while still remaining heartfelt. It's the rare slice of Americana you're going to be forced to move to while sitting at your desk waiting for your second or third cup of coffee to kick in. You can listen to "Going to New Orleans" below. The single is available now via Bloodshot Records. You can get a copy here . For more on Luke Winslow-King, check out his website . Going to New Orleans by Luke Winslow-King

A slightly calmer week. Artist : Illuminati Hotties Album : Kiss Yr Frenemies Quick Description : Alt-indie debut from a buzzworthy act. Why You Should Listen : You wish your indie music was a lot more fun than it has been lately. Overall Thoughts : This is one of my most anticipated releases of the spring, having been addicted to “(You’re Better) Than Ever” since I first heard it. The album is a fun, raucous debut with plenty of alt-rock notes to go with an indie, almost DIY sensibility. The band isn’t breaking any new ground, but it’s good to hear a band come into the conversation seemingly fully formed. And they have maybe the best band name I’ve ever heard, so there’s that, too. Recommendation : My favorite this week. Artist : Aiden Moffat and RM Hubbert Album : Here Lies the Body Quick Description : An artsy collaboration from some Scottish music icons. Why You Should Listen : You're a fan of Arab Strap or contemplative folkish stuff? Overall Thoughts : This...

Photo by Victor Alonso Luke Winslow-King's great 2016 release, I'm Glad Trouble Don't Come Always , was a dark slice of Americana. He had recently gone through a divorce, and while it was uplifting in its own way, the album was filled with heartache.  His new single, "Leghorn Women," is a blues-meets-indie rock barn burner. The vibe feels completely different. I'm sure it doesn't help that the new album was recorded in the Tuscan village of Lari, Italy. While most indie rock meets blues songs have a dirty feel, "Leghorn Women" is clean and smooth. Normally I'd see that as a negative, but with Winslow-King, it just feels right. It's polished, but nowhere near overproduced. It's just a lightning fast blues epic with some of the best guitar work you've heard in years. You can listen to "Leghorn Women" below. Blue Mesa , the latest album from Luke Winslow-King, will be available on May 11 via Bloodshot Records. You c...

Apologies to all for the truncated nature of this week's first listen. It's been a busier past few days than anticipated, and I'm not entirely sure there's any sign of it stopping, so it will be a quick hit version this week and hopefully we're back on track next week. Album of the Week : * Drive-By Truckers - American Band : DBT have always been hit or miss for me, but this album is a musical masterpiece and, for many listeners, will absolutely hit the right lyrical notes in the current political climate. Political music done right by a band that knows what it's doing. Other Quality Listens : * La Sera - Queens * Microwave - Much Love (sounds like if Weezer was just starting out) * Luke Winslow-King - I'm Glad Trouble Don't Last Always (quality classic roots music) * Banks - The Altar * Regina Spektor - Remember Us to Life (her best effort in nearly a decade) * Tami Neilson - Don't Be Afraid (definitely a top listen this week) ...

After you've gone through a divorce, you tend to be automatically drawn to people that have experienced the same. It's a very unique and trying experience, even if you consider the end result to be a positive one. I'm not saying I hope friends go through it, but when one tells me they are, part of me gets a little excited that there is another one I can relate to. Luke Winslow-King just went through a divorce. Not only did he lose his wife, but she was also his musical collaborator. The pain is right there in his new song, "I'm Glad Trouble Don't Last Always." While it's filled with pain, it doesn't follow the usual country and blues pattern of Girl Did Me Wrong or I'm So Lonely. Instead, it focuses on the positive that this is just temporary and will pass. You get a dirty, fuzzed-out country blues rocker that's actually uplifting. That's a powerful thing. Luke Winslow-King's next album, I'm Glad Trouble Don't Last Alw...