If It's Too Loud...

Artist : Elsy Wameyo Album : Saint Sinner Quick Thoughts : This brings so much Little Simz energy, but less anxious and more soulful. It's so good - sneakily so, with some great flow all throughout. It's one of my favorite rap listens of the recent months, if not the whole year, and I would whole-heartedly recommend it even in a busy week, so a week like this really means this deserves a spin. Songs of Note : "Repercussions," "Umva," "Conquer," "Journey" Artist : MAITA Album : want Quick Thoughts : Why is MAITA so good at this? Seriously. Their last album from a couple years ago was a dark horse sleeper for the year, and this one just has great song after great song on it. There is so much to love here, it's alt-indie done so, so, so right. Songs of Note : "break up song x3," "hotel," "i used to feel different," "violet dream," "happy with you," "almost nothing, keeps...

Artist : Blushing Album : Possessions Quick Thoughts : Dear god this is good. We love a good shoegazey effort and Blushing brings us the best one we've heard in some time. This is fresh and fuzzy in all the right ways, and has so many solid songs that it's hard to select just a handful. Overall, a highlight of the week without question, and definitely worth your time if you're into this sort of shoegaze. Songs of Note : "Sour Punch," "Surround (With Love)" Artist : Basement Revolver Album : Embody Quick Thoughts : I'm a big Basement Revolver fan and this new album continues them along the same great alt rock lines they've headed down as of late. It's difficult for me to hear a song like "Be Okay" and not wonder why this act isn't huge. On a whole, a solid listen in a busy week - while I feel like every shoegaze act decided to release in February, all of them are awesome. Songs of Note : "Be Okay," "Blackh...

Photo via Facebook To celebrate the twenty fifth anniversary of Elliott Smith's 1995 self-titled album (and the deluxe reissue, of course, Kill Rock Stars has asked MAITA to cover Smith's "Coming Up Roses." MAITA's version is an obviously faithful cover, albeit a little more grungey than Smith's original. She absolutely nails the "... and I don't need your permission" line in a goosebumps producing way. Our favorite covers are the ones that balance staying true to the original while still adding something unique, and MAITA does that perfectly here.  You can listen to MAITA's take on "Coming Up Roses" below. Elliott Smith: Expanded 25th Anniversary Edition  will be out August 28 on Kill Rock Stars. You can pre-order a copy here . For more on MAITA, check out the artist's website .

Artist : August, Yours Truly Album : Something Uncomfortable Quick Description : Some really great glitchy electronic music. Why You Should Listen : This is sneaky great with some crossover appeal. Overall Thoughts : I randomly tripped up on this one this week when doing a little bit of research on the Charli XCX record (also out this week). This came recommended by someone, and wow, is it great. A lot of fun stuff here for those looking for something a little different and a little challenging, and it's almost akin to if the PC Music crowd trapped Ben Frost in a room for a month. Don't miss this one. Recommendation : Won't be for everyone, but if it's for you... Artist : Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit Album : Reunions Quick Description : Latest from the alt-country masters. Why You Should Listen : Isbell continues on his run of stellar, superior releases. Overall Thoughts : It's not often that you listen to an artist's newest release and say ...