If It's Too Loud...

Artist : Doves Album : Constellations for the Lonely Quick Thoughts : Doves are back with a new album that feels like what we expect from the veteran act. "Renegade" is up there with some of the best work they've put out, and it's a superlative, comfortable listen overall. Not a ton to say except that it's a highlight of the week. Songs of Note : "Renegade," "Cold Dreaming," "A Drop In the Ocean" Artist : SASAMI Album : Blood on the Silver Screen Quick Thoughts : Since going solo from Cherry Glazerr, SASAMI has carved out a pretty cool niche for herself over the course of a few albums and EPs. Each one has built upon the previous, and this latest effort, positioned in part as her "pop record," is really so much more than that. There are a lot of unforgettable, excellent songs here that straddle the line between indie pop, retrowave, and singer-songwriter stuff ("Slugger" in particular is one of the bett...

Photo by Nadine Fraczkowski I'm probably going to cover any song called "Sexy Clown," but it helps when it's a great track. The latest from Canadian DJ/producer Marie Davidson has a certain classic techno song, although it's not exactly a club rager. It's relatively chilled out, although it would be a little too much for a rave chill out room. "Sexy Clown" is definitely a dance track, but it reminds me of a certain style of 90's techno that landed between the main room of a club and the chill out room. This is more what you'd listen to while getting ready for the club. It's sure to get you hyped and energized on your way out without burning you out before you get there. It's also making me miss my college nights out. Marie Davidson says of her latest single: “Most people have a clown inside of them. Some are funny, some are shy, some are twisted, some are dark. The clown is the part of us that is dying to be seen, for better or for wo...

I guess everyone saved their releases for this week... Artist : Pillow Queens Album : In Waiting Quick Description : Solid Irish alt-rock. Why You Should Listen : Not breaking new ground, but feels unique and new all the same Overall Thoughts : Of the approximately one million releases this week, this was the first one I listened to and it really set the bar high. Pillow Queens has a debut here that feels polished and fresh, while still showing a lot of room for growth and expansion of their sound. Feels like classic 1990s alt rock in some ways, and modern indie in others. Definitely worth time for you in the rotation. Recommendation : This is not one you'll want to miss. Artist : Stepbrother Album : Don't Frighten the Horses Quick Description : Not sure if this is alt-rock or post-rock or something else, but it's great. Why You Should Listen : You're into albums that require some engagement. Overall Thoughts : I don't know what I expected from thi...

Things are definitely slowing down... Artist : Marie Davidson Album : Working Class Woman Quick Description : Superlative electronic music. Why You Should Listen : This is the best of all worlds when it comes to techno. Overall Thoughts : Hoo boy this was really great. This may be a late entry in my best of lists (starting tomorrow), because it is the perfect mix of the weird Holly Herndon/Kelly Lee Owens vibe with more traditional beats-driven dance stuff. So, so much of this had me moving at my desk, and it feels both straightforward and complicated in ways I did not anticipate. Do not ignore this one if you’re up for a challenge or into more electronic stuff. Recommendation : It’s one of the best out there this week. Artist : Sarah Longfield Album : Disparity Quick Description : Odd, off-kilter guitar porn. Why You Should Listen : This is inventive and ambitious, and really solid. Overall Thoughts : This is an admittedly weird one that I’m highlighting because I l...