If It's Too Loud...

Artist : Mapache Album : Roscoe's Dream Quick Thoughts : We were a little late to the Mapache party, but we're ultimately glad we showed up. Roscoe's Dream is a gorgeous slice of roots music, and it's especially solid in the way that it doesn't mind being a little fun or cheeky along the way. Mapache understands the value of joyful music, and there's plenty of it here that ultimately sets the act apart from so many other musicians in this space. In an odd release week on a whole, this is more than worth the time. Songs of Note : "I Love My Dog," "Man and Woman," "Diana," "Light My Fire," "Love Can't Hold Me" Artist : gglum Album : Weak Teeth Quick Thoughts : I do not know how I tripped up on gglum or even how to say their name, but Weak Teeth is such a great indie record that it's difficult to ignore. Judged by its cover, you'd expect something louder or more frenetic, but this really borrws ...

Some catch-up along with the new releases... Artist : The Wolff Sisters Album : Queendom of Nothing Quick Description : New album from a local favorite. Why You Should Listen : The Wolff Sisters should be huge. Overall Thoughts : We loved the debut album from The Wolff Sisters, Cahoon Hollow , and to say that this new album has been on our anticipated list for a while is an understatement. What I didn't expect was for this new record to be such a leap forward. There's no sophomore slump here: Queendom of Nothing is a gorgeous, confident record that improves on everything this band has already accomplished up to now, and, in a more just world, would propel them into greater stardom. For now, they'll have to remain our collective secret, but do not sleep on this. It's not only one of the best of the week... Recommendation : ...it's one of the best of the year. Artist : Sofia Talvik Album : Paws of a Bear Quick Description : Latest from the Americana-...

A pretty solid week this week: Co-Albums of the Week : Artist : Kaia Kater Album : Nine Pin Quick Description : Latest album from the Canadian folkie. Why You Should Listen : Kaia Kater has been good so far, but this is a big step forward. Overall Thoughts : I liked her previous album, Sorrow Bound , and I did end up continuing to spend time with it and enjoyed it. Nine Pin , as a comparison, feels like a significant step forward both in terms of songwriting and in sound. The album really grabbed me from the start and it's the rare album that, once I finished it, I just wanted to fire it up again immediately. If you like folk music in any form, this is a must-listen, but I'll go as far as to say this might be one of my favorites in this space since Leyla McCalla's a couple years ago. Just absolutely brilliant. Recommendation : A must listen for everyone. Artist : Adia Victoria Album : Beyond the Bloodhounds Quick Description : Blog favorite finally has an ...