If It's Too Loud...

I wasn't a Nick Cave fan three months ago, but I am now. Nick Cave is an Australian rock musician who is probably more than just a cult hero but definitely not a mainstream act, either. His baritone is unlike most male singers, his songs routinely pass the five minute mark, and the lyrics are filled with some of the most vivid and compelling narratives I've heard in a long, long time. I don't know why it didn't click the first few times I tried to listen, but it did now. So for Monday Mix this week, have some Nick Cave. The bulk of the mix is based around his work with his band, The Bad Seeds, but also includes some offerings from the Grinderman side project and The Birthday Party (the post-punk, ahead-of-its-time band that preceded the Bad Seeds). Trimming a playlist down to the best 30 songs of all eras was a challenge, which means there's none of his soundtrack work with Warren Ellis and none of The Boys Next Door, but if you're anything like me, you'll...

Here are the rest of the releases from this week! Artist : Psychic Twin Album : Strange Diary Quick Description : Debut synth pop from Polyvinyl. Why You Should Listen : Aspects of this stand out in a crowded genre. Overall Thoughts : Synth pop is so flooded right now that it's hard to break through, but Psychic Twin makes a solid effort this week. While nothing dives out as exceptional at first listen, this does have a raw indie quality to it that's often lacking from a lot of like acts. Definitely worth a shot if this is your genre. Recommendation : A good listen. Artist : Okkervil River Album : Away Quick Description : Latest album from the popular indie act. Why You Should Listen : It's probably the best thing they've done since "Lost Coastlines." Overall Thoughts : I cannot admit to being a huge Okkervil River guy, but I have lots of friends who are really into them. "Lost Coastlines" is a classic, but this album is, I feel, th...