If It's Too Loud...

I'm not going to say that jazz hasn't always been a tough one for me to get into, less because of genrephobia and more because it just takes a lot for jazz to grab me. WeirdOs , the debut from British jazz duo O., absolutely grabbed me, shook me around a bit, and left me wanting more. There's a frenetic, almost absurd, energy that comes from this. Whether it's the oft-distorted sax or the thrashing drums, it's a truly wild listen from top to bottom with a ton going for it. It blew my mind on first listen, but it stuck around long after I was done and I was surprised to find new things to love on each repeated listen. It's almost like Morphine and Death from Above 1979 had a cursed child, and I'm frankly here for it. Can't wait to get back to it again, and can't wait to see what comes next. Songs of Note: "176," "Green Shirt," "Micro"

Artist : The Shacks Album : Big Crown Vaults Vol. 2 Quick Thoughts : "Wings" made some playlists for me a while back, and I didn't realize an album was dropping. Wow, it is good! A really solid listen from start to finish, with Isobel Campbell-esque vocals and a light touch to it that transcends the normal idea of indie twee. Produced by Leon Michels of El Michels Affair as part of the Big Crown Vaults series, I loved this a lot and it's worth your time. Songs of Note : "For Real," "Trip to Japan," "Wings," "Crimson & Clover," "Wind," "Drone" Artist : Your Old Droog Album : Movie Quick Thoughts : Everyone's so busy with the Kendrick/Drake feud and the return of Slim Shady that we've led Your Old Droog wallow in semi-obscurity. Movie is the latest in a line of albums that show he deserves to be part of the discussion, with an album that feels as much as an introduction to new listener...