If It's Too Loud...

Artist : Lunchbox Album : After School Special Quick Description : Lovely, fun indie pop. Why You Should Listen : It's like a transporter to turn-of-the-century indie rock. Overall Thoughts : Apparently it's been a while since Lunchbox shared anything new, but I was not expecting to have a 30 minute nostalgia episode. After School Special would fit right in with any of the early Elephant Six releases. I loved every moment of this, and I am really hoping the novelty doesn't wear off anytime soon. Recommendation : Probably the most fun you'll have this week. Artist : Luluc Album : Dreamboat Quick Description : New and lovely folk album from a personal favorite. Why You Should Listen : Luluc is always a solid choice. Overall Thoughts : There's plenty of folk music out there, and folk-adjacent stuff that's trying to make a case for itself. So what sets Luluc apart? It's sometimes that there's a haunting feel to the whole thing, it's so...

This is a real feast or famine week, let me tell you. Album of the Week : Artist : Laura Stevenson Album : Cocksure Quick Description : Fourth album from a favorite here at the blog. Why You Should Listen : Just outright saying it, this is one of the best indie rock singer-songwriter albums of the year. Overall Thoughts : This shouldn't be happening. Laura Stevenson's first album was okay. Second album solid with two incredible songs. Her third album was great from start to finish, and there was no way, I thought, that Cocksure could get even better. Yet it does. The lead singles ("Torch Song" in particular) were solid, but the album as a cohesive whole ends up being truly outstanding. In the last few albums I feel like she's found her footing, and the album title is just as much a truism as it is a double-entendre. Recommendation : Album of the week, will certainly feature on my end of year list. Artist : Gems Album : Kill the One You Love ...