If It's Too Loud...

Bettie Serveert might be the band I rediscover the most about for the past 25 years. Yes, that's how long Amsterdam's Bettie Serveert have been bringing us their blend of indie pop, a term that never would have flown back in the 90s. They always seem to be hiding out just out of my consciousness until a new album comes around. Well, they're back in since this Saturday, aka Record Store Day, will see the release of their 11th studio album, Damaged Good, on vinyl, which will be the only release of the album in a physical format in North America.   Bettie Serveert are now officially legends, and "B-Cuz," although the title of the song looks more like a Boyz II Men song, helps to cement that status. "B-Cuz" is as catchy as it could possibly be and lies in that realm of song that would have been a Buzz Clip back in the day but now counts as a fun pop song. You can watch the newly released video for "B-Cuz" below. Head out to your favorite loca...

Any semi-regular reader of this blog is going to know that we're pretty much obsessed with Lydia Loveless. Since one of my more long term musical obsessions is Prince, I'm beyond thrilled that Loveless is covering "I Would Die 4 U." Last year, Bloodshot Records announced a 21 song Prince tribute album. Apparently lots of people didn't realize it was an April Fool's Day prank, and they were pissed. To make that up to fans, they're releasing a split 7" for Record Store Day this year featuring the aforementioned cover of "I Would Die 4 U" with Cory Branan doing "Under the Cherry Moon." You can listen to Loveless's cover below. If you've heard her cover of Echo & the Bunnymen's "The Killing Moon," you'll know she can reach way out of her country/rock/punk range. "I Would Die 4 U" is incredibly true to the original, with just slight hints of indie rock with her country drawl. "I Would Die ...

We love cover songs here at If It's Too Loud..., and when one of our old school alternative heroes covers another old school alternative hero, we're going to pay attention. For Record Store Day, Johnny Marr has a 7" featuring a studio version of Depeche Mode's "I Feel You," which has been popping up at his live shows recently. Marr's version is more vicious and rock than the original synth-heavy version. Both are great, but I might start leaning towards Marr's more. For a B-side, he's offering a live version of The Smith's ultra-classic "Please Please Please Let Me Get What I Want." With Record Store Day getting more and more watered down with "special editions" of releases you've owned for 20 years, this one will make standing in line early worth it.  Record Store Day is April 18. You can find more information on what is being offered and a list of participating stores here . For Johnny Fucking Marr, go here .

Tomorrow is Record Store Day, which usually isn't a big deal for me. It may be blasphemy, but the vast majority of Record Store Day releases are old releases put out in a new format, and I don't want to stand in line for the chance to pay a premium for music I already own. However, this year there is at least one Must Have. The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion has been performing a cover of the Beastie Boy's forgotten classic "She's On It" in a medley with Link Wray's "Jack the Ripper" for a while now, and they recorded an official version of it for release on Record Store Day. It's everything you want it to be. Anytime one of my all time favorite bands records a cover of one of my other favorite bands, I need to have it. For a list of other Record Store Day releases, head on over to their official website . To check in with Jon Spencer Blues Explosion, check out their website . The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion / She's On It - Jack ...

I've never really been a huge Record Store Day person. I love the concept, but lately it seems like you have to get there the second the store opens and hope they happen to have the ultra rare 7" of some 20 year songs you already have in three other formats. It might seem like blasphemy, but I've always been more interested in hard to find content than product. That being said, I can't wait to get my hands on Faux Real. Faux Real  features a bunch of up and coming indie bands playing songs by bands that don't really exist. For example, Sadie Dupuis of Speedy Ortiz covers "Pretend to Be Nice" by Josie & the Pussycats. I feel like this type of album already exists somewhere, but if it doesn't, it's about damn time. Another Western Mass band, Potty Mouth , covers "Take Me Away," which is apparently by a band called Pink Slip from Freaky Friday.  The 2003 Lindsay Lohan version, so yes, this will make you feel old. But you also get B...