If It's Too Loud...

A crazy week, so two weeks it is! Album of the Week : Artist : Sarah Shook and the Disarmers Album : Sidelong Quick Description : Rootsy rock. Why You Should Listen : You like the sound of Lydia Loveless with a little more grit. Overall Thoughts : When I started listening to this album, a rootsy barnburner of a record, I was curious as to how long I might be able to tolerate Sarah Shook’s vocal warble. By the end, I was wondering why I cared at all to start, as the value of this album is in the entire package – Shook’s unique vocal presentation, the excellent musicianship, and the killer songwriting. When the only negative thing anyone can say about an album is “the vocals might have to grow on you” in a genre that’s dominated by often-obnoxious twang, you know it’s something you need to spend some real time with. I truly loved this album in a way I didn’t expect. Recommendation : An easy choice for album of the week. Artist : R. Ring Album : Ignite the Rest Quick Desc...

If you love covers as much as we do, you most likely know all about The Blog That Celebrates Itself . In case you're unfamiliar, it's a Brazil based blog that puts together these insane tribute compilations, and then gives them away for free on Bandcamp. Free covers? We're always up for that. Last week, they released their latest, Just for Life: A Homage to Slowdive. As with most compilations put out by The Blog That Celebrates Itself, it's great, but I usually barely know any of the bands on the compilation. However, track 7 is a cover of "Joy" by Sheer. We definitely love Sheer around these parts, and knowing that one of our favorite fuzzed out guitar pop bands is doing a song by one of the finest shoegaze bands is fairly thrilling. Sheer's version has just a hint more of a pop side than Slowdive's original, but it's a very straightforward cover.  You can listen to Sheer's version of "Joy" below. If you like what you hear, you...

It's only been nine months since Sheer released their debut album Uneasy , and they are already changing up their sound in a very subtle way. While Uneasy was filled with dreamy fuzzed out guitar based power pop, their new single "Room" feels like more of an arrangement and less of a pop song. The dreamy fuzzed out guitars are still there, but instead of the typical verse/chorus/verse of a pop song, "Room" is more rambling, like Bob Dylan doing shoegaze. There are verses and a chorus, of course, but it all blends together, and even that structure evaporates as the song progresses. "Room" is available as a hand-numbered made to order 7" that will only be sold until August 4 via The Native Sound, so you'll want to act now to get yours. There is also a $1.00 download version. Both are available at Sheer's Bandcamp . For more information on Sheer, check them out on Facebook . Room – Single by SHEER

A quieter week than normal as we approach the American Thanksgiving holiday. I'd also review the new Adele, but, well... Album of the Week : Artist : Sheer Album : Uneasy Quick Description : Shoegazey-style indie alt-rock. Why You Should Listen : You are looking for that nostalgia hit this week, but want something really great Overall Thoughts : Ken posted about the title track last month and I fell in love with it right away as well. The full album, thankfully, is about as good as the single, and that means great things for a band that I don't think is getting enough attention yet. It's just one of those solid, surprise albums that make it fun to discover new music. It's one you'll want to tell your friends about. Recommendation : Highly recommended album of the week, and it's not even close. Artist : Kingsley Flood Album : The Good Fight Quick Description : Latest EP from a favorite of ours. Why You Should Listen : You look for more of a ro...

Photo by Chrissy Britt Coming off their debut album, Sheer have just released the video for "Uneasy." A song about battling social anxiety, this song absolutely must be heard. It's such a throwback to the mid-90s, blending parts of Galaxie 500 with Belly and just the slightest touch of The Promise Ring. It's all swirling fuzzed out guitars and the catchiest power pop in ages. It's a mix of dreamy, aggressive, and vulnerable. Plus, the drummer wears a shirt for The Queers in the video, so instant 90s cred! Sheer's debut album, Uneasy, is due out November 20th on The Native Sound. You can pre-order a copy via Bandcamp . Also, make sure to follow Sheer on Facebook  and Twitter . I honestly can't recommend this song enough.