If It's Too Loud...

Artist : Vanessa Peters Album : Flying on Instruments Quick Thoughts : Vanessa Peters is arguably music's best kept secret. As of the time of this writing, she has fewer than 2,400 monthly listeners on Spotify despite putting out album after album of great, folk/country music. Flying on Instruments continues this line of success with so many memorable songs, both quiet ("Halfway Through") and rollicking ("Pinball Heart") that no one else can touch. She's amazing, this album is great, don't miss out. Songs of Note : "Beauty or Grace," "Halfway Through," "Better," "Pinball Heart," "Out to Sea" Artist : Mama Zu Album : Quilt Floor Quick Thoughts : We miss Those Darlins. They never really got their due in their time, and the passing of Jessi Zazu only magnified the loss. Quilt Floor is the culmination of music she was working on before her passing, and it's both a lovely tribute to a musician ...

Artist : Ingvild Flottorp Album : It All Seems So Clear Quick Thoughts : This one absolutely came out of nowhere for me, and I'm so glad it exists. Ingvild Flottorp is the latest entry in the ever-growing list of Nordic musicians doing American roots music better than most American roots musicians. Flottorp is sort of a more upbeat Margo Price, with some faithful and traditional musical ideas to go along with a nice, fun, and modern feel. If you like roots music in any form, you owe it to yourself to listen to this album. She might just become your new favorite. Songs of Note : "(At Least I Got To) Stay Around," "I'll Be Alright," "Home," "In a Race" Artist : Lady Dan Album : I Am the Prophet Quick Thoughts : I don't recall exactly when or how I first tripped up on Lady Dan, but this debut from a southern singer-songwriter deserves a lot of attention. A country-tinged indie effort, the songs evoke a dark mood but with a dom...

Artist : Black Dresses Album : Peaceful as Hell Quick Description : Great noisy pop music from some masters of the craft. Why You Should Listen : This is probably the best effort they've put together so far. Overall Thoughts : In an era with a lot of electro-clashy loud pop music, and with artists like Rina Sawayana and Poppy getting into the genre mashup biz, here's Black Dresses who have put out a surprisingly accessible and immediately addictive effort with Peaceful as Hell . It's brash, it's loud, it's endless fun, and songs like "Damage Suppressor" really bring to the forefront how special this is. Recommendation : Don't miss out. Artist : Vanessa Peters Album : Mixtape Quick Description : Cover album with a ton of indie favorites. Why You Should Listen : Come for the Weakerthans effort, stay for some great music. Overall Thoughts : I feel like I should have known Vanessa Peters before now, but no matter. This is an effort with a gr...