If It's Too Loud...

Artist : Hayley Williams Album : Petals for Armor Quick Description : Paramore lead singer goes solo. Why You Should Listen : This is not Paramore-lite, and has a number of great moments. Overall Thoughts : I was never much of a Paramore guy ( with one exception ) but songs from this debut have been trickling out for a while. Between "Simmer" and "Cinnamon," I knew I'd find a lot to like, but it turns out the whole effort is a well-produced record that has a lot of great and vulnerable singer-songwriter elements. I don't know what her reputation is in music these days or if anyone makes a connection to Paramore who isn't already a fan, but that shouldn't matter to anyone here: this is a solid listen that you're almost certain to enjoy (and be sure to keep your ears out for the Bridgers/Dacus/Baker cameo). Recommendation : Definitely worth the time. Artist : Virginia Trance Album : Vincent's Playlist Quick Description : Some great...

We first came across Virginia Trance (aka Scott Ryan Davis's musical project) with their ode to Lou Reed "Hello Lou Reed." The latest single from their forthcoming album, "Some People," keeps the theme going as according to a press release the new song is Velvet Underground inspired. You'll definitely hear the Velvet Underground influence in "Some People," especially in Davis's vocals. There's definitely a feel reminiscent of songs like "I'm Waiting for the Man" here. Except Virginia Trance are far sunnier sounding than The Velvet Underground could ever pull off. Also, there's more of a down home Americana sound with "Some People." It's less filthy NYC streets in the 60's and more laid back Southern chill.  David explains the lyrics:  "This is a call for compassion if anything. I was partially responding to the unexpected death of a friend and mentor. Abstracting the real facts and casting a wide...

Scott Ryan Davis of Psychic Ills is about to release his second solo album, and since this week would have marked Lou Reed's birthday, he's released the first single from it. "Hello Lou Reed" is an obvious tribute to the late music legend. The song has some very obvious inspiration from The Velvet Underground in the way that it kind of freely meanders around, but I'm also hearing some Pavement goes country in here, too. (And not "Range Life," but if Pavement decided to make a serious country/folk album in their very own style.) It's a perfect tribute to Lou Reed in that it honors his style without mimicking it. You can watch the video for "Hello Lou Reed" below. Vincent's Playlist , the new album from Virginia Trance, will be out May 8 on BYM Records. For more on Virginia Trance and to pre-order Vincent's Playlist , check out the artist's Bandcamp .