Today's Top Tune

Ozomatli: Elysian Persuasion

KCRW favorites and Grammy winners Ozomatli are stretching out on their latest release, Fire Away and, dare we say it, it's ECLECTIC. These musical ambassadors have entertained a full spectrum - from picketers on the streets of L.A. to elaborate state functions hosted by President Obama and audiences worldwide. Their call for justice is rivaled by their sense of play as we'll hear on Today's Top Tune "Elysian Persuasion."

Maneja Beto: Ubicate

SXSW offers the opportunity to discover new bands, check out old favorites and enjoy music from around the globe. Since we are in Austin for this music marathon, we want to highlight one of their local standouts. Maneja Beto is a Latin alternative outfit that is grounded in Mexican Cumbia. Today's Top Tune is from their latest EP, Tragedias: Ofrendas and is called "Ubicate."

Nellie McKay: If I Ever Had A Dream

Songwriter Nellie McKay seems to be from a bygone era and it's fitting that her latest recording pays tribute to one of her heroes, Doris Day. On it, her supple vocals lend themselves to an array of standards, but she also pens a song that sounds like something Ms Day herself would croon. Today's Top Tune is from Normal As Blueberry Pie: A Tribute to Doris Day and it's called "If I Ever Had A Dream."

Bettie Serveert: Mossie

Dutch indie-rock band Bettie Serveert are back with a new release, Pharmacy of Love. On it, they employ a "back to basics" approach highlighting shimmering guitar work as they dissect the vagaries of love and life. Today's Top Tune is "Mossie."

Angelique Kidjo: Kelele

West African singer Angelique Kidjo reinterprets the music that influenced her life and career on her upcoming release, Oyo. Songs by Miriam Makeba, Sidney Bichet and Curtis Mayfield showcase the rich musical diet she grew up on and feeds a couple of new songs she's written. Today's Top Tune is one of her own, it's "Kelele."

Mose Allison: My Brain

Dubbed the "William Faulkner of Jazz," Mose Allison is one of the wittiest songwriters around. His music has been covered by a diverse line-up of musicians including The Clash, Leon Russell, Elvis Costello and Van Morrison. At 80 years old, his self-analysis and humor is captured with the help of producer Joe Henry and a bevy of some of L.A.'s finest session players. Today's Top Tune is from The Way of the World and it is called "My Brain."

Unkle: Natural Selection

The UNKLE team, made up of James Lavelle and Tim Goldsworthy, are about to release their 4th collaboration, Natural Selection. A dark and inspiring tour de force that finds them at the crossroads where electronica and psychedelic rock meet. Today's Top Tune features a collaboration with Texan drone rockers The Black Angels on "Natural Selection."

Carolina Chocolate Drops: Kissin' and Cussin

Carolina Chocolate Drops are a trio of multi-instrumental musicians steeped in the tradition of African-American music from the late 20's and 30's. While they cover several classics on their latest release, Genuine Negro Jig, they also forge a new direction in banjo and fiddle music as we'll hear on Today's Top Tune "Kissin' and Cussin'.

Josh Rouse: Las Voces

Josh Rouse is an American artist living in Spain. His new release, El Turista reflects his life in Valencia and is a globe-trotting musical journey with influences from Brazil, Cuba and Africa.  Today's Top Tune was written with his wife, Paz Suay and has him singing in Spanish, it's "Las Voces."

Gil Scott-Heron: I'm New Here

Gil Scott-Heron is an elusive character. A pioneer of Rap music he set the blueprint for the genre in 1971 with "The Revolution Will Not Be Televised." He's a storyteller and poet with a piercing viewpoint on culture. His latest release, I'm New Here, (his first in 13 years) turns inward as he reflects on his life and this moment. For Today's Top Tune Gil Scott-Heron covers the indie band Smog, with "I'm New Here."

Mumford and Sons: The Cave

London-based quartet Mumford & Sons bonded over their love of roots music. They honed their skills with frequent performances in the underground folk scene and put out a couple of well-received EPs before their full length debut, Sigh No More was released late last year. Today's Top Tune is "The Cave."

Editors: The Boxer

In 2003, Editors signature sound was part of the post-punk revival happening in the U.K. By 2009, these Brummies took on a new direction tinkering with synthesizers and enlisting producer Flood (of Nine Inch Nail and Depeche Mode fame) to help expand their sound. Today's Top Tune is from the album In This Light and on This Evening, and is called "The Boxer."

Holly Miranda: Waves

Brought up in a strict religious household, Holly Miranda was banned from listening to secular music - so of course she went to great lengths to get it. Her varied influences, combined with the contributions of TV on the Radio's David Sitek, are captured in her ethereal new songs from The Magician's Private Library. Today's Top Tune is "Waves."

Moonrats: Good Night Blue

Indie label IAMSOUND is highlighting local talent by releasing a series of limited edition 7-inch records they call the "LA Collection." We will be helping them showcase the diversity of talented musicians living in Los Angeles by offering some of these tracks as Today's Top Tune. We start with Moonrats, a dreamy pop outfit to keep an eye on. They are currently working on their full length debut. Today's Top Tune is "Good Night Blue."

Ben Sollee and Daniel Martin Moore: Only A Song

Corinne Bailey Rae: I’d Do It All Again

In 2006, Corinne Bailey Rae made her U.S. debut on Morning Becomes Eclectic when we broadcast from the BBC Maida Vale studios in London. Since then, she's become a platinum-selling artist with 3 Grammy nominations to her name. Today's Top Tune is culled from her stunning new release The Sea, and is offered on her birthday, the song is "I'll Do It All Again."