Kim Gordon adapts a 2024 sensation to fit the cultural climate of 2025, James K finds the perfect balance between dreamy and agro, The Legendary Pink Dots continue their legendary electro-psych run… All this and more await via this week’s 5 Songs to Hear.
Kim Gordon – “BYE BYE 25”
The legendary Kim Gordon, best known as part of ‘90s alt-rock outfit Sonic Youth, has reworked the viral 2024 anthem from her acclaimed solo LP The Collective into a protest song for this incendiary moment. As for the 2025 update to the list-style lyrics, Kim says it best herself: “It occurred to me to use words …Trump has essentially banned — meaning any grant or piece of a project or proposal for research that includes any of those words would be immediately disregarded or ‘cancelled.’ I guess Trump does believe in cancel culture, because he is literally trying to cancel culture." These 25 words won’t be silenced if Kim has anything to say about it.
James K – “Play”
Blast off in bubbles and gauze with innovative vocalist and producer James K. This multitudinous track is as dreamy as it is agro. With ethereal breathy vocals, muted lyrical discernibility, and strategic use of minor chords and harder production… this track is effective. Fans of early Grimes should take note of this single before the full album Friend drops in September.
Charlie Chimi – “Échale Candela”
Just a few bars in and we’re adding this catchy track to all our summer kickback playlists. Charlie Chimi is the “alter ego” of Dominican-raised Cuban artist Charles Garmendia, who’s contributed much to the musical and artistic scenes as a collaborator, visual artist, and musician. This is true both of his in studio contributions and his involvement with the Zamrock group WITCH. With a groovy bass line, pleasing keys, a chantable chorus, and good-time vibes — this track’s one to play on repeat.
Minyo Crusaders – “Kaigara Bushi”
Fusion! Wrap your head around this fabulous collision of Japanese folk music and latin rhythms. Minyo (min'yō ) are Japanese songs that put traditional daily life into musical form, often sung during work (in this case fishing). Against all odds, the vocal format works beautifully set against big brassy latin beats, as discovered by Minyo Crusaders, or “MinCru.” Get on board with their mission by seeking out the full album; Tour Of Japan is out now.
The Legendary Pink Dots – “Blood Money”
Let’s end the week on a track that’s food for your head. The Legendary Pink Dots (known to fans and friends as LPD) are lifelong music-makers whose dedication to crafting psychedelic sounds is evident in the confidence of this cinematic, electro-rock track. With over 40 albums behind them, they don’t even need to be together to make magic (their members are all scattered across various countries and continents). Fans of groups like NIN, Clinic, SUUNS, and even Primus will likely get into this one.
P.S. Want to see it live? KCRW Presents The Legendary Pink Dots at Zebulon on Friday, Oct. 3.