Hey! Did you know that there’s an entire aspect of KCRW music discovery that you might be missing out on? Fear not, because our 5 Songs to Hear This Week newsletter is now a weekly feature on our website. Watch this space for rundowns of the five songs that you need in your life immediately, curated by KCRW Music staff. Don’t want to wait for your latest taste of fresh tunes? Sign up for the Friday newsletter here, and always be the first to know.
MGMT – “Dancing in Babylon (Feat. Christine & The Queens)”
Live your inner life out loud to the latest from early-’00s music royalty MGMT, here in collaboration with the always ear-catching Christine and the Queens. A clear departure for the East Coast duo, this track carries a distinct ‘80s influence, from video visual styles to the band’s outfits, echoing arrangements, and shining synthwork. Perhaps that’s fitting for the melodrama of the song itself, a theatrical profession of love shrouded in secrecy. Hear the rest of MGMT’s sharp left turn: The new album, Loss of Life, is out now.
IDLES – “Grace”
Ask IDLES for grace and you shall receive. The rowdy Bristol punks have returned with a new record and a “softer” sound — not soft like a lamb, but rather, soft like the shearling lining of a beat up winter jacket, well-worn by the assault of snowstorms past. This slow burner is meditative, understatedly stirring, and indeed, hopeful — but always with a raised eyebrow, a quality of confrontation that’s in the band’s DNA. Top it all off with the deeply British cheek of exploiting an AI Chris Martin for the video… that’s punk rock, baby.
Kirin J Callinan – “ANÆMIC ADONIS”
Chug your pre-workout shake, slap on those sweatbands, and hit the gym to this explosive single from maximalist Aussie artist Kirin J Callinan. This track from the freshly released LP If I Could Sing is a solo musical endeavor (fueled by the manic energy of a thousand sweaty men), but Callinan’s a seasoned collaborator with the likes of Caroline Polachek, Mac DeMarco, Genesis Owusu, and Mark Ronson. If this adrenaline-laden track represents Callinan’s capacity for creative output, it’s no surprise he’s done so much. Click to see for yourself… light warning for the easily over-stimulated or photosensitive.
Wahid – “SOLSTICE”
Submit to the scene-eclipsing quality of fresh hip-hop from lauded label Innovative Leisure. Orlando rapper Wahid offers a new take on the genre that still pays homage to its founding and most steadfast qualities, with controlled bars and glimmers of R&B vocalization against a dreamy produced backdrop. But don’t get too comfortable on this ride; three quarters in, Wahid goes explosive, bringing an aggression that further contextualizes the beauty heard before. Gotta be here for the whole gamut, and we are.
Trousdale – “Smart Iowa”
Gather round the front porch, it’s storytime. This pretty and performative folk-country track from all-female three-top Trousdale is a how-to guide to finding peace in simpler living. Telling the story of a life-changing decision that’ll either offend or inspire Angelenos, this moving track showcases the band’s skills in handling vocal harmonies, country strings, and the kind of gentle guitar work that warms your soul like a campfire. This track made our list of favorite songs from 2023, and you can see Trousdale play it live at El Rey on March 2.
