After a couple weeks of Coachella heavy posts, let me catch you up on a few new releases I’m digging.
Ryuichi Sakamoto – async
Ryuichi Sakamoto has been a fixture on both KCRW airwaves and film for over 30 years. The Japanese maestro is a composer, producer, writer, activist, dancer & electronic music pioneer. With no signs of slowing down anytime soon, the 65 year old Sakamoto will be releasing async today. async is a rather humble record focused on the little things in life and the fullness of sound. All of which I’m sure took on greater significance after the death of Sakamoto’s good friend David Bowie and his own battle with throat cancer in 2014. In fact, this is his first solo album since the public was made aware of his illness. Sakamoto himself describes async as “a soundtrack for an Andrei Tarkovsky film that does not exist”. Here’s a video preview of the album:
DJ Shadow feat. Nas – Systematic
In this era of mumble rap and “DJs” who just push buttons, it is refreshing to hear great lyricism and old-school turntablism. That’s exactly what you get with “Systematic” the first ever collaboration between Nasty Nas and DJ Shadow. This song is the first release from the forthcoming Silicon Valley soundtrack. You may have heard it on the season premiere this past Sunday night on HBO, if not check it out below. Don’t forget that you can also hear DJ Shadow on KCRW as well! Find, Share, Rewind airs every first Saturday from 10p-12a (PT) on 89.9 FM & kcrw.com. Check out the first installment here.
Little Dragon – Season High
When you think of a “KCRW Artist” Little Dragon is definitely on that list. Their music has become ubiquitous on our airwaves since their debut in 2007. 10 years and 5 albums later, the Swedish quartet continues to capture our imaginations. With progressive production, dreamy melodies, splashes of dance sensibilities and of course Yukimi Nagano’s seductive vocals, Season High has everything we’ve grown to love about Little Dragon. Check out their performance of “High” when they stopped by Morning Becomes Eclectic last week.
Amadou & Mariam – Bofou Safou
The Malian duo and Afropop icons are not strangers to unexpected collaborations and remixes. Over the years they’ve worked with the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Santigold and members of TV On the Radio. So when they recently dropped the infectious dance tune “Bofou Safou” it shouldn’t have surprised anyone who is familiar with their catalogue. Take a listen and try not to move.
Kendrick Lamar – DNA.
I know there’s already been so much said about K.Dot’s latest record. It’s number 1 on the charts and he has two top 5 singles for the first time of his career (in fact the entire album is on Billboard’s top 100); he’s dominating all conversations about hip hop at the moment…DAMN. Check out yet another incredible video from Kung Fu Kenny.