This would normally be the last day of most Februarys, however you know that's not the case this year. Lucky for you, that also means you get an extra day to enter our Coachella Sweepstakes. You can win VIP passes AND parking to either Weekend 1 or Weekend 2 of Coachella this year. By the way, we have TWO pairs to give away. Yes, two! All you have to do is join at www.kcrw.com/join.
Now on to a few musical selections that are all equally superb. What a week! Starting with...
Lianne La Havas - "Bittersweet"
Yes, your eyes are not deceiving you. Earlier this week, Lianne La Havas released "Bittersweet," which is the first single from a forth-coming album. It's been entirely too long since we've heard anything new from the British songstress. We got Blood Solo EP and her live version of "Say A Little Prayer" in 2016, but it's been FIVE long years since we've been treated to new, original material. Finally!
Known for her big, and at times anthemic vocals, "Bittersweet" marks a new direction for La Havas. Her vocals are softer and a bit more subdued, making the track arguably her most seductive record to date. In a recent press release she said, "I've tapped into the best and worst parts of me and while I didn't expect this to be the direction of my new music, it's my reality and it's driven my emotion.”
Personally, I couldn't be happier :) Take a look at her performing the new single at her COLORS show.
Moses Sumney – "Cut Me"
Moses is in the midst of a 4-week residency - showcasing his latest release - at The Bootleg Theater here in Los Angeles (it's free with RSVP here, check the final show Wednesday). We have been treated to several new songs from his exceptional sophomore full length, græ. It's a double-LP and the first part is out now, with the second part due to drop in May. Check out the visuals of one of my favorite songs from part one, "Cut Me."
Chicano Batman - "Color My Life"
Chicano Batman completely embodies the phrase "KCRW favorites." They're local, we've supported them from the beginning, they make excellent music (that sounds like what I remember hearing growing up in black and brown neighborhoods around Los Angeles), and most importantly, they have a message intended to make the planet a better place. We love these guys. I mean what's not to love?
So, when they recently announced their highly anticipated follow up to Freedom Is Free, which made many of our top 10 lists of 2017, there was a collective KCRW smile from MBE to the midnight slots. "Color My Life" is yet another fantastic single from the quartet. It's the first single from Invisible People, due to drop May 1st.
Disclosure - "Expressing What Matters"
The Lawrence brothers have a made a triumphant return. When they released "Know Your Worth" featuring Khalid earlier this month, we thought they may have something brewing, but then again, they did just drop a few random singles like "Ultimatum" and "Funky Sensation" in 2018 with no EP or full length to follow. You just don't know with these two. BUT! Yesterday they surprised us dance music fans with Ecstasy EP, their first collection of music since 2016's Moog for Love EP. And let me tell you it was worth the wait!
From four-to-the floor to groovy house to Settle-era garage tinged bangers to deep, heavy baselines — these 5 songs exemplify just how much their musical sensibilities have matured and represent their most complete work to date. Seriously, it's that good. I highly encourage you to dive in. With my first pass, "Expressing What Matters" (which samples the Boz Scaggs classic "Lowdown") and the Tuareg-influenced "Etran" featuring Niger-based band Etran Finatawa both stand out. Check out the former here: