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.
Follow us on Spotify to keep up with our current obsessions, including 5 Songs to Hear This Week, Bent By Nature: Deirdre O'Donoghue and The Lost SNAP Archives (The Music), and our weekly sampler of KCRW’s Top 30 most played records.
Randy Newman – “I Love LA”
If you were born to ride, you know this tune — unquestionably part of Los Angeles canon and oft-heard booming through Dodger Stadium on a warm summer evening. Newman belts his Muppet voice for an all-out celebration of our bright, bold city, accompanied by a local icon-laden video. This select is dedicated, of course, to legendary Dodgers announcer Vin Scully, who ascended to the blue skies above Chavez Ravine this week at the age of 94. Rest in peace, Vin.
Kaytranada & Anderson .Paak – “Twin Flame”
A beautiful collision between two of our favorites — producer/beat-maker Kaytranada and drummer/vocalist/born frontman Anderson .Paak — this track has double the groove power of your typical summer shaker. Get into it for head-bop beats, expertly mixed instrumental elements, sea-deep bass, and a high-style video harkening the return of Giant Techno Pants.
Dina Summer – “Rimini”
Have you heard? Disco’s back, baby… with a modern twist. Dina Summer is the creative progeny of Berlin huband-and-wife producer duo Local Suicide with Bavarian-born DJ Kalipo. Featuring classic synth sounds, heavy beats, and kilometers of echo, this sensual, slow-building track will beckon you deep inside the disko. Lass uns tanzen!
Anna Tivel – “The Dial”
There’s always been something magical-musical in the waters of the Pacific Northwest, and this offering from critically undersung Oregonian singer-songwriter Anna Tivel is the latest proof. Perfectly lo-fi instrumentation, turntable fuzz, and Tivel’s confident-cool delivery of positively poetic lyrics make this indie-folk number a stellar summer standout for those who feel at home in analog spaces.
Lucia Fasano – “Habitable Planets (Radio Edit)”
Ever wonder where you belong, and find yourself looking skyward? Hop off the planet for a little escape with cool local grrrl Lucia Fasano. Featuring heavy guitar riffs, energized pop-punk percussion, and relatable, belt-worthy lyrics, this homegrown single could be just what you need to beam on out of whatever rut might have you down.