Grab a handful of songs this week, including work from Italian movie/TV soundtrack composer Daniele Luppi teaming up with Parquet Courts and Karen O. We turn to Sufjan Stevens for an iPhone demo. Wolf Parade tests new songs out when the band comes to The Fonda for a couple of dates in January. Today’s Top Tune premieres a song from the stylish Madrid duo De La Purissima. And we round out the week wishing R.E.M‘s Mike Mills a very happy birthday!
Monday, Dec 11
Daniele Luppi & Parquet Courts: Flush (feat. Karen O)
Daniele Luppi creates a musical melting pot as Parquet Courts and Yeah Yeah Yeah’s vocalist Karen O. all join in to deliver his concept album. Milano revolves around an emerging youth culture struggling to be heard amidst the onset of gentrification of old Milan. We turn to Flush featuring Karen O.
Tuesday, Dec 12
Sufjan Stevens: John My Beloved- iPhone Demo
Sufjan Stevens puts together a mixtape of outtakes, unreleased songs, remixes and demos to create a companion piece to his last album, Carrie & Lowell. An outstanding track is the iPhone demo of John My Beloved.
Wednesday, Dec 13
Wolf Parade has released its first album in seven years and we can’t stop playing it! A renewed focus came about by taking some time off, which was critical to the band’s invigorated sound. Here’s You’re Dreaming.
Thursday, Dec 14
De La Puríssima: Santa Frivola (radio edit)
Spanish duo De La Purissima recently made its US debut at a small church here in Los Angeles, but don’t let that fool you, this group is huge in Europe. Based in jazz, Julia De Castro writes the songs, plays violin and sings and with partner Miguel Rodrigáñez on the double bass– creating a genre of their own. You’ll find a mix of rap and flashy brass on Santa Frivola or Saint Frivolous.
Friday, Dec 15
This year, R.E.M.’s landmark LP Automatic for the People turned 25. To celebrate, a revamped version was issued that’s replete with bonus tracks and never-before-heard demos, including the fully realized Mike’s Pop Song. All this to say Happy Birthday to Mike Mills on December 17!!!