This week, Today’s Top Tune free downloads kick into gear with the sweet soul of Durand Jones & The Indications. Tuesday, rising star Amber Mark serves up a track, and you can see her at the Constellation Room in late May. Indie rock singer-songwriter Damien Jurado performs a hometown show at the Highland Park Ebell May 28; grab a new ballad from him on Wednesday. Next up, we offer a track from ubiquitous Aussie singer G Flip. And, we wrap-up the week with Throbbing Gristle co-founder Chris Carter, as he issues his first album in 17 years as CCCL.
Monday, April 30 Durand Jones & The Indications “Smile”
Durand Jones found his way in front of his band The Indications while still in school. He and the band were inspired by dusty and obscure 45’s so they set out to make a record steeped in deep and powerful grooves. Their self-titled debut is the result of Sunday evening recording sessions. A stand out track is the irresistible “Smile.
Tuesday, May 1 Amber Mark “Love Me Right”
NYC songwriter, producer, and musician Amber Mark is undeniably a star on the rise. Raised across Europe and Asia, Mark weaves international styles into her self-produced EP, which serves as a musical eulogy to her late mother. We hear a confident powerful voice on “Love Me Right.”
Wednesday, May 2 Damien Jurado “Allocate”
Damien Jurado’s new album drops at the end of the week and is his first self-produced recording in a 20+year career. The elegant stripped-down ballad “Allocate” starts the record off.
Thursday, May 3 G Flip “About You”
Melbourne singer, producer, and multi-instrumentalist G Flip began her musical journey when her uncle gave her a drum kit at the age of 9. Later on, she supported herself by instructing drum and piano lessons to kids. But, it wasn’t until 2017 that she taught herself how to produce her own songs and find a voice. “About You” was recorded in a single day in her bedroom studio.
Friday, May 4 CCCL “Modularity”
Chris Carter is the co-founder of the pioneering industrial group Throbbing Gristle; and he created some of the groups’ most rhythmic and melodic sounds on synths. Carter also has a scientific mind, where he designs and creates effects units and sound generators. His first solo album in 17 years unifies his interests as CCCL (Chris Carter’s Chemistry Lessons) — with insistent melodic patterns capturing the awe one feels at the infinite possibilities of science. “Modularity” is aural synthesis.
(Amber Mark photo c/o Brian Feinzimer)