This week Today’s Top Tune discovers that Jenny Lewis’ favorite songwriter is Whispertown‘s Morgan Nagler. We sample new work from Malian duo Amadou & Marion after their performance on MBE, and from Waxahatche, which is hitting the East Coast with a batch of new songs. UK band Ardyn is the latest to collaborate with Grammy Award-winning artist Tourist. And Jessica Lea Mayfield stops saying she’s sorry.
Monday, August 14
Amadou & Mariam: Bofou Safou from La Confusion
Malian musical duo Amadou & Marion delivered another impeccable performance on MBE recently, not surprising for these internationally loved artists. We offer a song that is mainly sung in Bambara, the dominant language of Mali, “Bofou Safou,” which translates to someone who lives and dies for nothing.
Tuesday, August 15
Waxahatchee: Silver from Out On The Storm
Katie Crutchfield turns to songwriting to capture the rollercoaster of emotions in her personal and professional life on Waxahatchee’s new album. She’s joined by sister Allison on keys and percussion. We find “Silver” one of the most guitar-driven songs in her opus.
Wednesday, August 16
Jessica Lea Mayfield: Sorry Is Gone title track
Heartsick girl Jessica Lea Mayfield takes her life back on her new album. Tired of apologizing to those who haven’t treated her well, the singer empowers herself with her last mea culpa on “Sorry Is Gone.”
Thursday, August 17
Whispertown: I’m a Man title track
When Jenny Lewis says, “Morgan Nagler is my favorite songwriter. Period.” it’s wise to pay attention. Whispertown is the latest incarnation of Morgan Nagler’s revolving cast of musicians. An acoustic and minimally produced “I’m a Man” focuses on Nagler’s voice, her songwriting and her careful calculated melody.
Friday, August 18
Tourist: We Stayed Up All Night (feat. Ardyn)
We were excited to recently premiere the catchy new single by Grammy Award-winning producer Tourist. Best known for his collaboration with Sam Smith, Tourist is joined by the UK band Ardyn which lends vocals to “We Stayed Up All Night. “