The Week Ahead: Today’s Top Tune 8/27 – 8/31/18

With Today’s Top Tune, you too can take away five free downloads each and every week, including this week where we have new work from R&B crooner Allen Stone, who brings his band to The Fonda in October. We’ll share the distinctive sound of Santigold, who you can see at the Music Tastes Good festival, September 29 in Long Beach. We explore the subtle work of Norwegian singer Thomas Dybdahl. Also featured will be Matthew Dear, who comes to Costa Mesa on August 29. And we end the week with an exclusive live track recorded on MBE by Laura Viers.

Monday, August 27 Allen Stone “Brown Eyed Lover”

Let’s let Allen Stone tell you about his song “Brown Eyed Lover”: “I am a slave to the road; constantly in a different city, always on the other side of town, never in the same bed for more than a night. It seemed as though I chose a lifestyle that wasn’t lending itself to be shared with a partner. That was until I met my soon-to-be wife. “Brown Eyed Lover” depicts the internal struggle of being in a relationship while also being on the road. The struggle of having to leave constantly for my career, but wanting the relationship to move forward. I don’t want to keep her waiting.”

Tuesday, August 28 Santigold “Run the Road”

Santigold’s latest comes in the form of a summer-inspired, sponteaneous mixtape-style project. In collaboration with Dre Skull, they tapped into their shared passion for reggae and Afro-Caribbean music. Check out “Run the Road.”

Wednesday, August 29 Thomas Dybdahl “Look at What We’ve Done”

Thomas Dybdahl offers one of the most beautiful songs in his new opus, “Look At What We’ve Done,” a slinky gem made for late night romance.

Thursday, August 30 Matthew Dear “Bunny’s Dream”

This shape-shifting DJ and dance-music producer can straddle multiple worlds, yet belongs to none. After six long years and plenty of tinkering, Matthew Dear is back with a shadowy sound on “Bunny’s Dream.”

Friday, August 31 Laura Veirs “Seven Falls” Live on MBE

Prolific songwriter Laura Veirs came to KCRW with a full band to celebrate the release of her 10th solo album. She left us with an exclusive version of “Seven Falls,” and shared how she works her songs.