We’re sending out a handful of new music with this week’s Today’s Top Tunes. First, we’ve got new work from Dawes — just in time for the band’s stint at the Masonic Lodge at Hollywood Forever! Our own KCRW DJ Valida takes a step away from the turntables as a singer in her own right. We turn up the R&B sizzle for Nick Waterhouse who will play in Long Beach at the Music Tastes Good Festival in early Fall. Kan Wakan is back with a sweet tune and, if you’re a fan of shoegaze, check out Total Slacker.
Monday, August 29
Total Slacker: “Olympus Hills” from Parallels
Incubated in Brooklyn, Total Slacker has a thing for 90’s shoegaze and based its name on Richard Linklater’s film. The band has had its share of challenges, but it pushes through with a new album that offers fast-paced dream pop, as we hear on “Olympus Hills.”
Tuesday, August 30
KCRW DJ’s are an inspiring bunch whether on air, spinning around town or in a proper studio creating their own songs. One stellar example is The Lab host Valida, who has released “Stars,” a new bouncy song with a definitive disco vibe.
Wednesday, August 31
Kan Wakan: “Molasses” from Phantasmagoria
The album Moving On got its fair-share of airplay on KCRW back in 2014. We mark a new chapter for its creator, Bulgarian-born Gueorgui Liney, aka Kan Wakan. His upcoming triple album will incorporate various guest vocalists into his work, including his dear friend Elle Olsun on the sweet single “Molasses”
Thursday, Sept 1
Dawes: “When the Tequila Runs Out” from We’re All Gonna Die
Dawes confirms that “We’re All Gonna Die” with a highly anticipated album that tackles sadness with humor. The band recruits its heavyweight friends Jilm Keltner, Brittany Howard and Jim James on “When The Tequila Runs Out.”
Friday, Sept 2
Nick Waterhouse: “It’s Time” from Never Twice
Bred in Huntington Beach, Nick Waterhouse has a sweet spot for rhythm and blues. A talented bandleader, he’s put together a stellar group of horns and organ for a jazzy, finger-snapping tune called “It’s Time.”