We begin this week’s Today’s Top Tune with Spoon, and if you’re headed to SXSW next week don’t miss them when they resurrect the classic Austin venue Emo’s. Then, hear why Paul Simon is a fan of Clap! Clap! Contemplate Leif Vollebekk, who creates transcendent music that takes us into the ether. Check out Hanni El Khatib, who pours himself into his latest album and catch Manu Delago at The Blue Whale on the 19th.
Monday, March 6
Spoon: title track from Hot Thoughts
After three consecutive highly acclaimed albums, Spoon returns with an exciting new release. Co-produced by Dave Fridmann (Flaming Lips), this captivating work blasts sonic boundaries to bits with “Hot Thoughts.”
Tuesday, March 7
Clap! Clap!” Hope (feat. Oy) from A Thousand Skies
Sexy and slinky Italian producer, songwriter and performer Clap! Clap! has a rather eclectic sound and tracks that span an array of genres. His debut album garnered accolades from Paul Simon who called it a “masterpiece.” His most recent recording, A Thousand Skies, features the song “Hope” where he collaborates with one of his favorite bands, Berlin-based Oy.
Wednesday, March 8
Leif Vollebekk: Into the Ether from Twin Solitude
Montreal’s Leif Vollebekk has just begun an extensive tour, finding his way into every musical nook and cranny as he zig zags the globe. Yet, despite such world-wide travel, the multi-instrumentalist found inspiration for his album in his daily life — whether riding his bike or listening to Nick Drake. Check out the resplendent “Into the Ether.”
Thursday, March 9
Manu Delago: Freeze from Metromonk
The Hang is a percussion instrument that was developed in the early 2000’s in Switzerland. Although similar to steelpan (or steel drums), this contraption is played with the hands and fingers instead of mallets. Expert player Manu Delago brings out the instrument’s warm tones and dynamic range on a composition he recorded in one take. It’s called “Freeze.”
Friday, March 10
Hanni El Khatib: Paralyzed from Savage Times
Hanni El Khatib lives a creative streak. Due to perform in Paris a week after the Bataclan attacks, he cancelled all of his shows for 2016 and put all of his energy and emotions into new material. His new work, Savage Times, is a very personal album where he demonstrates his prowess in a myriad of styles, from garage rock to hip-hop. Playing every instrument on “Paralyzed,” he channels the Rolling Stones with blues-rock fervor.