KCRW’s Top 30: SAULT, Phoenix, Pearl and The Oysters

Mysterio-R&B collective SAULT have emerged once more from the ether to command the KCRW conversation. Following the springtime release of the ambient album “Air,” and last month’s single-track album “10,” (the track was titled “Angel,” fwiw), the group pulled perhaps their most ambitious stunt yet by releasing five full albums in a single day for free — but only after album-seekers solved a riddle… actually, we’ll let Novena and Anthony take it from here.

Though this nifty little trick did earn SAULT three of the list’s coveted 30 spots, there’s plenty more to talk about. LA’s new Stones Throw signees Pearl & The Oysters debuted a Pacific-themed single that is pure vibes — exactly as bouncy as it is wavy. Plus, Phoenix, Rahill, and Rogê have all triumphantly returned to the party.

Fun times all around, even if our Top 30 Spotify playlist might be a little lean this week (none of those SAULT albums are on DSPs). But you know what they say — nothing lifts a playlist’s spirits like a new follow.

Top 30 Albums (11.8.2022)