World premiere: Listen to Los Lobos’ howling ‘Misery’

There are fewer sweet ways to welcome back summer in LA than the return city’s own fine purveyors of rock, Los Lobos. The boys are dropping a new album on July 30, the aptly titled “Native Sons,” a self-described love letter to LA mapping the city’s musical DNA via a 13-song selection of tributes to our musical heritage.

Today, KCRW is pleased to present the world premiere of “Misery,” a take on the 1961 track originally recorded by Motown luminary Barrett Strong, who followed the label and movement to Los Angeles in the late 1960s.

Los Lobos carries the straightforward minor blues romp into a new era, navigating its howling plea to heartbreak with shuffling guitars and smooth, warm rhythms, as only they can.

Listen to the premiere of “Misery” below before the track’s worldwide release on June 11, and be sure to enter to win tickets to see Los Lobos at The Greek on August 21.