Eternal icon of downtown cool, Kim Gordon, is back with a third solo album, PLAY ME, due out this March. “NOT TODAY,” indeed — that’s a long time to make us wait, Kim, especially when you tease us with a single this good. This track is so solid, so complete and self-possessed, it’ll have you stunned that Gordon was able to contain herself from releasing solo work for so long. Not that we’re complaining about her discography, forty years of musical brilliance from Sonic Youth onward. Anyway…don’t wait another second. Hit play on this winner from Kim G.
There’s something cozily familiar about this amber-hued acoustic track from singer-songwriter José González, an artist notably based in Gothenburg, Sweden — a detail you’ll observe for yourself when you spot some signage in a language you don’t expect in this wonderfully one-shot video. Featuring a blanket of soft echo, an accessible musical style, and set against a riff so reliable you can set your watch to it, this single is a perfect addition to your chilly, contemplative mornings playlist.
Keep the comfort vibes flowing with this silky single from the latest addition to Sub Pop’s roster, Stockholm’s waterbaby. This track impresses in a shruggy-cool way, coming off like it was just one jammy afternoon of creative brilliance… untouched vocals float over mellow percussion, dabbled piano keys, and somebody’s sister on strings. Click play for a youth-on-fire video, complementing the song’s chillness in a yin-yang kinda way.
Sparing and raw, this piano+sound single from Frances Chang reads like something you’d both see and hear in a gallery space. That tracks — the musician and multimedia artist is clearly and powerfully living an artist's life in NYC. Hit play for a gorgeous melange of analog instruments, electronic samples, poetic lyrics, whispery vocals, super duper closeups, familiar feelings, and challenging discordancies, all working together as one.
If Smerz’s band name is new to you — firstly, you’re welcome. Say it again: Smerz. Now, onto the Norwegian duo’s music, which is just as fabulous. Languid, but joyfully; sexy, but playfully; lo-fi, but clear as a bell. Tossing in a late-breaking set of strings like a chef might garnish a plate with edible flowers, this stunning track just keeps on giving til you play it again, and again, and again.
KCRW 1900 Pico Blvd. Santa Monica, CA 90405 You received this email because you are subscribed to KCRW's 5 Songs to Hear This Week from KCRW. Update your email preferences to choose the types of emails you receive. Unsubscribe from all future emails.
.png?upscale=true&width=1200&upscale=true&name=Kim%20Gordon%20PC%20Moni%20Haworth(600x338).png "Kim Gordon PC Moni Haworth(600x338)")
pages(slash)legacy-giving/email(600x100)%20(5).png?upscale=true&width=1200&upscale=true&name=email(600x100)%20(5).png "A banner ad reads: KCRW. Ready to make KCRW part of your legacy? Learn more.")
.png?upscale=true&width=1200&upscale=true&name=Jose%20Gonazalez%20Pc%20Ellika%20H%20Firefly(600x338).png "Jose Gonazalez Pc Ellika H Firefly(600x338)")
.png?upscale=true&width=1200&upscale=true&name=email(600x74).png "A banner ad reads: KCRW. Win a dreamy VIP trip for you + a guest to COSMICO FESTIVAL. Donate now.")
.png?upscale=true&width=1200&upscale=true&name=Waterbaby%20PC%20Levi%20Axene(600x338).png "Waterbaby PC Levi Axene(600x338)")
pages(slash)legacy-giving/email(600x74)%20(3).png?upscale=true&width=1200&upscale=true&name=email(600x74)%20(3).png "email(600x74) (3)")
.png?upscale=true&width=1200&upscale=true&name=Frances%20Chang%20PC%20Linnea%20Nugent(600x338).png "Frances Chang PC Linnea Nugent(600x338)")
.png?upscale=true&width=1200&upscale=true&name=Smerz%20PC%20Alva%20Le%20Febvre(600x338).png "Smerz PC Alva Le Febvre(600x338)")
