• The Avalanches – “Blue Shadows (feat. Karen O)” [Single] – Although it was a photo finish, the latest summer-ready banger from the crate-digging Aussie trio is an instant hit on the KCRW airwaves and our new #1. This marks their second collaboration with Karen O, the iconic solo artist and Yeah Yeah Yeahs frontwoman, and stemmed from an older demo / idea that resurfaced recently and received the blessing / permission from Italian composer and producer Claudio Casalini of their italo-disco project Blue Gas. You may have heard Novena Carmel play both back to back. Will they go back to back weeks at #1?

• Sparklmami – in this body – the shimmering debut album from the Chicago-based visual artist and musician has been gaining momentum at the station, moving up 10 spots to #3, following her special guest interview and sparklmami radio takeover on MBE last week with Novena Carmel. We highly recommend checking out her guest selections too, including the theme song of her childhood telenovela, which is sure to bring a smile to your face. Plus, some '80s Brazilian boogie that inspired her recent album, and a song that she'd play if she hosted her own morning show. 

 

New & Notable:

• Cut Chemist – "Simetachin" [Single] – Speaking of crate-diggers, our long-time friend of the station is back with a fun, feel-good single, "Simetachin" (translating to "Our Feelings" in Amharic (Ethiopian), debuting at #8. You'll likely hear it in his DJ Set for KCRW's members-only Summer Nights event this Saturday at LACMA. He will also be doing a special guest DJ set on MBE on Thursday, September 3rd to get you ready for Labor Day Weekend. We'll be sure to discuss the 20th anniversary of his amazing debut album, The Audience Is Listening. Check out this recent LA Times article on him, and below find him in this photo from circa 2011 when he opened for the father of "Ethio-jazz", Mulatu Astatke, which feels very relevant to the new cut. 

• The Durutti Column – Renascent – The fact that we have a new Durutti Column album in 2026 should be celebrated in itself. The new album (and first in more than 15 years) from the pioneering post-punk/ambient project, spearheaded by the  73-year-old Manchester guitarist, is a breath of fresh air. It debuts at #29. Our current favorite is "Sargasso Sea", featuring guest vocalist Caoilfhionn Rose. 
  

Catch up on all the music and subscribe to our Top 30 Spotify playlist, which is updated weekly here! Great to listen to while waiting for a drive pick-up at Target, sitting in traffic, or going for a walk on the beach.   

– Nassir (KCRW Music / Senior Producer)

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