Hey! Did you know that there’s an entire aspect of KCRW music discovery that you might be missing out on? Fear not, because our 5 Songs to Hear This Week newsletter is now a weekly feature on our website. Watch this space for rundowns of the five songs that you need in your life immediately, curated by KCRW Music staff. Don’t want to wait for your latest taste of fresh tunes? Sign up for the Friday newsletter here, and always be the first to know.
Silvana Estrada – “Tom’s Diner”
Hit that corner booth and revisit a classic in “Tom’s Diner”: First released by Suzanne Vega in 1984, shot into the stratosphere by an iconic DNA remix in 1992, and now, cradled lovingly by the voice of Silvana Estrada. One to watch, the 26-year-old hailing from Xalapa, Mexico is already pretty prolific, with five albums and a slew of creative collaborations under her belt, and her espresso-smooth vocals and playful take on a capella layering are a fabulous fit for this familiar track… kinda like when your cool teenage niece looks great in your vintage threads.
Thundercat – “No More Lies (Feat. Tame Impala)”
Two of our favorites got together for a jam. Yes please! Groovemaster general Thundercat brings his signature nostalgic vocal style and funky fringes to this fresh track about truth, lies, and the people who tell ‘em. Tame Impala’s Kevin Parker dips in with a hard-relate verse about life on tour (it’s hard, baby). Featuring big synth chords, deeply funky guitar, and tippy-toe percussion, this track’s a surefire for your weekend plans… be they shady or squeaky clean.
Generationals – “Waking Moment”
Wake up to this steamy-hot track from indie-pop duo Gernationals, the boys out of New Orleans responsible for one of the ear-wormiest tracks of the mid-aughts. Known for their bright, unbothered ‘60s-reminiscent sound, the band’s DNA evolution is clear to hear on this rough n’ ready single, which retains its optimism while bringing a notably more undone vibe. With crashing cymbals, driving bass, jingle bells, and a shout-along chorus, this track just might be your feel-good hit of the nearly-summer.
Julie Byrne – “Summer Glass”
Big, big, big mood. Julie Byrne is the captivating singer-songwriter your aching heart’s been searching for. While she brings an electronic edge to indie folk in this track, the Buffalo, NY-born singer and guitarist’s previous releases are stripped-down, gorgeous, and notably analog. Fans of Lorde, Kate Bush, Weyes Blood, and Lana del Rey take note, but beware: Once this mesmerizing single takes hold of you, it may never let go
Family Stereo – “Robot Boy”
Storytime! Come along for a bouncing-ball track contemplating the future of AI friendships. Released last year but deserving of a second look, this bright, clear-eyed indie rock track features clean-lined production and a mini-movie music video. Family Stereo’s lead singer and songwriter is Blake Watt, son of Everything But the Girl’s Tracey Thorn and Ben Watt, whose latest release recently premiered on Morning Becomes Eclectic, alongside a long-unheard 1994 set we unearthed from the show’s archives. As evidenced by his thoughtful lyrics and the band’s natural assemblage of indie and alt-rock elements, this boy’s instincts are far from robotic.