This week, we’re stoked to bring you a Wajatta takeover! After their live set at KCRW HQ (video coming soon, watch this space), Reggie Watts and John Tejada (Wajatta) graciously supplied a handful of fresh tunes for this edition of 5 Songs to Hear. Without further adieu, let’s kick things off with some 90’s singer-songwriter-strummer style we all know and love… but with a contemporary twist.
Wednesday – "Chosen to Deserve”
Fat country-rock riffs, poignant personal lyrics, and a knockaround-town music video make this one from Southern band Wednesday allllllright. Reggie Watts tells us that Wednesday’s 2023 LP Rat Saw God is among his favorites of the year and after multiple spins of this album highlight, we totally get why that’s the case.
Plaid – “Return to Return”
Need to spice up your brain activity? Seeking an all-new dimension? This joyfully frenetic song from UK electronic duo Plaid is just what you need to shake off the winter cobwebs. Futuristic, enthralling, and little bit foreboding (as all good adventures are), this gleaming track and its tripped out visualizer are your way off-planet.
GOON – “Emily Says”
The first bite of your favorite long-awaited dessert, the sight of your destination ahead after a long journey, a whiff of your lover’s perfume... these pale in comparison to the first listen of a band you just know is gonna be a new favorite. Fresh off of a tour with Built To Spill, GOON are the LA alti-indie group here just in time for all the fans of analog rock to swoon over. Click play for shoegaze riffs, solid fuzz, and chilled-out vocals couched in reverb. We’re in love.
Mesmé – “Ghosting”
Here’s a cut for your super-secret spy mission. This rave-friendly dance/trance track has that kind of cool, menacing edge to it that all nightcrawlers need, and LA electronic outfit Mesmé are more than happy to provide — their debut album Steel City Dance Discs is chock full of ‘em. Armed with an unrelenting BPM and red-alert-style samples, this hypnotic cut is one to keep you on your toes.
MILLY – “Grab The Wheel”
This track is like a big fat diner burger with fries: plentiful, familiar, satisfying, and designed to fill you up. Featuring cleanly arranged rock elements building to a full, rounded out chorus that’s just begging to be blared out of your car speakers, steering wheel drumming is absolutely mandatory on this one. Recent rock transplants from Connecticut to LA, Milly are the indie outfit your old stack of rock CDs have been willing into existence.