Five Albums You Should Be Listening to Right Now
This week's curator: Gary Calamar, KCRW DJ and music supervisor for True Blood, House, and Dexter.
Every two weeks, titans of the mediasphere give Hooksexup their music recommendations. This week: Gary Calamar, KCRW DJ and music supervisor.
There is nothing more thrilling to me than finding a new song or artist that tickles my inner ear. Sharing it on KCRW and on the TV shows that I music-supervise (True Blood, House, Dexter, Men Of A Certain Age) makes me the closest to happy that I allow myself to get. Hopefully these will satisfy your ears as well.
1. The Books, The Way Out
This inspired mix of experimental music and found sounds makes me take notice. This is the northeastern duo's fourth release and the first one that found its way to me. Time to go back and check out the earlier releases. Funny and profound, far out and beautiful.
2. Jenny and Johnny, I'm Having Fun Now
There's something about a couple of talented lovebirds teaming up to record their first collaboration that really warms my heart. Like John and Yoko and Sonny and Cher, Rilo Kiley's Jenny Lewis and her main man Johnathan Rice have taken their sweet love out of the bedroom and into the studio with fantastic results. Every song is a killer pop smash.
3. Alejandro Escovedo, Street Songs of Love
It gives me faith to discover a natural-born working-class superstar who's been rocking the clubs for decades and is still releasing great music. With punk-rock roots and cow-punk leanings, Alejandro Escovedo has put out gem after undiscovered gem. For Street Songs of Love, he's once again teamed up with producer Tony Visconti — David Bowie's boy in his heyday. He's also working with Mr. Springsteen and his management team, who will hopefully help him finally get the audience he deserves.
4. !!!, Strange Weather Isn't It
An underground band comes into its own. "Chk Chk Chk" — as their name is pronounced — have released their best collection of songs yet. Bump to the funk and grind to the grooves with these nice fellas from New York.
5. Au Revoir Simone, Night Light
Clever, elegant synth-pop chicks from Brooklyn really get me excited. This collection of lovely trippy remixes features work from Neon Indian, Jens Lekman, and twelve others. Night Light makes a fine companion piece to their recent release Still Night, Still Light.
Commentarium (13 Comments)
YES! to Jenny & Johnny.
I quite like the Au Revoir Simone song.
The Books! I effing love them. Glad to see them get more love.
Escovedo indeed deserves more attention - bravo for high lighting his music.
Au Revoir is amazing, love that pick.
This guy, this Gary Calamar of KCRW, is just discovering Alejandro? And he gets paid for working at a radio station? And for working on cable shows as a music editor? This civilization is doomed.
Mike K. I have to agree w/ you... I've enjoyed his style since I saw him w/ his band True Believers (I never saw him w/ Rank and File) in '89 or '90... those were the daze...
because I live under a rock - I had never heard Alejandro Escovedo. I really liked this song that you chose and it was a nice departure from the usual sort of square black glasses, messenger bag, guys with vests over t-shirts sort of stuff I usually see here.
You haven't heard of all of thes bands yet? And you get paid for a living! I knew about all these bands when my mom played them for me in-udero... I was touring with them when I was four, I am a hipster.
Au Revoir sounds like a blend of Passion Pit and Band of Horses
you Gary-haters obviously don't read: "Alejandro Escovedo has put out gem after undiscovered gem" - Gary knows, trust me.
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That chk chk chk song sounds a lot like the Stone Roses' Fools Gold. . .a lot.