Today's Top Tune

Ty Segall’s sixteenth(!) album Possession finds the LA-based artist highlighting American stories, and letting his guitar and voice lead the way. The album is invigorating and stretches him into new sonic heights. Plus, this time around he’s including keyboards. Let’s go ahead and take a hit of the title track. Ty Segall will be live at LA’s Greek Theatre (supporting Primus) on Wednesday, Aug. 6.

Sometimes a song deserves a simple, straightforward superlative: “gorgeous.” “Le Grand Soleil De Dieu (Psychemagik Remix),” is one of those songs. It’s the work of Cameroonian pioneer Francis Bebey, taken from his posthumous album, Trésor Magnétique, and sprinkled with fairy dust… err, remixed by UK-based electronic duo Psychemagik. Dig it, man. 

Grammy-winner Latroit soulfully reimagines the Roy Davis Jr. classic “Gabrielle” … with a little help from Pet Shop Boys’ backing vocalist Nick Clow(!). The musical dynamism you’ll hear all over the track comes from Latroit’s stellar stable of electronic warriors/close collaborators.

The Budos Band have returned with VII, their first new album since 2020’s Long In The Tooth. And they’re in peak form here; laying down mesmerizing beats against action-packed, big horn grooves that are ready and waiting to transport you to a new realm. Start with the undulating beats and laser focus of “Lair of 1,000 Serpents.” For the fully immersive Budos Band experience, catch ‘em live at the Novo on Friday, Oct. 10. 

Taking their cues from ‘90s shamble-pop greats like Yo La Tengo and The Pastels, the Norwegian trio Twirlies makes a swoon-worthy debut with “Think That I’m In Love.” Classic indiepop sounds for the twenty-first century? Yes please.

Longtime friends FINNEAS and Ashe have a habit of casual collabs that create hits. Think: “Moral of the Story” (2019) and “Till Forever Falls Apart” (2021). Now they’ve made it official by adopting a new moniker (The Favors) and hitting us with their golden-age-of-Laurel-Canyon-esque new single “The Little Mess You Made.” And that’s not all, The Favors have a debut LP set for release on Sept. 19.

KCRW Young Creator’s Project alum Raine is back with Backseat, a new EP due in Sept of this year. “To You” is a gentle and open love letter to friendship; a space where Raine explores all of its  pure joys and growing pains. 

Hooray, Mac DeMarco has a new album on the horizon! Guitar is set to drop on Aug 22 via his own record label, Mock Media. Get a taste of what lies ahead by tuning into “Home.” The song was recorded in DeMarco’s LA studio and it’s a snapshot of where he is today… Well, it’s the closest thing to a snapshot that he can get on paper. Watch Mac DeMarco work it all out in real time when he headlines The Greek Theatre for three consecutive nights beginning on Aug. 29.

Michael Collins (aka Drugdealer) has once again teamed up with his longtime pal Natalie Laura Mering (aka Weyes Blood). Their latest is “Real Thing” — a track which took them two years to make and refine. It was worth the wait. “Real Thing” is a keepsake that highlights the deep connection between two major talents. And you can keep it forever by downloading it now. 

You may recognize Tony and Grammy winner Renée Elise Goldsberry from her role as Angelica Schuyler in the filmed version of Hamilton. And while the Broadway musical celebrates its tenth anniversary this year, Goldsberry is stepping out with her own debut album, Who I Really Am. It’s a deeply personal collection of songs that showcase her range as a performer, songwriter, and storyteller. Check out the belting blues of  “Staring” for starters.