Five Albums You Should Be Listening to Right Now: KCRW

A wonderfully eclectic, globe-trotting Five Albums to kick-start your summer. 

by Anthony Valadez

Every now and again, the titans of the mediasphere give Nerve their music recommendations. This week: Anthony Valadez, DJ at famed Los Angeles public radio station KCRW. He also released his second full-length album, Just Visiting, on L.A.'s Plug Research. Check out his show here and check out his blog for photos and more.

1. Hiatus Kaiyote, Tawk Tomahawk (2012)

Melbourne's Hiatus Kaiyote is onto something special — island soul permeated by thunderous bass drum and heavy snares, mixed with lush guitar chords and vocals. Lead vocalist Nai Palm draws you in with a beguiling fusion of jazzy lead vocals and lush harmonies. I particularly like how she accompanies the keyboards with playful vocal asides on “Nakamarra.”

Listen: "Nakamarra"

2. Kwes, Meantime (2012)
Kwes hails from the UK, and his debut EP hits hard with bouncing bass lines that anchor floating synths and more ethereal sounds. His previous experience has been more behind the boards; he worked with Damon Albarn, Zero 7, and The XX, which may explain the various directions his debut travels as it blends elements of electronica and new wave while showcasing Kwes' ability rock the the mic.

Listen: "Bashful"

3. Curumin, Arrocha (2012)
Born to Japanese and Spanish parents and raised in Brazil, Curumin had a global view from the start, and his music reflects that, fusing samba, jazz, bossa nova, and hip-hop. On this, his newest album, he brings an electronic edge to the urban grooves of his native São Paulo. His 2008 album JapanPopShow got a lot of attention at KCRW and is equally worth checking out. 

Listen: "Arrocha"

4. Los Miticos Del Ritmo, Los Miticos Del Ritmo (2012)
Colombian producer Quantic rallies the cumbia troops for a release of covers and originals — everything he touches is gold. Make sure to listen to the group's cover of Michael Jackson's "Don't Stop Till You Get Enough," guaranteed to get any party moving.

Listen: "No Pares Hasta Tener Lo Suficiente"

5. Sonnymoon, Sonnymoon (2012)
I’ve been singing the praises of this young duo from Massachusets for years now and they continue to amaze. Dane and Anna Wise incorporate samples, glitches, strings, and textures to create tapestries rarely heard music today. “Flit, Fleet, Float” has an evil bass lines, and the way it accompanies Anna's vocals is really something special.