Today's Top Tune

MacArthur Fellow and triple Grammy winner Cécile McLorin Salvant breaks the boundaries of jazz and “I Am A Volcano” comes our way from her recent LP Oh Snap. Originally recorded at home alone with no plans for release, the dozen songs on that record traverse the spectrum — including a surprising rendition of “Brick House” by The Commodores(!). But we’re especially fond of this intimate-yet-adventurous ditty.

Grammy-nominee Shaboozey’s meteoric rise to fame came via his mega-hit “A Bar Song (Tipsy).” Now he’s tapped singer Kevin Powers, the first signee to his own label American Dogwood, for this rousing country-anthem-in-the-making.  “Move On” is an infectious duet from this boss x protégé pair.

Badass bassist Thundercat just dropped two new tracks — “Children of the Baked Potato” with Remi Wolf and “I Wish I Didn’t Waste Your Time,” the latter of which  you can grab right now as a free download. Dig in for Thundercat’s singular falsetto and a relaxed, but still positively thumping bassline.

Fatal Optimist, the latest album from veteran songwriter Madi Diaz, packs a punch. After a gut-wrenching breakup with the person she thought she’d marry, Diaz turned away from everyone and everything she knew and put herself on an island where she could heal. The solitude allowed her to really focus on the process and you’ll hear the results all over “Ambivalence.” Don’t miss her set at Highland Park Ebell on Thursday, Nov. 20.  (Anti-)

London-based, Nigerian singer-songwriter-producer Steven Bamidele just released his sophomore album, The CRASH!. It is a deeply personal and soulful meditation on the weight we place on relationships, the cost of growth, and our existential search for direction.“Take Cover” captures the thrill of breaking away from it all.  (Tru Thoughts) 

Ready to strut? Let’s do it together and in time to Wanda Felicia’s latest ditty.  Her debut album, Now Is The Time… drops in a few short weeks and “Stuck On You” is a vibrant, runway-ready teaser that radiates celebratory energy.  (Timmion Records)

English singer Merz has departed the bucolic Mojave Desert to return to his homeland. To mark the occasion, Merz wrote and recorded “Juniper.” The track pays homage to the British Isles-native plant, and its historical use in purification ceremonies and rituals. “I [believe] in the revitalizing, restorative power of nature,” Merz explains. “And the transformative agency and joy of collective action, and a loathing of apathy. That’s why I’m singing this song. That’s why I wrote Juniper.” 

Martha’s Vineyard-based songwriter Willy Mason is an introspective lyricist with a knack for soulful, indie/folk-rock-leaning melodies. “Sailing” chronicles his journey to find light in a dark world, incorporating all of his songwriting strengths into a tune that’s equal parts gentle and moving. P.S. If you’re headed to Wolf Alice at The Wiltern on Oct. 13, be sure to get there early for Willy’s opening set.

We love it when a plan comes together. Today’s Morning Becomes Eclectic guests Polo & Pan are also giving us Today’s Top Tune. As the Fall weather creeps ever so slightly into LA, P&P remind us that “Summer Is Almost Over.” Download it here. Pssst, catch ‘em live TONIGHT at The Kia Forum! (Hamburger Records / Ekler)

Vocal powerhouse (and today’s birthday girl) Brittany Howard just got the band back together! That’s right, Alabama Shakes recently shared their first new music in roughly a decade. But wait, there’s more! “Another Life” is the title track to their forthcoming, third full-length album. Download it here.   (Island Records)

Following an eighth year hiatus, Argentine chanteuse Juana Molina triumphantly returns with “Siestas Ahi.” Perhaps you caught the world premiere exactly one week ago today? Molina leans all the way into her folk-tronic prowess and witty wordplay on this one: “Siestas Ahi” means “naps over there” but if you say it, it sounds like “if you are there.” Fun, fun, fun! P.S. Today is also Molina’s birthday, so let’s wish her a happy one as we eagerly await the Nov. 5 release date of her new album DOGA.  (Sonamos)  

Swedish-born, LA-based, Grammy-winning composer and producer Jacob Olofsson has worked with Frank Ocean and Dua Lipa (among countless others). As part of his  Olovson recording project, he recently unveiled the meditative piano piece “THINGS I COULD’VE LEFT BEHIND.” Prepare yourself to vibrate alongside its wordless message, let go of resentment, and make space for forgiveness and peace.  (1136 Diamond)  

Check out "La Ceiba" from Afrobeat legends Antibalas.

Get ready for a special delivery as Danger Mouse teams up with MorMor for this hauntingly soulful collab. “Wonder” imbues the warmth of analog into its subtle instrumentation and hypnotizing vocals.   

Channelling the swinging sixties, Melody’s Echo Chamber plucks a shiny pop song from the heavens on this sweet collaboration with El Michels Affair. “Daisy” offers (among other exceptional qualities): key changes, tasty fret noodling, and daydream vibes.

New album Cutthroat finds UK rockers shame at their blistering best. Currently on tour in Europe, the band will hit North America early in 2026 — including an LA stop at The Belasco on Saturday, Feb. 7. Ready your senses with the unapologetic, let-loose snarl of “Quiet Life.”

French DJ, producer, and singer-songwriter Myd rose the ranks through extensive live shows and DJ sets — specializing in hyperfocused dancefloor delights. “So High” is filled with infectious samba rhythms and Soccer style whistling. See for yourself when Myd hits the 1720 stage on Thursday, Dec. 11. 

Visionary soul artist Curtis Harding shares new LP, Departures & Arrivals: Adventures of Captain Curt; an intriguing mix of space opera shimmying up alongside classic soul. “The Power,” from that very album, is a timeless disco anthem that would make you look good on the dance floor… Or a roller skating rink(!). 

The only studio album recorded by Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks as a duo is being re-issued for the very first time TODAY. Originally released in 1973 and recorded at Sound City Studios, this record introduced the duo’s incomparable harmonies alongside their individual styles.  The re-issue is sourced from the original analog master tapes and was produced by Keith Olsen.  In 1974, while Mick Fleetwood was scouting for a new studio for Fleetwood Mac’s next album, he visited Sound City Studios where Olsen shared “Frozen Love” to showcase both his production work and the studio’s sound. Soon after, Fleetwood Mac found themselves in need of a new guitarist. Remembering “Frozen Love,” Fleetwood reached out to offer Buckingham the spot, but Buckingham insisted he and Nicks were a package deal. The rest is history.

“Houston” is a brand new song from Irish-born, London-based Country singer Janet Devlin. And if you listen past the stomping good time, honky tonk grit that defines the track, you’ll find that Devlin arrives upon something deeper: A reclamation of solitude as liberation.