From KCRW DJ Mathieu Schreyer:

I was running around a lot during the holidays and when I’m moving like that, it takes a bit more than usual to catch my attention, and that’s just what 17-year-old Archy Marshall, aka King Krule managed to do with his second EP, “The Noose of Jah City “. It’s out now on True Panther.

Formerly known as Zoo Kid (check out his video for “Out Getting Ribs“), he’s what they call an “old soul”. I know this term has been used like an old pair of Levis, but all you need to do is listen to this EP and realize that it is a teenage boy that is singing.

King Krule- The Noose of Jah City by truepanther

I was reading about him and someone use the metaphor “audio morphine” to describe his music. I’m not sure actually how morphine feels, but if it feels like this I might be ready to give it a try!

I won’t bore you with more accolades, amazing references and comparisons, but I will ask you to purchase this EP and support this young lad. And if not now, I am sure you will be joining the band wagon very soon

– Mathieu Schreyer

p.s.: oh and please pledge your support to our awesome radio station and that means show us your love  ($$$$ ) thanks in advance : ) xo 

From KCRW DJ Anthony Valadez:

It’s no secret that I am a big Sonnymoon fan.  I remember playing songs from their self release that they gave away as a free download some years ago. I thought to myself “how can any band give this incredible music away for free?”.

Well, they’re doing it again with “Goddess”, off their new EP, which you can download here.

Now signed to the wonderful local indie label Plug Research, its great to see this band grow and pushing out incredible electronic beats with some of the most interesting vocal melodies today. Check out my favorite, “Near Me”.

01 Near Me by Plug Research

This 2012 EP showcases the duo’s ability to create sonic soundscapes that are parallel to none.

It’s a great lead up to a forthcoming full length later in the year.

Cheers!

The Vala

Editor’s Note: It was just announced that Anthony has been added to the Plug Research roster and will be releasing an album on June 5!

As you probably already know, KCRW is in the midst of our Winter Pledge Drive and on Day 2 we have some extra incentive for Radiohead fans.

Anyone who donates during Morning Becomes Eclectic THIS morning (January 27, between 9am and noon) is automatically entered in a sweepstakes to win a pair of tickets to the SOLD OUT Radiohead show at the Santa Barbara Bowl on April 12, PLUS a one-night stay at the Harbor House Inn in Santa Barbara.

A musical getaway just for supporting KCRW and public radio! You can join online here or by calling 800 600 5279

RR

Editor’s Note: Find sweepstakes rules here.

From KCRW DJ Eric J Lawrence:

Learning of the demise of the innovative experimental indie rock duo The Books today was disappointing.  Their 2010 album, “The Way Out”, was one of my favorite releases of that year and it is marked by such a distinctive style that I doubt if it will ever sound dated.

Combining sound collage assemblages with delicate songwriting touches gave The Books an ability to go just about anywhere with their music, from using snippets of children’s stories, to covering Nick Drake’s “Cello Song” (for the Red Hot benefit CD, Dark Was the Night), to composing music for an elevator in the French Ministry of Culture!

According to a Pitchfork interview with one half of the band, Nick Zammuto, it sounds like a bad break-up, which is always a bummer (if only because that suggests that any hope of a reunion seems a long, long way away).

But the good news is that Nick’s new project, Zammuto, will have a self-titled album out on April 3, and they will be playing their first ever live shows in New England next month, with an appearance at SXSW in March as well.

A few tracks have drifted out through the internets over the past few months (my favorite has the rousing song-title of “YAY”), and they betray some of the sonic tomfoolery that made the Books so special, with a new, possibly more traditional twist in the songwriting.

Zammuto – Yay by Zamjam

You can more info at their website here.

So perhaps out of the ashes, a new phoenix will arise!

- Eric J Lawrence

Editor’s Note: Check out a great live performance from The Books on KCRW.

Hugely popular DJ Kaskade has a video about the making of his album “Fire & Ice” up on his site and it includes a shoutout for KCRW!

He talks about discovering the band  Quadron on our airwaves and then asking singer Coco to add guest vocals to the album. Check out a preview of the track below.

Kaskade (feat. Quadron) – Waste Love [PREVIEW] by Kaskade

The album is out now on Ultra Records.

If you’re not familiar with Quadron, check out their excellent live set on KCRW – their U.S. radio debut!  Also, Coco’s sultry vocals are on full display on her downtempo cover of “Baby Me Mine”.

RR