Songs to Obsess Over & Over…
February 2025 Edition
HEY! It’s your friendly neighborhood Interim Music Director, Mike Biggz, back with more songs I can’t stop obsessing over. Check it …
Yukimi – Break Me Down
(Ninja Tune)
Longtime Little Dragon lead vocalist and former one time Koop guest vocalist, Yukimi, is back on the solo move with her latest single, “Break Me Down”, an uplifting song about finding and using your inner strength, and taking on those daily struggles that try and slow you down. Fans of Little Dragon might wonder if this is the end for their favorite indie group who have been dropping consistent great music since 2007. But after 15 albums, the band and Yukimi felt it was time to explore and venture out on their own. And from the songs I’ve heard of Yukimi’s, we’re in for some more great music from this unique voice.
Obongjayar – “Not In Surrender”
(September)
Lagos born/British based Obongjayar returns with the musical equivalent of a shot of adrenaline to the soul with his latest single “Not In Surrender”. This up-tempo, pulsating 4 to the floor banger, lands in a similar vein as fellow UK based, Ibibio Sound Machine’s more funkiest afro disco punk dance cuts, and now I desperately want them to collab(please). Following up the infectious single, “Just My Luck“, It’s clear Obongjayar is focusing on the dancefloor with his latest offerings, providing some great songwriting, which is always appreciated in modern dance music. It’s hard to not shout Hallelujah along with him on this record.
Omar – Can We Go Out?
(BBE)
Thank god for labels like BBE. They tend to have some of the best indie releases and it warms my soul to see that UK Soul legend Omar is now on their roster. Omar, a staple of UK soul since the early 90’s returns with his latest jam, “Can We Go Out“, a funky, warm and comforting record, with a very catchy melody and Omar’s unmistakable voice. I say comforting as musically it’s like a warm cup of tea or coffee on those chilly winter days. “Can We Go Out” is yet another incredible jam to add to an already impressive cannon of dope songs, and the fact his new album is being released on the BBE label, (Barely Breaking Even), has me extra excited for what he has coming.
The Altons – Perdóname
(Daptone)
Los Angeles based band The Altons have been releasing a series of successful singles on the Penrose label, and now return with their debut new album, “Heartache In Room 14” on the always dependable Daptone Records. Daptone is another indie label where you know what you’re getting with a Daptone release. Quality music with a throwback era to the 60’s or 70’s that don’t feel forced or fake but genuine and always sounds good. “Perdóname” is one of the band’s songs sung in Spanish and it’s a beautiful song about begging forgiveness in the most romantic way. The lead vocals, shared between Adriana Flores and Brian Ponce, blend ever so perfectly over this mid tempo swinger. Don’t sleep on this album.
Serebii – Verrans Corner
(Innovative Leasure)
The New Zealand-based composer, producer and multi-instrumentalist releases new video/single “Verrans Corner” ahead of upcoming LP Dime out March 28, 2025 on Innovative Leisure. “Verrans Corner” is a beautifully crafted song with very clean sounding production, rich with layers and full of surprises, over vocals and a melody that remind me a bit of something you’d hear off a Radiohead record, but a bit more uplifting. The single is accompanied by a video, which Serebii comments, “The video aims to be childish, blending playfulness and grandeur. I’d never sailed a ship before, neither had I shrunk to the size of a small figurine. It was mostly an excuse to get out into lush landscapes in Aotearoa, New Zealand with a group of friends. I am extremely proud of how this video came out with such a small budget and timeline.”
Keep Serebii on your radar as this forthcoming album “Dime”, set to drop in late March might end up on your top 10 of the year.
For a full playlist or to see previous month’s Songs to Obsess Over & Over, visit KPFA Radio’s YouTube page