WXPN Morning Host Kristen Kurtis Touts Tori Amos and Kim Gordon For Ears We Trust

Kristen Kurtis has always championed women who are unabashedly themselves in their music and lives. For this week’s Ears We Trust, she’s highlighting three incredible ladies, as well as a dance-worthy R&B and soul supergroup. Check out her recommendations below.

Tori Amos – “Shush”

Tori sets the scene for her 18th studio album (In Times of Dragons, out May 1) with this pensive opening song. Here we find her processing; one of many women seething over the things we’ve been hearing while also questioning one’s own role in the mess and wondering if you can come out the other side intact. (Sidebar — is the line “can I live through this? Courtney, thank you” a reference to Courtney Love? As in, the rumored “Professional Widow” Courtney Love? Truly, a song of solidarity.) A cathartic listen. Can’t wait to hear Tori bring this story to life at the Met on Aug. 1! 

Kim Gordon – “PLAY ME”

This sexy yet sinister title track introduces an album full of songs that are simultaneously entrancing and unsettling. Pop-minded producer Justin Raisen’s textured beats paired with Gordon’s art-rock vocal delivery make for a spellbinding result. Sometimes groovy, sometimes jarring, always provocative … one thing’s for sure; Kim is 72 and releasing some of the best music of her storied career! Other highlights on this album (out now) are “NOT TODAY” and “BUSY BEE,” which features Dave Grohl on drums.

Parlor Greens – “Eat Your Greens”

Sometimes I don’t want to hear anyone, and I just want to dance. You too? Check out this “heavy instrumental” side project from trio drummer Tim Carman (GA-20), guitarist Jimmy James (True Loves, formerly Delvon Lamarr Organ Trio), and organist Adam Scone (Scone Cash Players, The Sugarman 3). While I haven’t confirmed, the title seems like a reference to “Green Onions” by Booker T. & the M.G.’s — their new album Emeralds (out now) boasts the same excellent vibes. 

Kacey Musgraves – “Dry Spell”

What’s not to love about this fun little tongue-in-cheek country number? The guitar and bass arrangement, fit for a lonely cowboy western film soundtrack, provide the perfect bed of music for her thinly veiled innuendos that are ironically racy for a song about being, uh, inactive. It’s clever, it’s catchy, it’s Kacey! We’ll hear more from The Middle of Nowhere when it arrives May 1.