1. The Tubs - Cotton Crown
Folk-punk, reimagined from the ground up. Members of Joanna Gruesome still bring the punk and dream pop elements from that band, but now Owen sings like Richard Thompson. I loved JG, but with this second Tubs album, they’re cooking like never before.
Folk-punk, reimagined from the ground up. Members of Joanna Gruesome still bring the punk and dream pop elements from that band, but now Owen sings like Richard Thompson. I loved JG, but with this second Tubs album, they’re cooking like never before.
December 24, 2025 at 12:32 PM
1. The Tubs - Cotton Crown
Folk-punk, reimagined from the ground up. Members of Joanna Gruesome still bring the punk and dream pop elements from that band, but now Owen sings like Richard Thompson. I loved JG, but with this second Tubs album, they’re cooking like never before.
Folk-punk, reimagined from the ground up. Members of Joanna Gruesome still bring the punk and dream pop elements from that band, but now Owen sings like Richard Thompson. I loved JG, but with this second Tubs album, they’re cooking like never before.
2. Rosalía - Lux
A staggering achievement. Rosalía has layered Latin and pop elements into a classical base, all pulled together into an opera suite by her staggering voice, singing across some dozen languages. You don’t even need to understand the lyrics to be moved by their power.
A staggering achievement. Rosalía has layered Latin and pop elements into a classical base, all pulled together into an opera suite by her staggering voice, singing across some dozen languages. You don’t even need to understand the lyrics to be moved by their power.
December 23, 2025 at 3:22 PM
2. Rosalía - Lux
A staggering achievement. Rosalía has layered Latin and pop elements into a classical base, all pulled together into an opera suite by her staggering voice, singing across some dozen languages. You don’t even need to understand the lyrics to be moved by their power.
A staggering achievement. Rosalía has layered Latin and pop elements into a classical base, all pulled together into an opera suite by her staggering voice, singing across some dozen languages. You don’t even need to understand the lyrics to be moved by their power.
3. Vundabar - Surgery and Pleasure
This trio has always stunned live but their records were comparatively sedate. With this one, though, they’ve finally gotten the bouncing, yelping, driving energy on record. One of the most electric albums of the year.
This trio has always stunned live but their records were comparatively sedate. With this one, though, they’ve finally gotten the bouncing, yelping, driving energy on record. One of the most electric albums of the year.
December 22, 2025 at 2:14 PM
3. Vundabar - Surgery and Pleasure
This trio has always stunned live but their records were comparatively sedate. With this one, though, they’ve finally gotten the bouncing, yelping, driving energy on record. One of the most electric albums of the year.
This trio has always stunned live but their records were comparatively sedate. With this one, though, they’ve finally gotten the bouncing, yelping, driving energy on record. One of the most electric albums of the year.
4. Anamanaguchi - Anyway
The chiptune band picks up guitars and pens an album full of joyful, boisterous power pop songs. The game sounds are still there, but this is an old-fashioned indie rock record, and a great one at that. If Weezer put this out in 2025 people would lose their goddamn minds.
The chiptune band picks up guitars and pens an album full of joyful, boisterous power pop songs. The game sounds are still there, but this is an old-fashioned indie rock record, and a great one at that. If Weezer put this out in 2025 people would lose their goddamn minds.
December 21, 2025 at 6:11 PM
4. Anamanaguchi - Anyway
The chiptune band picks up guitars and pens an album full of joyful, boisterous power pop songs. The game sounds are still there, but this is an old-fashioned indie rock record, and a great one at that. If Weezer put this out in 2025 people would lose their goddamn minds.
The chiptune band picks up guitars and pens an album full of joyful, boisterous power pop songs. The game sounds are still there, but this is an old-fashioned indie rock record, and a great one at that. If Weezer put this out in 2025 people would lose their goddamn minds.
5. Jane Remover - Revengeseekerz
More is more for Jane Remover. They combine rap, EDM, and hyperpop and glitch it out to hell and back. Under all the breaking glass effects and fuzz, though, are solid songs aching with emotion.
More is more for Jane Remover. They combine rap, EDM, and hyperpop and glitch it out to hell and back. Under all the breaking glass effects and fuzz, though, are solid songs aching with emotion.
December 20, 2025 at 7:15 PM
5. Jane Remover - Revengeseekerz
More is more for Jane Remover. They combine rap, EDM, and hyperpop and glitch it out to hell and back. Under all the breaking glass effects and fuzz, though, are solid songs aching with emotion.
More is more for Jane Remover. They combine rap, EDM, and hyperpop and glitch it out to hell and back. Under all the breaking glass effects and fuzz, though, are solid songs aching with emotion.
6. Wet Leg - Moisturizer
Another English duo! The hype is real, and this album proves their debut was not just a one-off. It expands their palette a bit beyond the poppy post-punk grooves of that record without ever deviating from the fundamentals that made it great.
Another English duo! The hype is real, and this album proves their debut was not just a one-off. It expands their palette a bit beyond the poppy post-punk grooves of that record without ever deviating from the fundamentals that made it great.
![The cover of "Moisturizer" by Wet Leg. It shows two white women in the corner of an otherwise bare carpeted room, with light filtering in through a closed curtain on the left. One of the women has long neon red hair with brown roots and is crouching down, her hands on the floor, regarding the viewer with a knowing sinister smile. She wears mismatched white socks, pulled up nearly to her knees; one has a zig-zag pattern and the other has "I [HEART] ME" on it four times. She's otherwise wearing a white sleeveless top and white shorts. The other woman in the shot is facing away from the viewer, sitting on the floor, in the corner. She's wearing a white tank top and blue jeans and has light brown hair that falls halfway down her back. She's hugging herself. Both women sport enormous press-on nails that recall the raptor claws in Jurassic Park.](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:xqxbekyqt3tnt2gjzrlhgond/bafkreifhpc4p3mlxx4axbaepuuq5rujufbtdosybwsbgqmud4ushuruibe@jpeg)
December 19, 2025 at 4:47 PM
6. Wet Leg - Moisturizer
Another English duo! The hype is real, and this album proves their debut was not just a one-off. It expands their palette a bit beyond the poppy post-punk grooves of that record without ever deviating from the fundamentals that made it great.
Another English duo! The hype is real, and this album proves their debut was not just a one-off. It expands their palette a bit beyond the poppy post-punk grooves of that record without ever deviating from the fundamentals that made it great.
7. Lambrini Girls - Who Let the Dogs Out
The year’s most undistilled punk album, an unapologetic throw-back to riot grrrl. Phoebe Lunny shouts about misogyny, workplace harassment, and gentrification over pummelling drums, snarling guitars, and thickest bassline you’ll hear all year.
The year’s most undistilled punk album, an unapologetic throw-back to riot grrrl. Phoebe Lunny shouts about misogyny, workplace harassment, and gentrification over pummelling drums, snarling guitars, and thickest bassline you’ll hear all year.
December 18, 2025 at 3:00 PM
7. Lambrini Girls - Who Let the Dogs Out
The year’s most undistilled punk album, an unapologetic throw-back to riot grrrl. Phoebe Lunny shouts about misogyny, workplace harassment, and gentrification over pummelling drums, snarling guitars, and thickest bassline you’ll hear all year.
The year’s most undistilled punk album, an unapologetic throw-back to riot grrrl. Phoebe Lunny shouts about misogyny, workplace harassment, and gentrification over pummelling drums, snarling guitars, and thickest bassline you’ll hear all year.
8. Model/Actriz - Pirouette
I loved their 2023 debut, and this is a great follow up in the same vein. They’re still pulling heavily from decades of goth influences, from Siouxsie to Xiu Xiu, but have distilled all that and forged it into a fierce and taut force of nature.
I loved their 2023 debut, and this is a great follow up in the same vein. They’re still pulling heavily from decades of goth influences, from Siouxsie to Xiu Xiu, but have distilled all that and forged it into a fierce and taut force of nature.
December 17, 2025 at 7:57 PM
8. Model/Actriz - Pirouette
I loved their 2023 debut, and this is a great follow up in the same vein. They’re still pulling heavily from decades of goth influences, from Siouxsie to Xiu Xiu, but have distilled all that and forged it into a fierce and taut force of nature.
I loved their 2023 debut, and this is a great follow up in the same vein. They’re still pulling heavily from decades of goth influences, from Siouxsie to Xiu Xiu, but have distilled all that and forged it into a fierce and taut force of nature.
9. The Beths - Straight Line Was a Lie
I struggle to describe The Beths beyond "they're just really good!" They continue their unstoppable streak on their fourth album. Heartbreaking lyrics, tight hooks, soaring melodies, it’s all here, and it all remains amazing.
I struggle to describe The Beths beyond "they're just really good!" They continue their unstoppable streak on their fourth album. Heartbreaking lyrics, tight hooks, soaring melodies, it’s all here, and it all remains amazing.
December 16, 2025 at 3:57 PM
9. The Beths - Straight Line Was a Lie
I struggle to describe The Beths beyond "they're just really good!" They continue their unstoppable streak on their fourth album. Heartbreaking lyrics, tight hooks, soaring melodies, it’s all here, and it all remains amazing.
I struggle to describe The Beths beyond "they're just really good!" They continue their unstoppable streak on their fourth album. Heartbreaking lyrics, tight hooks, soaring melodies, it’s all here, and it all remains amazing.
10. Saba & No ID - From the Private Collection of Saba & No ID
Chicago hip-hop vets who have nothing to prove drop an impeccable album of low-key great rap. No ID’s production laces in smooth and perfect R&B samples that perfectly support Saba’s endless flow.
Chicago hip-hop vets who have nothing to prove drop an impeccable album of low-key great rap. No ID’s production laces in smooth and perfect R&B samples that perfectly support Saba’s endless flow.
December 15, 2025 at 2:10 PM
10. Saba & No ID - From the Private Collection of Saba & No ID
Chicago hip-hop vets who have nothing to prove drop an impeccable album of low-key great rap. No ID’s production laces in smooth and perfect R&B samples that perfectly support Saba’s endless flow.
Chicago hip-hop vets who have nothing to prove drop an impeccable album of low-key great rap. No ID’s production laces in smooth and perfect R&B samples that perfectly support Saba’s endless flow.
11. Youth Lagoon - Rarely Do I Dream
Interlacing audio from home movies throughout this, his best album yet, Trevor Powers has crafted an achingly beautiful and haunting soundtrack to an idealized past that may never have existed.
Interlacing audio from home movies throughout this, his best album yet, Trevor Powers has crafted an achingly beautiful and haunting soundtrack to an idealized past that may never have existed.
December 14, 2025 at 7:09 PM
11. Youth Lagoon - Rarely Do I Dream
Interlacing audio from home movies throughout this, his best album yet, Trevor Powers has crafted an achingly beautiful and haunting soundtrack to an idealized past that may never have existed.
Interlacing audio from home movies throughout this, his best album yet, Trevor Powers has crafted an achingly beautiful and haunting soundtrack to an idealized past that may never have existed.
12. Hotline TNT - Raspberry Moon
The best band of the shoegaze revival improves on their debut with an album that very well may be remembered alongside seminal records by their influences. All of you on Spotify are seriously missing out on this one.
The best band of the shoegaze revival improves on their debut with an album that very well may be remembered alongside seminal records by their influences. All of you on Spotify are seriously missing out on this one.
December 14, 2025 at 2:52 AM
12. Hotline TNT - Raspberry Moon
The best band of the shoegaze revival improves on their debut with an album that very well may be remembered alongside seminal records by their influences. All of you on Spotify are seriously missing out on this one.
The best band of the shoegaze revival improves on their debut with an album that very well may be remembered alongside seminal records by their influences. All of you on Spotify are seriously missing out on this one.
13. Water from Your Eyes - It’s a Beautiful Place
This duo returns with an album that perfectly balances loud blasts, taut beats, and cool-to-the-point-of-indifference vocals. You'd think they didn't give a shit if the music didn’t show how much care obviously went into it. Only wish it were longer!
This duo returns with an album that perfectly balances loud blasts, taut beats, and cool-to-the-point-of-indifference vocals. You'd think they didn't give a shit if the music didn’t show how much care obviously went into it. Only wish it were longer!
December 12, 2025 at 4:42 PM
13. Water from Your Eyes - It’s a Beautiful Place
This duo returns with an album that perfectly balances loud blasts, taut beats, and cool-to-the-point-of-indifference vocals. You'd think they didn't give a shit if the music didn’t show how much care obviously went into it. Only wish it were longer!
This duo returns with an album that perfectly balances loud blasts, taut beats, and cool-to-the-point-of-indifference vocals. You'd think they didn't give a shit if the music didn’t show how much care obviously went into it. Only wish it were longer!
14. Annie DiRusso - Super Pedestrian
DiRusso has put out singles (and one EP) since 2017, and she delivers the goods on this remarkably assured debut album. Big guitar riffs from the 90s combine with an 00s sheen. Even at its most lightweight (“Good Ass Movie”), it’s still catchy as hell.
DiRusso has put out singles (and one EP) since 2017, and she delivers the goods on this remarkably assured debut album. Big guitar riffs from the 90s combine with an 00s sheen. Even at its most lightweight (“Good Ass Movie”), it’s still catchy as hell.
December 11, 2025 at 4:36 PM
14. Annie DiRusso - Super Pedestrian
DiRusso has put out singles (and one EP) since 2017, and she delivers the goods on this remarkably assured debut album. Big guitar riffs from the 90s combine with an 00s sheen. Even at its most lightweight (“Good Ass Movie”), it’s still catchy as hell.
DiRusso has put out singles (and one EP) since 2017, and she delivers the goods on this remarkably assured debut album. Big guitar riffs from the 90s combine with an 00s sheen. Even at its most lightweight (“Good Ass Movie”), it’s still catchy as hell.
15. Tunde Adebimpe - Thee Black Boltz
Pretty exactly what you want from a solo record. Adebimpe takes everything you love from TV on the Radio, his indelible voice, the pounding synths, and takes them in new directions. You’d never expect the slide guitar on “God Knows” to work. It does.
Pretty exactly what you want from a solo record. Adebimpe takes everything you love from TV on the Radio, his indelible voice, the pounding synths, and takes them in new directions. You’d never expect the slide guitar on “God Knows” to work. It does.
December 10, 2025 at 5:45 PM
15. Tunde Adebimpe - Thee Black Boltz
Pretty exactly what you want from a solo record. Adebimpe takes everything you love from TV on the Radio, his indelible voice, the pounding synths, and takes them in new directions. You’d never expect the slide guitar on “God Knows” to work. It does.
Pretty exactly what you want from a solo record. Adebimpe takes everything you love from TV on the Radio, his indelible voice, the pounding synths, and takes them in new directions. You’d never expect the slide guitar on “God Knows” to work. It does.
16. Sydney Sprague - Peak Experience
What if you made an album where it was all perfect lines? “Too high at the fair field, going fast as fuck on the ferris wheel.” And she’s got the hooks to back it up. This is the first time I’ve really noticed Sprague, but I’ll be listening closely from now on.
What if you made an album where it was all perfect lines? “Too high at the fair field, going fast as fuck on the ferris wheel.” And she’s got the hooks to back it up. This is the first time I’ve really noticed Sprague, but I’ll be listening closely from now on.
December 9, 2025 at 4:34 PM
16. Sydney Sprague - Peak Experience
What if you made an album where it was all perfect lines? “Too high at the fair field, going fast as fuck on the ferris wheel.” And she’s got the hooks to back it up. This is the first time I’ve really noticed Sprague, but I’ll be listening closely from now on.
What if you made an album where it was all perfect lines? “Too high at the fair field, going fast as fuck on the ferris wheel.” And she’s got the hooks to back it up. This is the first time I’ve really noticed Sprague, but I’ll be listening closely from now on.
17. My Son the Doctor - Glamours
This first album from the Brooklyn rockers elbows its way into your brain and refuses to let go, infusing a heavy Pavement influence with the energy and snark of a Blink-182. That and “Barry Bonds” has the funniest line of 2025.
This first album from the Brooklyn rockers elbows its way into your brain and refuses to let go, infusing a heavy Pavement influence with the energy and snark of a Blink-182. That and “Barry Bonds” has the funniest line of 2025.
December 8, 2025 at 4:18 PM
17. My Son the Doctor - Glamours
This first album from the Brooklyn rockers elbows its way into your brain and refuses to let go, infusing a heavy Pavement influence with the energy and snark of a Blink-182. That and “Barry Bonds” has the funniest line of 2025.
This first album from the Brooklyn rockers elbows its way into your brain and refuses to let go, infusing a heavy Pavement influence with the energy and snark of a Blink-182. That and “Barry Bonds” has the funniest line of 2025.
18. Cusp - What I Love Doesn’t Love Me Back
I always forget about Cusp and am utterly enchanted by their albums when I do listen. This sophomore effort doesn’t miss a step from their great debut. Good melodies, chill vibes, and catchy tunes.
I always forget about Cusp and am utterly enchanted by their albums when I do listen. This sophomore effort doesn’t miss a step from their great debut. Good melodies, chill vibes, and catchy tunes.
December 7, 2025 at 7:49 PM
18. Cusp - What I Love Doesn’t Love Me Back
I always forget about Cusp and am utterly enchanted by their albums when I do listen. This sophomore effort doesn’t miss a step from their great debut. Good melodies, chill vibes, and catchy tunes.
I always forget about Cusp and am utterly enchanted by their albums when I do listen. This sophomore effort doesn’t miss a step from their great debut. Good melodies, chill vibes, and catchy tunes.
19. Delivery - Force Majeure
Sometimes you just want a really good punk record, and this Australian group, led by Rebecca Allan and James Lynch, gives just that. They play with ripping energy, delivering shout-along choruses (as in the standout "What For?") without pretension or unnecessary frills.
Sometimes you just want a really good punk record, and this Australian group, led by Rebecca Allan and James Lynch, gives just that. They play with ripping energy, delivering shout-along choruses (as in the standout "What For?") without pretension or unnecessary frills.
December 7, 2025 at 3:03 AM
19. Delivery - Force Majeure
Sometimes you just want a really good punk record, and this Australian group, led by Rebecca Allan and James Lynch, gives just that. They play with ripping energy, delivering shout-along choruses (as in the standout "What For?") without pretension or unnecessary frills.
Sometimes you just want a really good punk record, and this Australian group, led by Rebecca Allan and James Lynch, gives just that. They play with ripping energy, delivering shout-along choruses (as in the standout "What For?") without pretension or unnecessary frills.
20. Sprints - All That Is Over
After the gut punch of their debut album last year, this follow-up dials the temperature back, lowering the intensity to a slow burn but broadening their emotional palette. The eventual bursts of fury are that much more powerful from the restraint that surrounds them.
After the gut punch of their debut album last year, this follow-up dials the temperature back, lowering the intensity to a slow burn but broadening their emotional palette. The eventual bursts of fury are that much more powerful from the restraint that surrounds them.
December 5, 2025 at 8:53 PM
20. Sprints - All That Is Over
After the gut punch of their debut album last year, this follow-up dials the temperature back, lowering the intensity to a slow burn but broadening their emotional palette. The eventual bursts of fury are that much more powerful from the restraint that surrounds them.
After the gut punch of their debut album last year, this follow-up dials the temperature back, lowering the intensity to a slow burn but broadening their emotional palette. The eventual bursts of fury are that much more powerful from the restraint that surrounds them.
Favorite albums of 2025! I agonized too much over this. My rankings shifted with every listen (aside from a solid top 3), but who needs a competition? It's all good music. Here are some great ones that just missed the top of the list. More on the top 20 records during the rest of the month.
December 4, 2025 at 8:30 PM
Favorite albums of 2025! I agonized too much over this. My rankings shifted with every listen (aside from a solid top 3), but who needs a competition? It's all good music. Here are some great ones that just missed the top of the list. More on the top 20 records during the rest of the month.
Sorry I'm late to work, I saw "melts like dairy" on my vegan cheese, involuntarily said "Just like Bart!" aloud, and had to go watch the Borth Sampson Monster Factory video again before leaving the house.
October 16, 2025 at 3:11 PM
Sorry I'm late to work, I saw "melts like dairy" on my vegan cheese, involuntarily said "Just like Bart!" aloud, and had to go watch the Borth Sampson Monster Factory video again before leaving the house.
@ryanboyd.bsky.social Smoking that shit that has you your signing emails
October 2, 2025 at 5:46 PM
@ryanboyd.bsky.social Smoking that shit that has you your signing emails
This image is a threat, Apple Music
September 5, 2025 at 4:24 PM
This image is a threat, Apple Music