A Few Favorites from ‘25

I’ve never been one for “Bsst of …” lists, but I will concede to seeing their value. To that end, I’ll rattle off a few records that captured my attention in 2025.

In the interest of saving (my) time, I’ll just put a sentence or two behind my picks. I reviewed every record I mention here, so I encourage you to go back into the archives for more detail.

So, without further ado, here we go.

WE LOST THE SEA, A Single Flower. As heavy as post-rock gets. Deep, growly, and emotional.

HEDVIG MOLLESTAD TRIO, Bees in the Bonnet. Raw, aggressive, and wide open virtuosity.

TORTOISE, Touch. Veteran post-rockers bring the past to their future and make it sound fresh.

VERNON REID, Hoodoo Telemetry. Living Colour’s guitarist lets it all hang out in highly eclectic solo outing.

JOHNATHAN BLAKE, My Life Matters. It swings, it grooves, it exudes social consciousness. Top-tier Jazz.

BEAT, Live. The eighties King Crimson fan’s dream come true. As fun as it gets with nice added twists.

LUNG, The Swankeeper. Cello, drums, and brilliant songwriting. A truly honest musical work.

MOGWAI, The Bad Fire. Liquid, molten post-rock from one of the best bands in the genre.

DEBORAH HOLLAND, I Made It This Far. Reflective and personal, a terrific singer/songwriter contemplates her station in life with wit and sincerity.