The Go-Betweens, “On My Block” (1983)
Yes, it’s part of my recent obsession with them, but this song in particular is fascinating. It goes from an almost-too-angular spoken verse into a progressively catchy chorus.
Penguin Cafe Orchestra, “Perpetual Mobile” (1987)
It’s hard not to hear this song without putting some kind of marketing voiceover on it, but if you can resist that, you can appreciate its stunning beauty and complexity.
Beirut, “Tuanaki Atoll” (2025)
He’s still got it.
Black Country, New Road, “Besties” (2025)
I will be very curious to see how this album goes…
Mogwai, “Hi Chaos (2025)
Good song. The title is a little on-the-nose for the year, though.