Jens Lekman, “Increasingly Obsolete” (2025)

I didn’t give this song enough love last year, so I’m making up for it. Like so many Jens Lekman songs, it’s a good song and then you listen to the lyrics and love it.

Slow Leaves, “Tired” (2026)

Nothing like a song that’s nothing but a great hook.

Man/Woman/Chainsaw, “Nosedive” (2026)

This is like a catalog of Things I Am A Sucker For.

Teenage Fanclub, “Cul de Sac” (2001)

I’m sorry I spent so much of my life without this whole album. Love it.

The American Analog Set, “We’re Computerizing and We Just Don’t Need You Anymore” (2001)

a) Gorgeous, and b) Hard not to see that title in Our Current Moment and think “Oh.”

MEMORIALS, “Life Could Be a Cloud” (2026)

It’s not easy to decide whether the loud part or the soft part is better. Well, okay. It’s the loud part. But the quiet part is beautiful.

The Brand New Heavies, “Dream On Dreamer” (1994)

On of those tracks that is totally of its time…and perfectly so. It’s aged perfectly.

The Style Council, “A Solid Bond In Your Heart” (1983)

Seeing Paul Weller in Blitz (a surprise!) gave me a renewed obsession with this song. That verse melody is perfect. PERFECT, I TELLS YA!

Meg Lui, “Elvis Queen” (2026)

Is it coincidence that this wonderfully summery track drops smack dab in the middle of summer? IF IT IS, DON’T TELL ME. I prefer to think magic.

Steve Gunn, “Shape of a Wave” (2026)

You: You overuse the word “lovely”.

Me: I USE IT EXACTLY WHEN IT IS APPROPRIATE, WHICH IS OFTEN.