Cass McCombs, “Missionary Bell” (2025)
Don’t tell him I said this, but Cass McCombs is always a welcome addition to anyone’s chill playlist.
Sofie Royer, “Auto” (2025)
I love catchy songs in languages I don’t speak because then I don’t have to worry about whether the lyrics are good or not.
Water From Your Eyes, “Playing Classics” (2025)
I can’t really put my finger on why I find them equal parts intriguing and annoying. But there’s no denying my excitement when this song comes on.
John Cale, “Gideon’s Bible” (2025)
Teach your children well! Which is to say that your children should know at least some John Cale songs.
Julian Cubillos, “Flesh & Blood” (2025)
Fine at the start, fabulous by the end.
Cate Le Bon, “About Time” (2025)
Didn’t think I would be excited about a new Cate Le Bon album, but here we are.
Peach Pit, “Your Long Black Hair (Full Band)” (2025)
I don’t normally go in for the qualified versions of songs: your “acoustic version” and whatnot. But this is one of the rare occasions when said qualified version is the superior one.
TOLEDO, “Amends” (2025)
God, I’m such a sucker for the trumpet-swollen emotional climax.
Lush, “500” (1995)
A subset of the sellout single is the “make it sound like Britpop” sound of the mid 90s. And as with the sellout single, nailing it is an art. Which, obviously, this does.
Perfume Genius, “Me & Angel” (2025)
Stating again for the record that Mike Hadreas has one button in my heart that only he can push. And he does. Like, every time.