I don't really have a precise list of everything that I thought was great but I did sit down for a bit to create some categories and some winners.
Band who I was in no way counting on making brand really good album in 2025
(This award is also know as the "Maximo Park" award for their 2020 album "Nature Always Wins".)
The Wombats - Oh! The Ocean
I first heard The Wombats from the British tv show The Inbetweeners which
a.) was very adolescent and
b.) very well may not not hold up.
However, at the time The Wombats made music that fit in well in a "very adolescent" show but who's song were perhaps a bit more heady than everything else on the soundtrack. Imagine my suprise when they're still making quality songs about existential dread.
Album that reminded me of my love of Craig David
Pink Pantheress - Fancy That
I feel like YouTube was really hunting me down with this one. I eventually caved and watched a video. Early 2000s UK vibes is a direct line to my heart and while I believe Pink Pantheress very much transcends Craig David I do feel like there is a healthy dash of Craig David in the mix here.
Artist who I learned about from a feature and then listened to their album a ton
Mereba - The Breeze Grew A Fire
I only just learned about Mereba via her feature on JID's "Of Blue". Been a big fan ever since.
Album I had to stop myself from over again so as not to burn out
Olivia Dean - The Art Of Loving
Her music videos are super on point and this album is just great.
Album(s) that I kind of forget about and then end up putting on all the time
(hmmm.. I don't love how that category sounds as it seems like I'm being kind of mean... I don't mean it like that)
Pool Kids - Easier Said Than Done
I saw Pool Kids as part of a four band bill last year where I was mainly there for the band before them. I knew I could check out at anytime but I really enjoyed Pool Kids and wrote this in a thing that I never published.
I wasn’t quite sure what to make of [Pool Kids] but I could quickly see that they were extraordinary musicians. I feel like all young bands are now. Everyone can shred these days and it’s great. Their drummer in particular was incredibly impressive.
I played their album a lot this year.
Verity Den - Wet Glass
I stumbled upon Verity Den a bit ago via an internet radio station. I cannot for the life of me remember which one. I really enjoyed their self titled album so I was intrigued with whatever new thing they were putting out. I was caught off guard at first but quickly began playing this album all the time.
My Album of the year
The Tubs - Cotton Crown
This album also belongs in the "Album I had to stop myself from over again so as not to burn out" category but it mainly belongs here. I came to these guy via Ex-Void (r.i.p.) as the bands shared some members. And while I like the 2023 album Dead Meat it was Cotton Crown that made me a true believer. I've been telling everyone I can about this band and nerding out with like minded nerds. Give this one a spin for me. If you don't like it still friends. If you do like it then BFF.
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