I don't have a precise list of everything that I thought was great but the other day I started a note on my phone where I wrote some album names down and then yesterday I went through and created some award categories for said albums. In my head it makes sense but the more I look at it the less it makes sense but also who cares...
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.
This album is incredibly short and also perfect.
Artist who I learned about from a feature and then listened to their album a ton
Mereba - The Breeze Grew A Fire
I really loved JID's album God Does Like Ugly. I listened to it a ton. However, on an album that I listened to a ton I listened to the song "Of Blue" featuring Mereba a double ton. Then I listened to her album non-stop.
Album I had to stop myself from over again so as not to burn out
Olivia Dean - The Art Of Loving
Love her previous album a lot a lot so I was nervous about how I would feel about her new album. Turns out I had nothing to worry about. Her music videos are fantastic.
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.
My friend Anthony sent me a clip from the Podcast "Hardlore" where one of the dudes was also impressed by this bands shredding. This album is really fun.
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. This became a go to start and end my day album.
My Album of the year
(i know... boring category name)
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.
So there is some stuff I loved. There was a ton more but rather than be exhaustive I thought I'd try to jot a few things down. If you've got a list send it my way.
Ok bye!