TP2025

Tumultuous times make good music. This here is a soundtrack to last year's tumult.

All songs were released or re-released in 2025, except when I break that one rule.

Seun Kuti, Egypt 80, De la Soul - Sand Well Well. Kuti’s kids have filled some big shoes. This record has such a groove and this song offers an exquisite visit from De La Soul. Leave ‘em wanting more, gentlemen. 

Gypsy Caravan - Soweto Mujibha. This track from Roots Rocking Zimbabwe: The Modern Sound of Harare Townships 1975–1980 is a salute to mujibhas: young, low-level runners/assistants for soldiers engaged in guerrilla warfare uprisings. 

Mungo’s Hi Fi, Solo Banton - Bubble N Wine. This compilation arrives about 20 years after the first Sound System Champions. Scotland and Jamaica make a fine pair. Thanks to my pal Adam and KEXP for the introduction some years back.  

Little Simz w/ Obongjayar - Flood. She’s absolutely on top of the rap game. And Obongjayar is having quite a year. They sound so good together. Seen at Fox (Oakland)

Billy Woods - STAR87. Woods has become a nearly annual participant in these lists, delivering perfect lines with casual abandon. This album is spooooooky. 

Obongjayar w/ Little Simz - Talk Olympics. What’d I say above? Such a sweet pairing. 

Tropical Fuck Storm - Goon Show. “It's the golden age of assholes and the triumph of disgrace…” Song of the year. Seen at the Chapel. 

Upchuck - Fried. The crowd at this Rickshaw show was gloriously eclectic. Now three records in, I hope this band lasts ‘cause I’m curious where these two-tone Atlanta skatepunks take their sound.

Split System - No Cops in Heaven. Second-best song of 2025.

Mclusky - Unpopular Parts of a Pig. I was prepared to let this band go. But they reformed and, frankly, still deliver exactly what I want out of hardcore. 

Claimed Choice - Outcasts. This comes from the year’s best record. Thanks to Tim for bringing them and a host of other terrific French bands to SF in 2025. I think this show was at Killowatt. Maybe Knockout?

Alien Nosejob - I Still Call This Punk Scene My Home. Perfect pace. Jake Robertson is in 100 stupidly named bands. Hard to keep track. I'm glad I found this ode. 

Sex Mex - Fucking it Up. The names just keep getting worse, right? It’s so embarrassing. And yet, this record of heartbroken synth-punk is charming. 

The Cords - Yes It's True. Late addition to my list. When brought to my attention, I simply couldn't ignore the perfection of these twee sisters from Scotland.

1-800-Mikey - Lost in Translation. Another haphazardly named Aussie band. It’s an affliction down there (Radio Birdman, Eddy Current Suppression Ring, etc.). I love Michael Barker’s low-fi heartwarmers.

The Lovely Eggs - The Grind. More synthy sounds, this time from the UK. This married duo appeared on my faves a few years ago (in collaboration with Amyl & the Sniffers).

Chime Oblivion - Neighborhood Dog. This band includes the drummer David Barbarossa (Adam & the Ants and Bow Wow Wow), John Dwyer (Osees), and HL Nelly. It’s an oddball nod to the Mclaren era of punk.  

Thee Headcoats - If People Don't Like It (It Must Be Good). This song sums up his ethos quite gentlemanly. Both Thee Headcoats and Headcoatees released terrific new music this year.

Husker Du - Books About UFOs. A newly released live version of one of the great songs in rock n roll history from what I think is Husker Du’s finest record (we can debate over beers). Nothing more to say. It’s just so perfect. 

Sharp Pins - Takes So Long. Beatle-ly Jangle Pop from Chicago. 

Wire - Dot Dash. Goddamn, I don’t know how people nab these Record Store Day limited releases. This one was sold out everywhere I looked. I was obsessed with 4 or 5 bands this year, but none more than Wire. 

The Boys Next Door - Night Watchman. Fig A. obsession: Nick Cave’s teenage output. This song is the first on this year’s list that wasn’t released or re-released this year. I broke my own rule. But it took a while to do so. 

Pavement - Date w/ Ikea. I point to this tune more than any other as a representation of 90s rock. It was re-released this year on a strange new compilation. I'm not sure what provoked this repackaging (commerce, I presume), but I'm happy to have the opportunity to include one of my favorite songs from my collegiate years. 

Saya Gray - Thus is Why (I don’t Spring 4 Love). Canadian Bjork. This record is bananas. Just listen to what’s going on in this song. Bravely done, Ms. Gray.

Natalie Bergman - My Home is Not In This World. I don’t love everything she does, but her new record features the specters of Spector and Gordy. Neato-soul.  

Jesca Hoop - The Coming. She’s appeared before. Found by Tom Waits in Santa Rosa, guess she’s becoming a star… but not by pandering. Her songs are weird. This sparse one builds and builds and… then resets. Interesting. 

Tom Waits - Come On Up To The House. So, this one breaks my rule, but when it appeared in the credits of Wake Up, Dead Man… well, it was welcome. Also, he was mentioned above, so...

Haley Heynderickx + Max Garcia Conover - Song for Alicia. The way Max mumbles his way into this epic is amazing. Alicia Rodríguez was convicted as an enemy of the state under Reagan. She was pardoned by Clinton (following recommendations from Carter and Tutu). The USA has always been the same, but that doesn't mean it always will be. In nation years, we're still an underdeveloped preteen. Puberty is a slog.

Lankum - Bear Creek. The best, most unexpected live show I saw in 2025 was Lankum, barefoot and strenuously well-rehearsed at the Great American Music Hall. This song was played near the end of the show, and there’s a moment (3:27) when it pauses before the harmonium really kicks in. It’s subtle on record, but at GAMH that night, the shift in sonic intensity was almost breathtaking. Tim uttered, “FUUUUUCK” at the time. Earned.   

Irish folk music exists to get through hard times. Keep dancing, friends.

Peace & Love, Todd