We’re getting real close. It’s been an incredibly vital and fruitful year for music. I’ve bought as much jazz and experimental records as I have anything, which made me think I should cut these lists up into separate posts. Making a top 50 with everything together seemed daunting, so splitting them up made it a bit easier to cull through everything and make ranking records not so much of a chore.
Of course, this was also done so I could then go to those top 10 lists and then make the ULTIMATE top ten of the year. So stick around, there’s going to be one more top ten list that will be the best of the best…of the best.
Right now you’re jumping into indie bands, metal bands, pop-ish bands, and more of the post-rock/psych rock/Krautrock worlds. So thanks for sticking with me throughout this little list “experiment” of mine. Check out what I’ve got in store below.
10. Edena Gardens : Dispossessed
“On the band’s new album, titled Dispossessed, it seems the Danish trio has found a kind of transcendent middle ground. The dystopian tones and chugging rhythms seem to have found a peaceful medium. The album showcases the band’s willingness to get lost in a groove and allow their bluesier side to emerge. Nicklas Sørensen comes out sounding like a guitarist’s guitarist, giving us ample blues power while keeping it all fresh, loose, and atmospheric. The rhythm section of Rude and Skøtt keep a rock solid foundation, allowing things to get wily at times, but never lose sight of the musical center. Dispossessed sees Edena Gardens in fine form, and evolving.“
“One of the absolute highlights for me is the sunny, dream-like “Vanishing Point”. A slow build over shimmering guitars and cascading drums, you can’t help but get lost in the song’s hazy, swirling sonic world. You can see miles of desert road ahead and a mirage that beckons you to come closer. There are many moments like that on this record, but this one breaks the mold.” – J Hubner
9. Sharon Van Etten & The Attachment Theory : Self-Titled
“We now have Sharon Van Etten & The Attachment Theory. The first for Van Etten’s collaborative band The Attachment Theory, which includes Jorge Balbi (drums, machines), Devra Hoff (bass, vocals), and Teeny Lieberson (synth, piano, guitar). This feels like a “band” album, as opposed to Van Etten going into the studio with a producer and writing a record for studio musicians to create for her. It’s a buzzing, dark, engaging rock record that would have fit on some college rock radio from the 80s being played between Joy Division and The Cure.“
“From the smartphone-dragging “Idiot Box” to the Blondie disco-punk of “I Can’t Imagine(Why You Feel This Way)” to the alluring, paranoid drive of “Somethin’ Ain’t Right”, Van Etten and her Attachment Theory sounds locked in and right at home in their candle-lit post-punk world. Maybe the most striking track is the Siouxsie Sioux meets Till Tuesday “Southern Life(What It Must Be Like)”, a hazy, dream-like early 80s banger with Van Etten leaning into some serious Janes Addiction, Aimee Mann love.” – J Hubner
8. The Psychic Circle : Wizards of the Watchtower
“The Psychic Circle is the U.K. psych/prog project of Tom McDowell(compositions/synths/organs) and Jack Harris(guitar/bass). Since 2020 the band has released three LPs ranging from acid-tinged psych rock to proggier tendencies, as well as touches of the 70s Giallo scores of Goblin and Fabio Frizzi. All of those elements come together into something quite unique, singular, and sinister.”
“This record plays like a soundtrack to some DnD fantasy score. You can almost imagine scouring some castle’s dungeon looking for treasure or some ancient sword with powers beyond the human mind. “Sword Against Sorcery”, “Mystic Metamorphosis”, and “Echoes of the Shadow Realm” tell a tale, and a dark one. And one with lots of killer riffs and dark magic. But also, killer riffs. And title track “Wizards of the Watchtower” might be the tightest, grooviest rocker on here with its killer psych strut. And if you close your eyes you’d swear you were hearing the great “Sails of Charon” by Scorpions. All that’s missing Uli Roth’s killer guitar solo.” –J Hubner
7. Viagra Boys : Viagr Aboys
“Overweight freaks ride around on wheelchairs/Motorized by electric motors made by goblins/In a factory overseas” opens “Man Made Of Meat”, which brings us into the record with a sloppy groove and nonchalant strut. “The Bog Body” brings another Swedish band to mind in The Hives. A messier, sweatier version of the suit and tie punk revivalists. There’s a grime that lays over the production, giving the song an aged quality. “Uno II” has a more laid back, yet ominous feel. Echoing flute in the break gives the song an air of mystery. “Pyramid of Health” has a wonky 90s alternative sound. In-particular Marcy Playground’s “Sex and Candy” comes to mind in the song’s sleepy swagger.” – J Hubner
6. Kronstad 23 : Sommermørket
“Norway’s Kronstad 23 make music with a toolbox full of influences, vibes, and moods. Songs ranging from “Electric Miles” vibes to the hard-hitting grooves of Fela Kuti to the expanse of post-rock. The four-piece -which consists of Øyvind Vie Berg (keyboards), Aleksander Tøsdal Tveit(guitar), Eirik Rømcke(bass) and Hans Christian Dalgaard (drums)- make songs that feel big, urgent, and raw. It’s the sound of progressive jazz of the early 70s colliding in Berlin with the German electronic movement, then heading to Nigeria to jam with Fela Kuti and the Africa 70 for the Na Poi sessions.“
“You feel a spontaneity when you drop the needle on Sommermørket. A sense of musical vitality and exploration, as if there’s an invisible guide which these musicians are following. Intuitive musical twists and turns which get more impressive with each passing minute. “Dølgsmål” opens the album in subtle riffs and changes, quietly bringing us into Kronstad 23’s world. A killer groove opens halfway through and the whole vibe of the song turns cinematic; ominous synth tones bring a kind of sinister feel overall. In contrast, “Cæsar” stays understated with a tribal rhythm and a slow build throughout. There’s touches of Mogwai and Tortoise here, an absolute mood piece. “Trosten” sits in a sunnier disposition; not so much optimistic but maybe just basking in the fact we’ve lived to see another sunrise.” – J Hubner
5. Jeff Tweedy : Twilight Override
“Jeff Tweedy’s usual vibe on his solo work is quiet acoustic songs ornamented with keys, piano, bass and drums. They land more in the low key bracket of Wilco vibes. Twilight Override has plenty of those tracks, but it veers closer to Jeff’s album as Tweedy titled Sukierae. That album was more open to noisy guitar sprawls and pop-oriented melodies. Twilight Override has it all, and nearly two hours worth.“
“Songs like “Love Is For Love”, “Over My Head(Everything Goes)”, and “Cry Baby Cry” are the breezy, minor key songs that would have sat comfortably on albums like Warm and Love Is The King, while noisier fare like “Mirror”, “Better Song”, and the fantastic “Lou Reed Was My Babysitter” will thrill all of those fans of “Kicking Television” or his Loose Fur output. “Feel Free” is a seven minute meditation on the world at large. Do what you feel. Feel free.”
“At first glance a lot of these songs sound similar. Similar tempos, acoustic guitars, and Tweedy’s conversational vocal delivery. But repeated listens will reveal inventive production, sounds, and a sense of unencumbered creativity. Twilight Override is a masterclass in songwriting and an epic mission statement.” – J Hubner
4. Panda Bear : Sinister Grift
““Praise” opens on a reverberating snare bringing King Tubby to mind. But the dub-isms are few and far between here. Instead we’re presented with straight up beach vibes and sunshine harmonies for miles. There’s a timeless quality that is hard to find these days. “Anywhere but Here” has the feel of those classic vocal bands from the 50s and 60s, and an almost spiritual heaviness. That is if you worship long days on the beach and nights listening to the waves roll in. “50mg” has a reggae vibe to it with its swinging rhythm and hazy feel.“
“Sinister Grift is an album that can be playing in the background while friends converse in the backyard with beers in hand and the grill smoking. But it reveals deeper layers with repeated listens. “Just As Well” sounds like Lee “Scratch” Perry covering Joe Walsh’ “A Life Of Illusion”. “Elegy For Noah Lou” runs over 6 minutes and harkens back to the more experimental Young Prayer days, while closer “Defense” ends things on a slow groove guitar track with some six-string help from Cindy Lee.” – J Hubner
3. Deafheaven : Lonely People With Power
“After the divisive 2021 album Infinite Granite where the band made an almost shriek-free, almost full on shoegaze/dream pop album complete with front and center melody driven vocals, Deafheaven return to much heavier territory on Lonely People With Power. It feels like a return to form on the surface, but this album continues to evolve Deafheaven’s sound. Whether you hear it or not.“
“Lonely People With Power brings the metal full-on. From the speed metal fury of “Revelator” to the blast beat fury of “Body Behavior” and it’s almost post-punk attitude in the vocals. “Winona” starts out in metal mode, but gives us a quiet dream pop interlude before ending in fury. But there’s also moments of quiet, subdued contemplation. “The Garden Route” slows things down, bringing metal riffs but there’s a sense of melancholy in the delivery. The beautiful “Amethyst” is the centerpiece with its over 8-minute runtime and epic build from spoken word vocals to a storm of guitars and shrieks to the calm after the storm.” – J Hubner
2. Liam Kazar : Pilot Light
“Liam Kazar’s music harkens back to the times when guys like Tom Petty, Jackson Browne, and Warren Zevon were on the radio and putting out great songs that would ultimately end up timeless. Adults making adult music, and somehow dominating the radio dial. Songs like “Didn’t I”, “Listening”, and “Try Again” combine emotional heft, intricate musicianship, and storytelling into something that feels easy to access and universal. Alex G, Blake Mills, and MJ Lenderman do very similar things. Kazar is right there with them. Closer “Next Time Around” captures the soul and gentle sway of Lowell George, both with Little Feat and his fantastic only solo LP.” – J Hubner
And number one….
Causa Sui : In Flux
“The Circus Is Back” is our entry point, and for being just under two minutes it makes its point. Flowing guitar jam with rolling drums and ethereal keys, it’s the perfect introduction the band’s new trip. “Milkweed’s Pod” swerves and grooves between Grateful Dead improv and the Pacific Northwest psych jams of Carlton Melton and Eternal Tapestry. The organ has Ray Manzarek vibes, and I’m here for it. Causa Sui aren’t afraid to flip the vibes on their head, and the synth-heavy album closer “Spree” is proof of that. It brings to mind past El Paraiso Records releases like Justin Pinkertons’s Aak’ab and Jonas Munk’s own Absorb Fabric Cascade.”
“There’s not a bad note played here. And while I love the epic 16-minute “Astral Shores” and all its jam glory; or the hazy, southern Cali mood of “Boogie Lord’s Revenge” I can’t stop listening to “Silver In The Gathering Light”. It’s an absorbing and optimistic slice of cosmic delights, bringing Causa Sui’s musical output together into one magical musical moment. Simply stunning. And “Modelo” somehow takes the spirit of “Riders On The Storm” and pulls us from some Cali desert death dream and puts us into a cosmic journey.” – J Hubner
We’re almost there. Tune in Christmas Eve guys and I’ll have my last word on the year of music 2025. My absolute favorite top ten albums of 2025.
See you soon.
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