Friday Playlist

I am putting the finishing touches on my Favorite Songs of 2025 list. Not sure if it will get posted before or after Christmas, but it is getting very close, my friends!

For this week’s playlist I’ll share the songs that were in the running for the final list but just missed.

“Afraid Of Guns” – Motorbike
Best new music from Cincinnati I heard this year.

“Charm” – The Men
Modern punk masters still have it.

“Avalanche” – Snocaps
The Crutchfield sisters’ triumphant return.

“Sports Gun” – Lawn
Those roaring guitars that sound like dive bombers are incredible.

“Born In The USA (Electric Nebraska)” – Bruce Springsteen
The mythical Electric Nebraska album was finally revealed this year and included this alternate take that channeled Neil Young and Credence Clearwater Revival.

“It’s A Mirror” – Perfume Genius
The latest evolution in musical and stylistic chameleon Mike Hadreas’ career.

“Dreams” – Jade Bird
It was tough to leave a song this gorgeous off the big list.

“The Feeling Is Gone” – The Horrors
Depeche Mode’s Violator updated for the 21st century.

“Bonnet Of Pins” – Matt Berninger
Who would have guessed Berninger’s solo work would sound exactly like The National?

“Angelus” – The Berries
The Berries’ debut album was filled with mellow, smoldering tracks like this that were all excellent, but ultimately too similar to garner a top 20 spot.

“Renegade” – Doves
The second album of Doves’ comeback was not quite as good as the first, but it’s still good to be getting new music from them.

“Light Night Mountains All That” – Ratboys
Every year there’s a song that comes out deep into the calendar that misses my favorites list and I end up regretting it. Here is this year’s nominee, the last song I struck from my top 20. Hopefully the new Ratboys album has something that earns a spot on my 2026 list.

“Christmas In Hollis” – Run-DMC
I’ll share a holiday playlist soon. Consider this the appetizer.