I always look forward to this post! I used to be an indie music nerd, but I have lost steam over the years and have to push myself to get out of the habit of falling back into my familiar go-tos. This list always inspires me to get out of that rut!
This year, I decided to mix things up and listen to the playlist first and then read your description, which I highly recommend.
Thanks for adding music to the Bulwark culture section ha … looking forward to checking these out … you caught two of my favorites this year, Clipse and Viagra Boys!!! Sooo good.
I know that you always say that this is your least viewed article of the year, but this is the one that I look forward to the most.
As always I'm nowhere near cool enough to have heard of any of this music (except Oasis- so jealous you got to Manchester, one of my besties was at that gig and loved it).
I'm actually curious if you've ever gotten into Kneecap (watch their biopic, if you haven't because it's rad) not sure if celtic rap is up your alley, but they're like the one "cool" band that I'm still into!
I also love Tyler Childers, one of his songs Follow You To Virgie makes me cry every time!
What do you mean no one reads this? The reason the Bulwark podcast is so much better than Ezra or the Atlantic podcasts is because of the song at the end. Just like a cherry on top.
Due to this list I found two new bands I enjoy listening to. 1) Geese… based on your recommendation. 2) Goose… because I initially asked Siri to play music by Goose instead of Geese.
I've tried to write reviews of my favorite songs before, and it's super hard! I appreciate that all your descriptions make me want to listen to the songs.
I suppose it doesn't help that my go-to genre is metal. It's hard to write reviews of a definitionally overblown genre without sounding equally overblown, but without the epic sounds to go with the written words.
And I'll take this opportunity to mention I love when I can listen to the podcast audio, because the vibe at the end is always great. I nabbed a Lucinda Williams song from that. And a couple from this list.
I always love when people are passionate about music, so I'm going to look forward to your list each year.
If you are at all metal-interested, maybe check out Bloodywood. Try "Aaj." Combines metal (clean and harsh vocal), rap, and Indian instruments (flute and drum).
I was at the first Oasis show in NY (NJ, actually) and it lived up to the hype. I have my beef with Oasis (the lyrics are awful), but it was a joy. The Eras tour for 50-somethings is an apt description. Also, in 2025 I saw Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds at The Anthem and it was church. We need more Nick Cave in these times, and he and the gang delivered the goods.
Thanks for this. I find that I discover a lot of new music via television shows -- writers and producers are really using music beautifully -- and I look forward to curated playlists such as this to help me out.
Thanks, Tim! I haven’t heard Viagra Boys before - I spent the afternoon listening to this album a few times through while taking down Christmas lights. I go a little overboard, so I expect I’ll make my way through a few others on this list before everything is packed away. I’ve found a bunch of new bands through your out-tros, but this is way easier than hitting pause and mashing lyrics into gemini to figure out what you’re playing. 🙂
Sweet - thank you, Tim! I had fun scrolling through these and becoming acquainted with some new (to me) artists. I am guilty of returning to my old favorites (Los Lobos, Prince, The Who) when I wanna dance around the house. Now I have some fresh vibes. x.
If you like Lifeguard, check out the new Sharp Pins record "Balloon Balloon Balloon". Killer artsy guitar indie pop (a la Guided By Voices). And they share member(s) with Lifeguard
Tim, you are a master manipulator. Not only do I have to delve into the music and references, I have to read the previous 5 years' of columns you wrote! Happy New Year! Please honor your resolution to take more time off this year to relax and refresh. Guest hosts can be found, so please don't let the shiite wear you down.
I tried with Geese, I really did. I heard them on the radio and immediately thought, "What the Temu Van Morrison fuck is this?" Then you raved so I thought I'd go listen to the whole album. Nope, still Temu Van Morrison and if this is rock I weep for the youth.
Thanks for taking the time to share what music moved you in 2025. I agree, can’t stop listening to Geese!
I'm not that into music, but enjoyed the picks.
Truthfully, I read this to give Tim support and help him get by with a little help from his fans.
I always look forward to this post! I used to be an indie music nerd, but I have lost steam over the years and have to push myself to get out of the habit of falling back into my familiar go-tos. This list always inspires me to get out of that rut!
This year, I decided to mix things up and listen to the playlist first and then read your description, which I highly recommend.
Thanks for adding music to the Bulwark culture section ha … looking forward to checking these out … you caught two of my favorites this year, Clipse and Viagra Boys!!! Sooo good.
I know that you always say that this is your least viewed article of the year, but this is the one that I look forward to the most.
As always I'm nowhere near cool enough to have heard of any of this music (except Oasis- so jealous you got to Manchester, one of my besties was at that gig and loved it).
I'm actually curious if you've ever gotten into Kneecap (watch their biopic, if you haven't because it's rad) not sure if celtic rap is up your alley, but they're like the one "cool" band that I'm still into!
I also love Tyler Childers, one of his songs Follow You To Virgie makes me cry every time!
What do you mean no one reads this? The reason the Bulwark podcast is so much better than Ezra or the Atlantic podcasts is because of the song at the end. Just like a cherry on top.
Tim-I read this. One extra reader for your least read column of the year. And yes, I actually found some new artists to check out. Thank you!!
Due to this list I found two new bands I enjoy listening to. 1) Geese… based on your recommendation. 2) Goose… because I initially asked Siri to play music by Goose instead of Geese.
but do you scrobble? (last.year >> wrapped)
I've tried to write reviews of my favorite songs before, and it's super hard! I appreciate that all your descriptions make me want to listen to the songs.
I suppose it doesn't help that my go-to genre is metal. It's hard to write reviews of a definitionally overblown genre without sounding equally overblown, but without the epic sounds to go with the written words.
And I'll take this opportunity to mention I love when I can listen to the podcast audio, because the vibe at the end is always great. I nabbed a Lucinda Williams song from that. And a couple from this list.
I always love when people are passionate about music, so I'm going to look forward to your list each year.
If you are at all metal-interested, maybe check out Bloodywood. Try "Aaj." Combines metal (clean and harsh vocal), rap, and Indian instruments (flute and drum).
I was at the first Oasis show in NY (NJ, actually) and it lived up to the hype. I have my beef with Oasis (the lyrics are awful), but it was a joy. The Eras tour for 50-somethings is an apt description. Also, in 2025 I saw Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds at The Anthem and it was church. We need more Nick Cave in these times, and he and the gang delivered the goods.
Thanks for this. I find that I discover a lot of new music via television shows -- writers and producers are really using music beautifully -- and I look forward to curated playlists such as this to help me out.
Thanks, Tim! I haven’t heard Viagra Boys before - I spent the afternoon listening to this album a few times through while taking down Christmas lights. I go a little overboard, so I expect I’ll make my way through a few others on this list before everything is packed away. I’ve found a bunch of new bands through your out-tros, but this is way easier than hitting pause and mashing lyrics into gemini to figure out what you’re playing. 🙂
Sweet - thank you, Tim! I had fun scrolling through these and becoming acquainted with some new (to me) artists. I am guilty of returning to my old favorites (Los Lobos, Prince, The Who) when I wanna dance around the house. Now I have some fresh vibes. x.
If you like Lifeguard, check out the new Sharp Pins record "Balloon Balloon Balloon". Killer artsy guitar indie pop (a la Guided By Voices). And they share member(s) with Lifeguard
Tim, you are a master manipulator. Not only do I have to delve into the music and references, I have to read the previous 5 years' of columns you wrote! Happy New Year! Please honor your resolution to take more time off this year to relax and refresh. Guest hosts can be found, so please don't let the shiite wear you down.
I tried with Geese, I really did. I heard them on the radio and immediately thought, "What the Temu Van Morrison fuck is this?" Then you raved so I thought I'd go listen to the whole album. Nope, still Temu Van Morrison and if this is rock I weep for the youth.
My favorite album of the year was Astropical by Bomba estereo and Rawayana. I don't use spotify so i miss out on your playlists