10. Bob Mould. Headliner of Smooch, leader of Sugar, all around amazing dude 9. Pulp is back! After 100 years they return with one of the best albums of 2025 8. Nightbus. This record came out of nowhere for me and I just LOVE the moody Chromatics meet Beach House vibes. 7. Nation of Language. Of course Nation of Language, every record they've ever done end up in my top 10 for good reason 6. Obongjayar. Just one of the most moody, cool and interesting records of the year 5. The Cure. I thought their album last year was the album of the year so having an extensive remix release? It's so good I bought 150 of them and sent to my record club outside of the schedule of albums last year. 4. Wet Leg. They are 2 for 2 at KEXP for listener's album of the year. 3. Geese. Easily could have been my album of the year. I for one LOVE the hype. We need more hype for unique and independent rock 2. Deep Sea Diver. Always a favorite, as people, as music makers, as Seattle residents. 1. Suzzallo (See Deep Sea Diver). Also, Rocky sat at our dining room table a while back as we all had dinner together and he talked about this plan he had to put down the acoustic guitar and plug in to make this record in tribute to the horrific loss his family faced. He also said it was part of his healing. He has helped a lot of people heal with this album. When the band came out as a surprise at Death and Music this year, I laughed while I cried. It was just beautiful. Wishing you all a Happy New Year.

Not sure if anyone else on this list is here in Portland, but I have an extra ticket to Monday's show if anyone is interested. If so, it's yours, no charge. SOLD OUT: Austra Mississippi Studios January 26, 2026 8:00 PM

Curious how people are actually listening right now. I play music for people in a room, in a box, sometimes in my own home. When you put on new music, are you Walking? Driving? Cooking? Lying on the floor?? At work with one earbud in. There’s no wrong answer. Just interested in the habits.

I have a habit of telling literally anyone, including the Safeway team that picks our online order for pickup every week, about some band or song that I love. I'm glad they are cool with that. (screenshot from my wife chatting with them this morning-I think this was the kid who I was encouraging to check out TeZATalks.)

I've considered doing a Morning Show about this but I only have 3 hours. It would take me 3 months. So mine was 16 years old, Jane's Addiction with Mary's Danish opening at Eastern Washington University. I remember walking in to "Coming Down the Mountain" and seeing bodies flying in the air, everyone wearing black, just absolute MAYHEM and all I wanted to do was more of this! I stayed out the pit that day and just stood there in awe to be seeing and hearing the music from a band I loved. I was HOOKED. I think they played 30 minutes because Perry was a mess but I didn't know any better and in fact was shocked when I saw a band play longer! Also first show in Seattle? Pixies. Moore Theater.