Our Top 10 Lists have been named in honor of late Blog Director and DJ Clarence Ewing, who pioneered and published this annual feature for nearly a decade.
Our next list is from Andy Friedman. Please note, Andy's list is unranked.
10. Never Enough by Turnstile (Roadrunner)
Hailing from Baltimore, Maryland, Turnstile continues to redefine the boundaries of hardcore punk by infusing it with infectious pop melodies and experimental textures. Never Enough is a dynamic evolution of their sound, seamlessly blending gritty distortion with dreamy, ambient layers that make the heavier moments feel even more explosive. The album stands out for its genre-bending creativity, alternating between mosh-pit-ready anthems and surprisingly tender, atmospheric tracks that showcase the band’s impressive range.
Listen: Turnstile webstore
9. Shish by Portugal. The Man (Knick)
Originally from Wasilla, Alaska, and now based in Portland, this psychedelic rock outfit returns to their heavier, grittier roots with Shish. Stepping away from the polished pop of their recent hits, the band delivers a sharpened rock sound that explores themes of identity and survival with a raw, darker edge. The album is special for its "antipodal" shift, offering a dense and nostalgic sonic landscape that feels like a deliberate and triumphant reclamation of their earlier, more experimental style.
Listen: Bandcamp
8. Big City Life by Smerz (Escho)
This Norwegian duo, known for their unique blend of electronic and experimental pop, crafts a sonic world that feels like "polyphonic hopscotch" on their latest record. Big City Life captures the chaos and contradictions of modern urban living, mixing over-processed samples and beat machines with the energy of a rock band to create a sound that is both club-ready and deeply introspective. It is a brilliant, campy, and at times disorienting exploration of city rituals, thriving on the tension between glamor and raw, coarse reality.
Listen: Bandcamp
7. Eusexua by FKA Twigs (Atlantic)
The Cheltenham, UK-born artist delivers a powerful statement on liberation and connection with this electronic art-pop masterpiece, inspired heavily by the Prague techno scene. Eusexua is an immersive ode to the dancefloor, creating a spiritual and atmospheric experience that pulls the listener into a higher plane of existence. The album is special for its ability to marry the pounding, sweaty energy of club culture with Twigs’ signature ethereal vocals and vulnerability, resulting in a record that feels both intimate and massive.
Listen: FKA Twigs webstore
6. Magic, Alive! by McKinley Dickson (City Slang - Spacebomb)
Based in Chicago, this jazz-rap visionary constructs a vibrant and wholesome concept album that feels like a coming-of-age movie for the ears. Magic, Alive! features lush live instrumentation—blending funky bass, crisp drums, and swirling woodwinds—to tell a poignant story about grief, friendship, and the desire to bring a lost friend back to life. It stands out for its "Disney movie" quality of wonder and optimism, proving that hip-hop can be as gentle and anchoring as it is technically proficient.
Listen: Bandcamp
5. Tunnel Vision by Beach Bunny (Mom + Pop Music)
This Chicago indie-pop quartet delivers a polished and punchy collection of power-pop anthems that tackle the complexities of mental health and the human experience. Tunnel Vision maintains the band's signature upbeat energy while diving into deeper lyrical themes of anxiety and self-sabotage, all packed into tighter, shorter song structures. The album is a standout for its relatability and emotional clarity, balancing infectious, sun-soaked melodies with the weight of navigating an increasingly overwhelming world.
Listen: Bandcamp
4. Now Would Be A Good Time by Folk Bitch Trio (Jagjaguwar)
Hailing from Melbourne, Australia, this indie-folk trio makes a stunning debut with a record defined by its rich, three-part vocal harmonies and intimate storytelling. Now Would Be A Good Time captures the messy beauty of early adulthood, weaving together confessional lyrics about love and longing with sparse, acoustic arrangements that let their voices take center stage. It is a quietly monumental album that feels both timeless and refreshingly honest, offering a warm and candid look at the vulnerability of growing up.
Listen: Bandcamp
3. Ken Andi Habib by Freh Khodja (We Want Sounds)
Originally from Algeria, Freh Khodja’s work is brought back to the spotlight with this masterful reissue of a 1970s "lost classic" that bridges North African melodies with Western funk and jazz. The album is a vibrant fusion of cultural sounds, blending Arabic singing with Cape Verdean rhythms, reggae chops, and psychedelic pop grooves to create a truly global sonic tapestry. It is special for its historical significance and infectious energy, serving as a brilliant document of cultural self-determination that sounds as fresh and danceable today as it did decades ago.
Listen: Bandcamp
2. Percepticide: The Death of Reality by Pixel Grip (self-released)
This Chicago-based dark wave trio creates a hypnotic and unsettling soundtrack for the "death of reality" on their latest release. Percepticide blends the euphoria of club music with industrial grit, using pounding beats and eerie synths to explore themes of overstimulation and the blurring lines of modern existence. The album is a thrilling ride that feels like a dangerous night out, captivating listeners with its mix of high-energy beats and a menacing, shadowy atmosphere that refuses to let go.
Listen: Bandcamp
1. More by Pulp (Rough Trade)
The legendary Britpop icons from Sheffield return after a 24-year hiatus with a comeback album that effortlessly balances their classic stadium-filling anthems with curious, art-rock oddities. More finds frontman Jarvis Cocker in fine form, delivering witty and poignant lyrics about aging, love, and the state of the world over grand, disco-tinged instrumentation. It is a triumphant return that doesn't just rely on nostalgia, but instead offers a matured and vital perspective, proving that the band’s sharp observational powers remain as potent as ever.
Listen: Bandcamp