2025 ALBUMS:
1. THE PRIZE - IN THE RED
My favourite album of 2026! Meets the high expectations set by their earlier singles/ EPs and fabulous live shows. Great songs delivered with passion and excitement. A sensational debut LP and well worth the wait. Not so much power pop as their first 45s though all the tracks keep the melodies, the harmonies and the three guitar dynamic happening.
2. TY SEGALL – “POSSESSION”
I was a big fan of a lot of Ty’s earlier records and then drifted away from some of his later more diverse stuff. But this record caught my ear and has become probably my favourite of all his records. More mature perhaps but possibly his best batch of songs. The fab opening two tracks, “Shoplifter” and “Possession”, set the scene for what follows.
3. LULU – “LULU”
This is a new band comprising musicians who’ve been around the French rock & roll scene for some time. It’s a fantastic feel good album of winning pop songs played with gusto.
4. ANGEL FACE – “OUT IN THE STREET”
Angel Face is one of the best bands around right now. The band includes Fink (Teengenerate, Ruler, Raydios) and Toyozo (The Fadeaways) in their line-up and they play killer live shows. This is their second album and for me it’s got more of an amped pub rock feel but without sacrificing their classic punk influences.
5. AWEFUL KANAWFUL – “ENDLESS PLEASURE”
This band is led by Austin Lake from Televisionaries (also a great band). This album hosts a bunch of great songs played with urgency and enthusiasm.
6. THE CORDS – “THE CORDS”
The Cord sisters are from Scotland and they have gifted us with this, their debut album. A wonderful upbeat pop record played and sung with zest.
7. LOOSE LIPS – “LAST LAUGH”
This band comprises Nadine and Ethan from The Prize, together with Josh from The Chats/ Unknowns. Rollicking Rock ‘n’ Roll. Short, sharp hits chock full of energy and fun.
8. DELIVERY – “FORCE MAJEURE”
Great second album from Melbourne’s Delivery which, dare I say, delivers on the promise of their first album and the subsequent singles.
9. TONY MOLINA – “ON THIS DAY”
Tony Molina’s latest is my favourite album of his. Another 21 songs that range from 40 secs to two-minutes in duration but with arrangements, hooks and just beautiful song-writing throughout.
10. VANITY MIRROR – “SUPER FLUFF FOREVER”
The two guys leading this band also have/ had an outfit called Electric Looking Glass who have an album and a few singles out there. ELG are very much in the baroque pop vein ala Zombies or Left Banks. Great stuff! As is this latest band who are more psych pop but have written and played some excellent songs across this album.
More worthy contenders:
THE GNOMES – “INTRODUCING… THE GNOMES”
HIGH FREQUENCIES – “HIGH FREQUENCIES”
THE UNKNOWNS – “FROM THE OUTSIDE”
TCHOTCHKE – “PLAYIN' DUMB”
BENNY J WARD – “SUPER!”
THE BETHS – “STRAIGHT LINE WAS A LIE”
THE SUGAR BEATS – “THE SUGAR BEATS”
THE AUTUMN HEARTS – “MR SUNSHINE”
THEE HEADCOATEES – “MAN-TRAP”
DUMBELLS – “UP LATE WITH DUMBELLS”
2025 SINGLES/ EPs:
1. THE LEMON TWIGS – “I’VE GOT A BROKEN HEART”
Damn it if this isn’t the perfect pop 45. Both sides are absolute gems. These guys have reached a point where their song-writing smarts, their playing and their harmonies are just totally on point.
2. THE NUMBER ONES – “SORRY”
Perfect pop 45s part 2! It was a coin flip which decided which would be my top pick out of the Twigs and this terrific two-minute wonder. Again, both sides are totally worthy. These Irish guys aren’t prolific but when they put a record out there I’m amongst the first in the queue to pick it up.
3. THE HIGHMARTS – “ALL I WANT IS SAY YOU LOVE ME”
Another fabulous single from Japan’s Highmarts. Nice to see original bassist Shiori back on deck for this one. I’d describe it as a ‘60s Girl Group-influenced pop song which shows off band leader Suzu’s formidable chops as songwriter, singer and guitarist. And the crescendo over the final minute just floors me. The B-side is a mighty fine version of “Hey Joe”.
4. HEXHAM HEADS – “HEXHAM HEADS” (EP)
This fantastic EP is the first release from Hexham Heads, a Melbourne band comprising a lineup with plenty of experience in other outfits across the years. It’s rocking pop of the highest order.
5. THE COOLIES – “BAD BAD BOY”
The Coolies were the last band to feature the talents of Kim Shattuck from The Muffs. Originally comprising Kim, Melanie Vammen (ex-Pandoras and Muffs) and Palmyra Delran (ex-Friggs and soloist) they issued a 10” EP in 2019. After Kim’s passing from ALS, the band has released two 45s with Kathy Valentine (Go-Go’s) and the late Clem Burke (Blondie) on board. This is the most recent of those 45s and it’s another wonderful couple of tracks. In a nice touch some of Kim’s vocals are included in the mix on the A-side.
6. THE GNOMES – “I’M NOT THE ONE”
The Gnomes are a fabulous rocking beat combo out of Melbourne. Their debut album is totally ace and the lead up singles were all knockouts. This one is my favourite of those singles, though “Flippin’ Stomp “is pretty much just as great. If you’re looking for energy and excitement The Gnomes are here for you.
7. THE LET'S GO'S – “REFRAIN”
The Let’s Go’s are one of the best bands out of Japan and their live shows are truly something to behold. This latest 45 is possibly my favourite of all their singles.
8. SODA POPS – “SWEET NOTHING” (EP)
Glam bubblegum pop from Finland. Four tracks that leap at you from the get-go. Plenty of hooks and the songs are all short sharp jabs that hit the sweet spot.
9. NIGHT CANDIES – “ROCK ‘N’ ROLL FANTASIES” (EP)
Night Candies are from Barcelona and this is fantastic debut EP with seven songs all clocking in under 1:40. Totally rocking and played with swinging abandon.
10. SPLIT SYSTEM – “NO COPS IN HEAVEN”
We got three 45 releases from Split System in 2025. All three are great, one of which was a split with France’s Les Lullies. My pick though is their most recent. Both “No Cops In Heaven” and the B-side. “Pull The Trigger”, are delivered with righteous intensity and fury.
Too many terrific singles and EPs:
TEE VEE REPAIRMANN - "I WANNA BE A RAMONE"
DURTY WHYTE BOOTS – "THINGS HE SAYS"
SPLIT SYSTEM/ LES LULLIES - "CHEMICALS/ A LETROIT"
TCHOTCHKE – "POOR GIRL"
HARD-ONS – "YOU WON’T SHUT UP"
MYSTERY LIGHTS – "BEFORE YOU REALISE IT"
JIVE – "EXTENDED PLAY"
THE DAHLMANNS – LEATHER BOY
CLEAN LINES – "NUISANCE" (EP)
PARANOID STYLE – "TEARING THE TICKET"
CHRIS MASUAK & THE VIVEIRO WAVE RIDERS – "THE KISS OFF"
SICK THOUGHTS – "ANOTHER PIECE OF PLASTIC" (EP)
AMELIA & THE HOUSEWIVES – "SUMMER’S OVER"
SLEEVEENS – "DOWNTOWN"
THEE LONG KNIGHTS – "SATISFACTION GUARANTEED"
