2025: Top 5 Miscellaneous Songs

 

 (generally, the best five songs not on the other two lists. Either new in 2025, or new to me)

5. Storey Littleton - At a Diner

single release
Don Giovanni, 5/2025

Passing the torch to the next generation. This is the debut single from Storey, who is the daughter of Dan and Liz from Ida. Storey played guitar for Ida on this year's reunion tour, and they played this new song of hers, which is sweet and beautiful. Storey got her start as a kid singing on her mom's children's albums. Looking forward to hearing more from Storey.

 

4. I Is Another - Queen of Swords

 

From "I Is Another"
Siren Records, 2013

I saw a pair of fun Jonah Matranga shows this year, and learned about this 2013 project from Jonah (also of Far, Onelinedrawing, and New End Original). This is a rocker that stacks up to the best of Jonah's songs. I like the guitar textures in this song.

3. U2 - The Fool

 

Recorded circa 1979. Released online as "Early Demos"
Island Records, 2004

U2 seem to be sheepish about their early stuff, but I think they were a top notch new wave / post punk band. This is a song that had disappeared from their setlist by the time their first album Boy was released. Apparently Island slipped three demo songs in some massive $200 download package back in 2004. I missed it. Fans of early early u2 should also check out the recording of their National Stadium gig in 1980.

2. Catherine Wheel - Dead Girl Friend

From the I Want to Touch You EP
Fontana Records, 1992

Speaking of pre-first-album songs, this is an early early B-side from one of Catherine Wheel's first EPs. This song is creepy. I love it. Not sure what the lyrics mean exactly, but I'm a bit scared to know. All I know is this is great gaze-pop.

  1. Samuel - Evergreen

From Pohgoh / Samuel Split 10"
New Granada Records, 10/2025

Samuel was a 90s band that released a handful of great songs, including a split 7" with Texas Is the Reason. They reunited a few years ago, reissued their old stuff, and rechristened their band Samuel S.C. (South Carolina? Santa Claus?) -- In the discogs age, I guess that beats Samuel (8), but I'm not calling them SC. I guess they released a new album, too, which I have not heard yet, but now I want to very badly. Anyway, this song is a stompin' good time with hooks galore. I love it. The story's getting old, we're just getting old with it.