52 Comments
User's avatar
Marty Slagter's avatar

Great list! A lot of stuff I love and a lot to check out. Love seeing Greet Death so high.

Jared Smith's avatar

Thanks! There's 3 or 4 instant classics on that Greet Death record.

Jack Byrne's avatar

I was obsessed with Hannah Cohen's new album this year. I'm a sucker for anything that sounds like it was recorded in the '70s, so this was right up my alley. I need to revisit that Saya Gray record though! I listened to it once and was intrigued but forgot to get back into it.

Jared Smith's avatar

At least half of that Hannah Cohen album I've put in random playlists, so good!

ari !'s avatar

DURANDDDD

Jared Smith's avatar

instant happiness booster!

Jay's avatar

Really enjoyed the list. Several things on here I need to go dig back into!

One album I wish was getting a little more love in the best-of’s is Dead Gowns’ It’s Summer, I Love You, and I’m Surrounded by Snow.

Jared Smith's avatar

will listen ASAP, cheers!

Basile Cardinaux's avatar

Coroner - Dissonance Theory: AOTY and it’s not even close.

Jared Smith's avatar

metal definitely my blind spot

Vanessa Roulston Mooney's avatar

Fab list! Similar feelings on Wolf Alice - that vinyl is gorgeous though!

Tyson's avatar

This is s great list. Not many lists are featuring the Kokoroko, Mei Semones, Corey Hanson, and Colin Miller records and that's a damn shame. Mei's vocals are featured on Resavoir & Matt Gold's Horizon album, from the International Anthem label, which if you like jazz and jazz adjacent music it's a record label batting near 1.000. I know you're also high on the Asheville twang thing, and Patterson Hood of Drive-By Truckers fame was kinda formative to this sound, and he put out the fantastic Exploding Trees & Airplane Screams album this year, that features Wednesday on a track; seeing that come full circle was really cool. I know you can only fit 100, but those two records seemed to be getting overlooked for no good reason I can think of. Again awesome list!!

Jared Smith's avatar

listening to Horizon now, this is what I'm talking about!!! Right up my alley.. Resavoir is new to me, may check out more of the back catalog. Patterson Hood's new one has been in my queue forever, thanks for the reminder.

Nathan Self's avatar

Wow! A gargantuan effort! This will keep me occupied until next year!

Ronny Castro's avatar

Nice work!

Terrence Rice's avatar

Thanks for posting this for free! Curious to know if you still plan on doing a paperback drop for book collectors?

Jared Smith's avatar

Not this year :( I'm working on another book right now somewhat along the same lines. I'll tag you when it's ready!

Jim C's avatar

Thanks for this. I’ve now got weeks (if not months) of music to check out. Was wondering how MGMT and Common Saints (EP?) missed the cut?

Jim C's avatar

Nvm. MGMT was in 2024.

Jared Smith's avatar

funny enough, MGMT made my top 10 last year, and it was missing from all the Best Of lists I saw, baffling... I think that record will age well - https://www.thewaxmuseum.rocks/i/153379077/mgmt-loss-of-life

Jim C's avatar

One of the most overlooked albums in 2024 imo was Cinema 3000 by Common Saints. Really loved that entire album. Liked Equinox in 2025 but I now realize it was an EP.

The new Bob Moses “Blink” is excellent but it just came out. Too late for any lists.

Biscuit's avatar

Snooper's "Worldwide" is great.

Jared Smith's avatar

Been meaning to check that out!

Aaron Tinder's avatar

Fantastic list! And I found a couple new things to check out.

Jared Smith's avatar

Love hearing that, thanks for stopping by.

Marco Pisciotti's avatar

Really glad to see some personal favorites (Blood Orange, Tennis, Mei Semones, Panda Bear, Destroyer and a couple others). Also Bad Bunny and Rosalía became inevitable for any 2025 end-of-year list, no matter the niche or audience. Outstanding selection, and an excellent post for all the vinyl enthusiasts out there!!

David Coleman's avatar

Really enjoyed your list and kudos for taking on a top 100. I was heartened to see the love for Greet Death and Benjamin Booker. Both amazing records that haven’t been getting nearly enough love elsewhere.

Jared Smith's avatar

Thanks David, big fan of yours and excited for the No Ripcord list as always!

David Coleman's avatar

Thanks Jared. It’ll be out on Monday. We’ve posted an honourable mentions list in anticipation. I love this time of year!

Kevin Alexander's avatar

Great to see Alien Boy and Cory Hanson getting some love! Destroyer too, for that matter.

Jared Smith's avatar

I'm fascinated by Cory Hanson, always keeps me guessing. I'm excited to see your year end lists!