Songs On Repeat: January 2025
Kempsey:
Disco - Surf Curse
Messy - Lola Young
Paint The Town Blue - Ashnikko
Ain’t No love In Oklahoma - Luke Combs
Levitate - Bleed From Within
Nothing - Poppy
Tyler:
Water No Get Enemy - Fela Kuti
We’re starting off the new year strong with a powerful track from Fela Kuti’s 1975 album ‘Expensive Shit’. The A side is an afrobeat classic, filled with scathing lyrical indictments of the Nigerian Government, but for me the standout track is on the other side. Over a punchy saxophone and catchy beat, Kuti paints an evocative picture with Yoruba & Pidgin lyrics that focus on the power water holds over us, life itself, and the world he lived in at the time. It’s on the longer side, but this is a musical experience that will leave a lasting impression on you for sure.
IZ-US - Aphex Twin
Aphex Twin was an artist I avoided for far too long, but exploring his incredible discography over the past few months has been a real treat. This one in particular is a favourite of mine now, with a lively core that serves as a perfect sandbox for James’s signature spacious synths and unique effects to dance around in. If you need something to space out to on the long commute home, pop this track on and see where the algorithm leads you.
Remember Sunny Days - Anri
Up next is a J-Pop classic that often finds its way into my rotation, in part thanks to its lasting prevalence on TikTok and its derivatives. ANRI and composer/lyricist Toshiki Kadomatsu deliver the punchy bass and 80s sound I love, with some deceptively bittersweet lyrics I’d definitely be belting out if I could speak a lick of Japanese. If you like the sound this track offers, it’s probably already a mainstay of your rotation too, but if you’re looking for an introduction to a new genre this is a great direction to go.
Jealous Guy - Donny Hathaway
I’m pretty sure this track has appeared on my lists more than once now, but I can’t help it that every cover of this John Lennon masterpiece I find seems to top the last! I must admit, up until now I considered Roxy Music’s take to be the definitive version, but Soul legend Donny Hathaway might have dethroned them. Lennon and Roxy take a more wistful tone, but Mr. Hathaway has the pipes and band to give this iconic ballad the oomph it deserves. I’d recommend giving all three versions of this track a listen to decide for yourself who is the Jealous-est of all Guys
La Ciruela - Nico Play
Nico Play, also known as Nicolás Perea, finishes off our list with ANOTHER breakup song. I guess the new year blues got me good! This breakout hit from 2022’s Desilusión EP is a Spanish acoustic track well worth your time. With a simple melody and a wonderfully soulful voice, Nico makes pining for lost love in a smoke-filled bar (or plums, if you take the song at face value) sound like the coolest thing you can do. Check it out!
Scott:
Wolves of Winter - Biffy Clyro
Feeling Alright - Kaiser Chiefs
Na Na Na Na Naa - Kaiser Chiefs
Enter Sandman - Metallica
Bring Me Down - Black Stone cherry
Courtney Love – Dear Seattle
We Were So Close - Dear Seattle
‘Courtney Love’ is brimming with infectious hooks, while ‘We Were So Close’ stands out as one of the most lyrically poignant songs I’ve heard in a long time. New album “Toy” is an absolute treasure—the whole album hits in all the right places and somehow gets better with every listen - definitely an early contender for my album of 2025.
Local Man Ruins Everything – The Wonder Years
Quite possibly the greatest pop-punk song ever written. It’s my favourite song of all time—a track that will never age or lose its impact. The line, “It’s not about forcing happiness; it’s about not letting sadness win,” still hits just as hard today as it did the first time I heard it nearly 14 years ago.
You Look Like a Drunk Phoebe Bridgers – Winona Fighter
Bouncy, hooky, and infectious. Fiery femme punk at its best! Glittering riffs, punchy attitude, and bucketloads of energy—absolutely brilliant. Can’t wait for their debut album “My Apologies To The Chef” which comes out in a couple of weeks.
Fuck Off Again – Crapsons
Gnarly, snotty, and gloriously obnoxious. This is DIY punk perfection at its rawest and most authentic. Crapsons encapsulate the unfiltered essence of punk with reckless abandon.
Massachusetts (Acoustic) – Silverstein
Stunning. While the full-band version is amazing, the stripped-back acoustic rendition truly brings the pain and raw emotion of the lyrics to life, showcasing a more intimate and introspective side of the band.
Fun fact: Both ‘Massachusetts’ and ‘You Look Like a Drunk Phoebe Bridgers’ have the word "California" in them, and it’s my absolute favourite word to hear sung!
