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For those of you who are new, we kick off every week by sharing what we’ve been playing.
The playlist below is some of what’s been in heavy rotation for me. Winter finally hit here in America’s Dairyland, and we’re up to about 9” of snow and counting as I type this, with no sign of letting up. It also happens to be the week that Sirius XM is turned on for everyone. For me, the biggest threat on the road isn’t that first snow or ice; it’s First Wave, SiriusXMU, Smokey’s Soul Town all calling for my attention. I can steer into a skid without thinking about it. Taking my eyes off the dial is something else entirely. Existential threats aside, it’s largely influenced what I’ve been listening to this week. Songs I heard on there led to rabbit holes which led back to…the car radio. And so it goes. I’ve also been (re) listening to a lot of 2025 releases ahead of Steve Goldberg Jami Smith Sam Colt and I putting our annual AOTY lists together. Hopefully, you caught our preview of that, where we looked at the best of the 2020s (so far). If not, please check it out!
On to the music:
Side A: We kick things off easy with a little Billie Marten before heading to the best state in the union for the slinky grooves and sunny vibes of the Rose City band. From there, a quick stop in Philly for some killer power pop from
The Tisburys and over to the pond for a little Stereolab, some grapes of Grain, and a band called New Order. Not for nothing, Jamie Ward put together an awesome Stereolab playlist, which you can listen to here. Side one ends with two all-time classics from B.A.D. and The Tubes.
Side B: We start the 2nd half right here in Madison with some Spooner, and then going back to New Pornographers’ Electric Version, a little Dramarama, J Brekkie’s Diving Woman (which always reminds me of predawn commutes in the winter), and a dose of Destroyer. That’s followed with a little PJ, some Paul Weller, and Saint Etienne. I love this record, but have to admit I’m a little bummed this is gonna be the last one! More 2025 releases from Hayley Williams and Ninajirachi, and a little bit of BR-549 before winding things up with ORR faves Winged Wheel.
Do you make any end-of-year lists? If so, have you started putting them together?
Other sources: Qobuz | YouTube Music | Apple Music
Now it’s your turn.
What caught your ear this week? Any new releases or shows you’re looking forward to? Did you grab anything for RSD?
Whatcha got? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Kevin Sent 
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