Discussion: What’re You Listening To?

Good morning! Need an antidote for the algorithms? Looking for a place to share the music you love with like-minded people? You’re in the right spot.

For those of you who are new, we kick off every week by sharing what we’ve been playing, and the playlist below is some of what’s been in heavy rotation for me.

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I’ve mentioned it before, but before my knee decided to commit harakiri (0/10, do not recommend), I played pickup soccer every week at a local gym. Every January, the parking lot would get exponentially more crowded for a few weeks as the “new year, new me” crowd resolved to “do something,” only to lose faith, interest, whatever, a few weeks later. It went on long enough that we started betting informally on the over/under for how long it would take to get a good parking spot again. And to reiterate, we never bet on anyone specific—they could’ve easily been one of us (and occasionally were).

All of this is a long way around to say that there won’t be a sonic version of “new year, new me” here; I like what I like and am a creature of habit (exhibit A: track 10). But one of my habits is finding new music, so there’s that (exhibit B: tracks 21–22). I enjoyed Miki Berenyi’s Tripla but hadn’t really done a close listen since I reviewed it. I checked it out again and found a new appreciation for it.

This week, there are a few other faves from 2025 back in the mix. What’s the over/under on when AOTY season ends? A few new-to-me records are here, and of course a bunch of old favorites. My world looked like Hoth for a minute, and going back to/through those records is my version of hygge. We went out for an early dinner on NYE, and tracks 8–11 were heard at our fave pizza place (resolution: go there more). And we were overdue for a two-for from Trent Reznor & co.

Turnstile is a band that seemingly on everyone’s list except mine. Did I miss the boat? Sure looks like it. Might be one of those records I left on the table. I’ll resolve to find out…

KA–

P.S. A few of you have asked if I sequence these as if they’re an album or mixtape. The answer is always “yes.” In my head, I imagine them being played on your morning commute or road trip. I’m too old to use the word “vibes” as much as I have lately, but, well, if the shoe fits…

This week, side A is tracks 1-13, with Side B being 14-28.

On to the music…

Other sources: Qobuz | YouTube Music | Apple Music

Now it’s your turn.

Any new releases or shows you’re looking forward to?

What song defined 2025 for you? Tell me about it here.

Whatcha got? Share your thoughts in the comments!