Favourite Albums of 2025

  My list of my top ten albums that I got in 2025 in no particular order. I didn't buy to many albums this year. I feel like I am out of the loop on new bands and releases. Some new stuff, some reissues, a live album and a few that came out in 2024. Nonetheless, here is my list!

Kerry King - From Hell I Rise

 Ok, this album actually was released in 2024, but I didn't get it until early 2025. The debut solo album from Slayer guitarist Kerry King. A classic thrash album. I don't buy many metal albums these days from new bands, but this one is really fucking good!

Corb Lund Band - Five Dollar Bill

 Alberta's own country-roots rocker Corb Lund's third solo album originally released in 2002 on Stony Plain Records. I've always loved this album but only had it on CD. So I was happy to see New West Records reissue Corb's catalog on vinyl. Still one of my favourite albums of his. This was a must have for me, along with his previous albums.

Altameda - Crazy Blue

 Former Edmonton band now based in Toronto released their fourth album in 2025. I absolutely love this album. It took a few spins for it to really hit me, don't get me wrong, Iliked it from the start but the more I listen to it, the more I like it. Troy Snatarse and Erik Grice hit it out of the park yet again, great songwriting, great harmonies and melodies. A gem of an album from these alt/folk rockers.

Worst Days Down - Stay Innocent

 The posthumous release from Edmonton punkers Worst Days Down. Led by Ben Sir (RIP) who sadly passed away in April 2023. This is a hard album to listen to without shedding some tears. An album featuring some new songs the band had been working on before Ben's passing, as well as some previously unreleased songs and demos from 2014. Thanks for the beautiful music and memories Ben, we miss you!

Jon Spencer - Sick Of Being Sick!

 Another 2024 release that I didn't get until 2025. I picked this up at his show here in Edmonton and even got it autographed. This album is a short 20 minute jam packed album of garage punk rock. Love this album!

Laura Jane Grace - Adventure Club

 This solo album from Laura Jane Grace, formerly of Against Me! is such an awesome album. It's a rocking album with lyrics touching base with struggles of sobriety, mental health, religion, being trans. Dark lyrics, fun lyrics, it's allover the place. But such a great album. This record probably got the most spins of all the records I bought this year. Was so disappointed when she cancelled her cross country tour.

Warren Zevon - Epilogue: Live At The Edmonton Folk Music Festival

 Warren's very last live performance was captured at the Edmonton Folk Music Festival on August 9th 2002. And luckily it was recorded, it might not be the best performance by Warren, but it is very nice to have. Warren passed away in September 2003. This was a Black Friday Record Store Day release. How I wish I had gone to this show.

Dave Hause - ...And The Mermaid

 I really like this album by Dave Hause with his back up band The Mermaid. A more rocking album than his last few releases. I missed Dave's show here in Edmonton this past September as I was in Vancouver. here is hoping Dave comes through town again in 2026 with his band.

Neil Young And The Chrome Hearts - Talkin To The Trees

 Another release from Neil, as he has been punching out all kinds of albums in the last couple years, but this actually a new album of new music. His first album of new music in three years, and with a new back up band The Chrome Hearts, it's not Crazy Horse but still a great rocking back up band. The more I listen to this album the more I like it.

Porno For Pyros - Porno For Pyros

 Last but not least the debut album by Porno For Pyros, this was originally released in 1993. Led by Perry Farrell of Janes Addiction, this was the band he put together after the demise of Janes. Love this album and I now finally have it on vinyl, thanks to my buddy Nazz, who gifted this to me for Christmas. This copy is a 2025 reissue from Rhino Records. This pressing sounds amazing!