Musoscribe’s Best of 2025: New Releases
While my tastes often run toward archival releases, I do listen to a lot of new music. And I make the point again and again: those who would argue that music was better back in [fill in the blank with year or decade of choice] aren’t trying hard enough. This year I reviewed no less than 125 new releases. Herewith are my personal Top Five, with four more Honorable Mentions. Hotlinks for each will lead you to more information.
Peter Holsapple – The Face of 68
Peter’s latest distills everything that’s great about his impressive set of skills and talents. I’ve said it before and it bears repeating: he’s my favorite current-day lyricist, and that’s saying something in a world in which Neil Finn lives. But Peter’s that kind of guy, so to speak.
Murray Attaway – [tense music plays…]
Murray Attaway fronted Guadalcanal Diary, one of my favorite bands from my college years. His long awaited solo album captures that spirit but takes it forward as well.
DB Edmunds – Everybody Knows by Now
Gladhands were one of the best overlooked powerpop bands of the ‘90s. DB Edmunds was a key player in their creative success, and his solo material is superb as well. Check this out.
Adrian Younge – Something About April III
Renaissance Man Adrian Younge turns out a lot of material, and it’s all top-notch. But this is the most notable of his 2025 projects. (By the by, his Ghostface Killah production from years back, 12 Reasons to Die is the subject of one of the best chapters in my new book. Just sayin’.)
Yuka & Chronoship – Ribbon Butterfly
Keyboard-centric prog from Japan; what’s not to love? Inspired, original music influenced by classical music, Keith Emerson and other impeccable inspirations. Wonderful stuff.
Honorable Mentions…
About the Author
Bill Kopp
With a background in marketing and advertising, Bill Kopp got his professional start writing for Trouser Press. After a stint as Editor-in-chief for a national music magazine, Bill launched Musoscribe in 2009, and has published new content every business day since then (and every single day for several years). The more than 5000 interviews, essays, and reviews on Musoscribe reflect Bill's keen interest in American musical forms, most notably rock, jazz, and soul. His work features a special emphasis on reissues and vinyl. Bill's work also appears in many other outlets both online and in print. He regularly hosts lecture/discussions on artists and albums of historical importance (including monthly events Music to Your Ears and Music Movie Mondays), and is a frequent guest on music-focused radio programs and podcasts. In Spring 2023 he taught a history of Rock 'n' Roll at UNC Asheville's College for Seniors. He also researches and authors liner notes for album reissues -- some 40 to date -- and co-produced a reissue of jazz legend Julian "Cannonball" Adderley's final album. His first book, Reinventing Pink Floyd: From Syd Barrett to The Dark Side of the Moon was published by Rowman & Littlefield in 2018, and in paperback in 2019. His second book, Disturbing the Peace: 415 Records and the Rise of New Wave, was published in 2021 by HoZac Books. His third book, What's the Big Idea: 30 Great Concept Albums is available now. Read even more about him here.