10) Talking Heads – “‘77 (Live at CBGB)” (1977)

Talking Heads is a band that needs no introduction at KCSU. Both of us music directors as well as some of the DJs have an affinity for all things new wave or David Byrne related. We usually get a few songs played throughout the week, but right before we left for winter break, we added a remaster of the band’s debut, “‘77”. This remaster also happens to be the live versions of the tracks played at the legendary CBGB nightclub in New York City where many other famous rock bands like Blondie and The Ramones have played. This album features some of the songs that gave the public a taste of what would come to be Talking Heads staples.
The highlighted track, “Thank You for Sending Me an Angel” is a high-energy drum-forward song.

9) Lunar Vacation – “Everything Matters, Everything’s Fire” (2024)

Lunar Vacation, a 5-piece pop-rock band from Atlanta, is back with their sophomore album, “Everything Matters, Everything’s Fire”. This album comes from a place of cohesion, as the band’s members all live together as well as create music together. With so many voices on the project, it can be easy to have something come out discombobulated; however, the group used an abundance of ideas to their advantage to create a dynamic set of songs.
Drawing inspiration from many sounds like shoegaze and synth, and using different tempos to create peaks and valleys, this album is guaranteed to draw in listeners of all kinds of music.
This week’s highlighted track, “Set the Stage”, leans heavily into the shoegaze realm of indie pop with sweet vocals delivering emotional lyrics.

8) Zamilska – “United Kingdom of Anxiety” (2024)

This Polish electronic producer got her start early in life. Upon graduating from university, she led workshops in electronic music production. After her debut album, “Untune”, her music was featured in Dior fashion shows, video game soundtracks, and nominations for many awards. Zamilska’s music features grunge undertones and has a very intense sound which has lent itself well to soundtracks. The artist’s work has also been recommended by artists who delve into similar sounds, including Iggy Pop and Nine Inch Nails.
The highlighted track, ”1984” has some heavy loops and grainy electric guitars.

7) CARIBOU – “Honey” (2024)

Dan Snaith is a musician who goes by many names, including Manitoba, Daphni, and Caribou. This most recent album, released as Caribou, comes after many projects receiving acclaim as innovative electronic music. Snaith’s objective for this album was to make huge dance floor tracks that would appeal to a wide audience more than something niche. Leading up to the album’s release, there were four singles, “Honey”, “Broke My Heart”, “Volume”, and “Come Find Me”. All of these songs showed off a different side of the album, from the brighter tone to the deeper and grittier side.
The highlighted track, “Climbing” has glimmering synths working with piano chords to make a danceable piece.

6) The Linda Lindas – “No Obligation” (2024)

This girl group is made up of Bela Salazar, Eloise Wong, and sisters Lucia and Mila de la Garza. The Linda Lindas are keeping the 90s Riot Grrrl sound alive with their punk rock energy and lyrics about social justice. The group was offered the opportunity to soundtrack the Netflix movie “Moxie” (2021) after acclaimed screenwriter Amy Poehler saw the foursome open for Bikini Kill in Hollywood. Since then, the group has made quite an impact in the music world, earning acclaim from legends such as Tom Morello and Kid Cudi.
The highlighted track, “All In My Head” is an angst-filled rock ballad.

5) The Cure – “Songs Of A Lost World” (2024)

The Cure on one of the most iconic rock bands of the 20th century. Led by Robert Smith, the band is known for its post-punk sound and inspiring the genre of gothic rock. This latest album is the band’s first in 16 years. They began teasing it to the public in September 2024 through postcards, and a poster hanging in a pub the band would play in at the beginning of their career. “Songs Of A Lost World” gave the band their first top 10 Billboard 200 hit since the release of their self-titled record in 2004.
The highlighted track, “A Fragile Thing” was the lead single that draws on their older sound.

4) RAT BOY – “SUBURBIA CALLING” (2024)

Rat Boy is the stage name of Essex-born musician, Jordan Cardy. He began his songwriting while he was still in school, and used the loss of a post-college job as an excuse to release his very first mixtape, “The Mixtape” on Soundcloud. Since then, Rat Boy has appeared on BBC Radio stations and won the title of “Best New Artist” from NME magazine. He is mostly known for his musical style which blends elements of rock music and hip-hop.
The highlighted track, “BADMAN” has a ska influence and passionate vocals.

3) Amyl and the Sniffers – “Cartoon Darkness” (2024)

This pub-rock band from Melbourne is led by Amy Taylor along with Bryce Wilson, Declan Mehrtens, and Gus Romer. The band was formed out of a roommate dynamic turned musical group and they quickly became locally known for their high-energy performances and edgy lyrics. Their self-titled debut album got the band some more widespread recognition and Taylor was even included on the list of “The 15 Australian female artists changing the game right now” from Happy Mag. Their newest album expands on the sound fans have come to love, ample in attitude and intensity. The singles “Facts” and “U Should Not Be Doing That” became instant fan favorites to excite listeners for their upcoming tour. They also sparked some controversy with the music video of the song “Jerkin” which featured nudity and obscene language, something Amyl and the Sniffers have proven they do not fear being judged for.
This week’s highlighted track, “Tiny Bikini” is brimming with confidence and sass.

2) Lunar Noon – “A circle’s round” (2024)

Lunar Noon is a musical project headed up by Michelle Zheng. They are based out of San Francisco making music known for expansive instrumentation with personal lyrics. Some of Zheng’s biggest influences include Björk, Imogen Heap, and Debussy. Their latest album, “A circle’s round” is the result of over two years of work, detailing overcoming hardships and finding peace.
The highlighted track, “Mockingbird” is an ambient and sentimental song.

1)FKA twigs – “EUSEXUA” (2025)

Eusexua is the latest project from English singer FKA twigs. This album comes after the release of her “Caprisongs” mixtape in 2022 and expands on musical themes including danceability, sensuality, and rhythm. The singles leading up to this song included the title track, “Perfect Stranger”, and “Drums of Death”. All of these were released with music videos that highlight twigs’ visual creativity and dance skills.
This week’s highlighted track, “Perfect Stranger” has some fun synths and layered production.