10) Chinese American Bear – “Wah!!!” (2024)

This experimental pop-rock duo from Seattle blends English and Chinese to create a unique sound on their second full-length album. The group is made up of the married couple, Anne Tong and Bryce Barsten, who both started their musical career as pianists. Tong also has a classical background in violin, which is featured throughout this album, with the upbeat nature of the songs it gives a disco feel to a lot of the tracklist. The duo really began making music together after Barsten learned Mandarin and the song “Xiao Xiong” was born, giving way to their musical journey all the way up to the release of “Wah!!!”.

9) Phantogram – “Memory of a Day” (2024)

Sarah Barthel and Josh Carter formed Phantogram in Greenwich, New York in 2007. The duo have been friends since childhood but did not begin collaborating as musicians until Barthel returned from college, not happy with pursuing a degree in visual arts. The group originally went by the name Charlie Everywhere, but upon signing with their first label, Barely Breaking Even, they changed to Phantogram. The name refers to optical illusions in which 2D images appear in 3D, which is reflective of how they feel about their overall sound.

8) CARIBOU – “Honey” (2024)

Dan Snaith is a musician who goes by many names, including Mantiba, Dphni, 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 gritter side.

7) 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.

6) Jamie XX – “In Waves” (2024)

Since 2006, James Thomas Smith has been a part of the musical world. Beginning with the band The xx, Smith honed his talent for sampling and remixing before going out under the name Jamie xx to release solo work. He received acclaim for remixes of a Gil Scott-Heron album, “I’m New Here”, entitled “We’re New Here”. Most notably his remix of the song “I’ll Take Care of You” was used as the base of Drake and Rihanna’s 2011 hit “Take Care”. In this new album, Jamie xx uses the staple sounds of house music with some R&B samples to create an irresistibly danceable set of songs. The use of horn also adds a lot of flare to the album on tracks like “Baddy On The Floor” and “Life”. “In Waves” also features many of the artist’s longtime collaborators like The Avalanches, and Romy who was also a member of The xx.

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.

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.

3) 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 the impact in the music world, earning acclaim from legends such as Tom Morello and Kid Cudi.

2) 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.

1)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.