Sonia Bovio
Audio By Carbonatix
Editor’s note: Elmo Kirkwood has been playing in the Meat Puppets with Curt Kirkwood and Cris Kirkwood, his dad and uncle, respectively, since 2011; a musician longer. He’s also been prolific with other projects, including current endeavors Size Gamut and Loco Parentis. Kirkwood Dellinger is still a beloved former outfit of his, as well. I checked in with him to see what records and tracks have been in his regular 2025 rotation, and he gave us the rundown. Some of these were released prior to 2025, but this past year is when they impacted this local artist.
Regarding music, I’m always excited about what’s yet to come. I’m looking forward to all of it. All new music. The more, the merrier. Bring it on! The idea that people are being creative and productive is truly inspiring and awesome in general. I spend most of my time listening to older music, but I love it when new sounds hit me in the right way.
This is the music that has caught my attention most in the past year.
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“All Kinds Of Days” by Good Sad Happy Bad
A band I happened upon while listening to a random playlist. I had to disengage from whatever had my attention to note who I was listening to, and I was very happy that I did. Understated indie rock done in just the fashion I enjoy best. Their 2020 release, “Shades,” is also great.
“Getting Killed” by Geese
I’m not immune to bands with hype, and when the hype pays off, it’s always a pleasure. The production and mix on this album turn me on as much as the songs do; the lo-fi and dub flourishes provide a cool palette for the compositions.
A New Tomorrow” by Zulu
An unabashedly hardcore album that simultaneously serves as a homage/tribute/love letter to the lineage of Black culture and music, with nods to R&B, soul, reggae, hip-hop, jazz and spoken word. It’s all there, and it’s all good. The seamless segues between panic-inducing intensity and hardcore breakdowns to thoughtful, relaxed instrumental pieces are killer.
“Mature” by Hillary Duff
Former teen star Hillary Duff released a single called “Mature” on November 6 that is a pure pop banger. One of the best pop songs of the year and by far her best musical offering. Simple, catchy and to the point. Cool production with a big synth-pop/guitar rock chorus and indie rock-influenced bass. My requisite pop inclusion.
“Poet’s Tooth” by Tele Novella
If your dreams were a music box, cartoon, player piano and coin-operated song-crafting machine, this is the psychedelically gorgeous music they would make. Folk, baroque pop, indie, country and lo-fi influences coexist perfectly in the world Tele Novella has cultivated in this album.
