New Music Sampler: May 2025
Another dozen albums grabbed my attention in May; some have already earned a place in the 2025 pantheon, but all are worthy of AOTY discussion
The New Music Sampler series is a monthly snapshot of new albums that grabbed my attention during the prior month . While there’s no guarantee that any of these releases will make my Album of the Year list come December, they all make a strong case for inclusion.
May was busy for me as I spent half of the month with my best friend since childhood who flew over from his home in Tampa—his first ever visit to the UK—to hike the length of Hadrian’s Wall in the north of England followed by a few days of sightseeing in London. With 4-6 hours a day spent out on the trail and with our evenings spent enjoying each other’s company, my music listening time was significantly curtailed. So, while I did manage to listen to new releases, adding 46 albums to my “2025 Music” playlist, I only found time to dig deeply into about half of them. I’m slowly working my way through the remainder of unlistened albums from May (and from earlier in the year) and trying to wrangle my AOTY lists into decent shape by the end of June.
There were a dozen albums in May that I’ve either already fallen in love with or that kept me interested enough to want to hear more. At least 3 of these albums have already sealed a place on my AOTY list and another handful could easily make their way in over the next six months. As usual, this month’s selections are not ranked, but instead are listed by release date order.
Samantha Crain - Gumshoe
Genre: Indie/Alternative Rock, Folk Rock, Alt Americana
Release Date: May 2
Selected Track: Dart
Blondshell - If You Asked For A Picture
Genre: Alternative Rock, Indie Rock, Bubblegrunge
Release Date: May 2
Selected Track: Change
Suzanne Vega - Flying with Angels
Genre: Folk Rock, Folk, Americana, Singer-Songwriter
Release Date: May 2
Selected Track: Speakers’ Corner
Young Gun Silver Fox - Pleasure
Genre: Yacht Rock, Soft Rock, Blue-Eyed Soul
Release Date: May 2
Selected Track: Stevie & Sly
Surprise Chef - Superb
Genre: Instrumental Hip Hop, Instrumental Funk, Jazz Funk, Nu Jazz
Release Date: May 16
Selected Track: Consulate Case
Morcheeba - Escape The Chaos
Genre: Trip Hop, Downtempo
Release Date: May 23
Selected Track: We Live And Die
Thalia Zedek Band - The Boat Outside Your Window
Genre: Rock, Alternative Rock, Alt Country
Release Date: May 23
Selected Track: Aliyah
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Stereolab - Instant Holograms On Metal Film
Genre: Indietronica, Neo-Psychedelic, Art Pop
Release Date: May 23
Selected Track: Melodie Is a Wound
Shura - I Got Too Sad For My Friends
Genre: Indie Pop, Synthpop, Chamber Pop
Release Date: May 30
Selected Track: Richardson - feat. Cassandra Jenkins
Matt Berninger - Get Sunk
Genre: Indie Rock, Indie Folk
Release Date: May 30
Selected Track: Bonnet of Pins
MRCY - VOLUME 2
Genre: Retro Soul, Neo Soul, Soul
Release Date: May 30
Selected Track: Wandering Attention
Sea Lemon - Diving For A Prize
Genre: Dreamgaze, Indie Pop, Indie Rock
Release Date: May 30
Selected Track: Cynical
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As always, I’d love to hear what you think about these albums. When you’re finished reading, listening and watching, please hop into the comments.
Anything new for you here? Did you like it? Love it? Hate it?
Which of the tracks is your favorite?
Do you feel compelled to check out any of these albums?
What did I miss in May? Hit me up in the comments with some of your favorites from the last month!
What new releases are coming up in the next few months that I should be looking out for?
Good stuff -- thanks, Mark! I didn't know about the new Thalia Zedek or Surprise Chef. Looking forward to the other new-to-me ones as well. Suzanne Vega's new one is terrific and I bet it's going to fly too far under the radar except to her longtime fans.
A few of these I also really love (Samantha Crain, Stereolab), a few I had no idea about and am excited to hear (Morcheeba, Young Gun Silver Fox), and several I know nothing about (Surprise Chef, Shura, MRCY, Sea Lemon, Thalia Zedek). I had listened to the new Suzanne Vega once, and it didn't do much for me. I didn't mind it, but I think it would require a couple more plays to determine if it's a grower. I am a big fan, so I am hopeful.
I just played a couple of songs from Surprise Chef, and I think I can probably move that one to the 'love' category. I played the sample song from Thalia Zedek and it totally sucked me in. I can't believe I had never heard of her before, as she has so many albums and is in my wheelhouse.
I've been meaning to play the Matt Berninger album but haven't had a chance yet.
I did listen to Blondshell, and I can appreciate the songcraft, and it's got some nice hooks, but I don't think I'm the right audience for her. I thought her first album had more for me to grab onto.
Thanks for the list! I might have missed a couple of gems otherwise!