Fall 2025 Playlist: Annotated

The final song on my Fall 2025 playlist is Florence + The Machine’s new single “Everybody Scream,” which seems about right for a theme. For various reasons, we’re all currently screaming. Enjoy.

1) “This is the Killer Speaking” by The Last Dinner Party - I agree: it does feel like I only just stopped putting songs by The Last Dinner Party on my playlists. It’s not my fault they’ve already released new music. I hope they tour the U.S. soon.

2) “The Birds” by Franz Ferdinand - I’m going to see Franz Ferdinand tomorrow night for nostalgia purposes! I like this one off their latest record—it’s repetitive, not annoying. (To me, at least.) And something about the chorus screams British Invasion. I can’t quite figure it out.

3) “Guess I’m Fallin in Love” by Spoon - Speaking of nostalgia, Spoon has new music as well. Despite its freshness, it is classic Spoon. Driving beat, gravelly vocals. They don’t need to shake things up. It’s a formula that works.

4) “Michael Told Me” by S.G. Goodman - Forget bourbon—Goodman is one of Kentucky’s most vital exports. I love this gloomy song.

5) “Bleujen an Howl” by Daisy Rickman - I understand that Spotify is an evil company, but their algorithm is so good. How else would I find obscure folk musicians that sing in Cornish? If you know of a more ethical way to find obscure folk musicians that sing in Cornish, do tell.

6) “Beware of Darkness” by George Harrison - Weapons was one of the best movies of the year, and it also had one of the best needle drops of the year. I was delighted to hear this Harrison track over the title credits.

7) “Bag of Bones” by Lord Huron - The second I listened to Lord Huron’s latest album, I knew it was going to be perfect for autumn. But I figured you might prefer this track to the weird one with Kristen Stewart narrating a story. Not that I dislike that one!

8) “Big Dreams” by Amyl and the Sniffers - Amyl and the Sniffers songs usually pack such a big, punk rock punch. It’s interesting to hear them do something a little quieter and bleaker.

9) “Excelsis” by Ghost - It’s been difficult to incorporate songs from Skeletá onto my playlists because they’re so heavily 80s-arena-metal-inspired. I stuck this one here because the guitar picking pattern of “Big Dreams” sounded similar, even though the songs themselves are dissimilar. I think the melody of this one is just beautiful. Would love an unplugged version. Get on it, Tobias Forge!

10) “Burn the Roses” by Storefront Church - How do you follow a big and sweeping song like “Excelsis”? With a song that’s big and sweeping in an entirely different way. That was my strategy, at least.

11) “11:21” by Wet Leg - Here’s another quiet number by a band that’s normally loud. Perfect for one of those drippy, dreary autumn days while you’re warming up with a cup of tea.

12) “Acid Rain” by Model/Actriz - I can’t remember how I came across Model/Actriz, but I’m glad I did. They remind me a little of Perfume Genius.

13) “Method Actor” by Nilüfer Yanya - This was another gift from the Spotify algorithm. Something about this song is giving early 2000s indie to me. Like she should be on Sub Pop records and touring with Bright Eyes.

14) “Insulin” by Black Honey - ALSO a song that the Spotify algorithm helpfully found for me. It clearly understands that I’m a sucker for female-fronted rock bands.

15) “Glamorous” by Poppy Jean Crawford - I regret to inform you that this was another Spotify algorithm discovery. I love how this song absolutely creeps into my ears. For the wettest, grossest fall days.

16) “DRAGON” by Castle Rat - I adore the new Castle Rat album. They are perfect. I long to don a chain mail bikini, wield a broadsword, and help them save the realm.

17) “War Pigs/Luke’s Wall” by Black Sabbath - I agonized over which Black Sabbath song to include to memorialize Ozzy, and finally I settled on my favorite. It’s one of their most dynamic. And unfortunately, it always seems to be timely.

18) “ONE HUNDRED BATS” by Unknown Mortal Orchestra - First of all, what a song title! I put this one here because it sounds like it could have been recorded at the same time as “War Pigs,” despite the fact that it’s a 2025 release.

19) “Wildcard” by Slothrust - You guessed it: Spotify found it for me. I love the trajectory of this one. It’s kind of slinky and then it really cuts loose with those guitars. It’s a blast.

20) “Glory” by Nova Twins - They’ve been releasing singles all year, and I’ve been putting those singles on my playlists all year—but now the full album is finally here! And it’s great! As evidenced by “Glory,” a certified banger.

21) “Disease” by Lady Gaga - Yes, I do realize this song is a year old. Here’s what happened: she released the single in October 2024, after I’d released that year’s fall playlist. Why Gaga didn’t coordinate with me first, I’ll never know. Instead, I had to wait a whole year to use it. Rude.

22) “Pushing Daisies” by CocoRosie - I’m honestly kind of amazed that CocoRosie is still a functioning band. Anyway, this one is weird! And you know how I feel about weird.

23) “Grounding Exercises” by Ganser - I am personally acquainted with some of the members of Chicago band Ganser and have therefore followed their career with interest. The latest album is really good!

24) “Nothing But a Sad Face On” by SASAMI - Blood on the Silver Screen continues to be one of my favorite albums of 2025, and this song is particularly gorgeous. Yes, you will see another SASAMI song on the winter playlist.

25) “Stardust” by Anna von Hausswolff - Yeah, it’s another Spotify find. I love the Swedes. Perhaps if I am forced to flee the country due to the current administration’s actions, I will flee to Sweden. I very much enjoyed my week in Stockholm and felt like I fit right in.

26) “Digital Gravestone” by Deradoorian - Yes!! Spotify gave it to me!! It sounds like a David Lynch movie!!

27) “Everybody Scream” by Florence + The Machine - As I said earlier, I think this new single really solidifies the playlist and evokes our current timeline. We’ll scream through this together, folks.