Curious what notable personalities in the scene think was great this year? So is TGEFM! So we reached out to some of our favorite luminaries ranging from musicians, label personnel, and more for their “Best of 2025” lists. Now, listen: TGEFM is not a taskmistress. Contributors can write these out however they want. So if it doesn’t actually look or read like a list… and sometimes it really is just a list with no other observations! Who cares?
Coming off their most active year in nearly a decade, Night Windows entered 2025 with renewed momentum, channeling months of touring and collaboration into Nonsense, an EP born at Gradwell House and finished with the same trusted hands that shaped their recent output. For guitarist, vocalist and keyboardist Ben Hughes, the year was less about release dates and more about moments, songs and scenes that left a lasting impression. His list reflects that spirit, blending live experiences, works-in-progress and favorite tracks and albums that helped define a creatively full year for the band.
Hi, Ben from Night Windows here, sharing a few music-related highlights from the past year. Wishing you all the best in 2026.
- Poponipalooza ’25: D.I.L.F. (Dad I’d Like to Fest)
- Seeing Cursive play Ugly Organ at Best Friends Forever
- Finishing the new EP (Nonsense) with the guys and releasing it on cassette (and candle!)
- Christian Lee Hutson at PhilaMoca
- Writing sessions for “In Circles” (with Adam) and “Closer To The Ground” (with Tad) — I hope these two songs will see the light of day next year.
- Playing the inaugural Part-Time PR Fest at Ortlieb’s
- My favorite songs for the year (most of which were not released this year)
- “Lucky for You” by Novo Amor and Gia Margaret
- “Shook” by Goldensuns
- “I’m All Fucked Up” by This is Lorelei
- “5 Dollar Pony Rides” by Mac Miller
- “Bubba” by Hovvdy
- “Free Association” by Friendship
- “Eye Know” by De La Soul
- “AWARDS SEASON” by Bon Iver
- “dodger blue” by Kendrick Lamar
- “You Don’t Know The Shape I’m In” by MJ Lenderman
My favorite albums of the year (again, most of which were not released this year, sorry I’m always behind)
The Unwavering Hand by Flawed Mangoes
semiwestern s/t
Hovvdy s/t
GNX by Kendrick Lamar
SABLE, fABLE by Bon Iver
Bad Dad (occasionally called Ed) has been on the periphery of the punk and punk-adjacent scene for over twenty years. While many contributors to this site have musical experience and talent, Ed’s musical claim to fame comes from his time in arguably the most punk rock Blockbuster Video district in NJ where he worked alongside members of Blanks 77, Best Hit TV and Brian Fallon. He is more than just an awful father to his 2 daughters, he is also a dreadful husband, a subpar writer, a terrible dresser and has a severe deficiency in all things talent… but hey, at least he’s self-aware, amirite?
Check out the pathetic attempts at photography on his insta at https://www.instagram.com/bad_dad_photography/