Around the time December arrives, we start to see a large decline in the number of standard new albums and singles being released.
On the other hand, more Christmas music than you could ever imagine arrives to take their places.
You get a bit of both on Fresh Picks this week. Over the rest of the month, we'll spend time highlighting releases from throughout the year we think you might have missed, or that we think deserve more love. Be sure to keep an eye out for our end-of-year favorites and other lists looking back at the best of 2025, also coming later this month.
Check out this week's suggestions from Music Director Kari Hedlund, Assistant Music Director Malachy Koons and Volunteer Coordinator Dan Gannon.
Albums
Haley Heynderickx, Max García Conover - What of Our Nature
For their second collaborative album, these two musicians focused on protest folk music done in the spirit of Woody Guthrie. They spent a year digging into Guthrie’s words, songs and biographies before finding their voice in this style. The songs dig into specific historical political events in “Song for Alicia” and “Buffalo, 1981,” while the whole album is tied to themes of social injustice, consumerism and colonialism.
“Boars” is a tongue-twisting standout with lyrics like, “Stag shape runaway busted bumper palisade synchronized sinusoidal waves.” Other highlights are “Fluorescent Light,” “Cowboying,” and “to each their dot.” What of Our Nature is KAXE’s album of the week, and the last of 2025! -KH
Melissa Carper - A Very Carper Christmas
The time is here, my friends, the first (and maybe only) Christmas album review! I will admit, I am a sucker for holiday albums with original songs a la Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings, Amanda Shires, JD McPherson, and now add in Melissa Carper. Carper’s musical style immediately feels vintage in the best way, which works especially well for a holiday album. “Plug in the Tree,” “Dumpster Divin’ On Christmas Eve” and “It’s Not Hard to Write a Christmas Card” are new songs to add to your Christmas playlist. -KH
Various Artists - Ghana Special: Highlife
An excellent entry point into the world of Ghanaian highlife music, this Soundway Records compilation showcases the vibrant music scene in Ghana from 1967-76. Bright guitars, bouncy polyrhythms and catchy hooks are everywhere. Highlights include the The Ogyatanaa Show Band’s funk and soul tinged “You Monopolise Me,” Honny & The Bees Band’s organ heavy “Psychedelic Woman,” and "Ohiani Sua Efir” from Asaase Ase, a side project of highlife’s biggest name, Ebo Taylor. -MK
Singles
Laura Hugo - "Radio"
The first taste of an upcoming debut EP, “Radio” is an ear-catching reflection on Laura Hugo’s upbringing on the Navajo Nation that speaks to the power of music to bring solace, even during chaotic times. I have heard wonderful things about the Indigenous Twin Cities-based singer-songwriter's live show, and this song makes good on the hype. Can’t wait for the rest of the EP! -MK
Boy Golden - "Cowboy Dreams (ft. Cat Clyde)"
Based in Winnipeg, Boy Golden didn’t release any of his own albums in 2025, but he received the Canadian Folk Music Awards Contemporary Album of the Year for his 2024 album, For Jimmy, and had a banger year as a producer for William Prince and FONTINE, among others. All of this has teed up the release of his upcoming album, Best of Our Possible Lives, out in February 2026. The first look into the album is a snarly collaboration with Cat Clyde in “Cowboy Dreams.” The track builds on layered vocals by adding a part-twangy, part-rocking guitar line, becoming a song I want on repeat. -KH
Case Oats - "Bitter Root Lake"
A duo of Casey Walker on guitar and vocals with Spencer Tweedy (son of Jeff) on drums, Case Oats make a charming ramshackle sound all their own off their August release, Last Missouri Exit. "Bitter Root Lake" sounds pleasant enough in a strummy, strummy kind of way, until Walker sings, "Your daddy didn't like me/ he said I tried to do you wrong." Uh oh. But just wait until the hook of "Diane Diane" is sprung on you, and Case Oats will have you trapped in their world. Trapped in a good way. -DG
Patrick Sweany - "My Time Ain't Long"
You wouldn't know that Sweany has not released a record in over seven years by this snarly, evocative song. "My Time Ain't Long" is a creeping, reverb-drenched blues tune with full-throated vocals screaming about the energy wasted being constantly angry ... in a way only the blues can! -DG
