New songs for November 3rd 2025

 here they are:  

"Day One" by Bon Iver (featuring Dijon, and Flock of Dimes):  For a group who hadn't had success on adult alt radio in over a decade, Bon Iver's latest album has done pretty well, now yielding four singles (including this one) onto the format! Still more electro-pop than folk-rock like most of Bon Iver's latest single, but they chose some fitting guests to bridge the gaps on "Day One." Dijon for the pop-soul/electro side and Flock of Dimes for the more folk-y side. Though the song itself I have mixed feelings about, I think "Day One" has a very clever music video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jd2bebzkPS0) in which many musicians, including Annie "St. Vincent" Clark, Flock of Dimes' Jenn Wasner, and even Justin Vernon himself audition to be the "next Justin Vernon." It is set in an alternate future where Bon Iver have "retired." I'm not sure how much the video has to do with the song, but it does make me want to listen to it more!

"Heathcliff" by Snocaps:  No, you are not listening to a bunch of chocolate candies singing together! Instead, this is a side project of Katie Crutchfield from the rootsy indie-folk/rock group, Waxahatchee, along with her sister Allison, and their good friend, fellow indie-folk-ster MJ Lenderman. The song gets back to Katie's edgy indie-rock roots while still occasionally featuring the twang of more contemporary Waxahatchee songs. In this short but sweet song, the word "Heathcliff" is not mentioned, but it is likely a reference to the comic strip cat of the same name since the opening lyrics are "Call me the longhaired cat in your window." Through all the song's quirky lyrics, throbbing bassline, and fuzzy distortion, "Heathcliff," at its core, seems to be a song of reassurance, affirming that Katie will be there for the listener when they need her.

"House of Dead Memories" by Sugar: Sugar?! Wait, the '90s band, Sugar?! Yes, THAT Sugar, with Bob Mould! Mould's vocals and proto-grunge sound shine through in this song by a band who hasn't been around since I was about 5! I'm surprised they decided to get back together, but it sure is a great surprise! At only two minutes and six seconds, "House of Dead Memories" makes quite an impression and doesn't sound that different from something you'd hear on a college rock station in the early '90s! Fitting for a band who hasn't had a record in decades, "House of Dead Memories" is about memory itself and about trying to leave the past behind! It's impossible to leave behind the legacy of such a pivotal band and innovative singer, though!

"Thick as Thieves" by Lucius:  Holly Laesig and Jess Wolfe, known together as Lucius, are back again with a new song addressing the issue of "fitting in." This is an issue I certainly relate to, being a few different stripes of neurodivergent. While I'm not sure if the same applies to either member of Lucius, their light and somewhat vulnerable electro-pop tune, "Thick as Thieves," is for anyone who has felt "lesser than." The specific experience Lucius address in the song is how they were ostracized simply for being members of their school marching band. The title of the song probably has to do with how tight their bond was with one another.

"This Time for Real" by Chet Faker:  Both musically and lyrically, Chet Faker's latest song, "This Time for Real," feels a bit less weighty. It's an upbeat piano-and-synth-based tune that doesn't go deeper than being a plea for a lover to notice the lead singer. The fact that the song combines synth textures and more authentic piano riffs reminds me of people like Moby. Not a whole lot else is noteworthy about this song, but it sure is catchy!