GL.25.01: Ilana Bergstrom

 

100 Songs: Aaron Bergstrom

GL.25.01: ILANA BERGSTROM

GL.25.02: Isabel Vermaak

GL.25.03: Jem Stirling

GL.25.04: Nora Tang

GL.25.05: Tony Schoenberg

GL.25.06: Mario Sanders

GL.25.07: Darrin Shillair

GL.25.08: Scott Lawson

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Ilana’s Songs of the Year: 2025

In 2025 I went to 27 concerts and three music festivals in six different countries. I got to rock out with bands I've adored since childhood and bands I didn't love until this year. One show was on a boat. One show encouraged us to let out a particularly timely primal scream. I went to shows with longtime friends, and I made brand new ones between sets as well. Not every show was a winner, and some of them even gave me minor injuries, but saying yes to live music was always the right decision.

One thing I learned this year is that it's never too late to really fall in love with a new band or music genre. Even if you think that you've lost interest or feel like you’ve already seen the best of the best, there's always room for a little surprise. Keep your ears open, get out of the house, and see what kind of fun shakes out.

 

This year I’m sharing my 20 favorite songs from 2025 and self-inflicting a “only-one-track-per-artist” rule, and I've added an asterisk next to all of the artists I was lucky enough to see in concert this year, too. Let’s go!

1. “Pictures of You” - Alien Boy

If I owned a physical record of You Wanna Fade? - and believe me, I’ve looked for it everywhere - it would be worn out by now. Fully stacked from start to finish with anthems like “Changes” and the gorgeously mellow title track ”You Wanna Fade,” Oregon indie rockers Alien Boy make awesome music. “Pictures of You” is my favorite song of the year because of its sweetness, the longing, the build-up, and the perfect pay-off at 1:53. For me it was love at first listen, and I hope that you’ll feel the same way, too.

2. “BIRDS” - Turnstile*

It’s impossible for me to talk about Turnstile without sounding absolutely insane. “Turnstile changed my brain chemistry.” [Eye roll.] “The first time I saw them at Primavera Sound, I laughed, I cried, I actually threw up.” (That’s really gross.) “I can’t move my right arm because I went to two Turnstile shows in five days.” (Ilana, aren’t you way too old for mosh pits?) 

It’s now difficult for me to understand why I didn’t click with Turnstile until this year. In the months leading up to PS, I knew the band had lots of hype so I started listening to them at the gym. At first I thought they were mostly Very Loud; maybe the kind of band I needed to see in concert in order to get the full picture? And then I heard “BIRDS” and something changed. Maybe it was the workout endorphins. Maybe it was the drums. And the guitar. And the chorus. And everything, really. Instead of thinking Turnstile was a band I should see, I knew that Turnstile was a band I desperately NEEDED to see in Barcelona. 

The only problem? PS announced Turnstile’s set time: 3:05 am on day 3 of the festival. That's right, Spain does not mess around! My attitude changed once again: I'd be lucky if I could stay awake late enough to see maaaaybe one or two Turnstile songs before I passed out.

But miracles happen, and not only did I make it to the end of the set, Aaron and I experienced it with some really special people. I’m totally hooked on Turnstile’s energy now, and I feel extra fortunate that I got to see them two more times later this year. If you get the chance to go to a Turnstile show, you’re gonna need Ibuprofen for a couple of days afterward but I promise you'll be glad you went. 

3. "Shadow Of A Man" - Lady Gaga*

Lady Gaga blew everyone away this year with MAYHEM. Tracks 1-11 are unskippable. Gaga’s SNL performances killed. The livestreams from Coachella and Rio had me completely mesmerized from my sofa. And her drummer Tosh? Holy shit, he’s an animal!

"Shadow Of A Man" may not be the most well-known track off this album, but all the biggest Gaga fans I know agree that this song is some serious pop perfection. It makes me run faster, dance on my bike while cycling around town, and it will forever remind me of sunny springtime walks with Ginger.

4. "Little By Little (Live from London, 2 August '25)" - Oasis* (feat. Ilana & Aaron)

Surprise surprise! Yes, it's US - me and Aaron - making our Burn Your Hits debut, singing our hearts out with the Gallagher bros and all our best mates at Wembley Stadium on August 2, 2025. Getting to see Oasis for the first time in Cardiff was a dream come true, but I must give Aaron full credit for insisting we go back to the U.K. for a second show in London because that's where the extra magic happened. With old friends and new in the worst seats of the house, beers were flying and everyone felt like family. No wonder Oasis released this live track; our drunken voices were so beautiful!

5. "It's a Mirror" - Perfume Genius*

Before we saw Perfume Genius this November I would've told you I love this song because of its rich complexity and tonal warmth. But after going to that show I just need to say that it was the loudest concert I've been to in recent memory. Shockingly, undeniably, ridiculously loud. I'm not going to give away any spoilers here, so believe me: bring ear plugs!

6. "B A D I D E A" - Militarie Gun

Ooh ooh THIS is how you start an album! (Well, the opening track PLUS this one.) Energetic and propulsive, "B A D I D E A" grabs your attention and sets the tone for my favorite Militarie Gun album yet.

7. "Young Offenders" - Spiritual Cramp*

1. Spiritual Cramp is back with another solid album that makes me homesick for the Bay. Maybe their next album will be named something like “Fog, Hills & Burritos” just to really rub it in. 

2. I can’t listen to this song without thinking the lyrics are: Expensive clothes explosive farts

8. "Plastic Box" - JADE

This is the best Carly Rae Jepsen song I've heard in years! (Complimentary.)

9. "AAAHH MEN!" - Doja Cat

Doja Cat was not playing around with the release of "Jealous Type" - another song I love and therefore hated removing from this playlist - but I had to replace it with "AAAHH MEN!" because the Knight Rider theme sample is TOO GOOD. It’s also the best thing that’s been on SNL so far this season. I dare you to listen to it without singing a little Busta Rhymes "Ohhhhhhhhhhhh" along with it.

10. "Sports Car" - Tate McRae

This song is peak very-sexy-baby core and I don't have much else to say about it.

11. "KFC Santería" - Cain Culto (feat. Sudan Archives)

I had a lot of questions for Aaron when he showed me a Cain Culto music video for the first time. Namely, how in the world does he find this stuff? 

12. "Sugar On My Tongue" - Tyler, The Creator

Has a song ever been bouncier?

13. "Stay All Summer" - Momma*

2025-Me loves Momma. I can only imagine how much 1995-Me would have worshipped Momma. Welcome to My Blue Sky was another AOTY.

14. "Light Night Mountains All That" - Ratboys*

Ratboys songs really come alive at their concerts, and I think this might be their best one yet! (Yes, that was my best attempt at a Ratboys joke.)

15. "Eatin' Big Time" - Tyler Childers

Shoutout to Shay for bringing fellow Beyhive member Tyler Childers to my attention. Another rad opening track!

16. "Hallways" - PUP*

I wrote these blurbs out of order, and this was the one I saved for last because, frankly, it makes me really emo. One of the reasons why PUP is such a great punk band is that their songs have range. From ridiculous to aggro to tender to this one which is downright weepy, they do it all. But naming this album Who Will Look After The Dogs? Like, come on, man.

Although we didn’t know it at the time, we spent most of Ginger’s last week in Paris because we were there for a PUP show in May. It was Aaron’s and my 300th concert together, another fan randomly gave us his paper ticket (so retro!) as a souvenir, and we had such a great night. Don’t underestimate a Parisian punk show; it was a wild one! But these good memories are mixed with sadness of what was yet to come.

Please give PUP a listen, and give your dogs a big hug for me.

17. "Taxes" - Geese

Have you heard the good news about Geese? You definitely have if you looked at Aaron's 2025 songs list or if you’ve read ANYTHING written by literally ANY indie music critic this year. But if you’re new to this band, you’re in luck because Getting Killed is an incredible album all the way through. This is the kind of music that’s gonna scare all the right people.

18. "Diet Pepsi (Live at Sirius XMU)" - Blondshell

Ben Platt who? THIS is the best "Diet Pepsi" cover of the year!

19. "How It's Done" - HUNTR/X

I hadn't even heard of KPop Demon Hunters until the end of August when it was reported as Netflix's Most Watched Movie Ever. Some might say/sing that I was A little late to the party (la-la-la-la), so I decided to play it on a dreary Dutch Saturday morning. By the end of the weekend I was a full evangelist, telling everyone that they needed to watch it or, at the very least, listen to the soundtrack. Not that into K-pop? Me neither! Don't watch animated films unless you're half asleep on an airplane? Right, me too! But the movie is legitimately good and some of the songs are true BANGERS. "How It's Done" is the first song we hear HUNTR/X sing in the movie, and my attention? It was GRABBED. This song has everything: a “Black Widow” clap-along pre-chorus, a HEAVY drop, and these lyrics:

Heels, nails, blade, mascara

Fit check for my napalm era

Need to beat my face, make it cute and savage

Mirror, mirror on my phone, who's the baddest?

Then the Us, hello? audio phone effect? UH, HELLO??!!! THIS RULES and my four-year old niece vehemently agrees.

20. "Your Idol" - Saja Boys

Sorry, we are not done talking about KPop Demon Hunters! By the end of the movie - which I've only watched once, by the way - I assumed I was firmly Team HUNRT/X because of the whole "needing the save the Honmoon" thing, but then the Saja Boys performed "Your Idol" and I think my jaw hit the ground. The boys look SICK dancing in their gat, the "Dies Irae" latin chanting is creepy in the best way, plus everyone knows that the villain songs in kids' movies can be the most fun for adult listeners. I was glad the girls saved the world in the end, but I'm praying for more of this musical excellence in the sequel. (There’s gonna be a sequel, right? RIGHT?!!)

GL.24.01: Ilana Bergstrom

 

100 SONGS: Aaron Bergstrom

GL.24.01: ILANA BERGSTROM

GL.24.02: Isabel Vermaak

GL.24.03: Megan Swidler

Ilana’s 24 Songs for ‘24

2024 marked Aaron’s and my fifth year living abroad, my 40th birthday, lots of political anguish, and the grief of losing my last grandparent. Behind it all, as always, is music. Music in my earbuds and, better yet, on stage. 

I went to 23 concerts this year - the most I’ve seen since before the pandemic - in five different countries. There were unexpected surprises, like watching Dutchies lose their goddamn minds during Darius Rucker’s cover of “I Like It, I Love It.” (That will haunt me forever.) There was major nostalgia like seeing Jimmy Eat World for the first time in 23 years, and celebrating 30 years of Dookie with Green Day. There was Aaron’s birthday party at the Spiritual Cramp show in Amsterdam, and there were shockingly expensive concert beers in San Francisco. We’ve traveled pretty far for some of these shows, and are exceedingly grateful that we live so close to two of our favorite venues. 

Here are my 24 favorite songs from the year. No artist repeats, three covers, and one wildcard. I was also fortunate to see five of these songs live this year (indicated with an asterisk), and I hope that you’ll like them, too. Let’s go.

1. “Right Back to It” - Waxahatchee feat. MJ Lenderman*

In the wake of another catastrophic American election, it’s a difficult time for a liberal expat like myself to feel very “American.” But you know who makes me want to wear red, white, and blue leathers while riding a horse and waving the American flag? It’s not who you think; it’s Katie Crutchfield (aka Waxahatchee) and MJ Lenderman. 

This year both artists released albums so good that it’s nearly impossible to play favorites, so I’m choosing “Right Back to It” - their goddamn gorgeous beautiful collaboration - to top my 2024 list as a symbolic gesture. Apparently indie rock with a hint of country twang can make this American gal a little homesick … even though “home” has never been anywhere near Alabama or North Carolina.    

2. “Like I Say (I runaway)” - Nilüfer Yanya*

Four reasons why this is a perfect song: 1) The guitars that come in at 0:42 are perfect. 2) Her voice is perfect. 3) The percussive beat is perfect. 4) And, yes, even her hair is perfect. 

3. “Calling You Out” - Charly Bliss*

Has this ever happened to you?

Well I promise it won’t if you invite them to a Charly Bliss show! Charly Bliss is energetic, a little wacky, incredibly talented, and they put on a performance that feels little more like a party than a concert. We were lucky to see them play in San Francisco in September with some of our favorite people, and my only regret is that more of our Bay Area friends didn’t join us. 

“Calling You Out” is my #1 track off of Forever, and it really blasts off in the last 45 seconds. Next time Charly Bliss comes to your city, I hope you get to see them play live. Don’t forget to invite all of your friends.

4. “Loud Bark” - Mannequin Pussy

People always ask what I like best about living in Amsterdam. “I like riding my bike everywhere.” “It’s wonderful to travel around Europe so easily.” “The architecture is stunning!”

These answers are true, of course, but now I have Marisa Dabice’s voice in my head singing: I want to walk around at night while being ignored.

Yes, THAT is what I like best about living in Amsterdam. I can walk/run/cycle at night - or anytime of day - while being blissfully ignored, and let me tell you, it is a DREAM COME TRUE. Women want personal autonomy. We want safety. We want it so much that it makes us scream. 

5. “Good Luck, Babe!” - Chappell Roan

I imagine that the only thing more satisfying than gleefully telling someone “I told you so!” is being able to sing I TOLD YOU SOOOOOOOOOOOOOO the way Chappell hits those notes.

6. “Taste” - Sabrina Carpenter

We love to see pop stars with killer senses of humor! Paired with a wickedly funny music video, Sabrina really won me over with this opening track from Short n’ Sweet. The way she sings I at the beginning of the chorus is like a double shot of espresso to me.

7. “Von dutch” - Charli xcx

The blurb I would’ve written prior to October 19: Before the green billboards, apple dance, and countless thinkpieces, real fans know “brat summer” actually started in February when this bombastic single dropped. 

The blurb I’m writing now: There’s a scene in 30 Rock where Frank has an app on his phone that plays certain noises that can only be heard by young or old ears. When he plays a low tone that can only be heard by people over 40, Jenna, desperately pretending to be young, screams, “HAVE YOU STARTED PLAYING IT YET????”

Well, the high-pitched strings in the background of “Von dutch” were barely noticeable to me before I turned 40 in October. And now … 

8. “tv off” - Kendrick Lamar (feat. lefty gunplay)

By the first MUSTAAAAAAAARD at 2:05 I knew this was going to be one of my favorite songs of the year. 

9. “Angel of my Dreams (FOR THE CLUB)” - JADE

LeT’s Do SoMeThInG cRaZy! JADE really threw a bunch of musical styles against a wall with “Angel of my Dreams,” bumped the bass for this remix, and somehow it works and is fun as hell. It reminds me of a brash British theatre kid going a little too hard on a Saturday night, getting lost on a dancefloor, crying with strangers in the bathroom, and then feeling wistful again the next morning.

10. “Disease” - Lady Gaga

Please give us more spooky, scary, angry Gaga! Snarly vocals and freaky sound effects, “Disease” was the perfect pre-Halloween release.

11. “BIRDS OF A FEATHER” - Billie Eilish

The way that this song shimmers and soars is just so beautiful. The way that this song was overused to death on social media, less so.

12. “All In My Head” - The Linda Lindas*

The Linda Lindas are growing up and are cooler than ever. I wish all of their songs were as melodic as “All In My Head,” but it’s pretty awesome that their live shows are surprisingly heavy. The kids are alright, etc.

13. “I Know I Know” - Bad Moves

Come to Europe, Bad Moves!!! They’re probably the band that I most want to see live in concert that I haven’t seen yet. They have so many fun songs, play with so much energy, and live so far away from Amsterdam :( 

14. “Didn’t” - illuminati hotties (feat. Cavetown)

Tire-Screech-of-the-Year at 1:47!

15. “Drinking and Driving” - Liquid Mike

In elementary school I got a bad grade on my American state report because I didn’t think I needed to include the Upper Peninsula on my map of Michigan. Yes, I knew the UP existed, but did I think it really mattered? Nah, the non-mitten part was practically Canada! Anyway, I’ve felt bad about disrespecting the UP ever since, and I’m happy to report that this band from Marquette, MI totally rocks. 

16. “Backseat Driver” - Orla Gartland

You know the excited feeling you get when you think you’ve discovered a cool new artist, but then you realize your friends have already been listening to them for years? (Looking at you, Recording Academy.) Well, it turns out I’m not the first person to discover Orla Gartland, but I’m stoked to see her in Amsterdam next year. This song feels like a fun Irish mash-up of Talking Heads à la Hayley Williams with Olivia Rodrigo shout-a-long background vocals.

17. “In the Living Room” - Maggie Rogers

I spent half of the year wondering which track I’d choose from Don’t Forget Me for this list, and then she went ahead and dropped this single that I like best. Thanks, Maggie!

18. “Driver” - Soccer Mommy

I honestly sound like a broken record each time I write something about Soccer Mommy. She just nails the 90s nostalgia thing every single time. 

19. “ROCKMAN” - Mk.gee

Normally I’m the one showing Aaron my favorite SNL sketches on Sunday mornings, but this time Aaron introduced me to Mk.gee via his recent SNL debut. Can “more eagle noise!” be the new “more cowbell!”? 

20. “crush” - 2hollis*

I have Yasi Salek to thank for introducing me to my most confusing artist on this year’s playlist. (I really should’ve included the superior song “cliche” last year, but I learned about it a little too late.) 2hollis is a 20-year old singer/rapper with all kinds of family connections in the music industry and looks like Daenerys Targaryen’s skinny emo little brother, and I’m as surprised as you are to call myself a fan. 

Covers Corner:

21. “Sucker (Cover)” - Meet Me @ The Altar

Edith Victoria has some of the most powerful vocals in pop-punk music, and her choice to nasally whine “I’m a sucker fer yuh” in the first chorus of this Jonas Brothers cover is exactly how I’d do it, too. It’s because we love you, JoBros!

22. “A Praise Chorus” - Martha

Martha, our favorite band from Pity Me, England - god bless them - have some thick-ass northern accents. We’ve known this for years. We’ve listened to all of their songs, been to so many of their concerts, and have even chatted with the band members on multiple occasions. But nothing prepared me for how thick their accents would sound on this beloved Jimmy Eat World cover. Nothing.

23. “Good Luck, Babe!” - Senses

We’re ending “Covers Corner” with this banging version of “Good Luck, Babe!” by a band I know absolutely nothing about other than they identify as “emo-friendly, punk-curious.” That’s cute. If I had a voice like hers, I’d sing this at every karaoke opportunity until the end of time.

The Wildcard:

24. Challengers - Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross

The hot people tennis movie would’ve been hot without the score, but the music made it so much hotter.