Every Friday, 88Nine music director Erin Wolf and Lilliput Records co-owner Tanner Musgrove tell you about the new albums you can’t miss on a new episode of On Vinyl. Check out their top picks and a list of this week’s other releases, and listen to their full conversation using the player on this page or on the 88Nine airwaves at 1 p.m. every Friday.
We find ourselves nearly at the end of 2025. It’s dwindling little by little, and although it feels like vinyl options and new releases are winding down as well, there are plenty of gems to be had. In fact, we’ve got three reco’s that should be just about perfect if the hecticness of the pre-December holidays has got you feeling a little glum.
Melody’s Echo Chamber, Khruangbin and Temporary Blessings all have new records to soothe the savage soul. These are albums you can simply pop on, sink into and savor while your shopping lists, burned cookies and travel plans vanish like melting snowflakes. Keep those three on that wish list with your own personal picks, and pop one into your record bag while you’re scooping up other records for the vinyl nerds in your life this holiday season.
If you need something more life-affirming and emotional, hit up the new Live God release from Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds. If you’re a fan of the verbose dark and stormy rocker and missed his show here in Milwaukee this past spring, it’ll almost be like you never missed it.
Happy New Music Friday!
Best new albums out Dec. 5
Melody’s Echo Chamber, Unclouded
Melody Prochet famously collab’d with Tame Impala’s Kevin Parker for her debut record, and she’s back to that team spirit on her latest full-length. Joining her for the fun are Swedish producer Sven Wunder (who’s worked with Danny Brown); and artists like British drummer Malcolm Catto of Madlib and DJ Shadow fame, Leon Michels of El Michels Affair, members of Swedish band Dina Ögon, members of Dungen and beyond.
Prochet retains her psych qualities but adds a splash of the pastoral, dabbling in the sound of the impressionistic (led by Wunder) in her aim to be more “expressionistic,” as she shared, and reset her mindset of embracing life fully. This album is open and playful, with a throwback appeal for anyone who loves the vibe of old film scores, a la Mancini.
For vinyl lovers, there’s a limited mint color with an exclusive numbered postcard and 12-page songbook via Domino Records, as well as a classic black version.
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, Live God
The album that Nick Cave released in late 2024 and toured on this year got plenty of praise from critics, and fans really showed up to his tour dates, including here in Milwaukee this past April at the Miller High Life Theatre. The live double-LP featuring Wild God documents the energy of that recent tour, which critics called “joyful.” That’s not a blanket adjective typically used for Nick Cave’s live shows, and joy isn’t exactly the hero flavor. But there are moments of joy that shine through.
For the fans out there who were part of that tour magic and want to savor it (or missed it and want to experience it), snag it on black wax via PIAS Recordings. You’ll get songs from the latest record, plus classics like “Red Right Hand” and “Into My Arms.”
Khruangbin, The Universe Smiles Upon You ii
It’s been 10 years since the Texas three-piece put out their first album, The Universe Smiles Upon You. What they’ve accomplished since then is pretty incredible, and it feels right to commemorate the anniversary with this reworking, complete with 10 entirely new renditions of the songs, sequenced in a way that’s more true to how they feel as a band a decade later.
For this album, they even went back to record at the barn where it all started, bringing things full circle. There’s a sense of warmth and familiarity that feels so comforting, making it the perfect companion piece to their first. The Universe Smiles Upon You ii is available on an indie-exclusive white vinyl, along with a classic black via Dead Oceans Records.
Temporary Blessings, Sumbisori
Temporary Blessings is the new project of Melbourne-based composer Liam McGorry, and comprises members of Surprise Chef, Karate Boogaloo, Saskwatch and Let Your Hair Down. In addition to their own label College of Knowledge, this is also being put out by funk and soul label Colemine Records, so this vinyl release is definitely in good hands. You can get it on an indie-exclusive orange-and-brown splatter LP or basic black.
More of our picks
- Tom Smith, There Is Nothing In The Dark That Isn't There In The Light
- Happy Mondays, The Factory Singles
- TEED, Always With Me
