Podcast Summary: Dissect – "Our Favorite Music of 2025...So Far"

Release Date: July 22, 2025
Hosts: Cole Kishna and Charles Holmes
Guest: Charles Holmes from the Midnight Boys

Introduction

In this special episode of Dissect, host Cole Kishna joins Charles Holmes from the Midnight Boys to explore their favorite music of 2025 up to that point. The conversation delves into various categories, including underground albums, standout songs outside their top albums, and their top three albums of the year. Notably, the episode features insightful discussions, personal anecdotes, and notable quotes, providing listeners with an engaging and comprehensive overview of the current musical landscape.

Guest Introduction and Background [00:00 – 03:06]

Cole Kishna kicks off the episode by introducing Charles Holmes, a dedicated music reviewer known for his YouTube channel where he reviews three to four new albums weekly. Charles shares his journey of starting the channel to challenge his skepticism toward new music in middle age. Over time, he honed his approach, blending his expertise as a French professor with his passion for rap and hip-hop, thereby creating a unique and scholarly perspective on music.

Charles Holmes [02:01]: "I talk mostly about rap music and hip hop. It's one of my areas of scholarship... I think if you like Dissect, you'd like my stuff."

Favorite Underground Albums [04:15 – 13:03]

The discussion begins with their picks for underground albums—those by lesser-known artists with under a million Spotify listeners.

Cole's Pick: "Tether" by Anastasia [04:15 – 12:05]

Cole introduces Anastasia and her album "Tether," highlighting her soulful baritone reminiscent of Nina Simone and her seamless blend of folk and soul elements. He recounts discovering Anastasia through Kendrick Lamar's "Luther" music video and praises her emotional depth and intimate arrangements.

Cole Kishna [06:00]: "Her voice reminded me of Nina Simone... She can sing anything, and it feels like you would feel on some kind of emotional, spiritual level."

Charles echoes Cole's enthusiasm, emphasizing the album's emotional resonance and lamenting how he missed discovering Anastasia sooner despite his extensive music listening habits.

Charles Holmes [08:05]: "It's amazing that I missed it. I never even heard it, and I listened to this much music."

Charles's Pick: "Goyard IBN Said" by Gavara [13:03 – 16:16]

Charles selects Gavara and his album "Goyard IBN Said," describing him as a Marxist underground rapper from Philadelphia. He draws parallels between Gavara and Billy Woods, noting Gavara's blend of political and personal themes. Charles appreciates Gavara's ability to balance historical references with contemporary rap themes, such as the challenges of fame and the music industry.

Charles Holmes [15:30]: "If you like Billy Woods, you might like Gavara... He captures what he's doing in a unique and amazing way."

Cole adds that "Old Guard is Dead" by Gavara perfectly complements Kendrick Lamar's Super Bowl performance, noting the intentional key similarity for a seamless transition.

Cole Kishna [19:01]: "This is a super interesting album... it's like a theater play in two acts."

Favorite Songs Outside Top Albums [20:17 – 37:03]

Both hosts share standout tracks that aren't part of their favorite albums, offering a broader view of their musical tastes.

Charles's Pick: "Peanuts to an Elephant" by Lin-Manuel Miranda & Lil Wayne [21:10 – 23:57]

Charles defends Lin-Manuel Miranda's "Peanuts to an Elephant," appreciating its playful and self-aware nature despite mixed criticisms focusing on its unconventional elements, such as elephant sounds.

Charles Holmes [21:10]: "It's playful, it's fun, it's stupid, and it knows it."

Cole's Pick: "Bo" by J.I.D. [23:57 – 26:09]

Cole highlights J.I.D.'s "Bo," praising its dynamic delivery and anticipated impact ahead of his upcoming album release.

Cole Kishna [24:08]: "It's everything you'd want in a traditional rapper... I'm very excited about his upcoming release."

Charles's Second Pick: "Good Credit" by Playboi Carti & Kendrick Lamar [32:52 – 35:55]

Charles selects "Good Credit" featuring Playboi Carti and Kendrick Lamar, noting Kendrick's impactful verse that challenges listeners to accept both artists.

Charles Holmes [33:18]: "It's a great song... Kendrick's verse is challenging and thought-provoking."

Cole's Second Pick: "Blow to the Face" by CLIPS [36:54 – 61:38]

Cole showcases CLIPS' "Blow to the Face," commending its economical use of words and immaculate delivery. He highlights standout lines that exemplify the duo's lyrical prowess and cohesive production.

Cole Kishna [60:51]: "It's so good... the economy of words allows their clarity and articulation to be crystal clear."

Top Three Albums of the Year [46:00 – 73:04]

Both hosts present their top three albums of 2025, revealing surprising overlaps and diverse tastes.

Number Three: "The Good, the Bad and the Dollar Menu" by Rayvon [46:00 – 35:55]

Both Cole and Charles rank Rayvon's "The Good, the Bad and the Dollar Menu" as their number three album. They laud its vulnerability and Rayvon's ability to express personal and socioeconomic struggles through intricate lyrics and compelling narratives.

Cole Kishna [50:55]: "It's all about his mother's struggle with schizophrenia... such a potent analogy."

Charles Holmes [52:09]: "It's unbelievably vulnerable... the grace he shows is enormous."

Number Two: "Ants from Up There" by Black Country New Road / "Let God Sort Him Out" by CLIPS [55:05 – 73:04]

Charles selects Black Country New Road's "Ants from Up There," praising its technical prowess and thematic depth, especially following the departure of their lead singer. He commends the band's ability to evolve while maintaining their signature sound.

Charles Holmes [58:07]: "They managed to reinvent themselves without losing what made them great."

Cole chooses CLIPS' "Let God Sort Him Out," describing it as a flawless and addictive project with immaculate production and lyrical clarity.

Cole Kishna [60:51]: "Every line is great... the clarity of both of these guys' delivery is unmatched."

Number One: "Debbie.10" by Bad Bunny / "Melodrama" by Lorde [73:04 – 88:06]

Charles crowns Bad Bunny's "Debbie.10" as his top album, appreciating its cultural significance and the artist's commitment to his roots despite his global success. Charles highlights the album's exploration of Puerto Rican identity, immigration, and systemic issues, delivered through vibrant and danceable tracks.

Charles Holmes [68:49]: "It's a multi-generational love letter to Puerto Rico... it's so powerful."

Cole names Lorde's "Melodrama" as his favorite, lauding its vulnerability, mature perspective, and innovative production. He connects the album's themes of rebirth and personal transformation to its sonic landscape, emphasizing its emotional honesty and artistic depth.

Cole Kishna [73:04]: "It's one of the most vulnerable records I have ever heard... a beautiful mix of vulnerability and maturity."

Closing Thoughts and Future Anticipations [85:46 – 88:06]

As the episode draws to a close, Cole and Charles reflect on the year's musical achievements and express excitement for upcoming releases. Charles anticipates J.I.D.'s next album and Kendrick Lamar's forthcoming projects, while Cole is particularly eager for J.I.D. and remains impressed by CLIPS and Lorde.

Charles Holmes [85:46]: "I'm most excited for J.I.D.'s upcoming album... it's going to be something special."

Cole Kishna [87:18]: "J.I.D. is number one on my most anticipated albums... I can't wait to see where he's going next."

They encourage listeners to explore their reviews and support the featured artists, emphasizing the importance of cultural and linguistic diversity in music appreciation.

Cole Kishna [88:00]: "If you guys aren't familiar with Professor Sky, definitely go check out his YouTube."

The episode concludes with mutual appreciation between the hosts, highlighting the enriching exchange of musical insights and the anticipation for future discussions.

Notable Quotes

• Cole Kishna [06:00]: "Her voice reminded me of Nina Simone... She can sing anything, and it feels like you would feel on some kind of emotional, spiritual level."

• Charles Holmes [21:10]: "It's playful, it's fun, it's stupid, and it knows it."

• Cole Kishna [50:55]: "It's all about his mother's struggle with schizophrenia... such a potent analogy."

• Charles Holmes [52:09]: "It's unbelievably vulnerable... the grace he shows is enormous."

• Cole Kishna [73:04]: "It's one of the most vulnerable records I have ever heard... a beautiful mix of vulnerability and maturity."

Conclusion

This episode of Dissect offers a deep dive into the favorite musical highlights of 2025, showcasing a blend of mainstream and underground artists. Through thoughtful analysis and personal reflections, Cole Kishna and Charles Holmes provide listeners with a rich tapestry of contemporary music, celebrating its diversity and emotional depth. Whether you're a seasoned music enthusiast or new to these genres, this episode serves as an insightful guide to some of the year's standout releases.

For more detailed discussions and full album reviews, listeners are encouraged to visit the Dissect feed and explore the accompanying Spotify playlist available in the episode description.