On this final episode of 2025, Trevor and Shane each select 5 albums and together compile their top 10 albums of the year. The ground rules were simple and were the same this year as prior years: 1. They couldn't select an album from 2025 that already had a "deep dive" episode. 2. They wouldn't be ranking their top 5 or the final top 10 in any particular order 3. They couldn't both select the same album. Finally, at the end of the episode, Shane and Trevor each announce their #1 album of the year, information they have not previously shared with one another until this moment recording. With these self-imposed rules in place, Trevor and Shane took turns sharing their picks for the year one by one. The list is as follows: Trevor: Tunng - Love You All Over Again, Sam Fender - People Watching, Perfume Genius - Glory, Turnstile - Never Enough, Reny Conti - Renny Conti Shane: Oklou - Choke Enough, Joshua Burnside - Teeth of Time, Lily Seabird - Trash Mountain, Alan Sparhawk - With Trampled by Turtles, Djon - Baby For each pick they discuss musical style, production choices, lyrical themes, notable tracks, and personal reactions — from cathartic indie-folk storytelling to experimental pop, hardcore energy, and reflective heartland anthems. Key themes emerge across the selections: parenthood and new beginnings, grief and loss (including a personal connection to Perfume Genius during a family bereavement), communal writing and collaboration, regional scenes and influences, and the thrill of discovering lesser-known artists. The hosts also highlight standout production details (Blake Mills on Perfume Genius; Adam Granduciel’s influence on Sam Fender), spontaneous recording approaches (albums captured quickly with minimal overdubs), and the ways subtle production touches reward repeat listens. Guests and contributors include Renny Conti (who provides a short message about his self-titled debut), and Mike Lindsay of Tunng (who records a voicemail about Love You All Over Again). The hosts also mention friends and collaborators like Billy Shields and Katie Darby Mullins, note encounters with artists at festivals, and describe seeing live music together for the first time in a while. Did your favorite album make our list? Write us and let us know what we forgot! ________________________________________________________________________________________________ HOW TO CONNECT WITH ALBUM DIVERS: *You can submit your questions or comments about this episode or anything else on your mind here via our text line at: 425-287-6832 *Leave us an audio message here: https://www.speakpipe.com/AlbumDivers We promise to respond and may even feature your thoughts on a future episode. *Follow us on Facebook and Instagram at Album Divers *Email us at Albumdiverspodcast@gmail.com *Please subscribe and review wherever you get your podcasts!
