Chuck Coffey's Top 5 Of 2025 So Far
1
Swami John Reis - Time To Let You Down
Swami Records
The downstroke master returns after a mere 8 months since his last burner. This latest effort leans more into the straight ahead rock of The Sultans and late-era Rocket From The Crypt. If you’re a fan of the man, you’re gonna love this.
2
Amusement - First 3 EP’s
Shield Recordings / Brassneck Records
This record is a compilation of, you guessed it, their first 3 EP’s. Amusement is the kind of band that bridges generations. Husker Du influence with modern tones and themes. Pure punk rock.
3
Testors - Prime Primitive 1976-1977
Green Noise Records
If you don’t know the Testors by now, you wouldn’t even be reading any of this. Essential late-70’s NYC punk that was under-documented until this century. This is similar to the out of print Swami anthology, but includes plenty of different tracks and bonus ephemera that makes it a must-have for any Sonny Vincent fan.
4
Git Some / Quits - Split LP
Independent
This was a short-run LP of two Denver bands featuring the late, great and incredibly incendiary vocalist, Luke Fairchild. The Git Some session is from 2006 and the Quits session is from 2017. The tracks are either previously unreleased or rarities that hadn’t appeared on vinyl. As of now, there is no digital version. Vinyl is better and Luke would have preferred it this way. FID.
5
Dead Pioneers - Po$t American
Hassle Records
The world recently discovered their 2023 s/t debut album earlier this year thanks to the band’s tours with bands such as Pearl Jam and Pennywise. They’re sophomore album has come at the perfect time. They’re unique unto themselves and a force to be reckoned with, both socially and sonically.
