We're back with another roundup of some nice songs that I've been listening to lately. Don't forget to check in on part one if you haven't already done so, otherwise let's get right into it. Here are some thoughts on eleven songs added to the official Horse Combinations August 2025 playlist!
Cass McCombs - “Asphodel”
I haven’t really kept up with Cass McCombs’ last few albums but I’ve been hearing a lot of positive things about his latest, Interior Live Oak. I’m pleased to announce that the album is in fact very good, full of aloof character sketches and subtly odd production choices. I like that “Asphodel” sounds like LCD Soundsystem for Drag City guys.
Diles que no me maten - “Tan Grande Nada”
I originally checked out the new Mexican Summer compilation Sitting on the Moon when I saw it featured a new ten minute Jefre Cantu-Ledesma track, the euphoric “Summer’s End,” but there’s a lot of stuff worth your time beyond that. The biggest surprise was from Mexico City’s Diles que no me maten, the sparse, rambing “Tan Grande Nada,” which I’ve been listening to a lot this week.
This Footings record is good! Interesting compositions, expressive talk/sing vocals, and classic songwriting chops helps them stand out from the dozens of new indie/alt country bands out there.
Annie Achron - “Evening Light”
My old friend Justin Goetz sent me this Annie Achron record after a mailorder mix up left him with an extra copy and I’m really enjoying it. It’s been a while since I checked in on what the gang at Siltbreeze Records has been up to but this has convinced me to take another look!
Memotone - “Time Is Away Theme”
I mentioned last time that I visited London’s World of Echo earlier this month. Since then, I’ve been keeping an eye on their social media for new release recommendations and plugs for stuff on their record label. Their latest in-house release, Memotone’s Smallest Things, has been a recent go-to soundtrack while I work my way through Donald Barthelme’s Sixty Stories.
Emmylou Harris - “I’ll Be Your San Antone Rose”
Man have you listened to Emmylou Harris’ Luxury Liner lately? It’s unbelievable.
No Joy - “Bather in the Bloodcells”
No Joy has always been one of those bands I never took the time to dig into, despite being on my radar for years as a critical favorite I’d probably like if I took the time to listen. When I read that their new album, Bugland, was produced by Angel Marcloid, the prolific genius behind Fire-Toolz, my interest was piqued. How would her genre-agnostic kitchen sink approach gel with a fairly straightforward shoegaze band? Turns out it’s weird and awesome.
Water From Your Eyes - “Nights in Armor”
The new Water From Your Eyes is undeniably the best, most cohesive thing they’ve done so far, an exciting new entry in the "weird guitar music from a couple of weird guys" canon. “Nights in Armor” is probably my favorite song on the record right now, but I’ll probably have a different answer if you ask me tomorrow.
Good Flying Birds - “Fall Away”
Another great single from Good Flying Birds! They’re two for two! This one is sort of an Indianapolis indie rock all hands with guest appearances from Nina and Kevin from Wishy. I’m all in on team Good Flying Birds!
Scree - “Me Me Me”
If you’ve spent the last several years wishing Khruangbin did more to sublimate their influences to go beyond an empty pastiche of aesthetic signifiers, may I recommend the new Scree record. Groove forward instrumental tracks with a global influence and lush production executed with a light touch!
Daniel Hecht - “Confluence of the Rivers”
Vintage guitar soli excellence from Daniel Hecht’s only entry into the storied Windham Hill catalog. Some real "having a pastoral morning" type of music.
Full August playlist embedded below, it's on Tidal now, get off Spotify!
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