This Is Not Happening - An Album Of The Month Podcast

Festive Greetings from This Is Not Happening and welcome to our year-end, 2025 wrap-up episode. As always we split the pod into Part 1 and Part 2.

Part 1 features our Top 10 favourite albums of 2025. We use a proprietary algorithm to create our list our collective favourite albums, we're talking nascent data-science excellence! Every year it throws up some surprises as our tastes are so different (and in some ways so similar.

Part 2 features a festive Spin It or Bin It. We each bring a candidate for track of the year and ask the age old question 'Spin It or Bin It' ... will anyone really bin anyone elses Track of the Year? Probably.

To retain the tension, I won't share any spoilers here ... other than to share a 40 track playlist of some of our favourite 2025 tracks ... here.

Whatever you do at this time of year, who ever you do it with ... have a good one.

Please join us in January where we will go back to the usual format of Album of the Month + Spin It or Bin It.

We've been writing the blog for years come and have a look - https://thisisnothappening.net/

We are officially 62 months old. Welcome to the latest episode of This Is Not Happening, an album of the month podcast.

In Part 1, we review and Album of the Month. This month Guy brings back an artist that we first featured in early 2022, Joy Crookes. Joy is tackling the tricky 2nd album syndrome with her latest release 'Juniper'.

In Part 2, we play Spin It or Bin It, we pick a theme and all pick songs that represent that theme. This month, we stick with theme of 'Joy' and ask each other to brings tracks that bring us joy and happiness.

                                ----- Part 1 | Joy Crookes | Juniper -----

In January 2022 we reviewed Joy's debut Skin. The consensus was that we loved it and it became a very important and deeply album for some of us. In terms of expectations, the bar was raised when Joy released the single 'Pass the Salt' in January of this year. 

So what did we get with this sophomore release? Well, a lot is the simple answer! Perhaps not a big leap stylistically but a massive long-jump forwards in terms of song writing and performance. Will that be enough for the pod ... have a listen and tell us what you think.

• Listen to the album ... HERE
• Watch some great videos ... HERE
• Watch a great reaction video from Jakar right ... HERE
• Read a great interview with Joy in Glamour magazine ... HERE
• Listen to a deeply personal and revealing interview ... HERE

                                  ----- Part 2 | Spin It or Bin It | 'Joy' -----

Songs that bring us 'Joy and Happiness' sounds like a simple theme to find music for ... well, not for one of us who revels in the dark and miserable side of music. The selections are predictably brilliant!

• Nolan chose 'Jayou' by Jurassic 5.
• David chose 'Make Me Smile (Come up and see me)' by Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel.
• Joey chose 'Superstylin' by Groove Armada.
• Guy went mental and chose 'Josephine' by Chris Rea!

We all chose 4 tracks as a shortlist which we combine into a belter of a 16 track playlist, listen to that bad boy HERE.

We've been writing the blog for years come and have a look - https://thisisnothappening.net/

Welcome to Episode 61 of This Is Not Happening, a monthly music podcast.

In Part 1, we review and Album of the Month. This month it's Joey's choice and he's picked Essex Honey, the latest release from Blood Orange, UK born and raised, New York based creative force.

In Part 2, we play Spin It or Bin It, we pick a theme and all pick songs that represent that theme. This month the theme is 'Colours'  

                            ----- Part 1 | Blood Orange | Essex Honey  -----

Devonté Hynes, AKA Blood Orange, is a Grammy-nominated English singer, songwriter, record producer, composer, and director based in New York City. Devonté is a talented human being, playing multiple instruments, he is a consummate songwriter and an incredible producer. 

His latest album, Essex Honey is quite something. We all agree that this is very intelligent, impressive album created by a unique artist. But that doesn't mean that we all like it. We get stuck right into that in this episode. Have a listen and let us know what you think.    

• Listen to the album ... HERE
• Watch some great videos ... HERE
• Buy some stuff ... HERE

                           ----- Part 2 | Spin It or Bin It | 'Colours' -----

Sometimes the simplest themes are the best, songs with colours in the title. The 4 tracks we chose and the 16 track playlist we created are belters!

• David chose - 'Grey Day' by Zoot Woman.
• Guy chose - 'Brown Paper Bag' by Roni Size.
• Joey chose - '99 Red Balloons' by Nena
• Nolan chose - 'Redbone' by Childish Gambio

We all chose 4 tracks as a shortlist which we combine into a belter of a 16 track playlist, listen to that bad boy HERE.

We've been writing the blog for years come and have a look - https://thisisnothappening.net/

TINH happening is officially 60 episodes old. Happy 60th to us.

We're missing a team member again this month. David is back and in the hot seat, Guy is off making beautiful memories with his family. 

In Part 1, we review and Album of the Month. This month it's Davide's choice and he's picked Moisturizer, the sophomore release from Wet Leg, British Post-Punk, Post-Pop band that were previously catapulted to fame by their break out single Chaise Longue. Tune in to find out what we all thought.

In Part 2, we play Spin It or Bin It, we pick a theme and all pick songs that represent that theme. This month the theme is 'English With An Accent'.  

                                   ----- Part 1 | Wet Leg | Moisturizer  -----

Wet Leg, AKA 'that Chaise Longue band' started their career with a bang. Their first single Chaise Longue became a global hit and created a massive amount of attention. Could they ever break the curse of being a novelty, one hit wonder band ... well, yes is the simple answer. Their first album proved that (partially) but this second album smashes that idea out the park. Listen to the episode for more detail but there's a lot of positivity about this one.

Listen to the album, listen to the pod, tell us what you think. Here are some links that we mention on the pod or think could be useful to explore;

• Listen to the album ... HERE
• Watch some great videos ... HERE
• Buy some stuff ... HERE

                     ----- Part 2 | Spin It or Bin It | 'English With An Accent -----

The theme this month is English With An Accent. Simple. Artists singing in English but with an acent.

• Nolan chose - Hate To Say I Told You So by The Hives.
• David chose - Not Any Longer by The Lijadu Sisters.
• Guy chose - Music Sounds Better With You by Stardust.
• Joey chose - Keep The Streets Empty For Me by Fever Ray.

We all chose 4 tracks as a shortlist which we combine into a belter of a 16 track playlist, listen to that bad boy HERE.

We've been writing the blog for years come and have a look - https://thisisnothappening.net/

Welcome to Episode 59 of This is Not Happening (TINH), an Album of the Month (AOTM) Podcast. We're missing a team-member this month as Davide is on an Anglo-French diplomatic mission. 

In Part 1 we deep dive into an Album that one of us has chosen and in Part 2 we play 'Spin it or Bin it'.  We pick a theme and each pick a song that represents that theme. We judge the selections by asking the question 'Spin It or Bin It'?

In Part 1, Nolan is in the seat. He brings Little Sim'z new album, Lotus. This was a reluctant choice when he made it. He thought it was an interesting album but he was far from loving it. Has that changed in a month?

In Part 2, we celebrate New Music. What are our favourite new tracks from the last couple of months?

                            ----- Part 1 | Little Simz | 'Lotus' -----

This is the 2nd Little Simz album we're reviewed as our little Album of the Month collective. Last time round was here debut album Grey Area which would all pretty much loved. I think our experience of her work since then has varied significantly. This album has been launched in a quite dramatic and controversial environment following the collapse of Simz' relationship with former collaborator Inflo. What does Simz sound like without Inflo? Let's find out.

Listen to the album, listen to the pod, tell us what you think. Here are some links that we mention on the pod or think could be useful to explore;

• Listen to the album ... HERE.
• We mention the great Louis Theroux podcast interview ... HERE.
• Watch the video for 'Young' ... HERE.
• Buy some stuff ... HERE.  

                          ----- Part 2 | Spin It or Bin It | 'New Music' -----

The theme this month is New Music. Simple. What new tunes are we loving? There's LOADS of amazing music out but we also need to pick something that we think the rest of us will vote 'spin it' to.

• Joey chose 'Feisty' by Smerz.
• Nolan chose 'Next to You' by Erykah Badu and The Alchemist.
• David chose 'Tricky' by New Windows.
• Guy chose 'Lowly' by Young Fathers

We all chose 4 tracks as a shortlist which we combine into a belter of a 16 track playlist, listen to that bad boy HERE.

We've been writing the blog for years come and have a look - https://thisisnothappening.net/

This month's podcast could be re-titled 'How to Disagree Nicely.  Welcome to Episode 58 of This is Not Happening (TINH), an Album of the Month (AOTM) Podcast. 

In Part 1 we deep dive into an Album that one of us has chosen and in Part 2 we play 'Spin it or Bin it'.  We pick a theme and each pick a song that represents that theme. We judge the selections by asking the question 'Spin It or Bin It'?

In Part 1, Guy is in the seat. He brings Lucy Dacus' new album, Forever is a Feeling for us to consider and discuss.

In Part 2, we celebrate the summer, it was hear, it has already gone. Nolan's specialist subject, the Summer Night track is our theme for Spin It or Bin It.

                            ----- Part 1 | Lucy Dacus | 'Forever is a Feeling' -----

We have varying levels of experience and history with Lucy Dacus but Guy has fallen for this album in a big way. It's Lucy's 4th solo album and sits alongside her work as part of Boygenius. The album is a really easy listen, it can sit with you on repeat for a significant chunk of time. The question that we explore is, can penetrate beyond a nice listen ... opinions vary but at least one of us has this in their album of the year list at this point in the year.

Listen to the album, listen to the pod, tell us what you think. Here are some links that we mention on the pod or think could be useful to explore;

• Listen to the album ... HERE.
• Listen to the the 'A Deeper Listen interview / podcast ... HERE.
• Watch some videos (particularly the live performances) ... HERE.
• Buy some stuff ... HERE.       

                          ----- Part 2 | Spin It or Bin It | 'Summer Nights' -----

The theme this month is 'Summer Nights'. Which tracks give us big summer night vibes. Ever since I've known Nolan he has always immediately given songs a season, I've never known anyone think as 'seasonally' about music. So no pressure but we play Spin It or Bin it with his specialist subject!

• David chose 'Tropical Gangsters' by Kid Creole & the Coconuts.
• Nolan chose 'Thinking About You' by Saraga.
• Joey chose 'Tomas'   by Girl Ultra, Empress Of and  Chromeo.
• Guy chose 'Fly Life Xtra' by Basement Jaxx.

Here is a link to our 16 track playlist of religion-inspired tracks - with the first 4 tracks being our picks for this month.

 (and just for a laugh, here's the video of DC10 we talked about

We've been writing the blog for years come and have a look - https://thisisnothappening.net/

This month we struggle with very conscious bias when we discuss how much we love Perfume Genius' new album Glory. Welcome to Episode 57 of This is Not Happening (TINH), an Album of the Month (AOTM) Podcast. 

In Part 1 we deep dive into an Album that one of us has chosen and in Part 2 we play 'Spin it or Bin it'.  We pick a theme and each pick a song that represents that theme. We judge the selections by asking the question 'Spin It or Bin It'?

In Part 1, Joey is in the seat and basically bangs on about how much he loves Perfume Genius.

In Part 2, we celebrate contemporary queer music and play Spin It or Bin It with the theme. Joey's track is unfairly and poorly treated ... as is David's but two other bangers make up for it.

                                     ----- Part 1 | Perfume Genius | 'Glory' -----

I love Perfume Genius. Always have ... barring something horrific happening, I always will. I love him so much that I get nervous when a new album comes out. And this one is a belter. But is it for the fan-people or is there enough to attract and entertain newcomers?

Listen to the album, listen to the pod, tell us what you think.

• Listen to the album ... HERE.
• Listen to the Soda Jerker podcast that we mention ... HERE.
• Watch the AMAZING Tiny Desk Performance ... HERE.
• Watch the No Front Teeth video we discuss ... HERE.
• Buy some stuff ... HERE.             

                             ----- Part 2 | Spin It or Bin It | 'Contemporary Queer' -----

Music has always been massive to the Gay and Queer community and has always been an interesting area of crossover. Has it changed? What ever, we're here to celebrate.

• David chose 'Cinderella' by Model/Actriz.
• Joey chose 'The Giver' by Chappell Roan.
• Nolan chose 'Blind (Frankie Knuckles Remix' by Hercules and Love Affair
• Guy chose 'Tilted' by Christine and the Queens.

Here is a link to our 16 track playlist of religion-inspired tracks - with the first 4 tracks being our picks for this month.

We've been writing the blog for years come and have a look - https://thisisnothappening.net/

We dispense with the niceties this month and discuss an album where we have quite differing opinions. Welcome to Episode 56 of This is Not Happening (TINH), an Album of the Month (AOTM) Podcast. 

In Part 1 we deep dive into an Album that one of us has chosen and in Part 2 we play 'Spin it or Bin it'.  We pick a theme and each pick a song that represents that theme. We judge the selections by asking the question 'Spin It or Bin It'?

In Part 1, David, resident 'Pop Being', has the pleasure of presenting an album from one of his genuine musical obsessions. 'Saya' the latest release by Saya Gray.

In Part 2, following the theme of 'Saya', break-up and heart-break, we play Spin It or Bin It with the simple theme of 'Heart Break' with no additional rules!

                                     ----- Part 1 | Saya Gray | 'Saya' -----

To say David is a Saya Gray fan is something of an understatement. He has been championing the strange sounds of Saya for nearly 3 years. Nobody's really sure if this is her debut album or not but that's not important. It is an album and an artist that has divided opinion on the pod. 2 of us love this album, 1 of us doesn't, and 1 of us has had such a busy month at work that we have no idea what they think pre-recording.

Regardless of how we feel about this album individually, we all think it's an album that deserves a listen. Listen to the album, listen to the pod, tell us what you think.

• Listen to the album ... HERE.
• Watch the World Cafe Podcast / Interview ... HERE.
• Watch the AMAZING Tiny Desk Performance ... HERE.
• Watch some 'Visualisers' (music videos!?!) ... HERE.
• Buy some stuff ... HERE.             

                             ----- Part 2 | Spin It or Bin It | 'Heart-Break -----

Was music originally created to express heart-break? Probably not but it definitely feels like it when you start looking for your favourite tracks that embrace the subject. We've chosen a track each that may not be what you expect.

• Guy chose 'A Little Respect' by Erasure. 
• David chose 'Already Dead' by Beck. 
• Joey chose 'It's Not Right, But It's Okay' by Whitney Houston. 
• Nolan chose 'Shiver' by Lucy Rose. 

Here is a link to our 16 track playlist of religion-inspired tracks - with the first 4 tracks being our picks for this month.

We've been writing the blog for years come and have a look - https://thisisnothappening.net/

We've been writing the blog for years come and have a look - https://thisisnothappening.net/

The awesome albums keep coming early in 2025 and we'd love to introduce on to you today. Welcome to Episode 55 of This is Not Happening (TINH), an Album of the Month (AOTM) Podcast. 

In Part 1 we deep dive into an Album that one of us has chosen and in Part 2 we play 'Spin it or Bin it'.  We pick a theme and each pick a song that represents that theme. We judge the selections by asking the question 'Spin It or Bin It'?

In Part 1, Nolan, resident Hip Hop head stays true to form and brings a new album from a 47 year old artist! Brother Ali's 'Satisfied Soul'.

In Part 2, following Brother Ali's exploration of peace, love, faith and religion, our Spin It or Bin It, our theme this month is 'Religion'.

                               ----- Part 1 | Brother Ali | Satisfied Soul -----

Nolan has been trying to introduce Brother Ali to us for years but ... there's a lot of music and not a lot of time. Previous album releases have not lined up with podcasts but this time they did! Satisfied Soul is an album that is worth any music fan spending some time with. It is not a niche hip hop album for niche hip hop fans. It's soul music. It's pop music. It's Hip Hop. It's intelligent. It's massively thought provoking and massively accessible to anyone with an open mind and an open ear. 

Get on it. Please.

• Listen to the albumhere.
• This track is not from this album ... but too good not to share Cadillac.
• Nolan's awesome 'Intro to Brother Ali' playlist can be found here.
• Buy some stuff here.               

                             ----- Part 2 | Spin It or Bin It | 'Religion' -----

Popular music and religion have been uncomfortable bedfellows since ... forever. We agreed to each select a track that 'tackles' the theme of religion in any way shape or form;

• Joey chose Tennessee by Arrested Development.
• David chose Dear God by XTC.
• Guy chose Stand on the Word by The Joubert Singers.
• Nolan chose Name of God by Mustafa.

Here is a link to our 16 track playlist of religion-inspired tracks - with the first 4 tracks being our picks for this month.

We've been writing the blog for years come and have a look - https://thisisnothappening.net/

Another year, another month, another pod. Welcome to Episode 54 of This is Not Happening (TINH), an Album of the Month (AOTM) Podcast. In Part 1 we deep dive into an Album that one of us has chosen and in Part 2 we play 'Spin it or Bin it'.  We pick a theme and each pick a song that represents that theme. We judge the selections by asking the question 'Spin It or Bin It'?

In Part 1, Joey hosts a bit of a love-in on The Weather Station's 7th album Humanhood.

In Part 2, Spin It or Bin It, our theme this month is 'New Music', tracks from the past 2-3 months.

                    ----- Part 1 | The Weather Station | Humanhood -----

One of the rare times that we've double dipped on artist, we return to Tamara Linderman and The Weather Station. In 2021 we all (eventually) loved Ignorance. An album focusing largely on nature and the climate crisis. It was an album of global concerns. Humanhood is feels quite different, it feels deeply personal but retains global relevance in different ways.

I think this is going to be a big one for the pod this year. I know Joey and David will love this album but not so sure about Nolan and Guy. We discuss the album in comparison to Ignorance, we talk about production and sound mixing, percussion backing vocals and lovely lovely woodwind.

• Listen to the album here.
• Listen to the essential Sheroes podcast interview with Tamara here.
• Watch a few videos here.
• Buy some stuff here.                   

                            ----- Part 2 | Spin It or Bin It | New Music -----

January / February is usually a great time for new tracks. This year is no exception. Let's celebrate that. We each pick a new track and ask each other 'Spin It or Bin It?'

• Guy chose Orlando In Love by Japanese Breakfast.
• Joey chose Ocean Steppin' by John Glacier and Sampha.
• David chose One Foot by Greentea Peng.
• Nolan chose Lalala by Redman and Method Man.

Here is a link to a long list of new tracks that we put together. Enjoy. 

Episode Chapters: 

1 - Intro - 0:00
2 - Weather Station - Album introduction - 1:48
3 - Weather Station - What did you expect, what did you get? 5:28
4 - Weather Station - The energy of the album - 15:39
5 - Weather Station -  Album production - 27:20
6 - Weather Station - Favourite tracks - 36:27
7 - Spin It Or Bin It - 41:53
8 - Outro - 1:05:54

We've been writing the blog for years come and have a look - https://thisisnothappening.net/