Dry Cleaning
At midyear, I’m discovering a number of new releases from bands that I had never heard, and I gotta say that’s pretty exciting.
Beck Zegans is a good example of a cool new find. A guitarist who has backed up Palehound made an experimental rock album that I keep going back to.
Robber Robber, Remember Sports, Station Model Violence and Weird Nightmare are also new rock, post-punk and pop discoveries, while Cola, Dry Cleaning and Sault are old favorites putting out strong releases this year.
Chicago’s own Ratboys made the band’s strongest album yet, while the veteran German band the Notwist delivered a release that intrigues me on every listen.
Sault stands out among my mostly rock selections this year as a really enjoyable soulful release.
Here are the top 10 best albums of 2026 at the middle of the year listed alphabetically by artist.
Cola – Cost of Living Adjustment
The Notwist – News from Planet Zombie
Ratboys – Singin’ to an Empty Chair
Remember Sports – The Refrigerator
Robber Robber – Two Wheels Move the Soul
Station Model Violence – Station Model Violence
Beck Zegans – Engraving of Armor
Here are a few more albums I like:
Courtney Barnett – Creature of Habit
King Tuff – Moo
Check out more songs on my Spotify playlist featuring this year’s songs.
All the Young Punks 