The Saturday List - October 4, 2025

This Week...An All-Music List

We could all use a little something extra lately, another shot of espresso in our latte, a little jolt, some more pep in our step, etc., etc. I’m all out of expressions here, so let’s go with An All-Music edition of The Saturday List!

A 2025 Song Of The Year Candidate: CMAT, “The Jamie Oliver Petrol Station”

Who? What? Wait…Huh?

That’s right, CMAT. “The Jamie Oliver Petrol Station.”

(“Ciara Mary-Alice Thompson.” From Ireland. The Jamie Oliver thing seems to be random and it’s darn catchy.)

Throwback, Part One: Phoenix, “1901” (Live on Letterman)

Gotta love a mic drop after your US Network Television Debut.

Let’s face it, there has not been a show before, or since, that “gets” musical guests like Dave did.

Phoenix became so iconic that the French band pretty much performed a concert at the Paris Olympics Closing Ceremony.

Another 2025 Song Of The Year Candidate: Daffo, “Dagger Song”

A rather inventive video and a heck of a unique sound, Gabi Gamberg performs under the name “Daffo” and this is s song that reminds me of something shoegazey from the 2000s and maybe something I would have found on college radio in the 90s. AND it’s modern-sounding, too.

I first heard this on The Download 15 with Josiah Lambert on SiriusXMU. Listen on.

Throwback, Part Two: The National, “Afraid of Everyone” (Live on Letterman)

There have been two YouTubers who have a knack for mixing: One was known as “Salute to Kareem,” and the other is “The Audio Perv.” Before Letterman had his own streaming channel — the existence of which I’m reminded every time I turn on my Samsung Smart TV — folks like Salute and Audio Perv would pull these songs down from The Late Show and upload them.

As mentioned above, Dave’s musical guests were almost always on point. But this? THIS?

I love superlatives: It’s the greatest live performance in Late Show history.

One More Song Of The Year 2025 Candidate: Turnstile, “Seein’ Stars”

Alternate category: Best Song Ever Used In A Taco Bell Ad.

It may seem like these folks are everywhere but perhaps they are; they are that good.

From Baltimore, Turnstile has sounded heavier in the past than they do on this song. Also, now I’m hungry.

Throwback, Part Three: Young Thug, “Tick Tock” (Live on SNL)

Alternate category: Best Sub-2 Minute Live Performance Ever.

Young Thug had to edit this song way down for the audience. And he asked Travis Barker to come play the drums.

And, Finally, One Last Final Song Of The Year 2025 Candidate: Preoccupations, “Ill At Ease”

Those who know me and follow me on the various social channels will find this next pick as obvious as Heath Ledger’s posthumous Oscar win: I’ve already declared this possibly the best song I have heard THIS DECADE. So why not share it here to round out this week’s Saturday List?

Preoccupations, “Ill At Ease.”

See you next Saturday, where we promise more regular programming.