'The Twelve Days of Christmas' by The Futureheads

 

From their album "Christmas" released on 21 November 2025.

We are getting close to what many in the English world call the 'Silly Season', that is Christmas.

Silly because basically anything remotely sentimental from dressing up to food, is more or less permitted.

So, and as a break from the usual tired dirge churned out by big name stars, doing perfect takes of [insert crapy Christmas carol], here's something different.

Of course it's a Christmas song!

Only one that has been turned into a lively punk rock sort of tune, virtually guaranteed to get the guys in the pub shouting out "ONE TWO" between the fifth and forth days!

Ah ha ha! Great!

'Feet Don't Fail Me Now' by Rationale

 

 

From the album "Metanoia" released 7 November 2025.

Having done all my schooling it what is now Zimbabwe, I was exited to come across the UK based, Zimbabwean born artist back in 2015.

He released the really excellent EP "Fuel To The Fire", which the title song was one I listened a lot that year, especially as it coincided with a return visit to the country. The lyrics seemed to apply a hope for better things to come. 

Fat chance.

Having listened to each of his new releases since then, I posted this on an internal chat group two days ago:

"A decade on from his initial hit single 'Fuel To The Fire', and having followed and listened to most of his releases since, finally a song I can recommend. From the UK artist called Rationale (real name Tinashe Fazakerley), born in Zimbabwe and raised in the UK. From his new album 'Metanoia' released 7 November. "

Enough said.

'Going Nowhere' by White Lies

 

 

From their Album "Night Light" released 7 November 2025.

Another UK group that passed me by, seeing as they formed in 2008.

Anyway, this is my pick from their new album, first one released since 2022.

Great song, and group which I am sure I would have come across before, only I was too far away.

'NORTHSIDE KID' by Elsy Wameyo

 

 

 A single released on 7 November 2025.

First time for everything.

So, yes, first time I feature hip-hop style artist on Stream.

Must admit inspiration to listen to this song came via conversation with my nephew in New Zealand, who works for the Sniffers music in Auckland. 

Elsy Wameyo is featured on their site, which is pure coincidence, as I came across this song via the usual Spotify Friday new release tables after a conversation with said nephew.

This is a great song from the Kenyan born, now Australian based artist.

Sniffers have this to say about her 2022 single River Nile.

'Sucker Punch' by Betty Taylor

 

 

A single released 5 November 2025.

An all girl group, this time from the 'Sunny' Sunshine Coast, which is about an hour and half north of Brisbane in Queensland, Australia.

Yep, more Aussies.

This group has been around since about 2022, so new, right.

Catchy song, with a great Indie sound, and interesting lyrics.

'People Change' by St. Lucia

 

 

A single released 31 October 2025.

Now for something different, in that it's not the usual Indie/Indie Rock music, although one of the artists comes from a part of the world I am connected to.

Spotify shows I first 'liked' a song of theirs way back in May 2016 and, yes I have listened them over all these years.

A song of hope that people really will.

"St. Lucia is the synth-pop project of South African-born musician Jean-Philip Grobler, evolving from a solo studio vision into a touring band known for lush, 80s-inspired pop across five albums from 2013–2025. The project began in Brooklyn in 2011 after Grobler’s path from Johannesburg to Liverpool’s LIPA and then New York, later relocating to Germany with collaborator and spouse Patti Beranek."

Via Wikipedia, with much more on their web site St. Lucia