Wrapped 2025... a) Top artist? b) Did you buy their music on vinyl/CD/tape in 2025? c) Did you see them live in 2025?

#SundayEssential Delving into our Rough Trade Essential album range, one weekend at a time. The opposite of the tricky second album, Wolf Alice's 'Visions of Life' saw the band emerge as one of the biggest breakthrough independent bands of recent years.

From Manchester’s backstreets to global dancefloors – 'Manchester Must Dance' tells the untold story of a musical pioneer M' People's @themike_p. Signed by Mike Pickering. @RoughTradeRecs https://t.co/1ncFAyytEl

Picking the standout tracks of the year involves choosing from a minefield of music, as 2025 offered us a hardcore revival, viral trends, buzzed-about indie rock, pop anthems, legendary comebacks and much more. Discover our favourites. https://t.co/odPUbpwUyb

"For listeners tuned into Black musical heritage and the world of queer club culture, the vogue-ballroom energy transports listeners to this vibrant scene" @4everinfinite__ 'SweetFace Killah' is our Album of the Month. https://t.co/saUAyXyOb8

Fresh tracks into Counter Culture ft. Dove Ellis, @samfendermusic, @nickcave, Jeremy Allen White, @waterfromyreyes, DjRUM, @chardaywilson, @melodyprochet, @knatsncl, Divorce, Alex Nut, DBA! and more. https://t.co/gqZgRYlWGe

SIGNED The first monograph by the legendary Oscar-winning cinematographer Sir Roger Deakins, best known for his collaborations with directors such as the Coen brothers, Sam Mendes and Denis Villeneuve. Signed by Roger. https://t.co/LefyUMtA7g

We pass the aux to our Rough Trade staffers to find out what stood out above the noise in 2025. Dig in for some unmissable tracks https://t.co/vALJ2yn7DF

Tis the season.

"Love takes miles (love takes miles), love takes years" One year of Cameron Winter's 'Heavy Metal'. The Geese frontman's momentous solo debut only continues to earn acclaim in 2025.

Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds' 'Live God' album is released today, a stunning testament to The Wild God Tour which wowed audiences across the globe in 2024 and 2025. We revisit the inimitable artists' discography in celebration of the release. Photo: David Vintiner

As a new Björk era dawns, we revisit our ranking of the musical polymath's expansive discovery so far. https://t.co/aYQxHBCis8

Björk has confirmed she has a new album “in development”. This will be her first LP since 2022's critically acclaimed 'Fossora'. VERY exciting news. https://t.co/zbvppkJe3q

EXCLUSIVE @4everinfinite__ - 'SweetFace Killah' Rough Trade Exclusive transparent vinyl + bonus CD. https://t.co/Z5AL3h9o1n

ALBUM OF THE MONTH Powered by the unapologetic energy of ballroom culture and queer expression, @4everinfinite__'s 'SweetFace Killah' is the arrival of a bold debut album, made of grace and grit. Our December Album of the Month. https://t.co/AEpJhnyKl0

Fresh tracks into Counter Culture ft. Dove Ellis, @samfendermusic, @nickcave, Jeremy Allen White, @waterfromyreyes, DjRUM, @chardaywilson, @melodyprochet, @knatsncl, Divorce, Alex Nut, DBA! and more. https://t.co/gqZgRYloQG

We're so excited to be publishing #EscapingBabylon by Jesse Bernard in May 2026. #EscapingBabylon takes a deep dive into the history of Black British music to celebrate its richness, heritage and towering legacy. Pre-order a signed copy with @RoughTrade: https://t.co/nkhFj2iOnu

BOOKS OF THE YEAR #18 From Bowie and punk to contemporary provocation. @DanielRachel69 examines the uneasy intersection between pop culture and fascist imagery. Signed copies via @WhiteRabbitBks https://t.co/8ws4TbMW0Y

How thirty years of Black music reshaped Britain, from 1989 to the present. 'Escaping Babylon An Intimate History of Black British Music'. Pre-ordering at Rough Trade via @ProfileBooks.

SIGNED London-based journalist, DJ and filmmaker Jesse Bernard provides a deep dive into the history of Black British music to celebrate its richness, heritage and towering legacy. Signed by the author. Pre-ordering via @ProfileBooks. https://t.co/3s6N3nKd2c