MacOS Design Misses

This post has been making its rounds throughout the Mac and Apple blogosphere over the last few weeks, and has rallied criticisms of macOS 26 Tahoe. The criticism in the post regarding icons in the menu bar is really quite fair. The examples showing the same icons being used in the same menu for different items is just bad. Along with the all the various corner radii throughout the OS, I think Apple really just needs to focus on standardizing the OS in MacOS 27. They need to take the lead and follow their own examples.

In general though, I like the release; it just needs some standardization and discipline. The icons in the menu are fun – it’s just a little bit of whimsy. I think a lot of the criticism is missing that. Yes, the corner rounding needs to be uniform app-to-app, but in general, I like it. It makes the whole OS feel airy and welcoming. Keep in mind I’m a Windows user at my day job. My Mac really is like a cold glass of water in Hell.

Eternal Youth – The Starting Line

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I’ve been revisiting Eternal Youth this week, which is the first LP from The Starting Line since 2007’s Direction. I think the clear highlight of the record is “Circulate”. The song thumps along while the lyrics invite you to be on the floor in the pit. It is very fun.

I didn’t really give this record much time when it came out last year in part because I think the mixing for this record really misses the mark. Everything is muddled together, including the vocals and the guitars. I still think that, but as I’ve gone back to it this week, I’ve found a few other great songs on this record like “I See How It Is”, “Eternal Youth” and “Granted” in particular.

Another thought that occurred to me this week is how the mixing and the album art really mirror one another. That muddled mix really feels like its just had all of the color and life sucked out of it, much like the brutalist black and white concrete architecture on the cover.

2026 most anticipated

2026’s Most Anticipated Albums

 

Poppy, Empty Hands, January 23rd

It looks like Jordan Fish and Stephen Harrison are back along for the new Poppy record. Very excited for this one. Poppy has such a unique career. It won’t shock me if she doesn’t make this sort of music forever, but I’ll enjoy it while she is.

 

The All-American Rejects, Sandbox, February

Honestly, I can’t believe this record isn’t out yet. The lead single “Sandbox” was released in *April*. I can’t believe that this is their first LP in over a decade! The last LP, Kids in the Street, is my favorite record of theirs. 

 

New Found Glory, Listen Up!, February 20th

Again, a band I love. I’ll be the first to admit that the last several records have been overall lack-luster, but theres definitely bright spots on every record. The lead single, “100%” has a great, classic NFG guitar lick. Looking forward to the release.

 

A Day to Remember, Big Ole Album Vol. 2, Unknown Release Date

I loved the first volume, and I am really looking forward to the second. The album roll out for the first volume was really great and unique in the modern times too; the band released physical copies several weeks before it made it on to stream platforms. What a great way to get fans to reward fans that were going to buy the record anyway. The band have mentioned a handful of times interviews or live that the record is slated for this year.

 

mewithoutYou, Live vol. Three, Unknown Release Date

As written on their website “mewithoutYou live on through a triptych of live albums.” These records have been wonderful, and some of my favorite mewithoutYou songs haven’t appeared on them yet. Here’s to their inclusion in vol. Three.

 

The 1975, Untitled, Unknown Release Date

Theres been a lot of reporting around the next The 1975 release, including that it may be a double album, and one of them may be called DOGS. The 1975 are probably the most important rock back of the last 15 years or so, and I can not wait for them to continue their streak.

 

Radiohead, Untitled, Unknown Release Date

Now, Radiohead haven’t said that they’re releasing anything, but they have started touring again recently, and it’s been ten years (!!!) since A Moon Shaped Pool. Fun fact: that record has the track-listing alphabetized.

 

The Maine, Untitled, Unknown Release Date

This band continues an untouchable run of records, starting with 2015’s American Candy. Since the release of their last LP, 2023’s self-titled record, the band has released the single “Touch”, which I liked. Its a bit of an odd song; I wonder if thats the direction for the new record, or just something to get out of their system.

 

The Menzingers, Untitled, Unknown Release Date

The band has started teasing an announcement on their social media accounts, so I expect we’ll have something early in the year. I didn’t quite connect with the last record Some of It Was True as much as the previous releases, but it was still good. Hopefully the new records release prompts me to go back to that record.

 

Cartel, untitled, unknown date

Theres not a ton to go off of here, other than Will Pugh has said in a few interviews that theres a new record coming this year. I like the singles they released a few years ago, and I am generally a fan of everything they’ve released.

Favorite Albums of 2025

Once again, my favorite records of the year. Presented in no particular order.

 

Tsunami Sea – Spiritbox

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This record was my most played of the year. It took a while for me to love, and for a while I thought the middle of the record lagged a bit. No more. This record is an achievement

 

Never Enough – Turnstile

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Turnstile had a lot to live up to following Glow On, and this is a bit of a Glow On pt. 2. Thats okay. It’s a great record. The videos of their concerts I’ve seen during “Birds” in particular look like the best pit in the world.

 

Lonely People with Power – Deafheaven

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Deafheavens best record since Sunbather. Enough said.

 

Dyed (2008–2023) – The Maine

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This is a great concept for a “b-sides” style of record. The whole thing is good too! Even my referring to it as a “b-sides” record is underselling it.

 

Live, Vol. Two – mewithoutYou

I continue to love this band. mewithoutYou forever.

I’ll also note that there will be a third release next year, and the first two volumes didn’t include my favorite songs. I am excited for that as well.

 

Silver Bleeds the Black Sun… – AFI

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I’ve written a bunch about this band and this record already, so I’ll keep it brief. This record continues to hold up as I’ve gone back to it in recent weeks. Its a great breath of fresh air into a band that didn’t need it.

 

No One Was Driving The Car –  La Dispute

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Another great fanatic record from La Dispute. “Top – Sellers Banquet” might be my favorite song of the year.

 

Big Ole Album, Vol. 1 – A Day to Remember

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This record is great. Heavy, poppy, fun, even stupid at times (I’m looking at you “All My Friends”). This band has become a great vertex for the scene – I mean look at all the folks on the cover that helped make this record. Lastly, the release cycle was super interesting for this record too. They had released the physical record (vinyl, CDs, etc) a month or two before the digital release. I think thats a great way to “reward” fans ahead of the larger release, and I hope they repeat it with volume 2.