Songlights: 2026 begins with Peter Gabriel, Mistki, They Might Be Giants, Iron & Wine, Buck Meek, and more
I’m already sampling new tracks from upcoming albums by quite a few of my favorite artists.
As I’m working on new posts celebrating my favorite recordings of 2025, I’m already sampling new tracks from upcoming albums by quite a few of my favorite artists. To quote a beautiful line from an old favorite by Peter Gabriel (“Here Comes the Flood”): “Drink up, dreamers — we're running dry.”
Peter Gabriel, “Been Undone” (Dark-Side Mix & Bright-Side Mix):
Here are two versions of Peter Gabriel’s new song. Which version do you prefer?
Looks like we’ll be getting new music from Peter Gabriel every month for quite a few months to come. Details at petergabriel.com.
Juliana Barwick and Mary Lattimore, tracks from the album Tragic Magic
The first album released in 2026 that I’ve listened to all the way through — and repeatedly, because I love it — is this collaboration by Juliana Barwick and Mary Lattimore. If they’re new to you, I think you’ll enjoy this if you’d want to try out a channel of music that flows on a spectrum between Enya and Vangelis. (There’s even a performance of “Rachel’s Song” from the Blade Runner score.)
Iron & Wine, “In Your Ocean”
I’m always delighted to hear new music from Sam Beam — I recently added the Iron & Wine album Light Verse to my vinyl collection, as it has continued to grow on me since its 2024 release. I’m posting most of these links just for the music. But this music video is a lot of fun.
Daughter, “Not Enough”
Celebrating ten years since the release of their breakout album Not to Disappear, Daughter released an outtake called “Not Enough,” and it makes me want to revisit their 2013 album If You Leave, which was the one that first made me a fan.
They Might Be Giants, “Eyeball”
The 24th album from one of my all-time favorite bands is coming this year, and they’re making that known with an EP showcasing a track that will be on that record.
Mitski, “Where’s My Phone?”
It hasn’t yet been three years since Mitski’s extraordinary album The Land Is Inhospitable and So Are We, my favorite from her so far, here comes another one: Nothing’s About to Happen to Me.
Buck Meek, “Gasoline”
The Big Thief guitarist has my full attention with this playful, surprising opening number for his upcoming album The Mirror.
Want to recommend any new 2026 releases for me to check out? Paying subscribers can post recommendations in the comments, and anyone can recommend tracks via email at overstreetreviews at gmail dot com.
Here’s to a new year of beauty and imagination! (We’re going to need it the way we need oxygen in the pollution of these dark days.)
I’ll return to my posts celebrating my favorite release of 2025 soon!