Denver music – Page 3 – Chris K's Colorado Playlist

#COMUSIC TOP 30 FEBRUARY 2026

About 70% of the TOP 30 are NEW (D) this month. That’s a lot of new music flowing around our state. Check out the TOP 10 from 88.9 KRFC, INDIE 102.3 and 105.5 The Colorado Sound. plus 11 other Colorado community stations.

Welcome to March! YAY .. one month closer to warm (warmer) temps and outdoor live music. Make sure to check out the calendar, venues (front range, non-front range) and concert series and festival pages (and if you find something wrong, holler).

One interesting aspect of the monthly TOP 30 spins is the percentage of NEW (D) entries compared to those releases that carry over month to month or are re-entries (R). By my reckoning, about seventy percent of the list is (D) NEW each month. That’s a lot of new music every month coming out of our state.

AN ALBUM NOT TO BE OVERLOOKED…

Not all the great albums that come out get noticed in the HOT SPINS or TOP 30 reckonings. One such album came out last July, and I just NOW got to sit down and listen to it front to back – “Life Lessons” by Colorado legends Bill Frisell, Tim O’Brien and Dale Bruning, with help from E-Town’s Nick Forster on a couple songs. It’s not only worth mentions, it’s worth listening to …front to back.

Life Lessons is full of some wonderful surprises, especially their renderings of Sweet Lorraine, and the blues classic Trouble In Mind, sung wonderfully by Tim O’Brien, whose voice is as aged and smooth as a vintage whisky. (Spotify, YouTube).

______________

HOW THE CHART IS PUT TOGETHER

Every week I survey fifteen Colorado community/public and college stations, plus Colorado Playlist spins on respective stations. The weekly survey period runs from midnight Sunday through the next Saturday.

The monthly survey period starts from the first week, ending with a Saturday. It continues through the last week, which also ends on a Saturday. Titles are linked to its respective YouTube page.

Titles are tracked from the date of release of the first single from an LP/EP, for twelve months. Example: DOR = DEC 2023. I stopped tracking it in NOV 2024 (twelve months).

KAFM, KBUT, KCSU, KDNK, KDUR, KFFR, KLZR, KOTO, KSJD, KSUT, KRFC, KRZA, KVCU, and KVNF are surveyed via Spinitron, offering search functions for artists to track airplay on over three hundred stations and programs around the country.

LP = album (5 or more songs)
EP = extended play (3-5 songs)
SP = single play (1-2 songs)

_________________

#COMUSIC TOP 30 FEBRUARY 2026 – ALL STATIONS

(15) 1. EMILY SCOTT ROBINSON – Appalachia LP Oct-25 (Spotify, YouTube)
(9) 2. BIG RICHARD – Pet LP Nov-25 (Spotify, YouTube)
(D) 3. JOBI RICCIO – Face the Feeling LP Jan-26 (Spotify, YouTube)
(D) 4. OSHA RENEE – Gorgeous SP Jan-26 (Spotify, YouTube)
(D) 5. E.M.E. – Cover Me SP Nov-25 (Spotify, YouTube)
(D) 6. GASOLINE LOLLIPOPS – Derailed SP Jan-26 (Spotify, YouTube)
(D) 6. VOLORES – Shores of Scorpio LP Oct-25 (Spotify, YouTube)
(R) 7. THE INFAMOUS STRINGDUSTERS – 20/20 LP Aug-25 (Spotify, YouTube)
(D) 8. JESUS CHRIST TAXI DRIVER – Too Cold to Golf SP Jan-26 (S p otify, YouTube)
(6) 8. LETTUCE – Cook LP Jul-25 (Spotify, YouTube)
(D) 8. MARFA – American Blues SP Jan-26 (Spotify, YouTube)
(D) 9. HOME – Masterpiece SP Nov-25 (Spotify, YouTube)
(D) 10. A.J. FULLERTON & JAKE FRIEL – Fullerton & Friel Vol. II LP Dec-25 (Spotify, YouTube)
(D) 10. VELVET DAYDREAM – Love SP Dec-25 (Spotify, YouTube)
(D) 11. THE GRAHAMS – The Bridge LP Oct-25 (Spotify, YouTube)
(D) 11. JORDAN BURGETT & RESIDING ELSEWHERE – Romanian Sex Shop SP Oct-25 (Spotify, YouTube)
(D) 12. JORDAN BURGETT & RESIDING ELSEWHERE – Smell Me SP Dec-25 (Spotify, YouTube)
(12) 12. KING CARDINAL – Reviver Sep-25 (Spotify, YouTube)
(D) 13. ASON YUGEN – Imaginary Mass SP Nov-25 (Spotify, YouTube)
(6) 13. LEFTOVER SALMON – Let’s Party About It LP Mar-25 (Spotify, YouTube)
(D) 13. OUR VIOLET ROOM – Villain SP Jan-26 (Spotify, YouTube)
(D) 14. YONDER MOUNTAIN STRING BAND – Good As True LP Jan-26 (Spotify, YouTube)
(2) 15. THE TAMMY SHINE – Ok Shine Ok LP Dec-25 (Spotify, YouTube)
(D) 15. VIVIAN – Crash and Burn SP Jan-26 (Spotify, YouTube)
(16) 16. A.J. FULLERTON, LAUREN FRIHAUF – “singles” SP Sep-25 (Spotify, YouTube)
(8) 16. LIZ BARNEZ – Wholehearted LP Oct-25 (Spotify, YouTube)
(21) 17. PACKAGING – Packaging LP Jun-25 (Spotify, YouTube)
(1) 18. ANDY FRASCO & THE U.N. – Growing Pains (Deluxe) LP Feb-26 (Spotify, YouTube)
(R) 18. NITTY GRITTY DIRT BAND – Night After Night EP Sep-25 (Spotify, YouTube)
(13) 19. CLAY STREET UNIT – Sin and Squalor LP Sep-25 (Spotify, YouTube)

88.9 KRFC – 54 TITLES TRACKED
(5) 1. BIG RICHARD – Pet LP NOV-25
(D) 2. A.J. FULLERTON & JAKE FRIEL – Fullerton & Friel Vol. II LP Dec-25
(D) 3. JESUS CHRIST TAXI DRIVER – Too Cold to Golf SP Jan-26
(1) 4. LIZ BARNEZ – Wholehearted LP Oct-25
(D) 5. GASOLINE LOLLIPOPS – Derailed SP Jan-26
(D) 5. VOLORES – Shores of Scorpio LP Oct-25
(R) 6. THE INFAMOUS STRINGDUSTERS – 20/20 LP Aug-25
(D) 7. GRANT SABIN – Live at LuLu’s LP Jan-26
(R) 8. GIANT WALKING ROBOTS – Headspin EP Apr-25
(D) 9. A BROTHER’S FOUNTAIN – I Felt Something Today SP Jan-26

INDIE 102.3 – 7 TITLES TRACKED
(D) 1. OSHA RENEE – Gorgeous SP Jan-26
(D) 1. HOME – Masterpiece SP Nov-25
(D) 3. JORDAN BURGETT & RESIDING ELSEWHERE – Romanian Sex Shop SP Oct-25
(D) 4. E.M.E. – Cover Me SP Nov-25
(D) 4. JORDAN BURGETT & RESIDING ELSEWHERE – Smell Me SP Dec-25
(D) 5. ASON YUGEN – Imaginary Mass SP Nov-25
(D) 5. THE TAMMY SHINE – Ok Shine Ok LP Dec-25

105.5 THE COLORADO SOUND – 30 TITLES TRACKED
(D) 1. MARFA – American Blues SP Jan-26
(D) 2. JOBI RICCIO – Face the Feeling LP Jan-26
(R) 3. CHEROKEE SOCIAL – Get To Me SP Aug-25
(2) 3. THE TAMMY SHINE – Ok Shine Ok LP Dec-25
(D) 4. BIG RICHARD – Pet LP Nov-25
(3) 4. ELEKTRIC ANIMALS – Lullaby SP Sep-25
(D) 4. JESUS CHRIST TAXI DRIVER – Too Cold to Golf SP Jan-26
(D) 4. OUR VIOLET ROOM – Villain SP Jan-26
(D) 5. VELVET DAYDREAM – Love SP Dec-25

KAFM (Grand Junction), KBUT (Crested Butte), KDNK (Carbondale), KDUR (Durango), KFFR (Winter Park), KOTO (Telluride), KLZR (Westcliffe), KRZA (Alamosa), KSJD (Cortez), KSUT (Ignacio), KVCU (Boulder), KVNF (Paonia) – 45 TITLES TRACKED
(5) 1. EMILY SCOTT ROBINSON – Appalachia LP Oct-25
(D) 2. JOBI RICCIO – Face the Feeling LP Jan-26
(1) 3. LETTUCE – Cook LP Jul-25
(R) 4. THE INFAMOUS STRINGDUSTERS – 20/20 LP Aug-25
(5) 5. BIG RICHARD – Pet LP Nov-25
(3) 6. LEFTOVER SALMON – Let’s Party About It LP Mar-25
(D) 6. ANDY FRASCO & THE U.N. – Growing Pains (Deluxe) LP Jan-26
(R) 7. STILLHOUSE JUNKIES – The Ballad of Charlie Avalon LP Mar-25
(2) 8. CLAY STREET UNIT – Sin and Squalor LP Sep-25
(D) 9. YONDER MOUNTAIN STRING BAND – Good As True LP Jan-26

THE COLORADO PLAYLIST NEEDS YOUR HELP PLEASE

The Colorado Playlist is the only show showcasing Colorado music statewide. Your support is essential to keeping it on the air. I offer this show to the stations without charge. As you may know, they are facing their own revenue issues now with the loss of CPB funding. Please make donations via Venmo at chrisk-2 or use the form below. Thank you, sincerely – chrisk

If you represent a business and would like my listeners to know about you, email me at coloradoplaylist@gmail.com for details.

Make a one-time donation

Make a monthly donation

Make a yearly donation

Choose an amount

$10.00

$15.00

$20.00

$5.00

$15.00

$100.00

$5.00

$15.00

$100.00

Or enter a custom amount

Your contribution is appreciated.

Donate Donate monthly Donate yearly

Youth on Record’s Full Underground Music Showcase (UMS) Statement – For Youth on Record, UMS Was Part of the Story. Young Artists Are the North Star.

For Youth on Record, UMS Was Part of the Story. Young Artists Are the North Star.

By Jami Duffy
Executive Director, Youth on Record
Former Co-Manager, Underground Music Showcase

Last week, I sat in a leadership meeting with 13 young creatives selected to help build the future of Youth on Record’s workforce program. These rising stars are launching their lives in Denver and their careers in music and entertainment. Most have graduated from our programs and are now booking shows, releasing work, building networks, and figuring out who they are and who they’re becoming. They’re also deeply motivated by this moment in the United States, when human rights are being violated and our democracy is on the line.

I sat, overwhelmed by their collective power. They are bright. Capable. Wildly talented. Ready.

What isn’t quite ready for them is the world they’re stepping into—specifically, Colorado’s music industry, our creative economy, and our political systems. The systems meant to support young adults, artists, and creatives are strained. Opportunities are uneven. The path from talent to sustainability is still far too fragile. Sitting in that room, listening to them talk about their hopes, fears, and their hustle, I felt the urgency of this moment in my bones. And I knew—without hesitation—that selling UMS to its next capable stewards is the right move.

Four years ago, Youth on Record stepped into ownership and co-management of the Underground Music Showcase because we wanted to ensure that the fest was rooted in values, access, and care. We stabilized this iconic festival, protected space for music discovery, and pushed for artist-first practices—particularly thriving artist wages, accessibility, sober spaces, harm reduction, mental health supports, and career pathways for emerging musicians. We also leveraged government and philanthropic dollars, encouraging those sectors to see the value of music festivals as a public good.

Now, this moment calls for something more from Youth on Record.

We’ve made the decision to spend the next chapter putting our full institutional energy into shaping what comes next for music, culture, and the creative workforce in Colorado. This means partnering with Colorado’s music and sports industries to deepen their impact and build new job opportunities for the next generation. We will also work with community organizations, mutual aid networks, immigrant rights organizations, and young leaders to respond to direct threats to our work, our students, and our freedoms. This will require our full focus for the foreseeable future.

Discovery music still matters—especially now. That’s why we’ve begun the process of passing the UMS torch of co-ownership to RiNo Business Improvement District (RINO BID). RiNo BID is designed to steward large-scale cultural experiences and would carry this festival forward with the resources and infrastructure it deserves. We trust that they would continue cultivating the seeds of impact Youth on Record planted—particularly around artist care and thriving artist wages.

As the festival potentially moves to RiNo, we also hope that policymakers and civic stakeholders continue to be proactive in understanding and addressing the economic and cultural impact that music has long had on South Broadway—a beating heart of Denver’s creative community, and a 20-year neighborhood partner in UMS.

To Colorado’s young artists: you are Youth on Record’s North Star. Your creative lives and your freedoms matter. You can count on us to continue to provide free programs and creative spaces, so you are ready not only to rock the UMS stages, but to build those stages—and one day, to lead the festival itself. We are committed to working closely with you on your art and your impact, because the future of this industry must be built with you, not around you.

The work ahead is urgent. It is harder. And it is worth it. We are choosing to meet this moment in Denver and in our nation with clarity, courage, and hope rooted in action. And when the next UMS unfolds, you’ll find us there, front row, cheering you on, proud of what you’re building, and excited for what comes next.

ABOUT YOUTH ON RECORD

Youth on Record is a youth development nonprofit equipping Colorado youth ages 11-24 to find their voice and achieve their goals through free music and media arts programming. Since 2008, the organization has combined award-winning programs with community-building efforts to provide holistic support for young creatives. Through for-credit classes, out-of-school programs, hands-on and technical training, and paid apprenticeship opportunities, Youth on Record helps youth succeed not only as artists but in their education and lives. Learn more at youthonrecord.org.

#COMUSIC TOP 30 JANUARY 2026

The content celebrates breaking a 15-year record for most monthly visits, thanks its audience, showcases Emily Scott Robinson’s album “Appalachia,” explains Global Release Day’s purpose, invites engagement for New Music Fridays, and seeks support for the Colorado Playlist.

YOU BROKE A 15 YEAR OLD RECORD FOR MOST VISITS IN A MONTH! THANK YOU.

We are in the doldrums of winter. The winter blahs. March & April are the HOT months for new releases as artists/bands gear up for the upcoming outdoor festival and concert season. In the meantime, that doesn’t mean there are not some really excellent releases out right now.

EMILY SCOTT ROBINSON – Appalachia (Spotify, YouTube) is earning nationwide praise for its authentic, deeply personal songwriting. Whether reflecting on aging in Time Traveler or poking at gazzillionaires building “ten-thousand-square-foot second homes” in Dirtbag Saloon, Robinson delivers stories that feel right at home beside a roaring fire in a mountain cabin somewhere in southwestern Colorado.

Did you know that Friday is designated as Global Release Day?

“Global Release Day (alternatively known as New Music Fridays) is the universal day of the week for releasing new music. Global Release Day was established in 2015 to combat the rise in music piracy, as music was previously released on different days internationally: Tuesdays in the United States and Canada, and other days in different markets. Friday was set as Global Release Day as a result of a trend of Friday releases that started with Beyoncé‘s 2013 surprise self-titled album.”

Join me every Friday at the CP FB PG for New Music Friday – when I add (or not) some new songs to Colorado 100 on Spotify and YouTube. Since there’s no time to play every new release that comes out on the show, this is a great way for you to explore some of the best of the new year.

HOW THE CHART IS PUT TOGETHER

The monthly survey period starts from the first week, ending with a Saturday. It continues through the last week, which also ends on a Saturday. Titles are linked to its respective YouTube page.

Titles are tracked from the date of release of the first single from an LP/EP, for twelve months. Example: DOR = DEC 2023. I stopped tracking it in NOV 2024 (twelve months).

KAFM, KBUT, KCSU, KDNK, KDUR, KFFR, KLZR, KOTO, KSJD, KSUT, KRFC, KRZA and KVNF are surveyed via Spinitron, offering search functions for artists to track airplay on over three hundred stations and programs around the country.

LP = album (5 or more songs)
EP = extended play (3-5 songs)
SP = single play (1-2 songs)

_________________

#COMUSIC TOP 30 JANUARY 2026

(15) 1. ANDY FRASCO & THE U.N. – Growing Pains (Deluxe) LP Feb-26 (Spotify, YouTube)
(6) 2. THE TAMMY SHINE – Ok Shine Ok LP Dec-25 (Spotify, YouTube)
(D) 3. BITCHFLOWER – Aghast, Aroused, Appalled LP Jul-25 (Spotify, YouTube)
(D) 4. ANIMAL ELECTRICITY – Ghostwrite Your Alibi LP Sep-25 (Spotify, YouTube)
(D) 5. ESPIAILLE – BYTES LP Aug-25 (Spotify, YouTube)
(21) 6. LEFTOVER SALMON – Let’s Party About It LP Mar-25 (Spotify, YouTube)
(1) 6. LETTUCE – Cook LP Jul-25 (Spotify, YouTube)
(12) 7. A.J. FULLERTON – Magnetic Light LP Feb-25 (Spotify, YouTube)
(5) 8. LIZ BARNEZ – Wholehearted LP Oct-25 (Spotify, YouTube)
(D) 9. BIG RICHARD – Pet LP Nov-25 (Spotify, YouTube)
(15) 10. GASOLINE LOLLIPOPS – Kill the Architect LP Mar-25 (Spotify, YouTube)
(R) 11. HEAVY DIAMOND RING – Wildflower Lane LP Mar-25 (Spotify, YouTube)
(D) 11. LULU BENNING – Different Kind of World SP Dec-25 (Spotify, YouTube)
(20) 12. KING CARDINAL – Reviver Sep-25 (Spotify, YouTube)
(4) 13. CLAY STREET UNIT – Sin and Squalor LP Sep-25 (Spotify, YouTube)
(D) 14. LULU BENNING – Transparent SP Sep-25 (Spotify, YouTube)
(19) 15. EMILY SCOTT ROBINSON – Appalachia LP Oct-25 (Spotify, YouTube)
(18) 16. A.J. FULLERTON & LAUREN FRIHAUF – Slow Killer / Bitter Song / Expectations / I Don’t Wanna Grow Up SP Sep-25 (Spotify, YouTube)
(10) 16. THE DIRTY TURKEYS – Soul Sugar SP Nov-25 (Spotify, YouTube)
(R) 16. HUNTER JAMES & THE TITANIC – IV LP Mar-25 (Spotify, YouTube)
(15) 17. SOUR MAGIC – The Hive LP May-25 (Spotify, YouTube)
(R) 18. ANALOG SON – Keep It Coming LP Jun-25 (Spotify, YouTube)
(R) 18. DARREN GARVEY – Feel For You SP Sep-25 (Spotify, YouTube)
(9) 18. GREENSKY BLUEGRASS – XXV LP Jun-25 (Spotify, YouTube)
(D) 19. WEST OF FENNARIO – Great Evade SP Dec-25 (Spotify, YouTube)
(15) 20. GRAVEYARD CHOIR – The Wake LP Sep-25 (Spotify, YouTube)
(D) 20. LVDY – Evergreen EP Jun-25 (Spotify, YouTube)
(16) 21. PACKAGING – Packaging LP Jun-25 (Spotify, YouTube)
(D) 22. BIG HEAD TODD AND THE MONSTERS – 40 LIVE LP Jan-26 (Spotify, YouTube)
(R) 22. DAVID STARR – Must Be Blue LP Feb-25 (Spotify, YouTube)

88.9 KRFC – 69 TITLES TRACKED
(2) 1. LIZ BARNEZ – Wholehearted LP Oct-25
(3) 2. LETTUCE – Cook LP Jul-25
(R) 3. SWEET VIRGINIA – Sweet Virginia EP Jun-25
(4) 4. A.J. FULLERTON, LAUREN FRIHAUF – Bitter Song /I Don’t Wanna Grow Up SP Sep-25
(R) 4. GRAVEYARD CHOIR – The Wake LP Sep-25
(5) 4. SUGAR BRITCHES – Terrified And Aroused SP Jul-25
(D) 5. BIG RICHARD – Pet LP Nov-25
(R) 5. GREENSKY BLUEGRASS – XXV LP Jun-25
(R) 5. LEFTOVER SALMON – Let’s Party About It LP Mar-25

INDIE 102.3 – 17 TITLES TRACKED
(D) 1. ANDY FRASCO & THE U.N. – Growing Pains (Deluxe) LP Jan-26
(D) 2. BITCHFLOWER – Aghast, Aroused, Appalled LP Jul-25
(D) 3. ANIMAL ELECTRICITY – Ghostwrite Your Alibi LP Sep-25
(D) 4. THE TAMMY SHINE – Ok Shine Ok LP Dec-25
(D) 5. ESPIAILLE – BYTES LP Aug-25
(D) 6. LULU BENNING – Different Kind of World SP Dec-25
(D) 7. LULU BENNING – Transparent SP Sep-25

105.5 THE COLORADO SOUND – 41 TITLES TRACKED
(3) 1. THE DIRTY TURKEYS – Soul Sugar SP Nov-25
(D) 1. KING CARDINAL – Reviver LP Sep-25
(R) 2. D.W. DOUCET – Gas Station Love Letter SP May-25
(R) 2. DARREN GARVEY – Feel For You SP Sep-25
(2) 2. THE TAMMY SHINE – Ok Shine Ok LP Dec-25
(R) 3. ELEKTRIC ANIMALS – Lullaby SP Sep-25
(1) 3. GRAVEYARD CHOIR – The Wake LP Sep-25
(R) 3. INAIAH LUJAN – Long Way Down (4 track version) SP Oct-25
(5) 3. SMEAR – Champagne LP Apr-25

KAFM (Grand Junction), KBUT (Crested Butte), KDNK (Carbondale), KDUR (Durango), KFFR (Winter Park), KOTO (Telluride), KLZR (Westcliffe), KRZA (Alamosa), KSJD (Cortez), KSUT (Ignacio), KVCU (Boulder), KVNF (Paonia) – 55 TITLES TRACKED
(1) 1. LETTUCE – Cook LP Jul-25
(D) 2. CLAY STREET UNIT – Sin and Squalor LP Sep-25
(5) 3. A.J. FULLERTON – Magnetic Light LP Feb-25
(2) 3. LEFTOVER SALMON – Let’s Party About It LP Mar-25
(R) 4. DAVID STARR – Must Be Blue LP Feb-25
(R) 4. GREENSKY BLUEGRASS – XXV LP Jun-25
(D) 5. BIG RICHARD – Pet LP Nov-25
(D) 5. EMILY SCOTT ROBINSON – Appalachia LP Oct-25

THE COLORADO PLAYLIST NEEDS YOUR HELP PLEASE

If you represent a business and would like my listeners to know about you, email me at coloradoplaylist@gmail.com for details.