Favorite Albums of 2023
Another year of bands regaining their post-pandemic footing in the studio and on the road. Not sure if any of these releases will reach classic status but some great stuff nonetheless!
1. Reds, Pinks & Purples - "The Town That Cursed Your Name"
After two years of being the bridesmaid, Glenn Donaldson's wistful, lo-fi, world weary brilliance finally claims my top spot. The rare prolific artist that sets the bar higher with each release. Check out "Burning Sunflowers" - Gorgeous!
2. Ian Hunter - "Defiance Part 1"
Octogenarian, Ian Hunter truly Defies age and expectations with this triumphant return to the studio. Backed by a who's who of Rock 'n' Roll (Jeff Beck, Mike Campbell, Billy Gibbons, Todd Rundgren, Ringo and many more) this album could easily veer into tribute territory but fear not, Ian's stellar writing and vocals rule! "Guernica" ranks with his best - Amazing!
3. The Tubs - "Dead Meat"
From the ashes of Joanna Gruesome arises the debut album from the Tubs! The driving strum and thrum of this English quartet embraces the best of Richard Thompson and R.E.M. (how's that for a recommendation)! My favorite new band of 2023!
4. Hurry - "Don't Look Back"
Philadelphia's Matt Scottoline and company had been churning out jangly melodic righteousness for a dozen years before I finally discovered them. This release is simply their latest and greatest! Head over to Bandcamp and show them some love - their digital albums are only $5!
5. Superchunk - "Misfits & Mistakes"
This 2-disc collection of singles, B-sides and unreleased material is from my favorite era of the band (2007-23) and it's a rich bonanza of 50 songs! It would be impossible to round up all these rare 45s, cassettes, soundtracks, EPs, etc... but here they are with insightful liner notes to boot!
6. Eyelids - "A Colossal Waste of Light"
Haunting guitar pop out of Portland, Oregon. Led by singer/songwriters Chris Slusarenko (Guided by Voices) and John Moen (Decemberists) this is some seriously great indie rock from the get go with the opener, "Crawling Off Your Pages" to closer, "I Can't be Told". Impeccably produced by good friend and sometimes collaborator, Peter Buck.
7. En Attendant Ana - "Principia"
A blissful breeze of sparkling indie pop from Paris, France, fronted by the crystalline voice of singer/songwriter Margaux Bouchaudon. Her vocals float atop a Belle and Sebastian/Velvet Underground musical base flecked with bits of sax and trumpet, making for one fascinatingly fine listening experience!
8. The Baseball Project - "Grand Salami Time"
The fourth album from this baseball-loving supergroup featuring members of R.E.M., the Dream Syndicate and a myriad of other projects is still batting 1.000! Each song is clever and catchy, from taking aim at big sluggers ("The All or Nothings"), to baseball cliches (the title track) to the dreaded yips ("The Yips") - take me out to the ballgame!
9. Yo La Tengo - "This Stupid World"
Best title of the year! This unique unclassifiable NYC trio has now been around for 40 years! From delicate hushed melodies to full-on noise guitar skronk Yo la Tengo is as eclectic as it gets. Their albums always reward repeated listens and this one is no exception. Still on top of their game!
Rolling Stones - "Hackney Diamonds"
The first Stones album of original material in almost 20 years pretty much guarantees this a spot in my top ten and damned if it doesn't almost live up to all the hype and expectations! The songs are terrific, Mick sounds great and it's nice to hear Charlie and Bill reunite for a track or two, but Andrew Watt's production sucks all the air out of the room leaving behind a very sterile atmosphere.
So close :(
Honorable Mention;
Marty Stuart & his Fabulous Superlatives - "Altitude"
Guided by Voices - "La La Land" and "Welshpool Frillies"
The Hives - "The Death of Randy Fitzsimmons"
William Tyler - "Secret Stratosphere"
Boygenius - "The Record"
Teenage Fanclub - "Nothing Lasts Forever"
