An Ice 2023
A list of all the albums I liked in 2023. Divided into three tiers and a bonus tier; roughly, first tier are 4.5âs, second tier are 4âs and third tier are 3.5âs/high 3âs. Albums within a tier are not ranked, but placed in alphabetical order. Genres mostly taken from RYM. |
| 1 |  | Toby Driver
They Are the Shield
1. ALBUMS I LOVED |
| 2 |  | Advance Base
Animal Companionship
Indietronica
2018 /// 324 scrobbles
I donât think âAnimal Companionshipâ is a sad album. A light-heartedness prevails throughout these songs, both in the warm, gentle electronics and in the lyrics. It's the thrill of leaving everything behind and finding new love (âDolores & Kimberleyâ), it's the sense of wonder while cruising downtown at night (âChristmas in Nightmare Cityâ) or, simply, it's loving your dog (âAnswering Machineâ). âAnimal Companionshipâ is cute, comforting and life affirming.
đ„âYour Dogâ
đ„âDolores & Kimberleyâ
đ„âRabbitsâ |
| 3 |  | Arab Strap
Philophobia
Slowcore
1998 /// 367 scrobbles
âPhilophobiaâ barely made my list last year, but like the best slowcore, it has fully revealed itself to me over the course of 2023. My god, are these songs drunk and heartbroken and incredibly real. Top tier opening lyrics as well, and donât get me started on the drop of the drum machine on the absolutely miserable âPigletâ. Go listen! (But take into account it might take a year or two before you fully enjoy the album.)
đ„âPigletâ
đ„âThe Night Before the Funeralâ
đ„âSoapsâ |
| 4 |  | Bark Psychosis
Codename: Dustsucker
Post-rock
2004 /// 212 scrobbles
Moody, jazzy and nocturnal post-rock that somehow matches (or surpasses??) the beautiful âHexâ. Especially those first four songs are a treat; the band effortlessly navigate the listener through slow climaxes, trumpet soloâs, instrumental outroâs, filthy basslines and hazy vocals. And then we have ambient closer âRoseâ, which peacefully fades away into nothingness, as one guy on RYM said. Good stuff.
đ„âRoseâ
đ„âThe Black Meatâ
đ„âFrom What Is Said to When It's Readâ |
| 5 |  | Matt Elliott
The End of Days
Folk / slowcore
2023 /// 130 scrobbles
Of all 2023 releases, âThe End of Daysâ probably catered the most to my taste. A deep-voiced man, skilful with guitar and armed with the occasional piano and saxophone, making a sombre, elegant folk album about the end of time â whatâs not to love? Thanks to someone (the user) for bringing the album under my attention. Read his review, everyone!
đ„âThe End of Daysâ
đ„âHealing a Wound Will Often Begin With a Bruiseâ
đ„âFlowers for Beaâ |
| 6 |  | Portishead
Third
Electronic / experimental rock
2008 /// 205 scrobbles
I was late to the Portishead party. Last year I checked âDummyâ and thought it was alright, if not really for me. âThirdâ is different. Itâs terribly dark and mechanical, the vocals are downright miserable; it gives a claustrophobic feeling. Not an easy listen, but when youâre in the mood, you wonât find anything better.
đ„âWe Carry Onâ
đ„âThreadsâ
đ„âSmallâ |
| 7 | | Toby Driver
They Are the Shield
2. ALBUMS I LIKED A LOT |
| 8 |  | Beach House
Bloom
Dream pop
2012 /// 113 scrobbles
I always dug Beach House, but they never fully clicked with me. That changed last summer, when I fully immersed myself in the bright tones of both âBloomâ and âDepression Cherryâ â not just the highlights, but both albums as a whole. I canât think of a better band to listen to when you want those breezy summer vibes.
đ„âMythâ
đ„âOn the Seaâ
đ„âWildâ |
| 9 |  | Beach House
Depression Cherry
Dream pop
2015 /// 94 scrobbles
âDepression Cherryâ has the same appeal to me as âBloomâ, even if it is maybe a bit slower and less direct? Not much to add to the above description; I like summer and I like Beach House.
đ„âWildflowerâ
đ„âSpace Songâ
đ„âPPPâ |
| 10 |  | Ben Howard
Is It?
Folktronica
2023 /// 139 scrobbles
Ben Howard reinvented himself AGAIN and this time it resulted in his best work since career highlight âI Forget Where We Wereâ. âIs It?â flows so organically, is so bewilderingly creative, and â in line with the above Beach House albums â so enjoyable summery, that I can see myself come back to it every year to discover some more textures and details. Easily one of 2023âs best albums.
(no preferred songs â everything up to âRichmond Avenueâ could qualify) |
| 11 |  | Bill Ryder-Jones
Yawn
Indie rock
2018 /// 151 scrobbles
It took some time, but âYawnâ ultimately won me over â these songs need some room to breathe. I prefer the softer songs, as I feel Billâs voice better suits a more acoustic approach, and the female vocals and these tracks are a nice addition as well. âMitherâ is a cool jam though, and also the song that mirrors RHP's approach to slowcore the most (seriously, those first seconds are basically âGrace Cathedral Parkâ). Good album, even if it doesn't immediately show itself .
đ„âJohnâ
đ„âRecoverâ
đ„âNo Oneâs Trying to Kill Youâ |
| 12 |  | Blonde Redhead
Sit Down for Dinner
Dream pop
2023 /// 316 scrobbles
A must-listen for everyone who enjoyed the new Slowdive. âSit Down for Dinnerâ is better than your favourite modern dream pop album, constantly moving, switching gears and trading vocals. Better sit down (ha) and listen to Blonde Redhead!
đ„âIfâ
đ„âKiss Her Kiss Herâ
đ„âBeforeâ |
| 13 |  | Brian Eno
Ambient 1: Music For Airports
Ambient
1978 /// 34 scrobbles
I know fuck all about ambient. Eno's beautiful 'Music for Airports' definitely encourages me delve some more into the ambient world, even if I found part 2 (âPlateaux of Mirrorâ) to be less engaging.
đ„â2/1â |
| 14 |  | Cocteau Twins
Heaven or Las Vegas
Dream pop
1990 /// 287 scrobbles
For some reason, I put off listening to âHeaven or Las Vegasâ for ages, as I somehow assumed that I wouldnât like it. Turns out I was stupid: Cocteau Twins supposed dream pop masterpiece is in fact a masterpiece, even better than the much darker âTreasureâ. These songs triumph and sparkle with happiness and creativity â a joy to listen to.
đ„âFotzepoliticâ
đ„âI Wear Your Ringâ
đ„âFifty-Fifty Clownâ |
| 15 |  | Copeland
You Are My Sunshine
Indie rock
2008 /// 280 scrobbles
'You Are My Sunshine' (awful album title) is exactly the kind of emotional indie rock that I need from time to time. I was tempted to put the album in the first tier, having absolutely jammed it to death these last two months, but I don't think its second half is quite strong enough for that (bar the magnificent closer). Really enjoyable comfort food.
đ„âShould You Returnâ
đ„âChin Upâ
đ„âNot So Tough Found Outâ |
| 16 |  | Damien Jurado
Where Shall You Take Me?
Americana / indie folk
2003 /// 223 scrobbles
One of my favourite Jurado albums. Listened a lot to the americana combo of âOmahaâ and âAbileneâ. Like always, Iâm not fond of the odd loud songs Jurado throws in on most of his albums, but luckily, he mostly sticks a calmer indie approach.
đ„âOmahaâ
đ„âAbileneâ
đ„âBad Dreamsâ |
| 17 |  | Damien Rice
9
Singer/songwriter / folk
2006 /// 128 scrobbles
Rice's weakest and least consistent album (wtf is 'Me, My Yoke and I'?), but there's enough good material still. 'Accidental Babies' is basically Rice dying of sadness for seven minutes straight - gotta love it.
đ„âAccidental Babiesâ
đ„âSleep Donât Weepâ
đ„âElephantâ |
| 18 |  | Good Night and Good Morning
Narrowing Type
Slowcore / ambient
2012 /// 53 scrobbles
2023 was the prime of my slowcore phase, but it might just also mark the beginning of an ambient phase. Along with Brian Eno and Sea Oleena (more on that later, see 22) âNarrowing Typeâ is one of the albums that piqued my interest in the genre. I have yet to learn the words to fully recommend this type of music, so Iâm gonna settle with a âgood album, go listenâ.
đ„âAbroad & Neutralâ |
| 19 |  | Hidden Orchestra
Night Walks
Downtempo
2010 /// 68 scrobbles
Another case of ânot my usual genre, unsure which words to useâ. Listen if you enjoy Portico Quartet and maybe want something more straight-forward.
(no preferred songs) |
| 20 |  | Jonsi
Go
Pop
2010 /// 40 scrobbles
Triumphant and bright: Sigur RĂłs stripped down to a delightful pop album. Am maybe overrating âGoâ a bit, we'll see how it holds on further listens.
đ„âTornadoâ |
| 21 |  | Karate
Unsolved
Slowcore / jazz-rock
2000 /// 82 scrobbles
âUnsolvedâ has a pretty unique vibe, as its genre tags probably already suggest. Opening track is really neat and welcomes you to the Karate sound. Works surprisingly well as background music too.
đ„âSeverâ |
| 22 |  | King's Daughters and Sons
If Then Not When
Slowcore
2011 /// 111 scrobbles
Excellent under-the-radar slowcore in the vein of The For Carnation (or do I just think that because the vocalist sounds an awful lot like the brilliant Brian McMahan? hmm). âIf Then Not Whenâ has that brooding slowcore vibe, but also contains some faster and louder cuts, most notably the instrumental âA Storm Kept Them Awayâ. Second and third tracks also have some country influence that â to be honest â I donât particularly enjoy, but overall this is an interesting album that all fans of the genre should give a spin.
đ„âLoreleiâ
đ„âA Storm Kept Them Awayâ
đ„âOpen Skyâ |
| 23 |  | Portico Quartet
Terrain
Nu-jazz
2021 /// 45 scrobbles
On paper, I shouldnât like 'Terrain' as much as I do: I'm an indie sadboi, not some modern jazz connaisseur. However, I found a lot to enjoy in this three-piece suite, the hypnotic opening track in particular. Check it out and let yourself drift away to the comforting sounds of the hang.
đ„âTerrain: Iâ |
| 24 |  | Sea Oleena
Weaving A Basket
Ambient / folk
2020 /// 147 scrobbles
Everyone who enjoyed Grouper's 'Ruins' should IMMEDIATELY drop anything they do and listen to 'Weaving a Basket', or at the very least album highlight 'On Possession'. I just want to immerse myself in those guitar arpeggios, the steady swing of the bass, the hushed vocals, those beautiful, beautiful piano chords at the climax and the waves ending the track - it's a perfect song.
đ„âOn Possessionâ
đ„âLost Songâ
đ„âHorsesâ |
| 25 |  | Sigur Ros
ĂTTA
Ambient / post-rock
2023 /// 155 scrobbles
âĂTTAâ is basically a second Valtari, and since I love that sound I donât mind one bit. First half especially is quite beautiful. (Also, I caught these guys live and it was wonderful).
đ„âSkelâ
đ„âBlóðbergâ
đ„âGoldâ |
| 26 |  | Slowdive
Everything is Alive
Dream pop
2023 /// 163 scrobbles
Solid album. Most Slowdive fans will enjoy this one, but theyâll also agree the band has made stronger material.
đ„âalifeâ
đ„âshantyâ
đ„âandalucia playsâ |
| 27 |  | Songs: Ohia
Didn't It Rain
Slowcore
2002 /// 122 scrobbles
I feel a bit awkward writing about the work of Jason Molina. This is not just music made by an incredibly talented musician, but also a memorial to a troubled man who died too early, giving my usual predilection for (deeply) sad music a wry aftertaste. RIP, Molina.
đ„âBlue Factory Flameâ
đ„âCross the Road, Molinaâ
đ„âBlue Chicago Moonâ |
| 28 |  | Sun Kil Moon
Tiny Cities
Folk
2005 /// 405 scrobbles
Despite having checked and loved most of Kozelek's pre-Benji work, I always glossed over 'Tiny Cities'. It's 'just' a collection of Modest Mouse covers, right? Turns out I was wrong - these songs carry the same magic other old SKM records do. Kozelek makes MMâs originals completely his own, sometimes only keeping their lyrics, to occasionally beautiful results. Case in point: obvious album highlight 'Space Travel is Boring', in which Kozelek transforms MM's short, noisy version into a classic, melancholic, Kozelek-like folk song. And most of you will probably hate what Kozelek did to 'Tiny Cities Made of Ashes', but I love it, for you can clearly recognize the guitar pickings that would later return on 'Tonight In Bilbao' which, by the way, is the best song ever made. But let's leave it at that.
(obligatory & sad reminder that Kozelek is probably not a very nice human being)
đ„âSpace Travel is Boringâ
đ„âOcean Breathes Saltyâ
đ„âTiny Cities Made of Ashesâ |
| 29 |  | Supercar
Highvision
Indietronica
2002 /// 216 scrobbles
Such a vibrant, energetic album. Probably gonna bring it back in rotation when summer arrives.
đ„âNijiro Darknessâ |
| 30 |  | Swans
The Beggar
Post-rock
2023 /// 92 scrobbles
Yeah this is a Swans record through and through, and I donât mind at all. I like how âThe Beggarâ channels some Angels of Light-vibes in the more uplifting songs; âEbbingâ could be a different version of âTwo Womenâ. I havenât found the courage to properly delve into the daunting second half and Iâm not sure I want to. For now, Iâm happy with the Swans album I found in the first half.
đ„âMichael Is Doneâ
đ„âEbbingâ
đ„âWhy Can't I Have What I Want Any Time That I Want?â |
| 31 |  | toe
The Book About My Idle Plot on a Vague Anxiety
Math rock / post-rock
2005 /// 241 scrobbles
No vocals here - instead, the drums take the forefront, backed-up by twinkly guitars. Jammed this one to death last year, itâs such a comfortable listen.
đ„âTremolo + Delayâ |
| 32 |  | The Twilight Sad
It Won/t Be Like This All the Time
Post-punk / indie rock
2019 /// 145 scrobbles
Didn't really connect with this one when it came out, but I should've known it wouldn't be like that all the time (ey!). On par with their excellent debut, I now think: its highs are lower, but its lows are higher. Great vocals throughout.
đ„â[10 Good Reasons for Modern Drugs]â
đ„âIâm Not Hereâ
đ„âThe Arborâ |
| 33 |  | Wild Pink
A Billion Little Lights
Indie rock /// 2021
203 scrobbles
Itâs rare to find an album with the bookends as the weakest links, but - surprise! - 'A Billion Little Lights' is one of those cases. Tracks 3 to 8 are really pleasant indie rock songs, the other songs are kind of whatever. Good band, good album; check if you like The War On Drugs and crave for an easy listen.
đ„âThe Shining But Tropicalâ
đ„âTrack Mudâ
đ„âOversharers Anonymousâ |
| 34 |  | Zero 7
Simple Things
Downtempo
2001 /// 105 scrobbles
Smoooooooth, so smooth I can't attach any other meaningful words to it.
đ„âI Have Seenâ
đ„âLikufanele'
đ„âDestinyâ |
| 35 | | Toby Driver
They Are the Shield
3. OTHER ALBUMS I ENJOYED |
| 36 |  | Arab Strap
Elephant Shoe
Slowcore
1999 /// 81 scrobbles
Last year, I rated Arab Strapâs âPhilophobiaâ about the same as I rate âElephant Shoeâ now, so maybe this one will top my list next year.
(no preferred song) |
| 37 |  | Daughter
Stereo Mind Game
Indie rock / dream pop
2023 /// 57 scrobbles
Feel like âStereo Mind Gameâ might grow on me in the future. I was enchanted by it for two days when it released, and then for some reason I didnât care anymore. Weâll see.
đ„âPartyâ |
| 38 |  | David Bowie
Blackstar
Art rock / jazz-rock
2016 /// 74 scrobbles
where the fuck did monday go?
đ„ââ
â |
| 39 |  | Dead Can Dance
Dead Can Dance
Gothic rock
1984 /// 78 scrobbles
ISABELLLAAAAAAAAAAAA
(go listen to 'Ocean' immediately you uncultured swine)
đ„âOceanâ |
| 40 |  | Dead Can Dance
The Serpent's Egg
Neoclassical darkwave (still not sure what thatâs supposed to mean)
1988 /// 65 scrobbles
Not the type of DCD I vibe with the most - I'm more into their gothic, post-punky style - but a good album nonetheless.
đ„âThe Host of Seraphimâ |
| 41 |  | DJ Sabrina the Teenage DJ
Charmed
House
2020 /// 203 scrobbles
Lol of course I have never put myself through 'Charmed's full three hours of runtime - not even close. I did listen a ton to 'New Year's Resolution' though - amazing track. Fun discovery outside of my usual musical borders.
đ„âNew Yearâs Resolutionâ |
| 42 |  | Earth
The Bees Made Honey in the Lion's Skull
Post-rock / drone
2008 /// 42 scrobbles
An early 2023 favourite that I havenât returned to much, so Iâm just gonna say the album cover is really cool.
(no preferred song) |
| 43 |  | Ethel Cain
Golden Age
Slowcore / dream pop
2019 /// 85 scrobbles
Another slowcore record that grew on me over time. 'Golden Age' is mellower and more subdued than both 'Inbred' and 'Preacher's Daughter'. The EP flows really well, so much that I can't really point out any highlights. Good from front to back.
(no preferred song) |
| 44 |  | Genesis
Trespass
Progressive rock
1970 /// 26 scrobbles
Old Genesis is just so much fun. 'Trespass', the first album they made in their classic line-up, is only a little less interesting than the albums that followed, and that should be read as a compliment.
(no preferred song) |
| 45 |  | Godflesh
Streetcleaner
Industrial metal
1989 /// 42 scrobbles
DON'T HOLD (HOLD) ME (ME) BACK (BACK)
THIS IS
MY OWN HELL
(Rarely listen to metal these days, insofar I ever have, but I had some fun listening to Godflesh's debut in early 2023)
đ„âChristbait Risingâ |
| 46 |  | Jason Molina
Let Me Go, Let Me Go, Let Me Go
Folk / Slowcore
2006 /// 150 scrobbles
The bookends are achingly beautiful, donât care too much about the in between.
đ„âItâs Easier Nowâ |
| 47 |  | Kishi Bashi
Lighght
Indie pop
2014 /// 139 scrobbles
Funny! Happy! Quirky! But it couldnât hold my attention for all of its runtime. Think I lighghtly prefer the debut.
đ„âCarry on Phenomenonâ
đ„âThe Ballad of Mr. Steakâ
đ„âIn Fantasiaâ |
| 48 |  | Lambchop
Nixon
Chamber pop
2000 /// 70 scrobbles
âThe guy on the cross is holier than I
But then again he's made from plasticâ
(walked around the city with âGrumpusâ on repeat and it felt like I didnât even have to lift my feet â they just walked themselves)
đ„âGrumpusâ |
| 49 |  | Lanterns on the Lake
Gracious Tide, Take Me Home
Indie rock / dream pop
2011 /// 105 scrobbles
First three songs are cute indie, and then the rest of the album exists as well. Nothing offensive, nothing too special.
đ„âIf Iâve Been Unkindâ |
| 50 |  | Mika
Life in Cartoon Motion
Pop
2007 /// 24 scrobbles + many CD listens
Had so much fun listening to MIKA in the car with friends on holiday. Also, I rediscovered hidden bonus track âOver My Shoulderâ, the moody, eerie end to an otherwise very cheery album, with only a piano and MIKAâs falsetto to accompany the listener.
đ„âOver My Shoulderâ |
| 51 |  | The National
First Two Pages of Frankenstein
Indie rock
2023 /// 418 scrobbles
It feels harsh to put both new National albums in the lowest tier, since I got a ton of mileage out of them and they contain quite a few songs that I truly love. But how many times have I listened to these records front-to-back? The last months, I mostly just jammed the playlist I made of my personal favourites. As an album experience, these records are nowhere near the level of their old classics or even âSleep Well Beastâ.
General opinion seems to be âFrankensteinâ is the weaker of the two, but Iâd rate them just about equally. Check one of my recent lists for mor thoughts on these songs.
đ„âNew Order T-Shirtâ
đ„âOnce Upon a Poolside'
đ„âTropic Morning Newsâ |
| 52 |  | The National
Laugh Track
Indie rock
2023 /// 332 scrobbles
(see above writeup and âNu-Nationalâ-list)
đ„âHornetsâ
đ„âTour Managerâ
đ„âTurn Off the Houseâ |
| 53 |  | on4word
In Rainbow Roads
Electronic
2023 /// couple of spins via Bandcamp
This was kinda fun (itâs a Super Mario 64 version of Radioheadâs âIn Rainbowsâ)
(no preferred song) |
| 54 |  | Portico Quartet
Portico Quartet
Nu jazz / downtempo
2012 /// 84 scrobbles
I love Portico Quartet's brand of accessible nu-jazz with electronical flourishes. On their self-titled third album, they let go of the 'harder' jazz aspects of their sound and started incorporating downtempo and ambient. Longer tracks 'Ruins' and 'Laker Boo' are the highlights. Cool album, even if I slightly prefer later works.
đ„âRuinsâ |
| 55 |  | Regina Spektor
Soviet Kitsch
Singer-songwriter / pop
2004 /// 45 scrobbles
A very late entry into this list, but I couldn't ignore all the personality that speaks through 'Soviet Kitsch'. 'Us' is a stunner.
đ„âUsâ |
| 56 |  | Ruby Haunt
Between Heavens
Dream pop
2023 /// 178 scrobbles
The least good Ruby Haunt album of all the good Ruby Haunt albums.
đ„âDark Startâ |
| 57 |  | Smog
Red Apple Falls
Slowcore / folk
1997 /// 57 scrobbles
A sort-of-underground slowcore classic from Bill Callahan, released under his early moniker. 'To Be Of Use' hit me on first listen, the first half overall is really strong. Not sure what to think of the last couple of songs yet.
đ„âTo Be of Useâ |
| 58 |  | Spangle call Lilli line
spangle call lilli line
Indie rock / post-rock
2001 /// 94 scrobbles
I was surprised by how much I liked the humble debut of the Japanese indiedreampostchillrockers with the incomprehensible band name. Well worth a listen for those who heard and enjoyed PURPLE.
đ„âerror slowâ |
| 59 |  | Spangle call Lilli line
nanae
Indie rock / post-rock
2002 /// 83 scrobbles
Honestly, I don't remember much from 'nanae'. I was on a huge SCCC spree last january and haven't really returned since. I do remember 'E' and 'Lilidisco' being jams, and me being torn between giving the album a 3 or a 4 (I went with the coward's score: a 3.5). Reminder to myself to relisten.
đ„âEâ |
| 60 |  | Spangle call Lilli line
Forest At The Head Of A River
Indie rock / post-rock
2010 /// 106 scrobbles
Another SPCC 3.5, mostly on this list because of the gorgeous, 14-minute closer.
đ„âunivocalâ |
| 61 |  | Spangle call Lilli line
Ampersand
Dream pop
2023 /// 77 scrobbles
Far more immediate than the works above, 'Ampersand' was an easy listen, even if half its songs aren't all that interesting.
(no preferred songs) |
| 62 |  | Spinvis
Tot ziens Justine Keller
Indietronica / indie pop
2011 /// 175 scrobbles
Still havenât found a Spinvis album I enjoy front-to-back, but each release offers a couple of songs I put on repeat from time to time.
đ„âRonnie knipt zijn haarâ
đ„âOostendeâ
đ„âKom Terugâ |
| 63 | | Toby Driver
They Are the Shield
4. ALBUMS I GREW EVEN MORE FOND OF |
| 64 |  | The For Carnation
The For Carnation
Slowcore
2000 /// 73 scrobbles
Thoughts at the end of 2022: âawesome album, even if track 3 and 4 arenât as interesting as the othersâ
Thoughts at the end 2023: awesome album, and track 3 and 4 perfectly set the stage for the brooding, faster-paced âTalesâ and the magnificent closer â itâs a 5.
đ„âMoonbeamsâ
đ„âA Tribute Toâ
đ„âTales (Live From the Crypt)â |
| 65 |  | Glen Hansard
This Wild Willing
Folk
2019 /// 91 scrobbles
2022: âfirst five songs are really cool, the rest is alrightâ
2023: the first five songs are still really cool, but Iâve also grown to appreciate the second, folkier half more, the closer in particular.
đ„âWeight of the Worldâ
đ„âRace to the Bottomâ
đ„âLeave a Lightâ |
| 66 |  | Jenn Champion
Cool Choices
Indie pop / indie rock
2014 /// 188 scrobbles
2022: âbarely a 4, a bit too mopeyâ
2023: a strong 4, lots to discover in these anxious pop songs.
đ„âRemember Loveâ
đ„âTell Meâ
đ„âWhite Houseâ |
| 67 |  | Ruby Haunt
The Middle Of Nowhere
Dream pop / Slowcore
2019 /// 127 scrobbles
2022: âthe least good of all the good Ruby Haunt albumsâ
2023: the second best of all the good Ruby Haunt albums. The opener is slowcore perfection and arguably their best song.
đ„âCobwebâ
đ„âBreatherâ
đ„âJeuneâ |
| 68 |  | Ruby Haunt
Watching the Grass Grow
Dream pop / slowcore
2021 /// 167 scrobbles
2022: âbasically perfect, but I canât give a 33-minute album a 5â
2023: basically perfect and thus a 5.
đ„âSilverâ
đ„âJawboneâ
đ„âArrowâ |
| 69 |  | Songs: Ohia
Ghost Tropic
Slowcore
2000 /// 87 scrobbles
2022: âhorrible & beautiful albumâ
2023: horrible & beautiful album and also a 5. Iâve really grown to appreciate the two interludes, theyâre essential to the experience.
đ„âIncantationâ
đ„âThe Body Burned Awayâ
đ„âNot Just a Ghostâs Heartâ |
| 70 |  | Trespassers William
Different Stars
Dream pop / Slowcore
2002 /// 183 scrobbles
2022: âhmm this record just keeps growing on meâ
2023: Iâve been listening to âDifferent Starsâ since 2017 or so, but only now has it finally entered my list of 5âs. Stellar dream pop.
đ„âVapour Trailâ
đ„âFragmentâ
đ„âUntitledâ |
| 71 |  | Wild Pink
ILYSM
Indie rock
2022 /// 266 scrobbles
2022: âreally good indie rock that I am maybe overratingâ
2023: Nah no way Iâm overrating this one â âILYSMâ is ridiculously consistent for a 60-minute indie rock album. Iâve come around the most to the two closing tracks that softly bring the album to an end.
đ„âHold My Handâ
đ„âThe Grass Widow in the Glass Windowâ
đ„âICLYMâ |
|
