2023
Made a variation of this list in December, clicked submit and it disappeared. Should've known.
List is not a "Best Of” necessarily, but simply 2023 releases I liked/listened to the most. I don’t seek out new music the way I used to, either I'm lazy or not as hungry as I once was or content where I am (or all three) so most of these albums are by bands I already knew/liked. The order is loose, after the top 10 or so it really doesn’t matter at all.. Recs are always welcome. |
| 1 |  | Empty Country
Empty Country II
It was great to hear new music from Joe again, the first record was maybe my defining pandemic/lockdown record so it was nice enjoy this not under those cirumstances. “Dustine” has to be one of my favourite songs he’s ever written. |
| 2 |  | FROG
GROG
Frog Supremacy. Love these guys. Maybe their best yet? Hard to say, hard to say… |
| 3 |  | Jeff Rosenstock
HELLMODE
been listening to Jeff since I was 16 years old, half of my life now. To have him still release records that feel urgent and full of meaningful songs that I want to return to is a good feeling. A step down from “No Dream”, but I still dug this quite a bit. Top Track: “FUTURE IS DUMB” or “DOUBT”. |
| 4 |  | Sincere Engineer
Cheap Grills
This was probably my best discovery this year in that I never really listened to these guys before, only a few songs in passing, but this is one solid pop punk record, front to back. “Landline”, “Old Coat Pocket”...yeah this rules. |
| 5 |  | The Hold Steady
The Price Of Progress
The Hold Steady was my most listened to artist in 2023 by a pretty wide margin (according to last.fm) - I’ve loved them for years but idk something just really clicked this year and I played them constantly. Band is just so solid and there’s no one like them. I feel better when I listen to them, sometimes it's as simple as that. |
| 6 |  | Slaughter Beach, Dog
Crying, Laughing, Waving, Smiling
Another artist I’ve gotten into more and more the last few years. Good warm weather music (I mean it’s always warm here but still). |
| 7 |  | The Menzingers
Some of it Was True
This one wasn't too loved on here and I could see why some would be underwhelmed by it (especially compared to past records), but I dug it all the same. Another band I have a long history with and always give the benefit of the doubt. A ton of solid tracks here, with only “Take it to Heart” the one I tend to skip. |
| 8 |  | MJ Lenderman
Live And Loose!
A live album but cannot go wrong with MJ, probably my favourite artist discovery of 2022 and for my money one of the best young songwriters going these days. |
| 9 |  | Wednesday
Rat Saw God
A band I was introduced to through MJ (he’s in the band) and another great discovery this year. |
| 10 |  | The Tallest Man on Earth
Henry St.
Matsson will always be a special songwriter to me because when “The Wild Hunt” came out blew my mind and his first 3 records were in constant rotation in my late teens/early 20s. This is a pleasant album, not comparable to those early records, but I enjoyed it. |
| 11 |  | Ratboys
The Window
A band that’s been on my radar since 2016-ish and while I don’t think I’d rank any of their records among my favorites they consistently make good music and this might be their strongest since AOID. |
| 12 |  | AJJ
Disposable Everything
I was pretty into these guys in my early 20s and don’t listen to them all that much anymore - kind of a band I have to be in the mood for - but this is pretty solid and definitely an AJJ album for all intents and purposes, tapping into the insanity of the times. |
| 13 |  | King Krule
Space Heavy
Probably the album I listened to the most that I couldn’t name 3 songs on it off the top of my head. When I put it on I enjoy it though. ‘Seaforth’ is a good one. Got into his music again after being away from it for many years. |
| 14 |  | Superviolet
Infinite Spring
Was pretty stoked to find out the The Sidekicks vocalist had a new project. I’d take new Sidekicks over this any day, but there’s some nice stuff here (ie Good Ghost’). |
| 15 |  | Woods
Perennial
These guys are so consistent, and this is another consistent entry in their, uh, consistent discography. Dig the vibes mannn. |
| 16 |  | Wilco
Cousin
I for one loved “Cruel Country” but I guess this is a ‘return to form’ in ways for Wilco, and it’s solid. Wilco is very close to a ‘can do no wrong’ band for me. |
| 17 |  | The Rural Alberta Advantage
The Rise & The Fall
Another band I go way back with. Nothing will ever touch Hometowns but I will continually listen to whatever they put out. If this was underwhelming it was only because it felt like half the album had already been released in spurts over the last couple years. It’s good. |
| 18 |  | The Gaslight Anthem
History Books
Honestly the only track I really return to is “Positive Charge” but what a banger it is. Like old times. (fitting as ‘like old times’ is kinda their whole persona). |
| 19 |  | The Mountain Goats
Jenny From Thebes
If this is the quality we can expect from a new Mountain Goats LP every year well I am more than okay with that. Great Pirates more like Great Closer. |
| 20 |  | The Dirty Nil
Free Rein to Passions
A few good cuts (1990, Land of Clover, Blowing Up Things in the Woods) but their weakest yet. Not big on the slick, glossy direction they keep moving in but they can still wright a good rock tune, when they want to. |
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