2023 was a pretty good year over here, as far as years go. The music was pretty good too. Here’s some I liked.
1. ANOHNI and The Johnsons – My Back Was a Bridge for You to Cross
This album affected me the most of any in 2023. Settle in, soak it up, be struck down.
2. MJ Lenderman – And The Wind (Live and Loose!)
Dudes rock.
3. JPEGMAFIA x Danny Brown – SCARING THE HOES
Schizophrenic Gutter Party Jamz.
4. shame – Food for Worms
Another strong showing from the boys from London. Their set at Shaky Knees was blistering fun, maybe my favorite this year.
5. Miya Folick – ROACH
Sad songs in the style of bright.
6. Unknown Mortal Orchestra – V
Psychedelic Jimmy Buffet playing hippie math rock.
7. Jessie Ware – That! Feels Good!
Disco revival.
8. Jeff Rosenstock – HELLMODE
Every year, I get a little bit older, and I stay the same age.
9. Romy – Mid Air
Club whisperin’
10. Sufjan Stevens – Javelin
A satisfying median of Sufjan albums; a career celebration.
11. Jungle – Volcano
Modern chipmunk funk.
12. ††† – Goodnight, God Bless, I Love U, Delete.
nü witch hop.
13. 6LACK – Since I Have a Lover
Silk syllables.
14. Drop Nineteens – Hard Light
Welcome back, royal gazemen.
15. Sofia Kourtesis – Madres
Peruvian pop trance.
16. IAN SWEET – SUCKER
Sweet rock.
17. Yo La Tengo – This Stupid World
Una más, otra vez.
18. MUNYA – Jardin
Daft magnifique.
19. KAYTRAMINÉ – KAYTRAMINÉ
Island bounce funk.
20. Scott McMicken and THE EVER-EXPANDING – Shabang
Backyard jam.
21. Corinne Bailey Rae – Black Rainbows
Portishead, Radiohead, Idles, and that’s just the first three tracks.
22. Yves Tumor: Praise a Lord Who Chews but Which Does Not Consume; (Or Simply, Hot Between Worlds)
Mall goth.
23. The Arcs – Electrophonic Chronic
Stoner galactic electro R&B.
24. Jadu Heart – Derealised
Gazey pop.
25. Ratboys – The Window
Alt-country with a sprinkle of fuzz and jangles.
Sound off.