Here are my picks for 2023:
Jenny Lewis - Joy'All: I think Lewis is one of the best American songwriters working today. This is just a fantastic album from start to finish with just enough sadness to make the happiness bearable. Young Fathers - Heavy Heavy: I don't even know how to categorize Young Fathers. I'd only known them from a one off collaboration with Massive Attack years ago. Initially, it's a difficult listen but I find myself coming back to this album often. Night Drive - Position II: One of the best local bands no one has heard of. If you think you'd like a modern take on 80s new wave, check it out. Model/Actriz - Dogsbody: Probably the best modern industrial band working today. They're really breathing fresh air into the genre. Kruder Di Gioia - "_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ ": Collaboration between Peter Kruder of Kruder & Dorfmeister and jazz pianist Roberto Di Gioia. If you want a chill soundtrack to get high to, this is for you. Bully - Lucky For You: 90s grunge for Millenials. It's good stuff. I'm glad there's some guitar rock out there doing well. Cherry Glazerr - I Don't Want You Anymore: Zoomer garage rock that's actually good. Solid album. Royal Blood - Back to the Water Below: The best rock band that has never quite had the level of success they deserve. Just banger after banger. Lead Into Gold - The Eternal Present: If Model/Actriz is modern industrial, this is a throwback to the 90s by ex-Ministry bassist, Paul Barker. The Black Delta Movement - Recovery Effects: A really good psychedelic band with surf guitar and 60s flower child leanings. If you like Brian Jones Town Massacre, you'll dig this