Here's a list of twenty albums I enjoyed during the first half of 2023. I hope you find something to love!
01: Moving Targets - “In The Dust”
Label: Dead Broke Rekerds
RIYL: Sugar, Tommy Keene
Link: https://deadbrokerekerds.bandcamp.com/album/in-the-dust
With their album "In The Dust," Moving Targets return after a long hiatus to deliver a first rate collection of songs that blends the rawness of a Boston-based-bar-band with just the right amount of melodic sheen. With hard driving songs, soaring guitars, great songs, and powerful vocals this album should appeal to a wide swath of rock music fans. Half of the way thru 2023, “In The Dust” is currently my top record of the year candidate.
02: Kevin Morby - “More Photographs"
Label: Dead Oceans
RIYL: Kurt Vile
Link: https://kevinmorby.bandcamp.com/album/more-photographs-a-continuum
On "More Photographs”, Kevin Morby continues to showcase his songwriting prowess while expanding the pallet of his overall sound. This album is a nice blend of folk and indie rock featuring interesting instrumentation and arrangements, quality lyrics, and Morby's distinctive vocals.
03: Gia Margaret - “Romantic Piano"
Label: Jajaguwar
RIYL: Okonski
Link: https://giamargaret.bandcamp.com/album/romantic-piano
"Romantic Piano" enforces my contention that Gia Margaret consistently writes some of the world’s most beautiful melodies. This mostly instrumental album is a serene and immersive. It is a perfect companion for quiet and relaxing moments.
04: Purling Hiss - “Drag on Girard"
Label: Drag City
RIYL: Dinosaur Jr.
Link: https://purlinghiss.bandcamp.com/album/drag-on-girard
Purling Hiss' "Drag on Girard" is a fuzzy and distorted rock album that oozes with raw energy. The band's gift for crafting catchy riffs and infectious melodies is on full display. Throw in feedback-drenched guitar sounds and a propulsive rhythm section and you know what you got here? (Hint; rhymes with bunk tock)
05: Solid State Radio - “You Got To Wear It, Or Let It Go!”
Label: inCrowd Recordings
RIYL: The Del Fuegos
Link: https://solidstateradio1.bandcamp.com/album/you-gotta-wear-it-or-let-it-go
The debut release from Atlanta’s Solid State Radio is an instant classic. Effortlessly fusing rock and soul - this band features some really high quality musicianship. Shout out to the bass player. The low end of this album keeps things moving in style! This is rock and roll with personality.
06: Oracle Sisters - “Hydranism"
Label: 22Twenty
RIYL: Mercury Rev, Flaming Lips
Link: https://oraclesisters.bandcamp.com/album/hydranism
After teasing with a series of high-quality singles, Oracle Sisters come correct with the album “Hydranism”. This album is a skillfully produced hybrid of honey-dipped pop, soul, and indie rock. Warning: highly contagious!
07: Albert Hammond Jr. - “Melodies on Hiatus"
Label: Red Bull Records
RIYL: Twin Peaks, Grapetooth
Link: https://open.spotify.com/album/23zBt9O5whbd4zh23XAi11
Albert Hammond Jr. explores new sonic territories with "Melodies on Hiatus." The album features catchy hooks, intricate guitar work, and a sense of experimentation that keeps the listener engaged throughout.
08: Glyders - "Maria’s Hunt"
Label: Drag City
RIYL: Alt-Country
Link: https://open.spotify.com/album/4s6QqAz77rQ8wK5sH9MJLs?si=gofiWzacRAa4PPzHX45oTQ
Maria's Hunt" by Glyders is a really nice blend of roots based music. When the album kicks off with the track “High Time” you think you are listening to a rock band. When the second song veers into country-music territory you start to wonder what’s going on and when the third song opens with a rockabilly beat you begin to realize this band isn’t easily categorized. The album's rich instrumentation, quality songs, and the a wide range of influences makes this an enjoyable listen.
09: James Brandon Lewis - “Eye of I"
Label: Anti
RIYL: Pharaoh Sanders, John Coltrane, Sonny Sharrock
Link: https://jamesbrandonlewis.bandcamp.com/album/eye-of-i
Tenor Saxophonist James Brandon Lewis pushes the boundaries of jazz with his new trio featuring sax, electric cello, and drums. The album blends avant-garde sensibilities with soulful melodies. The band’s cover of Donny Hathaway’s “Someday We’ll All Be Free”, featuring Kirt Knuffke on Cornet, is a standout track.
10: J.T. IV - “The Future"
Label: Drag City
RIYL: Alex Chilton
Link: https://jtiv.bandcamp.com/album/the-future
John Henry Timmis IV was a glam-punk savant who self-released four singles and one LP, in a musical style he called "destructo rock”, while living around the Chicago area during the 1980’s. "The Future" is a posthumous release that showcases the artist's eclectic and genre-bending approach. This album is a testament to the artist’s vision. All these years later and these songs truly stand the test of time.
11: Zwei Null Zwei - “Zwei Null Zwei"
Label: Peculiar Works Music
RIYL: Krautrock
Link: https://zweinullzwei.bandcamp.com
Zwei Null Zwei's self-titled album is a mesmerizing blend of electronic and indie rock music. The band’s feedback drenched soundscapes and intricate percussion create a sonic journey that demands repeated listens. Featuring veterans of indie rock bands including The Makeup and Girls Against Boys, this record sounds like a group of like minded musicians looking to make new and exciting music. Mission accomplished!
12: The Hold Steady - “The Price of Progress"
Label: Positive Jams / Thirty Tigers
RIYL: Bruce Springsteen, Literate American Rock & Roll
Link: https://theholdsteady.bandcamp.com/album/the-price-of-progress
The Hold Steady's "The Price of Progress" is yet another notch in the belt for a veteran band who manages to stay true to their sound and formula while managing to keep things fresh and engaging. Their signature storytelling style, combined with anthemic rock soundscapes, makes this album a compelling and immersive journey.
13: Canaan Amber - “CA”
Label: Numero Group
RIYL: Rex, Johnny Hawaii
Link: https://dusternumero.bandcamp.com/album/ca
The debut album from Duster’s Canaan Amber is minimalist music done right. Hypnotic beats with slow core droning guitar sounds. The perfect soundtrack for doing nothing at all.
14: Mudhoney - “Plastic Eternity"
Label: Sub Pop Records
RIYL: Grunge
Link: https://mudhoney.bandcamp.com/album/plastic-eternity
Mudhoney deliver a gritty and raucous album with "Plastic Eternity." After more than thirty-years making punk rock records, this 2023 release is a reminder of the band's enduring relevance and their ability to create powerful and unapologetic rock music.
15: Ron Gallo - “Foreground Music"
Label: Kill Rock Stars
RIYL: Ty Segall, Neil Michael Haggerty
Link: https://rongallo.bandcamp.com/album/foreground-music
Ron Gallo's "Foreground Music" is a literate exploration of indie rock and garage punk. Gallo's distinctive vocals and thought-provoking lyrics make this an interesting listen.
16: Pearla - “Oh Glistening Onion, Nighttime Is Coming"
Label: Spacebomb
RIYL: Lucinda Wiliams
Link: https://pearlamusic.bandcamp.com/album/oh-glistening-onion-the-nighttime-is-coming
Pearla's "Oh Glistening Onion, Nighttime Is Coming" is a nicely crafted indie-country-folk album. The introspective lyrics, delicate instrumentation, and the ethereal vocals of Pearla Minkowitz combine to create a beautiful listening experience.
17: The South Hill Experiment - “Moonshots"
Label: Self Released
RIYL:
Link:
"Cacti" by Billy Nomates is a bold and unapologetic post-punk-pop album. Nomates' conviction, tell it like it is lyrical approach, and soulful vocals make this record a fun and exhilarating ride.
18: Billy Nomates - “Cacti"
Label: Invada Records UK
RIYL: UK-Pop-Punk-Soul
Link: https://billynomates.bandcamp.com/album/cacti
"Cacti" by Billy Nomates is a bold and unapologetic post-punk-pop album. Nomates' conviction, tell it like it is lyrical approach, and soulful vocals make this record a fun and exhilarating ride.
19: Country Westerns - “Forgive The City"
Label: Fat Possum
RIYL: Replacements, Uncle Tupelo, Bottle Rockets
Link: https://countrywesterns.bandcamp.com/album/forgive-the-city
Country Westerns are a three piece rock band with Nashville and Atlanta roots. With producer credits attributed to Matt Sweeney (Skunk, Chavez) this record was clearly meant to introduce Country Westerns to a larger audience. While this album has lots to like, I don’t like it as much as the band’s first record. If you like your bar bands to fall somewhere on the spectrum between rock and alt-country I highly recommend the band’s self titled debut from 2020.
20: Okonski - “Magnolia"
Label: Colemine
RIYL: Gia Margaret
Link: https://okonski.bandcamp.com/album/magnolia
Known for his work as the keyboard player in Durand Jones’ band, this record is Steve Okonski’s first release leading a jazz trio. With Okonski on keyboards the band is rounded out by Ish Montgomery on bass and Aaron Fraser on drums. Together the three musicians have crafted a gorgeous record with a tranquil and meditative vibe.
Spotify Mix
A Spotify mix, featuring one song from each album on this list.
Singles
Here are a few suggestions for your summer mixtapes.
Lyrics Born & Princess Shaw - “Diamond Door”
Link: https://open.spotify.com/track/39DQlJALXaeumTccjpamhL?si=7b0c33293e3b4261
Susu - “Waiting’
Link: https://open.spotify.com/track/7zye7bxeBCqsFrF6wl81kw?si=3a9db4b326b64427
Night Shop - “Harness”
Link: https://open.spotify.com/track/3Pioy7wxmzUvzQizgPjMzP?si=3387f9904e484038
Sunny War - “Baby Bitch” (Ween Cover)
Link: https://open.spotify.com/track/4c5FBdI5sIfpbfU41EoZFr?si=7a2fecc6ff5c474a
I look forward to hearing what the second half of ’23 will bring! I’ll be back in December with a re-cap of the year-in-full. Stay tuned.
- HipHopPunkRock