December 20, 2023
It doesn’t escape me that today would have been my father’s 80th birthday and while there is no Seger or Springsteen on the list, I’d like to think that he might have liked a song or two included on my 2023 playlist. It is also a reminder for me of the reflective powers that music provides. So, without further ado, here are 10 songs I loved in 2023.
Car Colors – “Old Death (12” version)”
Twenty years after the release of the much beloved The Meadowlands, the last remaining Wren, Charles Bissell, returns mightily to the fold in 2023 with a three-song 12” inch single featuring the magnificent “Old Death”. An epic tune clocking in at just over seven minutes, with hints of “Faster Gun” and “Everyone Choose Sides”, “Old Death” is a logical extension of Charles’ previous work while at the same time being completely fresh and new.
Jeff Rosenstock – “I WANNA BE WRONG”
Is there anyone better at providing insightful social commentary in a more tuneful and celebratory punk rock manner than Jeff? Absolute genius and HELLMODE is a top five album of the year.
Magazine Beach – “Totally Cool”
Yes, I realize that this is music for my older children and not someone who now regularly receives AARP mailings. But c’mon, it’s catchy as all be.
boygenius – “$20”
We are firmly a Lucy Dacus family here in Charlottesville, as she is from nearby Richmond. But when you get Lucy together with Julien and Phoebe, it’s kind of magical.
Fucked Up – “Lords of Kensington”
The Spotify machine tells me that this was my most played song of 2023. I only listen to Spotify sparingly, but still, it is a banger as the kids would say. I am infatuated with Mike Hailechuk’s guitar sound – it’s like the 21st century extension of Hüsker Dü-era Bob Mould.
Open City – “Gassed”
So I’ve been a fan of Chris Wilson’s drumming for over 20 years, starting with his work with Ted Leo and the Pharmacists and then Hammered Hulls and Titus Andronicus, so I was excited to check out Open City’s first album a few years ago. The band also features Rachel Rubino (Bridge and Tunnel) on vocals, Andy Nelson (Paint It Black) on bass, and everyone’s favorite punk rock child psychologist, Dan Yemin (Lifetime, Paint It Black) on guitar. If I have a crap day at work, on goes the Open City S/T album for my ride home and things are a whole lot better. “Gassed” is my favorite track from their recently released album Hands In The Honey Jar.
Yo La Tengo – “Fallout”
Is there a more winning recipe for a Yo La Tengo song than a midtempo Yo La Tengo song replete with vocal harmonies and just the right amount of feedback?
Blonde Redhead “Snowman”
I hadn’t seen (or listened to) Blonde Redhead since 1998, though I was almost run over crossing the street by Amadeo and Kazu in 2002 somewhere in the East Village (the near miss didn’t push me to revisit their music at that time). Fast forward to 2023 and I decide to go see them at the Levitation Festival in Austin, which inspired me to familiarize myself with their 21st century output including the 2023 release Sit Down For Dinner and my favorite tune “Snowman”.
Militarie Gun – “Very High”
Hotline TNT – “Beauty Filter”
Each year when I go to SXSW, I try to make an effort to at least check out a few of the so-called buzz bands that the tastemakers claim will be shortly breaking through. In recent years, it’s been Snail Mail and Soccer Mommy and Viagra Boys and Ratboys and on and on. Sometimes I leave impressed and other times, the shows leave a little to be desired. That was the case with both Militarie Gun and Hotline TNT at this year’s festival. Playing at 3pm for 30 minutes without time for proper soundcheck after being out all night isn’t always the best recipe for success for young bands. I’ve haven’t seen either band live since last March, but both released excellent albums in the interim.
