The Best of 2023: Early Cut
As usual, my single-CD highlights reel sticks largely with the catchier, more upbeat stuff; I'll pick up some of the ballads and Americana and dream pop on the longer version.
Lots of fizzy-sounding indie bands I've gotten into in recent years (guitar rock is not dead!)--Crocodiles, Worriers, Golden Apples, Tough Age, Wednesday, Slow Pulp, Ratboys, etc. But also a few long-timers--who'd have imagined we'd have two 80s Paisley Underground bands making strong resurgences (the Long Ryders & Rain Parade); a terrific later-period Yo La Tengo album; Brix Smith with some of her best work since her early days with the Fall; etc. And nice to see women-helmed acts comprising the majority of the mix.
A few things here I just picked up recently: John P. Strohm (co-founder of the Blake Babies who's played with the Lemonheads and plenty of other acts) has a great new solo album out, Something to Look Forward To, which sounds like a cross between Brian Wilson and Fountains of Wayne's softer side; and just discovered Wurld Series, a lo-fi act that should appeal to Guided by Voices fans. And a bunch more.
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