My favorite records of 2023. This year’s list is in alphabetical order.
Bdrmm – I Don’t Know
This band lands me somewhere in a 1980’s dream space. Shoegaze wasn’t really a genre in 1988, but if it was, it would sound just like Bdrmm.
Black Belt Eagle Scout – The Land, The Water, The Sky
I was lucky enough to see Black Belt Eagle Scout last year at The Aladdin -the show was utterly mesmerizing. I hope that KP continues to make such beautiful music for many years to come.
Boygenius – the record
This will land on many best of 2023 lists, and it makes sense. The voices of three talented musicians culled together in one thoughtful record, are sometimes all you need.
Cat Power – Cat Powers Sings Dylan : The 1966 Royal Albert Concert Hall
Anyone who knows me, knows how much I adore covers. I absolutely love hearing songs reinterpreted by another artist. Chan Marshall takes us on a journey to Bob Dylan’s 1966 with this album, and I for one, love the ride.
Charmie Chandler – Mercy Rock
I have my niece to thank for this discovery. With hints of Moses Sumney, this divine album from an up and coming artist is worth your time.
https://charmiechandler.bandcamp.com/album/mercy-rock
Charley Crockett – Live from the Ryman
Country music isn’t for everyone, until they listen to Charley.
Cherry Glazer – I Don’t Want You Anymore
Bright, dark and full of feelings, this is an excellent album.
Cleo Sol – Gold
My adoration for neo-soul out of the UK remains steadfast. Cleo Sol has a gorgeous voice and we’re treated to so much of it here. Whether she’s playing with SAULT or on her own, this R&B artist needs to be heard
Explosions in the Sky – End
An excellent record from long time purveyors of moodiness wrapped around notes.
Jalen Ngonda – Come Around and Love Me
I love just about everything on Daptone records. A few months ago, I caught Jalen Ngonda’s live session on KEXP and was immediately enamored with this artist. For fans of neo-soul, and Motown vibes, this is a must listen.
Kelela – Raven
Soaked in fresh R&B beats, this is an excellent record from this established artist
Kali Uchis – Red Moon in Venus
Dipping into the world of Kali Uchis is a beautiful thing.
Laura Veirs – Phone Orphans
Sometimes an artist exemplifies a city. Veirs takes the gray winters of Portland and asks us to join her inside the warmth of her music.
Lil Yachty – Let’s Start Here
I had not heard this artist, prior to this record. This is a superb listen and a brilliant homage to Pink Floyd, too.
Margo Cilker – Valley of Heart’s Delight
I wanted to climb into a pickup truck and head out to eastern Oregon when I hear this album. Solid songwriter and storytelling by this artist.
Mint Field – Aprender a Ser
Stellar heady grooves from this band out of Mexico. Shoegaze meets jazz, meets new wave?
Slowdive – everything is alive
It’s been a long time since we’ve heard anything new from these pioneers of shoegaze, and it was worth the wait.
SQURL – Silver Haze
You’ve heard this band on soundtracks for Jim Jarmush films. A little edge and a lot of brilliant headiness.
Shana Cleveland – Manzanita
An excellent solo release from La Luz guitarist.
The Clientele – I am not there anymore
How had I never heard of them before? This is an incredible record, add it to your queue!!
The Feelies – Some Kind of Love – Performing the Music of The Velvet Underground
More covers – this time from indie gods of the 80’s.
The Replacements – Tim (re-release)
One of my all time favorite bands, with a fantastic re-release.
Yussef Dayes – Black Classical Music
Thanks to a fellow music junkie friend, I became enamored by this phenomenal jazz record. With nods to hip hop, reggae and classical, it’s deeply layered and just incredible. One of the absolute best of 2023.
Violetera – The Anatomy of Maps Pts 1 and 2
My partner released two very good EP’s this year with his band, Violetera. This track also made it onto the 2023 PDX POP Now! compilation. Yes, I am biased, but these richly layered and ethereal EP’s are excellent and will get you thinking.
Everything's A Song 