I both love and hate this year-end exercise ... I'm thrilled to have a chance to highlight some faves but agonize over the process every year. I'm quite happy with the final list though.
My top 5 albums are by Jeffrey Martin, Slow Pulp, Shamir, Cat Power, and Will Johnson. Click below for details and the rest of the list!
click image for full list of my favorite albums of 2023
The artist you wished you'd seen at Zebulon on Saturday night ... this album is such a gift in a messed-up year.
Jeffrey Martin "Thank God We Left The Garden"
(ps subscribe here to get my full Best of 2023 list later this week: Brave New Brief)
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Remember, remember, the best of November ... highlights of the month's listening are here now.
Happy World Kindness Day! I was pleased to be able to assist The Harmony Project in clearing the rights for this beautiful song "Give" for their "10 Days Of Kindness" campaign involving their Prison Arts Program. It is truly moving to watch this community come together and sing their hearts out.
All treats, no tricks. Just a few album releases worthy of your time, plucked from my October listening.
Slightly new venture ... collecting my favorite new albums monthly into one easy newsletter as opposed to trusting social media algorithms. Give it a try, I'm liking Substack as a place to find thoughtful writing, good recommendations, and zero advertising.
Remember six months ago this week when this album came out and it was all anyone could talk about?
Still that good. Especially when Lucy sings. :)
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Shamir - "Homo Anxietatum"
Evolved indie-rock with a twist, shaken not stirred.
https://album.link/bnw015
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Most appropriately named band award goes to ...
Slowdive - "Everything Is Alive"
Scuba gear on, descend, float, experience wonder & awe.
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When you want to treat yourself AND support Bandcamp Friday ...
Literate, bittersweet, melodic.
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I think its safe to say that no one with whom I worked on this film imagined it would turn into a box office phenomenon, even though we all believed in the importance of shedding light on this horrific subject. In a further twist, now the far right have made the film part of their culture war against mainstream media, something I disagree with vehemently. Please take a moment to read an enlightening interview with the director, published by the LA Times, that gives the whole story. My viewpoint mirrors his. And I made a playlist of the gorgeous music in the film so you can listen while you read!
PS Join me on substack for monthly music recommendations! Brave New World Substack
Who’s bringing the serenity into your day ...
Angelo De Augustine “Toil and Trouble”
Making introspection oh so soothing.
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When you need a little lightness in your week ... while still acknowledging that the world is falling apart.
Chris Farren
”Doom Singer”
Perfect example of indie power-pop.
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Young Fathers
"Heavy Heavy"
Indescribable in most sublime way.
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Sweeping Promises
”Good Living Is Coming For You”
B-52s meets Sleater-Kinney.
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The National
"First Two Pages Of Frankenstein"
Kind of an obvi rec, but they have so many albums you might not have realized this one is a must-have.
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This compelling movie that I worked on last year is (finally) out and in theatres near you!
It's heavy subject matter but I assure you it is well worth watching. An amazing true story with a feel good ending despite many fraught moments throughout the film.
En Attendant Ana
"Principia"
Paris-based indie rockers channelling Belle & Sebastian with a little Stereolab thrown in
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chinos
“try on”
Chad & Eric from Rock Band #47 are back and better than ever
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Fenne Lily
"Big Picture"
Introspective singer-songwriter with a bite
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