2023:Hear The Atmosphere
A list of songs that meant something to me in 2023. I consulted a few different sources this year to quench my thirst for new music (Tiny Desk Concerts, What’s In My Bag, The Trapset Podcast, Desert Island Podcast, to name a few). Many of the selections build up throughout the song, that seems to be where I am on things these days. Hope that you enjoy.
Marinade
Dope Lemon | Honey Bones
Not quite sure how this song entered the rotation, but it stayed with me. I haven’t really looked at too much else from this Dope Lemon character, but this song and the whole structure of building up to a big finish is a dominate theme. Marinade on that for a while.
Spinoza
Generationals | Heza
In these days of playlists and Spotify the album has certainly suffered, but these guys put together a great record, and I have liked almost everything else I have heard.
Disorder
Joy Division | Unknown Pleasures
I am intentionally late to the game on Joy Division. I never liked anyone wearing their shirts, and figured there were plenty of fish in the sea as they say. I am a huge fan of this song and its influence on so many bands is clear.
Blood Money
10ft Ganja Plant | Bass Chalice
Not sure how this song did not make last year’s album, but with an inclusion of a different track on Inflatable this year the deal was sealed. One of my most listened to tracks in 2023, and 2022 for that matter.
Blow The Whistle
Too Short | Blow the Whistle
Jim Fennell introduced this song to Sara, and it was so bumping that it has become one of the girls’ favorite songs of 2023. Yes, the lyrics are filthy, but the bass is bumping, and Mr. Too Short just had an in-depth write-up in the NY Times. This song will make you roll down the windows and turn up the volume.
ETA
NewJeans | NewJeans 2nd EP
This is a Stella and Fiona special, and I have spent more than a few hours singing to various New Jeans songs in 2023. This K-pop girl power group will either take over the world or flame out in 2024.
Blue Hair
TV Girl | Death of a Party Girl
Must thank Stella for this one. This artist has done a great job this year of creating atmosphere. This is a great driving or zoning out song, enjoy.
Into the Mystic
Van Morrison | Live at Santa Monica Civic 1973
Live version of a classic, that was recalled by my aunt relaying the time she saw Van and crew with a full moon beaming. He refused to play Moon Dance because Van Morrison is a piece of a work. This song was recently added to the soundtrack of the “movie I will never write” project.
Dark Days (Featuring Sylvan Esso)
Local Natives & Sylvan Esso | Dark Days EP
I have liked this song generally since 2018, and this version adds another band I am a fan of in Sylvan Esso. They make mention of the strength of the dollar and yet this is still a hit.
Peace Out
Jay Som | Anak Ko
This is another song that has been around since 2017/2018 and is the definition of building up to something bigger. Stella is also a fan.
Empire State Express
Son House | Father of the Delta Blues: The Complete 1965 Sessions
I bought this cassette in New Orleans in high school, and for some reason was reminded of it one evening. This is a powerful song, but what is more amazing is just the sound of Son House and his guitar.
No More Trouble (Jamaican Extended Version)
Bob Marley & The Wailers | Catch A Fire (50th Anniversary)
Recipe for 2024, and just an awesome version of a greatest hit.
Impossible Germany
Wilco | Sky Blue Sky
Big fan of the show The Bear, and this was one of the many songs on the soundtrack. Wilco has always been hit and miss with me, but this is a bullseye.
All My Friends
LCD Soundsystem | Sound of Silver
Another long and strong track, that Sara and I like on long enough drives. I was listening to an interview with Rick Rubin at some point this year and he went on and on about LCD Soundsystem. To everyone that gets this far in the record and enjoyed 30% of it, congratulations, you are my friend.
New Song
Maggie Rogers & Del Water Gap | Notes from the Archive (2011-2016)
Heard this at the beginning of 2023 and the last minute and half is so haunting that it makes for a good one to finish things out.
Here is to more in 2024!