Happy Monday(s), and welcome to each of you who joined us over the weekend! It’s great to have you here with us.
We made it! This is the last discussion thread of 2023. There’ll be a special post next Monday for the holiday, and of course, we’ll pick right back up after the new year.
The playlist below is some of what I’ve had in heavy rotation.
Now it’s your turn:
What caught your ear this week? What records are you hoping Santa leaves under the tree? Is there an upcoming 2024 release or show you’re excited for?
Bad Nerves and Royel Otis have both released great singles this month. Looking forward to new albums from both of these next year. Also VERY excited for the first new album for 8 years from The Libertines. Very happy to have tickets to see Black Honey, Declan McKenna, The Vaccines and Yard Act among others too.
Happy Monday(s)! Mariah’s first Christmas album (while writing my post) and my latest vinyl grab, Ray Charles’ “True to Life”. Both have been on repeat intermittently. I sometimes wonder what my neighbours must think 🤣
I can't stop listening to the 1971 "One Fine Morning" hit by Canada's Lighthouse, done in this recent cover (with multiple cameras) by a Leonid & Friends cover band! Come for the tune and harmonies, but stay for the driving horns, strings, incredible drumming, guitar-playing, piano solo, and a drop-dead cold ending that's so sudden, it's breath-taking! Sure to get you going on a Monday morning! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EH7aQ03LaLQ&list=TLPQMTcxMjIwMjP71AvqxfLsZQ&index=1
I think this is one of those records that belongs in every record collection. You might not like every track, but it's such a seminal record that it warrants a spot.
Kevin, your playlist and the ensuing discussion have become weekly favorites for me, so props to you and the community you've built here!
I started working my way through various best-of-2023 lists before my wife and I pause for a week or so of Christmas music. The first record to make my top ten (still not finished!) is The Tubs - Dead Meat. Love that they have clear debts to Johnny Marr and The Go-Betweens (and a touch of Bob Mould) without ever sounding derivative.
In sampling new records -- there's so much to listen to! -- I bookmarked a couple songs each from Dusk, Kara Jackson, L'Rain, Greg Freeman, Blur, Palehound, Mitski, Jerry David DeCicca, and The Last Dinner Party.
Back to your playlist, the Chris Isaak track sparks a recommendation: El Dorado, by his longtime lead guitarist James Wilsey, is a wonderful instrumental record full of those beautifully languid, reverb-drenched guitar tones.
Thank you! I know I answered on Notes, but want to again mention what a great find Dusk has been for me. I don't get out much any more, but if I'm at a bar with a band, I hope they sound like these guys.
Don't You Evah is so GREAT - and a good one to pull out for those "cover songs that are better than the original" discussions. On Friday I became obsessed with Or Best Offer, whose debut album comes out next month. Wrote about them here: https://anearful.substack.com/p/a-song-for-friday-or-best-offer. I also got a chance to listen to Pet Wife's (a previous "Song For Friday" superstar) album and it's terrific. Friday night was my first opportunity to see Nancy McArthur (yet another "Song For Friday" person) in concert and it exceeded my expectations. Everyone get to her debut album, I Would I Were Thy Bird ASAP. Other than that, my focus has been nailing my Top 25, which is now finalized after some painful decisions. Look for it later this week!
Alright! I made a 2023 playlist of my "top stuff" from 2023. I reserve the right to edit for 5 years since there is still a bunch I haven't listened to, e.g. new Wednesday and Yo La Tengo. But this a pretty good survey of things that I liked in 2023. There was a lot more than I thought there would be. I got some great recommendations from this space and other Substack music writers and conversations on Notes. It's all appreciated.
I exercised significant restraint putting only 1 Miter track on this list, but to be fair, it is more of an @Jill song.
There are a couple of reissued songs on here: Dern Kahla is one of my fav Khruangbin songs, so that live version gets in. Neutral Milk Hotel did come out with an new album in 2023, but this song is a reissued alternate version of a song off of Avery Island. It's great and a big improvement, IMO.
Live at RBC Echo Beach was one of my albums of the year- great track on a great record! Lots of other really great stuff on this list. 'Live Again' is one of my faves on that Chemical Brothers record as well.
Still waiting for that next find. Maybe it is in On Repeat Playlist #224?
While waiting, here are the most recent five adds to Spotify Liked Songs:
"Dirty Back Road" by the B-52's and "Train Kept a Rollin'" by Aerosmith. Two of my all time bands. I tend to not add songs from my top bands because I have all their stuff and know all their stuff. I feel I should reconsider this policy.
"Beverly" by Low Cut Connie. Because everybody needs some LCC in their lives.
"Night Moves" by Bob Seger. I can't resist the opening guitar riff.
"Mr. Jones" by Counting Crows. This was my gateway into 90's alt rock and I was surprised when I found it missing from my playlist.
I've been one track behind you, listening to 'Runnin' Around' a LOT over the last few days. LCC was one I found on here (maybe from you?), and I'm a little bummed I couldn;t make their recent show here.
I’ve been listening to Taylor Swift and Bob Dylan. I’m not exactly a Swiftie as I’m only only familiar with Taylor’s Midnights album (especially like The Till Dawn Edition) and her Folklore album. I come back to Midnights a lot.
How did I go through my life not listening to Bob Dylan’s music. I discovered him only this year after a friend invited me to go see him in concert. He was mesmerizing live. The man is 84 and still touring. I started listening to his album Rough and Rowdy album and Blonde on Blonde album. I was just listening to “Leopard-Skin Pill-Box hat” - I love that song!
There’s a great Utube video “Bob Dylan San Francisco Press Conference 1965”. He had just become famous I think.
I've been enjoying The Endless Coloured Ways, The Songs of Nick Drake. So many great covers. The John Grant version of "Day is Done" has been haunting my brain.
Really enjoyed that Plimsouls song. "A Million Miles Away" has been a long-time favorite but haven't given the rest of their catalog enough time. Glad to have a new favorite from Peter Case and the boys.
I love this one. I’ve been watching all of the James Bond films again, but haven’t yet made it to “The Spy Who Loved Me.”
No kidding? I don’t know that. Tbh, I would’ve thought there’d been a couple more.
27, I think?
I've got this cued up to play here shortly! Your description definitely got my attention.
Joyce Simms - Come Into My Life
I gotta tell you; I am ALWAYS (happily) surprised by what you post here!
I'm all into Gotts Street Park's debut album "On The Inside" ✨ it's cozy, and vibey, really helps me get through these past few grey and unpleasant days. 💯 recommend https://open.spotify.com/album/0PW6NRnAfrWlngoemmoa8K?si=zZ_ixTlHSRymY8T_F_SVvA
P.S. love today's energetic mix 🔥
Thank you! It was definitely influenced by the grey, unpleasant weather up here.
Just picked up the Fiona Apple vinyl releases - the holidays are very in tune with our emotions this year. ❤️
Currently reading Fingers Crossed by Miki Berenyi so listening to a lot of Lush.
If you haven't read the book, I'd recommend it. Fiercely honest and heart breaking but never maudlin.
It's been on my TBR list for a LOT longer than I want to admit. Hoping to get to it by the end of January.
PJ Harvey - I Inside the Old Year Dying. feeble little horse - Girl with Fish. Ulrika Spacek - Compact Trauma
https://pjharvey.bandcamp.com/album/i-inside-the-old-year-dying
https://feeblelittlehorse.bandcamp.com/album/girl-with-fish
https://ulrikaspacek.bandcamp.com/album/compact-trauma
I love it. That's a great trio.
Hi Kevin! I’ve been busy updating my playlist, so these were the twenty-five chosen:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6EcLhgESeOBX3Fvfxt8SH4?si=04nlRRrFRCycaNaxmbJEsQ&pi=e-YxvF3moYSyWP
Just in time for me my last "big" writing session of the year!
Discovering more of Japanese punk this week, here’s the playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7LZHRCljbDvnjGotLcZqkN?si=BJo6htlpRxOc0VockQuDEA&pi=e-E5xF4N69RhWF
EPMD at the moment - "So What Cha Sayin'"
An underrated banger by two of the best to ever do it. Legitimately one of my all-time fave rap tracks.
Those first two albums from like 88 and 89? Incredible.
I think so. We are soooo old. (sob emoji)
Bad Nerves and Royel Otis have both released great singles this month. Looking forward to new albums from both of these next year. Also VERY excited for the first new album for 8 years from The Libertines. Very happy to have tickets to see Black Honey, Declan McKenna, The Vaccines and Yard Act among others too.
Those all sound like killer shows!
Happy Monday(s)! Mariah’s first Christmas album (while writing my post) and my latest vinyl grab, Ray Charles’ “True to Life”. Both have been on repeat intermittently. I sometimes wonder what my neighbours must think 🤣
Lol. One day I tweeted something like "I hope my neighbors like this record as much as I do," and mine tweeted back "we do." lol.
LMAO 🤣🤣 brilliant
They’re pretty cool, tbh. We are extremely lucky.
Always helps!
I'm working on some starter lists, so I've been listening to the Vaccines, Andrew Montana, Dora Jar, and Japandroids.
Looking forward to seeing which Japandroids tracks make the cut!
Happy end of the year! I was busy putting together my top ten and pieced together this playlist of favorites.
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0FGEyPVfor7INxZRt9c0aJ?si=U8VUcOOgStejO_hWGEC8jQ&pi=u-44ydYtEKSA-M
Great list! I mnetioned it already, but I'm really happy that you got Ex-Pilots on my radar. Just an amazing record.
For anyone scrolling the comments, check out Jason and Anurag's picks here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/12-17-23-anurag-and-jasons-favorite-albums-of-2023/id329093922?i=1000638885526
American Analog Set 'surprise release' For Forever hooked me from the start and has only been getting better with repeat listens.
Had no idea they had put anything out in recent times!
It just keeps getting better the more I listen to it!
I can't stop listening to the 1971 "One Fine Morning" hit by Canada's Lighthouse, done in this recent cover (with multiple cameras) by a Leonid & Friends cover band! Come for the tune and harmonies, but stay for the driving horns, strings, incredible drumming, guitar-playing, piano solo, and a drop-dead cold ending that's so sudden, it's breath-taking! Sure to get you going on a Monday morning! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EH7aQ03LaLQ&list=TLPQMTcxMjIwMjP71AvqxfLsZQ&index=1
Last night, soaked in The Clash 'London Calling' album. Helped with the Sunday night blues
I think this is one of those records that belongs in every record collection. You might not like every track, but it's such a seminal record that it warrants a spot.
A soul saving album to a lot of people.
Kevin, your playlist and the ensuing discussion have become weekly favorites for me, so props to you and the community you've built here!
I started working my way through various best-of-2023 lists before my wife and I pause for a week or so of Christmas music. The first record to make my top ten (still not finished!) is The Tubs - Dead Meat. Love that they have clear debts to Johnny Marr and The Go-Betweens (and a touch of Bob Mould) without ever sounding derivative.
In sampling new records -- there's so much to listen to! -- I bookmarked a couple songs each from Dusk, Kara Jackson, L'Rain, Greg Freeman, Blur, Palehound, Mitski, Jerry David DeCicca, and The Last Dinner Party.
Back to your playlist, the Chris Isaak track sparks a recommendation: El Dorado, by his longtime lead guitarist James Wilsey, is a wonderful instrumental record full of those beautifully languid, reverb-drenched guitar tones.
Cheers, all!
Thank you! I know I answered on Notes, but want to again mention what a great find Dusk has been for me. I don't get out much any more, but if I'm at a bar with a band, I hope they sound like these guys.
Don't You Evah is so GREAT - and a good one to pull out for those "cover songs that are better than the original" discussions. On Friday I became obsessed with Or Best Offer, whose debut album comes out next month. Wrote about them here: https://anearful.substack.com/p/a-song-for-friday-or-best-offer. I also got a chance to listen to Pet Wife's (a previous "Song For Friday" superstar) album and it's terrific. Friday night was my first opportunity to see Nancy McArthur (yet another "Song For Friday" person) in concert and it exceeded my expectations. Everyone get to her debut album, I Would I Were Thy Bird ASAP. Other than that, my focus has been nailing my Top 25, which is now finalized after some painful decisions. Look for it later this week!
Had no idea that Don’t You Evah was a cover. Now I know! Dug up the original on Tidal.
Hang around Jeremy long enough and you will definitely learn a ton of cool stuff!
The Natural History were great!
Thanks for the link, and I'll keep an eye out for the Top 25!
Finished the Eyehategod discography yesterday. Some Beatles after, focusing on the tracks that I didn't absorbed.
I wrote up thoughts on my latest listening here on Substack - a couple of recordings of the sixteenth-century composer Thomas Tallis:
https://dirkh.substack.com/p/the-lamentations-of-jeremiah-tallis?utm_source=profile&utm_medium=reader2
Right on. Thanks for the link as well.
Happy Christmas, I have been listening to Mala in Cuba after a colleageu made the recommendation.
https://open.spotify.com/album/5viWrJ6UBecB76MzUaW2UM?si=Ilrl3vlFTdCY_qiAm61jtw
Alright! I made a 2023 playlist of my "top stuff" from 2023. I reserve the right to edit for 5 years since there is still a bunch I haven't listened to, e.g. new Wednesday and Yo La Tengo. But this a pretty good survey of things that I liked in 2023. There was a lot more than I thought there would be. I got some great recommendations from this space and other Substack music writers and conversations on Notes. It's all appreciated.
https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL_W0GuOgdVtXwF1oVGN6Rog91VJl_xTkP&si=kxe5TQg4tjm5RcHv
I exercised significant restraint putting only 1 Miter track on this list, but to be fair, it is more of an @Jill song.
There are a couple of reissued songs on here: Dern Kahla is one of my fav Khruangbin songs, so that live version gets in. Neutral Milk Hotel did come out with an new album in 2023, but this song is a reissued alternate version of a song off of Avery Island. It's great and a big improvement, IMO.
I'll fill out the survey!!
Live at RBC Echo Beach was one of my albums of the year- great track on a great record! Lots of other really great stuff on this list. 'Live Again' is one of my faves on that Chemical Brothers record as well.
Yeah! I heard about a several of these things here such as new Chem Bros, Red Pants, Drop 19s- prob others!
Right on! That's why I'm here. :)
I've been quite enjoying the new album by long time favorites The Lilac Time "Dance Till All The Stars Come Down".
Here's a song from the album:
https://youtu.be/HnSHRBvmdyo?feature=shared
The new Vince Clarke. Absolutely fantastic!.
And sticking with a theme, the Vince Guilderaldi trio and Alice Cooper. Mr. Alice Cooper's first name is really Vincent... Close enough.
Oh, I've been meaning to check out Clarke's new record!
I really like it.
Paternoster
I'm on it!
Listening to a lot of the ‘choral’ side of Christmas at the minute.. and my favourite ‘Home Alone’ song just got covered by an amazing chorister..
https://songwhip.com/lucabrugnoli/somewhere-in-my-memory
Also just stumbled across this gem on LP.. sounds great and provides a nice chance to just chill 😎 - really enjoying it..
https://songwhip.com/full-crate/akidfromyerevan
Lastly, randomly picked out this Nik Kershaw CD (Ei8ht) overvthe weekend and this track was on repeat for a while...
https://songwhip.com/nik-kershaw/red-strand
I'm not sure I know anything of Kershaw's besides 'Wouldn't It Be Good.' Thanks for this!
Still waiting for that next find. Maybe it is in On Repeat Playlist #224?
While waiting, here are the most recent five adds to Spotify Liked Songs:
"Dirty Back Road" by the B-52's and "Train Kept a Rollin'" by Aerosmith. Two of my all time bands. I tend to not add songs from my top bands because I have all their stuff and know all their stuff. I feel I should reconsider this policy.
"Beverly" by Low Cut Connie. Because everybody needs some LCC in their lives.
"Night Moves" by Bob Seger. I can't resist the opening guitar riff.
"Mr. Jones" by Counting Crows. This was my gateway into 90's alt rock and I was surprised when I found it missing from my playlist.
I've been one track behind you, listening to 'Runnin' Around' a LOT over the last few days. LCC was one I found on here (maybe from you?), and I'm a little bummed I couldn;t make their recent show here.
MANTEQUILLA by Ron Flatter. It's a party track through and through!
https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=YuxKyKdeUb0&si=a1U_wkTrZCFd0omK
Yes!
Our best of decades list got me diving into some 2000s classics. FutureSex/LoveSounds, Kala, and All Hail West Texas.
Nice! Looking at that sheet this morning, I realized what an absolute blindspot are few years are for me.
Yeah 90s, 2000s, and 2010s will be easy for me since that’s what I grew up with. ‘80s are gonna be a tough one on my end.
The times are requiring me to return to this:
https://youtu.be/4BEjujy5DzU?si=Ran6hWpy_Nmhk9hK
I’ve been listening to Taylor Swift and Bob Dylan. I’m not exactly a Swiftie as I’m only only familiar with Taylor’s Midnights album (especially like The Till Dawn Edition) and her Folklore album. I come back to Midnights a lot.
How did I go through my life not listening to Bob Dylan’s music. I discovered him only this year after a friend invited me to go see him in concert. He was mesmerizing live. The man is 84 and still touring. I started listening to his album Rough and Rowdy album and Blonde on Blonde album. I was just listening to “Leopard-Skin Pill-Box hat” - I love that song!
There’s a great Utube video “Bob Dylan San Francisco Press Conference 1965”. He had just become famous I think.
It's never too late to find a new favorite!
I've been enjoying The Endless Coloured Ways, The Songs of Nick Drake. So many great covers. The John Grant version of "Day is Done" has been haunting my brain.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rhRXEtJ4EfA
Those synths are reminiscent of Wendy Carlos' Clockwork Orange
Here are some of my favorites from the year. I’m currently reading the new Nick Drake book, so I’m excited about the covers album of his music that came out this. https://open.spotify.com/playlist/57CyyWfCPCxlVuvDKKFJkg?si=PEcOvc9FT_mt3UkFQlgPgQ&pi=u-ptU-xzNzQ2GS
Earl Grant, The Clockworks, Reverend Kristin Michael Hayter & Stéphane Grappelli
The pretty pictures are at https://weatheredmusic.ca Thanks for the playlist Kevin, some new music, some old familiar faces, it's all good.
Bory - Who's a good boy
powerpop with spoon vibes
Really enjoyed that Plimsouls song. "A Million Miles Away" has been a long-time favorite but haven't given the rest of their catalog enough time. Glad to have a new favorite from Peter Case and the boys.
Loved your playlist this week. Great vibe, starting with the Spoon song.
I spent the week listening to Christmas albums from Josh Garrels, John Van Deusen (a local musician), and Manchester Orchestra.
Thank you! I'm glad you liked it. Lots of Christmas music around here as well, though with temps int he 50s, it feels kinda weird this year.