What’s more fun - discovering a new artist you’ve never heard before or getting a great new album from a band you already like/love? Yeah, that’s a trick question because the answer is both. The discovery definitely takes some work, but between websites like Stereogum, Substacks from writers like S.W. Lauden and Kevin Alexander, Mixcloud listening like Indie Pop Takeout, podcasts like Rockin’ the Suburbs, Facebook groups like Power Pop Overdose, and more, I have plenty of avenues with which to find the new.
Of course, listening isn’t just limited to music from the year. Part of the January fun is trying out music you missed from the year before and there is always opportunity to find music from previous years that you missed (hello, The Darkness). I went to a lot of concerts this year too, more in one year than I ever have before, which meant I listened to those artists’ albums in the run-up to the shows. There is the usual smattering of Christmas albums…and let’s not leave out just wanting to listen to albums you like.
Okay, so let’s get to the numbers. As I write this on Saturday afternoon (12/30), I have listened to 416 unique albums this year and a total of over 1,000 album plays (this total will be a bit higher than 2022’s). 18 of those albums have been played at least 10 times. I had my biggest listening month in August with 108 (I’m currently at 97 this month); my smallest month was February with 56.
With all of that out of the way, let’s get to the albums I enjoyed the most this year…
Jason Isbell & the 400 Unit/Weathervanes - I was already a big fan of Isbell, but this album took it to another level. In fact, I might put this ahead of Southeastern as my favorite from him. Unsurprisingly, this is also the album I listened to most this year.
Ratboys/The Window - Speaking of taking it to another level, Ratboys has definitely put out their career-defining album with this one. If you haven’t heard “Black Earth, WI,” what are you waiting for?
Bonny Doon/Let There Be Music - I had to drive 20 minutes one way to a summer class in June, much of it in the haze from the Canadian fires; this soundtracked many of those mornings/afternoons. It’s full of melody and warmth and the songs get stuck in your head.
Lydia Loveless/Nothing’s Gonna Stand in My Way Again - Just a powerhouse of an album, vulnerable and tough and passionate and rocking and soft and funny.
Teenage Fanclub/Nothing Lasts Forever - Just like Sloan last year, a band I love returns with a new album that is fantastic. What a gift to keep getting great new music from the Fannies.
Foo Fighters/But Here We Are - Dave Grohl and company come back with their first album since the death of Taylor Hawkins and Dave’s mom and it is one of their best. It’s raw and heartfelt and is full of great songs.
Wilco/Cousin - I liked last year’s Cruel Country quite a bit and like this one even better. The songwriting and Cate Le Bon production is a great match.
The Gaslight Anthem/History Books - The group returns after a nine-year hiatus and absolutely kills it. This came out in late October and I didn’t give it a listen until November, but it shot waaaay up the charts.
The National/First Two Pages of Frankenstein + Laugh Track - It can be tough to put out two albums in a year, but the band had a ton of great songs between the two. They put on a great show when I saw them in May as well.
Jeff Rosenstock/Hellmode - For whatever reason, this wasn’t as immediate for me as No Dream was back in 2020. I kept listening, though, and it grew on me. Songs to shout-sing along to.
Deer Tick/Emotional Contracts - The rock album I didn’t know I needed this year. The epic closer, “The Real Thing,” just makes you want to press play all over again.
Hurry/Don’t Look Back - The album is named after a Teenage Fanclub song and the power pop lives up to the billing.
New Pornographers/Continue As a Guest - Give me the off-kilter pop of Carl Newman and Neko Case belting out some songs and I’m good.
The Pretty Flowers/A Company Sleeve - A ferocious mix of rock, punk, and power pop that always made me air drum and guitar.
Diners/Domino - Let’s move into the power pop section with this revelation.
Liquid Mike/Self-Titled - 11 songs in 18 minutes. Perfect.
CMON CMON/The Crack and the Light - A debut album - can’t wait for more…
Rinehearts/Full Bloom - One of two on the list from Australia.
The Summertimes/The Summertimes - The other from Australia.
Tamar Berk/tiny injuries - Two strong albums in the last two years.
Dropkick/The Wireless Revolution - The band shares at least some members with The Boys With Perpetual Nervousness.
Lucero/Should’ve Learned By Now - The other rock album I didn’t know I needed this year.
Blur/The Ballad of Darren - Honestly, this probably should be higher, but just a reminder that albums down here are still albums I love. Also, best Blur album since…?
Wednesday/Rat Saw God - What a shambolic, entertaining ruckus of an album.
Bully/Lucky For You - A strong set of emotionally raw rock music.
**EP of the Year**
Elephants and Stars/Get Your Own Army - The band continues their hot streak of 6-song EPs. If you like rock music, you will like this.
*December Albums That Might Have Made It Had They Come Out Earlier in the Year*
Peter Gabriel//i/o - So much better than I expected (I didn’t listen to the singles as they came out). I’ve only explored the “In-Side” mix too.
Gonzalez Smith/Roll Up a Song - I’ve long been a fan of Jay Gonzalez’s gift for crafting songs and his music pairs very well with the lyrics of Pete Smith.
Erik Voeks & The Ghosters/It Means Nothing Now - A great batch of power pop tunes and more proof that the genre is thriving.
For my end of year list of musical happenings, I almost included the category “Return of the Seven Minute Rock Song” with the evidence being Black Earth, WI, The Real Thing, Bull Believer and Smoke Detector. I love the guitar solo on Black Earth.
Excellent list Justin! There's several things here I need to check out. Thanks for the Indie Pop Takeout mention - I appreciate you listening to the show!