Curious what notable personalities in the scene think was great this year? So is TGEFM! So we reached out to some of our favorite luminaries ranging from musicians, label personnel, and more for their “Best of 2023” lists. Now, listen: TGEFM is not a taskmistress. Contributors can write these out however they want. So if it doesn’t actually look or read like a list… and sometimes it really is just a list with no other observations! Who cares?
Alex Keener plays trombone and provides additional vocals to Plastic Presidents, the ska punk band based in Omaha, Nebraska. Plastic Presidents released their debut album Good Times Can’t Last on Ska Punk International in 2023 (here). When Alex is not performing, he loves spending time with his wife Tiffany, traveling, going to concerts, and playing video games. Keener shared some of his favorite records of 2023 with us.
Just Devils – PWRUP
Absolutely brilliant blend of ska, punk, thrash, and notes of prog! I can’t wait to see/play with these guys!!
Recommended Track: “President Evil 2”
Sheesh! – Boy Jr
What if a funny Tiktok/Insta rell enby pal made really fun, poignant, and hashtag relatable music that’s just really fuckin good?? That’d be crazy right??
Recommended Track: “Shapes & Colors”
Dethalbum IV Metalocalypse – Dethklok
I’m just happy this exists.
Recommended Track: “Murmaider III”
Moonflower – Flying Raccoon Suit
Flying Raccoon Suit has one of the tightest horn sections in the game right now. Excellent swaths of punk and good ol ska, with some theremin-laced surf rock thrown in for good measure.
Recommended Track: “Long Shot”
Simple Minded Symphony – Simple Minded Symphony
It might just be the video for “Overcast” talking, but Simple Minded Symphony is what would happen if you took a DnD campaign and made it into a ska album; this whole EP oozes bright fun moments and overtones of epicness.
Recommended Track: “Feather”
Chaos Magick – Mega Infinity
What if Alanis Morissette formed a band with Joe Satriani? You’d get something like this. I need more Mega Infinity, please.
Recommended Track: “Look Alive”
At Least More Than Halfway Dead – Sgt Scag
Wow, this album will kick you in the gut with riffs and horn lines. Also, ska punk flute needs to be more mainstream.
Recommended Track: “401 BK”
