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?
Tyler Troutman is Wilkes Barre, Pa based Punk Rock Singer/ Songwriter who plays emo/folk-punk under the name Condition Oakland. Since starting out in 2010 they have done multiple DIY tours & stand by their radical leftist beliefs. In addition to releasing the three-song EP Harvest, you could have caught Tyler and CO across all of Northeast Pennsylvania, including multiple performances at Camp Punksylvania 2023.
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1. DRAIN – Living Proof
DRAIN's Living Proof is Fast, Heavy, and Fun. The guitar on this record is my favorite part, these riffs are boarder line pop song catchy, The drums have wrestling intro vibes, Along with lyrics that are positive without sounding cliche and delivered in a classic hardcore style that feels very accessible to the listener.
Living Proof feels timeless and I believe it could very well become a gateway record to Punk/ Hardcore for a lot of younger people.
2. Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit – Weathervanes
Weathervanes is everything it's hyped up to be. It's the kind of record that makes you think of the choices you've made in your life. You know the people in these songs. They're your family, your friends, and the people around you also trying to survive.
The instruments are a perfect back drop to the lyrics, It's full and somber, each player dances beautifully together while never stepping on each others toes.
The recording quality is probably the best I've heard since Reunions. Which is what makes a Jason Isbell record so good. This is an old souls collection of songs, but I think it will be a record kids will grow up listening to because their parents did.
3. Spanish Loves Songs – No Joy
I didn't know what to expect from this record and honestly I couldn't be happier with No Joy. It is like Bleachers for people who book D.I.Y. Shows. You can dance to it while you're with your friends but you can also chain smoke on the commute to your retail job.
These lyrics are not happy, but they're not always sad. They just tell it how it is. They bounce between geographical landscapes and internal monologues.
Along with an arsenal of keyboard tones, layered guitars, and a rock solid rhythm section. No Joy is almost a cinematic journey front to back.
4. Paramore – This Is Why
Paramore kicked off this year with a banger!
This record is all left turns. The guitars are noodling, the beats are jazzy, and William's lyrics and vocals are vicious.
I've listened to Paramore probably longer than I have than any other artist on this list and I like that they didn't do a nostalgic album. They did a unapologetic anger pop record.
5. The Hold Steady – The Price of Progress
The Hold Steady takes you on a track by track journey on The Price of Progress. This isn't a singles record, You better be paying attention or you might miss something.
The tone is a little curious, and keeps you suspicious of what will come next. These characters seem to have gotten themselves into trouble. It's almost like listening to a rock n' roll murder mystery movie.
6. The Gaslight Anthem – History Books
THE BOYS ARE BACK! New Brunswick's The Gaslight Anthem released a record with Guitars, Drums, and Bass. History Books is the kind of record you can't wait to sing along with live. Brian Fallon's voice is what your emotions sound like in your head, Rosamilia does not stop shredding, Levin bass tone is stern but warm, and Horowitz will have you air drumming all along route 9.
Along with some tasteful keys, and a guest appearances by THE BOSS on the title track. If i had more time to spend with this record, it may have been my number one. This is just kind of record that makes you happy rock n roll exists.
7. Lucero – Should've Learned By Now
Lucero has been kicking ass and taking name since 1998, and this new record is no exception.
At the first couple listens it's like hearing the band play new songs live. The mix is crisp and clean, the guitars are soulful and rich with reverb, the rhythms are forceful, the piano is elegant, and Ben takes us from the bar, to the show, and then back home. Should've Learned By Now sounds like it's full of new fan favorites.
8. Rancid – Tomorrow Never Comes
Rancid went with less is more on this one and I would say they couldn't have made a better choice. Tomorrow Never Comes isn't even 29 Minutes long.
This record is straight forward and fast, but with 16 tracks, each song carves out its own identity and is driven by classic tones. Any of these could get stuck in your heads for days.
9. Ruston Kelly – The Weakness
The Weakness is like a perfect storm of every that is good about music. Sometimes it's cool and calming, other times it's loud and angry, The guitar knows what to do and when to do it.
The best part about this record is the range of emotions it seems to walk the listener through. Ruston Kelly writes songs that let you know everyone might be a little lost and confused while allowing you to gather your thoughts.
10. Dave Hause – Drive It Like It's Stolen
Drive It Like It's Stolen has sassy vocals, grooving drums, and over all moody tone. The lyrics are a little dystopian and dark, Almost like an orgcore version of Midnights.
But with songs like “Low” and “Hazard Lights” Hause reminds us the if you put your best foot forward, you might just see the light at the end of the tunnel.
Honorable Mentions:
Sweet Anne Marie – Heaven In The Distance
Although it wasn't an album. I am big fan of releases like this. Heaven in the Distance is collection of Live Versions & Outtakes from her first two records. It showcases how much she's grown as songwriter.
blink 182 – One More Time…
This is like a condensed version of blink's discography. The opening track is a fast angst filled banger, the ending track gets weird and is a little yellow submarine. There's something for everyone here. If One More Time.. was made for anyone. I think they made it for their fans.
