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?
In October NYC’s Neckscars dropped their new split with equally awesome band Moonraker. You can find info and links about that album here. The quartet kindly sat down and merged their four brains into one to curate a collective Top Albums of 2023 for TGEFM.
1) Planet On A Chain – Boxed In: An unhinged hardcore album that pounds relentlessly.
2) Crossed Keys – Believes In You: Our friends/labelmates delivered some great songs and we’re stoked to play some more shows with them and sing along.
3) Samiam – Stowaway: This band doesn’t write bad songs and they are as strong as ever.
4) Latewaves – s/t: More friends that continue to impress with every move they make and this album is no exception.
5) Jason Isbell – Weathervanes: One the finest songwriters dropped another drip of wholesome songs.
6) White Reaper – Asking For A Ride: Reaping and ripping, these folks are on fire!
7) Mutoid Man – Mutants: Just take some bizarre riffs and turn them into melodic masterpieces.
8) Militarie Gun – Life Under The Gun: Not sure why the hardcore kids are throwing windmills to these songs but damn are they catchy.
9) Steve Marino – Too Late To Start Again: Some more quality songwriting with a wide range of emotions.
10) Mercy Music – What You Stand to Lose: An all around banger with great musicianship, songwriting and production.
Honorable Mentions – Top EPs released by: Tired Radio, The Carolyn, Jugheads Revenge, Nothing Special, and Playing Dead!
