Best of ranking are obviously subjective and If I didn't mention one of your top picks, don't take it personal, as I probably didn't even listen to your favorite album of the year. Anyways, this is my end of the year list, I kept it short, so grab your favorite refreshment and here we go.
Best new Punk album of the year: Doki Doki – Doki Doki
Now this one is one we can all agree on, this album kicks ass! Some of my other picks might be debatable, but this one is undisputed. With members of Dog Party, The Moore Family Band, Grumpster, and Small Crush, coming together to form this “super” group. The only downside is these members are mostly busy with their respective bands so I don't know if we'll get full time Doki Doki anytime soon.
Best new Ska album from 2023: Flying Raccoon Suit – Moonflower
I hesitate to call this a Ska album, as it is so much more, but I wouldn't hesitate to call this record amazing. I already did a short Drive By Review on this, but in case you missed it, it's ska, ska-punk, ska-core, hyperska, swing, jazz, heavy metal, indie pop, all interwoven magically together.
You can ready my Drive By Review here
Best New Song of the Year: Fishbone – “All We Have Is Now”
This song could be the best Fishbone song ever! Chris Dowd's rolling organ sounds combined with the full Fishbone funky ska melodies and catchy chorus, it's my most played new song this year by a long shot, even my 8 year old loves it.
You can read my EP review of this here
Other Notable new Albums:
Rancid – Tomorrow Never Comes
Rancid kept it short and simple on this one and if you like raw street punk, then you'll like this one. Although I enjoy the diversity of Rancid, we have several albums of that already, and now we have something for the less musically diverse fans.
The Pomps – Bottom of the Pomps
I did a full review on this one when it was released way back in February. As I said in my review this album is really something special. Alex Stern vocal delivery is just beautiful combined with a very cool unique sound.
You can read my full review here
Mustard Plug – “Where Did All My Friends Go?”
I've been fans of Mustard Plug since the early nineties and this album is a more polished call back to their earlier work.
You can ready my full review here
Big end of the year thanks to all the TGEFM readers, Catbite for being so open to the fans, Mikey and His Uke for continuing to keep collaborating and making new cover song videos, Asian Man Records for the best album of the year, and Bad Time Records for keeping the new ska alive!
Likes fine beer and cheap cheese. He has been a DJ, sound mixer for commercials and television, and currently designs motorcycle parts. He also has a habit of creating pastiche style cover songs and changing the chorus to incorporate “Jeff” or “Sorley.” (sigh… it's true – Jeff)
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