2023 has been a weird year for new music, for me. The first half of the year seemed to be all about reissues and exploring older stuff through some well-curated compilations (80s progressive/post-punk, shoegaze, dream pop), and a lot of the new releases I was looking forward to didn't land until later in the year.
Here's my top five of those new releases, so far at least ... 🧵
5. Peter Gabriel, "i/o"
On the one hand this seems to have dropped intact out of some Peter Gabriel bubble, and there's nothing startling or new here. On the other, when it's this good - songs, sound world, playing - does it matter?
Try "Four Kinds of Horses" : https://youtu.be/ca-cyvU8P04?si=0fWqPEyEE33xzbjV
4. Hania Rani, "Ghosts"
This one wrong-footed me slightly, as I was expecting or hoping for more of the bubbling-synth-based tracks like 24.03 and Komeda - but this is a beautiful and reflective album that I keep coming back to.
Try "Dancing With Ghosts" : https://youtu.be/tP97_AQCldk?si=v3sl8gd6XHSShCn6
3. Unthank : Smith, "Nowhere and Everywhere"
Paul Smith from Maximo Park and Rachel from The Unthanks team up for a dark, sparse, folk-y album of songs loosely themed around the Northeast. Seeing them play it all live is a really special memory from this year, too.
Try "Seven Tears" : https://youtu.be/XLJfIqTIZ9Q?si=bBaCqdtD05t3D8Um
2. Steven Wilson, "The Harmony Codex"
Another hour of ear-candy from Steven Wilson! Somehow I don't feel I relate as much to the songs on this one, but I love the musical journey.
Try "What Life Brings" : https://youtu.be/vCrACQP4AtI?si=g8emTE6XYXtnLlV4
1. Slowdive, "Everything Is Alive"
I think I described listening to this, to a friend, as a bit like slipping into a warm bath. It's gorgeous and definitely an album to lose yourself in, and I have done that a lot this year.
Try "Kisses" : https://youtu.be/G9RpHfPyEx8?si=2F_GAMYCwjkYmKov
John Patterson