With the rise of ChatGPT and other Artificial Intelligence services, I asked our robot overlords to lend me a hand with this year's reviews. Along the way, you'll see all AI has to offer - beautifully accurate descriptions, oddly strange misinformation, and everything in between. I'll also take a few detours to highlight a few releases that don't fit the official album of the year criteria. As always, I hope you can find something new to check out.
Detour 1: Favorite Live Album
MJ Lenderman and the Wind - Live and Loose
An actual top 3 album of the year for me if it was a collection of entirely new material, this ties in gloriously with my previous review of Boat Songs. I could hear the seeds of everything I wanted him to be and this incarnation of bandmates, arrangements, live setting, and delivery could not have hit better. Heavy and crushing rock tunes? Check. Slow, subtle, quiet, heartbreaking laments? Also, check. That's a really hard thing to pull off live, especially as someone so young (only 24!). I'm amazed at how quietly confident this music is delivered. If you like the music you see below, this is my top-recommended album of the year for you.
Very Much Heading in the Right Direction
21 - Wilco - Cousin
AI: "Wilco's music is characterized by its diverse and expansive sound that spans multiple genres. The band's style has evolved over the years, incorporating elements of alternative rock, folk, country, experimental, and indie rock. They are known for their sonic experimentation, intricate arrangements, and thoughtful lyrics."
IF: As uncomfortable as it can feel to have an artificial intelligence feeding us information, Wilco will always be there to ground us. Having been in my world for approximately 20 years, these guys are what AI mines from to comprehend an entire era of college radio. Once near the forefront of modern experimentation, Cousin represents a pair of fluffy moccasin slippers - well-worn, past their prime but still just what you want on a cold, nostalgic morning.
20 - The Tubs - Dead Meat
AI: "The Tubs are a London-based pop band whose songs are jangly and propulsive. They are often described as "pop tunes about erotomania, groinal rashes, extreme acts of sniveling and heinous South London flat odors".
IF: Listening to the beauty of the jangle and the soft harmonies sprinkled throughout, it's hard not to crack up when reading that description. I clearly haven't dug into the lyrics nearly enough to fact-check any of those claims but it seems like potential bollocks to me. The lead singer's Richard Thompson-esque voice mixes with the subtle churning of the bottom end to sound extremely British, and that's before his Union Jack of an accent is even heard. It's not blowing me away, but I'm not turning it off either - groinal rashes be damned.
19 - Bahamas - Bootcut
AI: "The music is characterized by its smooth melodies, intricate guitar work, and Jurvanen's emotive vocals. Known for his warm and soulful voice, Bahamas' music spans multiple genres, including indie folk, rock, and soul."
IF: In all honesty, this is not the exact kind of music I'd want from Bahamas if given the choice. With that said, it still makes the list because the dude really struggles to write a bad song. Having that "warm, soulful" voice allows him to put on his Stetson and boots yet still sound like himself. There are a few times when he leans more toward his typical folk/indie self and to no one's surprise, those end up being my favorite moments on the album. Killer solo on "Working On My Guitar" too.
18 - Shamus - The Shepard and the Wolf
AI: "Shamus Currie, a keyboardist and vocalist in The Sheepdogs and BROS, is the frontman of the Toronto-based band."
IF: Well, that's not much to work with. The same can't be said for this epic prog-rock adventure. Jammed with intros, outros, grooves, and songs that shift directions multiple times, it suddenly becomes clear why most Sheepdogs albums have a killer multi-song medley snuck onto the end. I am consistently marveling at the amount of music that enters my world from the musical tendrils of the Currie brothers. The music is just fun - a trait that seems to radiate through all things these hermanos do - and it's really hard not to groove along with this artifact, even if it feels like it was pulled out of a time capsule. He even released a concurrent card game you could buy to play in full 70s fashion. :: insert raucous screeching eagle here::
17 - Susto - My Entire Life
AI: "Susto's music is characterized by a blend of indie rock, folk, and Americana, with a focus on heartfelt lyrics and emotionally charged melodies."
IF: It's nice that their previous return to form wasn't a fluke. In fact, I'd argue this one is even better than My Time In the Sun, delivering more of the "emotionally charged melodies" that seemed to be missing previously. Justin Osborne still delivers top-notch frontman choruses, and his emotional state seems to be a lot better than where it was when he delivered the tunes I enjoyed less. Having seen them live, it felt palpable there as well - Johnny Deleware was back in the fold, the band looked happy again, and the music they've made as a result matches. It's good to have them back.
16 - Small Paul - Come Alive and Live Again
AI: "Small Paul is a four-person indie rock band from Seattle, Washington. The band's music began accidentally during the pandemic when four musicians living in the same pod started working together."
IF: What an origin story! I don't want it to be fake so I'm not even going to look it up to see if that's true. This band was pushed on me by a couple musical buddies when they dropped an EP a few years back and man this is good stuff. It reminds me of everything and yet nothing at the same time. The largest riser on the list of all bands based on the final re-listen, it's just catchy, damn good accidental music.
15 - Doug Paisley - Say What You Like
AI: "Paisley's musical style often blends traditional folk with elements of country and Americana, showcasing his skillful songwriting and soulful vocals."
IF: Write me a song that sounds like a lost Dire Straits B-side and you've got an automatic spot on my list. Those are the rules and who am I to break them? Doug doesn't just deliver with a one-and-done killer track ("Wide Open Plain" btw) but crafts a soulful collection of exquisite-sounding songs. Whether it is how they are produced, the mic he uses, or just his weighted blanket in a thunderstorm voice, there aren't many people who SOUND better than he does when they sing. Music can do so many things for you but in the end, Doug makes me feel comfortable and safe.
14 - Gods of Sometimes - Gods of Sometimes
AI: "The duo's folk-tinged space rock is an alternative to their original bands' heavy music. Their self-titled debut album is a collection of nine tracks that feature a variety of psychedelic, pop, and melodic elements."
IF: Man I love it when artists form new groups or collaborate with others and then end up making music that sounds NOTHING like what they normally do. I can't speak to being an expert on their original bands, but once I was drawn in by the pied piper of J Mascis guesting on a song, I truly dug a good 3/4ths of this eponymous release. While the ratio of good to not as good needed to be higher to vault up this list, there's a lot of potential if these guys decide to take another launch on the Milky Way-bound folk rocket.
13 - Dusk - Glass Pastures
AI: "An Appleton, Wisconsin band that plays retro pop that's influenced by rock 'n' roll and country."
IF: "Influenced by rock 'n' roll and county" may be the most simple/lame (and true) description possible. AI clearly still has some work to do, but at the same time, there isn't much to pin this crew down because it doesn't sound like they know who they want to be themselves. The weird part is, I wonder if I really want them to pick a lane and settle into it or if I actually like the hodge-podge collection of styles, singers, and genres that make up Glass Pastures. At the very least, it seems like they have a lot of room for growth as they sand down the rough edges heading into whatever they choose to do next.
Detour 2: Favorite EP
Zach Bryan - Boys of Faith
My wife rarely recommends music to me. It's once in a lifetime that she suggests the same artist as Melse. 192 lasers hitting hydrogen encased in diamond levels of musical fusion occurred here when they each came to me with the name Zach Bryan. Beautifully straddling the line between "what country music can be" and "everything I don't want country to be", Zach manages to sound authentic without ever sounding cheesy. This EP is filled with incredible storytelling, a cool guest appearance (Hello Bon Iver!), and 5 tracks that always have me reaching back to start it over again.
Extremely accurate and efficient directions
12 - The Arcs - Electrophonic Eye
AI: "The band's music often features Auerbach's distinctively soulful vocals, layered instrumentation, and a vintage, analog sound. The Arcs allow Auerbach to experiment with diverse genres and showcase his musical versatility."
IF: I am immensely appreciative of Dan Auerbach. From all that he's provided me as a frontman, a producer, and a solo artist, he has to be a sneaky candidate to be up near the top 10 of my "most consumed" artists overall. Throw in this side project and I'm realizing as I type this that he has been a much larger part of my musical life than I would have guessed. Their first release in 8 years, this soulful, groovy collection is the first they've done without former band member Richard Swift (who passed away in 2018). The first three tracks - "Keep on Dreamin' ", "Eyez" and "Heaven is a Place" - are as strong of a starting trio as you could ask for. While the rest doesn't quite maintain the same stellar sound, it's still good and it's certainly enough to keep me coming back.
11 - Nutana - You Belong
AI: "Sam Corbett, the co-founder and drummer of The Sheepdogs created the album in 2018 while undergoing cancer treatment at age 34 while expecting his first child with his wife."
IF: Whoa. That's heavy as shit and in a way, a really beautiful origin story for an album - especially knowing the positive results thus far from the treatment he underwent (he's been in remission since 2018). I'm drowning in Sheepdogs and Sheepdogs adjacent tunes these days. From Bros to Ewan solo to Shamus I've already had so much insight into what makes them tick. Now, this provides yet ANOTHER stellar opportunity to trace the music that influences the 'Dogs. This is the kind of album that you could easily convince a friend was a long-lost 70s gem you found buried in a record store - and it would slot right alongside the contemporary AM Gold of the era.
10 - Jason Isbell and the 400 - Weathervanes
AI: "Isbell is known for his soulful vocals and exceptional guitar skills. His ability to blend elements of country, rock, and folk has solidified his place as one of the prominent figures in contemporary Americana music. Jason Isbell is celebrated for his authenticity, storytelling prowess, and his contributions to the evolution of roots music."
IF: As an admitted "music over lyrics" guy, I always felt like I was selling myself short by not appreciating enough of what Isbell had to offer as a wordsmith. I'd always loved his writing in The Truckers and knew that he'd tackled some incredibly weighty topics on past albums but for some completely unknown reason, it never fully clicked like it should have (and it was my fault, not his). Weathervanes is the first time that I've been able to connect with the marriage of tunes and words from him in the way I've been hoping since he broke off as a solo artist. That's not to say I hadn't liked what he's done before (and seen him live twice along the way) but this set is his finest collection of work to date if you ask me.
9 - Boy & Bear - Boy & Bear
AI: "The band's music is characterized by lush harmonies, melodic sensibilities, and a blend of folk and rock influences. They are known for their warm, layered sound and insightful lyrics."
IF: Extremely popular in Australia, I would have more than likely never heard of them if it wasn't for the always clutch music chat I'm a part of - specifically Melse and his keen ear for catchy-ass bands from down under. This is one of those cool times when the initial album he found turned out to be from 2015, allowing us to get good and hooked before seeing that they would be dropping another release this year. Driving rhythms get each of these songs going with the help of hypnotic electronics as needed to keep you locked in for the duration. Over the top of it all, Dave Hosking weaves a delightfully melodic tapestry, with a hint of an unidentifiable accent mixed with computer-enhanced flourishes that leave you hearing words slightly different than you're used to - giving your brain something to latch onto that's hard to let go of.
8 - Albert Hammond Jr. - Melodies on Hiatus
AI: "Albert Hammond Jr. has released several albums that showcase his distinct style, which draws from indie rock, garage rock, and post-punk influences. His solo work often features catchy melodies, energetic guitar riffs, and a raw, charismatic vocal delivery."
IF: I needed this AI write-up to come along and knock some sense into me after being let down by the first single. My guy Albert had AMPLE evidence that he made solo work that I loved but one slight misstep and I was ready to write off the whole album. Thankfully Melse set me straight and I threw the rest on whilst taking a 600-mile road trip and quickly realized my error in not giving the grace he clearly deserved. Perhaps a bit bloated, there isn't much else to find fault with here thanks to those "catchy melodies (and) energetic guitar riffs" that he clearly has in spades. He's been doing better work than the Strokes for years and based on this, he's shown no signs of slowing down.
7 - Israel Nash - Ozarker
AI: "Nash's music often explores themes of nature, spirituality, and personal introspection. He's recognized for his soulful vocals, melodic sensibilities, and willingness to experiment with different sonic landscapes."
IF: This dude sounds like the Ozarks. A more apt album title there is not. His voice carries such weight, sounding like it's dragging along a hell of a past. The Murny-introduced 2021 release Topaz was an amazing revelation, sounding like Warren Haynes with slightly better songs and slightly fewer jams. The guitar work is absolutely on point and the tunes themselves sound even better to me this go around. It is easy to imagine that in a different era, when music was more selective and less splintered, Mr. Nash would have been a much bigger star. He has the soulful country gravely gravitas to appeal to the masses and the songwriting chops to draw in those more inclined to be picky. The songs sprawl and soar in a way that makes them beautifully anthemic, seemingly perfect for a live setting. Coming away from this year's review, it's nice to have a few more "need to see ASAP" artists on my concert list.
6 - Heavy Blanket - Moon Is
AI: "The band is notable for being a side project of J Mascis, the guitarist and lead vocalist of the influential alternative rock band Dinosaur Jr. Heavy Blanket explores a more instrumental and experimental side of Mascis's musical inclinations."
IF: Oh, so you're telling me one of my favorite guitarists of all time put out yet another side project that is a) instrumental, b) more experimental c) aims to give him more chance to just explore every nook and cranny of the interstellar guitar world? Yeah, OK, twist my arm. Truthfully, their initial release was a little too ragged for me to fully enjoy but this is tighter and performs the remarkable feat of making instrumental music feel like songs that at least border on the edge of traditional structure. They sound like more of an actual band this time and as a result, they're able to lay down fat bottom-end grooves that allow Mascis to just GO. There's very little he's putting out that I don't love, but this is just an incredible forum for him to blast off to space with soaring, screeching, melodic axe work.
5 - Queens of the Stone Age - In Times New Roman…
AI: "QOTSA's music often incorporates elements of stoner rock, alternative rock, hard rock, and desert rock. They are recognized for their heavy, groove-oriented guitar riffs, intricate arrangements, and Homme's distinctive vocals."
IF: Heavy as hell but still riding the groove like a thoroughbred. I've never seen a band that can pull it off better (except Them Crooked Vulture and well...). There is a palpable cocksure swagger that's hard to quantify. It's music that sounds like Godzilla destroying your town, but doing so with a leather jacket and Raybans on. It's one of the few things I can put on the stereo that literally makes me feel more confident. Where were these guys when I was in high school? Homme is such a serpentine delight as a lead guitar player too, crafting solos that invent the heaviest new atomic element while still keeping your head boppin'. After a thunderstorm canceled their first local gig (is there ever a band that seemed like they should be playing in a raucous storm more?), I'll be getting to see these guys live in the Spring and I cannot wait to let everything they do on record wash over me in person. Cheers boys.
4 - Bonny Doon - Let There Be Music
AI: "The band's music often features jangly guitars, reflective lyrics, and a relaxed vibe. While rooted in indie rock, Bonny Doon incorporates elements of Americana and various other genres, creating a diverse and textured musical landscape."
IF: I cannot shake the weirdest feeling in the world and I'm well aware it makes absolutely no sense. So here it is: This guy sounds like the way I sound in my head when I sing. Now, that's very different from how I ACTUALLY sound (much worse than him) but it's known we hear ourselves differently than the rest of the world does and this just feels surreal. These guys keep getting better as a band and yet I can't ever seem to shake that eerie feeling that I'm somehow reincarnated as their lead singer (thankfully without dying first apparently...). These are infinitely hummable tracks that make you want to return for repeated listens. I've always liked what they did and in reading previous reviews of their work, I felt they had another level they could reach. This was it. Let there be music indeed, and let it sound like I'm singing it somehow.
3 - Gaslight Anthem - History Books
AI: "The Gaslight Anthem has earned a dedicated fan base for its passionate performances and sincere songwriting. While the band announced an indefinite hiatus in 2015, they left a lasting impact on the punk and rock scenes during their active years."
IF: Perhaps the biggest shock of the year for me was that I even spent the time checking this out. They hadn't even put anything out in the last 8 years and seemed like they were done as a band. Normally, I wouldn't bother. Rude as that may seem, as someone who tries to really listen to 40-50 new albums a year, there reaches a point where a group gets a few shots - and then if it doesn't click, I probably won't go back. Seemingly Brian Fallon felt the same and he was ready to walk away from it all, only to be convinced to give it another go by his hero, Bruce Springsteen. Geez, how flipping cool is that? "Oh OK guy I've iodized my whole life, I guess I'll keep making music because you think I should. And what's that? You'll guest on one of the songs? Yeah, that'll work." That story was enough to make me give it another try and hot damn am I glad I did. Propulsize Heartland Rock that (clearly) would make the Boss proud, it's a pummeling collection of great rock tunes, sprinkled with real heartfelt, emotive ballads. I honestly didn't think these guys had it in them but I'm sure as hell glad they did.
Detour 3: Favorite Neil Young Releases Something Old As New
Neil Young - Chrome Dreams
How glorious is it that Uncle Neil has decided to double barrel unload a massive trove of "lost" treasures upon reaching his reflective older age? As each year goes by, he flings open the barn doors, moves aside some Lionel trains, and pulls out another gem that had been lost for 40+ years. While all of these songs found the light of day one way or another after being shelved in 1977, many were only released live or with a different arrangement, and this is the first time we get to hear them like they were supposed to originally sound. After decades of rumors and dwindling possibilities, our hopes were met and our expectations continue to be exceeded.
You Have Reached Your Final Destination
2- Steve Marino - Too Late to Start Again
AI: "Marino's music has been described as power pop, sunshine-y guitar pop, alternative, and punk. His songs have been compared to alternative and power pop bands over the years."
IF: Yes. That description is almost like if you did a reverse image search in Google but it's me throwing everything I want into an artist. If I throw all those elements I love into a lovely crock pot and let it simmer for 8 hours, Steve Marino would pop out. Spawned from another band I enjoyed (Jacky Boy) I stumbled onto this thanks to Matthew Berry (of Berries fame) playing on a track and then highlighting the work on his Instagram. I marvel as much at the number of influences I hear that I love. Almost more impressive though is the newly evolved way that musical discovery exists for me in 2023. Too Late to Start Again is the perfect encapsulation of what I love when it comes to finding something new - a shared experience with someone you don't even have to know based on following a thread as far as it'll take you. Most years, based on play counts and the tailor-made for the Fish perfection, this would have been my album of the year. But...
1 - CVC - Get Real
AI: "CVC's music is influenced by 1970s rock, funk, soul, Snoop Dogg, Crosby, Stills & Nash, Super Furry Animals, and Red Hot Chili Peppers. They are known for their fat riffs, lush three-part harmonies, and tight beats."
IF: Much like the album itself, this AI content is pure gold. I'm not sure it's all entirely true but boy howdy are those some awesome words! An excellent barometer for how much I love an album is the gravitational pull it has on me when my music friends come to visit. Knowing they all live multiple states away, time is limited and I have to be extremely selective with what I'll spin for them when we get precious little communal listening time. Without question, CVC dominated that air time and when you see the absurd bouillabaisse of their references, it's easy to see why. A six-piece (!!) collection of remarkably talented musicians, I cannot think of a debut album that sounds as tight, as polished, and as unique that has been released in my lifetime. There's delightful studio banter, more twists and turns than a San Francisco street, and an extremely diverse collection of genres/sounds/tunes. I truly love this album as much for its timelessness as I do for its accessibility. I've yet to play it for anyone and not have them enjoy it - if this band is one you've never heard of, go ahead and add yourself to that list.
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