SoDak’s 2023 Music Obsessions

By SoDak

It was a rough year on many fronts. Fortunately, there is always more music to explore. As with my entire life, my tastes are all over the map. Below is a list, in no order, of the music that I really enjoyed this year. 

Records:

Drayton Farley, A Hard Up Life (2021) and Twenty on High (2023).

Drayton Farley put on an incredible show this year. The band was tight. His voice sounded incredible. Every song was excellent. The comparisons to Jason Isbell are obvious, which is fine by me. Give Drayton a serious listen. He writes killer songs. Check out “Pitchin’ Fits,” “American Dream,” “Norfork Blues,” and “Stop the Clock.”

Hermanos Gutierrez, El Bueno y El Malo (2022).

This instrumental record is beautiful and moving. It transports you to the desert and makes you want to wonder off through the sands and across the rocks of the borderland. The songs are sparse, yet creatively full and captivating. You should just go buy this record. 

Gaslight Anthem, History Books (2023).

This record marks the return of Gaslight Anthem. It is a work of perfection. The sequencing of songs works well, moving back and forth between more rocking and mellow ones. The songs are very reflective as one would expect from this band. Bruce Springsteen makes an appearance on one song. I really love “Spider Bites,” “History Books,” “Positive Charge,” and “Michigan, 1975.” 

William Prince, Earthly Days (2018), Reliever (2020), and Stand in the Joy (2023).

Five-Inch Taint told me about William Prince. This Manitoban singer-songwriter has a strong voice that is comforting. The songs are slow and contemplative. I love driving down an old country road listening to his songs. Check out “Only Thing We Need.”

Riverside, Id.Entity (2023).

This Polish prog-rock band continues to develop and refine their sound. Their most recent record is quite catchy. There are plenty of Rush elements on some of the songs. One of my favorite songs is “Self Aware.”

Samiam, Stowaway (2023).

This year there was finally a new Samiam record, and it is awesome. Fast, melodic punk rock. Great hooks. Love it. 

Horrendous, Ontological Mysterium (2023).

Last year, I listed Idol from 2018 by Horrendous on my list of obsessions. This year, Horrendous top their previous efforts with Ontological Mysterium. This death metal band is quite unique, given the progressive elements within their songs. I love the bass runs that jump to the front here and there. The production is exceptional, very clean, allowing listeners to hear all the distinctive parts. 

Poison Ruin, Härvest (2023).

Hooray for Poison Ruin. This is a great punk/postpunk record, with touches of metal here and there. It is reminiscent, at times, of the Wipers. The low-fi production gives the record a classic feel. 

Ahab, The Coral Tombs (2023).

Jimmy “Explosive Diarrhea” B encouraged me to pick up the new Ahab record. I am glad that he did, as this German doom metal band is fascinating. They have a classic low, guttural growl, but mixed with clean, melodic elements. The latter remind me of the awesome vocals in 40 Watt Sun, just with completely different music.

Roger Waters, The Lockdown Sessions (2023)

Null and I returned from the record store, and I put Roger Waters’s EP on the stereo. We were both stunned by the brilliance of Roger’s presentation of a handful of songs from across several Pink Floyd records. The record is very cohesive, tender, and powerful. His vocals and the backup singers sound great. The songs are chilling and feel very immediate. This record is very different than his re-imagined Dark Side of the Moon. The Lockdown Sessions is a must have record. 

Thee Sacred Souls, Thee Sacred Souls (2022).

Beautiful, uplifting soul music from California. Give “Easier Said Than Done” and let yourself swoon. 

Jason Isbell, Weathervanes (2023)

Jason Isbell continues his streak of excellence. He is a master of the craft, writing extraordinary songs. 

Hunger Artist, Samsara (2023).

Samsara was recorded in 1989, but never released, until now. It was recorded at Inner Ear Studios. The DC-influence can be heard. I will write up a review of this punk rock record. Excellent release. 

Superchunk, Misfits and Mistakes (2023).

From time to time, Superchunk puts out compilations that collect their singles, B-sides, and other goodies. Fifty songs appear on this collection—just great punk fucking rock music. Love the chunk. 

Cannibal Corpse, Chaos Horrific (2023).

Cannibal Corpse is a force to be reckoned with, as after all these years they continue to write incredible songs. The new record starts off with a ripping bass line. The guitar riffs are mind-blowing. They still set the standard for death metal.  

Brennen Leigh, Ain’t Through Honky Tonkin’ Yet (2023).

This is Brennen Leigh’s best record yet. Solid country, honky-tonk songs. Check out “Running Out of Hope, Arkansas.” 

Peter Gabriel, I/O (2023).

This release was very recent. It has been a long time since Peter Gabriel has released a record of new songs. There are two mixes of this record, one that is the “bright-side mix” and the other the “dark-side mix.” The record contains everything that is classic about Peter Gabriel. His voice sounds great. The percussion is wonderful. Very strong release. 

Mondo Drag, Through the Hourglass (2023).

Finally. I have been waiting for a new Mondo Drag record since 2016, which is around the time that I last saw them perform. Great mix of guitars and keyboards on this this prog-psychedelic record.

Fiddlehead, Death Is Nothing to Us (2023).

Finally got around to checking out Fiddlehead. I was a little resistant, silly as it sounds, because there was another punk/hardcore band with the same name in the early 1990s. Anyhow, the new Fiddlehead, as far as the band and record, is great. It is filled with compulsive energy. Really great punk/hardcore.  

Militarie Gun, Life Under the Gun (2023).

Another, catchy punk rock/hardcore record. Short songs that make me want to jump around on these old bones. 

Etran De L’air, Agadez (2022).

This band from Niger puts on a hypnotic show that captures the vibe of the record. The full drum kit, along with the cool beats, adds a distinct sound to the songs.

Kassi Valazza, Knows Nothing (2023).

Enjoyed listening to this record on a road trip to the Mt. Rainer. This singer-songwriter sounds similar to Kate Wolf—slow, moody folk songs. 

Crown Lands, Fearless (2023).

This Ontario, two-piece band draws very heavily on Rush. The influence, perhaps imitation, is clear in the vocal style and music. Yet, while listening to the record, I get more and more excited about what is being created. Listen to the whole record to take it all in. 

LANE, Teaching Not to Pray (2018), A Shiny Day (2019), and Where Things Were (2023).

Null is obsessed with LANE, and rightfully so. The connection to Les Thugs helps cement this for Null. Anyhow, he has been praising them for years. I was heartbroken that they are breaking up. Where Things Were collects their final recordings. This fall, Null and I spent an afternoon assembling an exercise bike for his mother, as we also contemplated our own mortality. The soundtrack for that day was LANE’s final record. The three guitars, and how they play off each other, is exceptionally moving, especially when combined with the vocals, which sound full of mourning, loss, and hope. I list three of their releases that I have been spending a lot of time with, but it is worth ordering all their records. Get them from Nineteen Something. They ship orders quickly from France and the shipping is very reasonable. We all need more of LANE (Love and Noise Experiment). 

Baroness, Stone (2023).

The new Baroness record sounds great. There is a nice variation between the songs, which makes the progression of the record quite interesting. 

Year of the Knife, No Love Lost (2023).

Fuck me, the new Year of the Knife is punishing. The songs are intense and punch you in the face. Madi’s vocals are great. Very good metallic hardcore. Wishing all the members a full recovery after their accident earlier this year. 

Zach Bryan, American Heartbreak (2022) and Zach Bryan (2023).

Yes, there has been a ton of attention focused on Zach Bryan. He is immensely popular. At the same time, he is really fucking good. He maintains an edgy feel, even with very clean production. If you have avoided listening to him given the mainstream attention, he is worth checking out. 

Black Dots, EP2/EP3 (2023).

This Colorado punk rock band continues to write great songs. I believe that Null is going to write a review of this record. Buy this record. 

Yes, Mirror to the Sky (2023).

Many of the classic Yes members have died, including the legendary bass player Chris Squire. Yet, Yes carries on. I really like the new record, and the previous one, as they seem more inspired and creative than the band has been in quite some time. Steve Howe is playing really well. Might as well enjoy them while we still can. 

Eloy, Echoes from the Past (2023).

Eloy is another progressive rock band still operating. Their most recent record is a strong offering.

Dead Silence, Diving Back In (2023).

Dead Silence were formative for me. This seven-inch box set represses all the Dead Silence records after they reformed in the 1990s, as well as a couple songs that had not previously been released. The packaging and booklet are impressive. This is a gem for fans of political punk rock. 

Celebration Day, Patience in Presence (2022).

This contemporary DC hardcore band sounds like those who preceded them in the 1980s. Love it. 

Theon Cross, Fyah (2019).

Jimmy “Explosive Diarrhea” B sent me this excellent CD by Theon Cross. Top-notch jazz led by a tuba player. Fucking great stuff. Thanks Jimmy. 

Airbag, All Rights Removed (2011) and Disconnected (2016).

These Norwegian progressive rockers put out consistent, catchy records that are very accessible. There are strong Pink Floyd influences as far as the dreamy guitar playing. Beautiful music. 

Knife, Heaven into Dust (2023).

Rippin’ speed metal out of Germany. It rocks and stabs you in all the right ways. 

Buggin’ Concrete Cowboys (2023).

High energy hardcore. Makes me wish I was much younger, so I could stagedive with PaulySure. 

Avkrvst, The Approbation (2023).

Avkrvst are a new Norwegian band making atmospheric, heavy, melodic, dreamy music. When there are vocals, they are mostly clean, but an occasional growl happens. Very dynamic and contemplative. 

Kvelertak, Endling (2023).

Kvelertak still kicks ass. Massive, heavy, catchy riffs. There are some different songs and vibes on the record. 

Will Johnson, No Ordinary Crown (2023).

Will Jonson of Centro-Matic fame is a remarkably consistent musician, writing exceptional Americana songs that are dark, moody, and moving. I welcome each record by him. His well is very deep. 

Tanya Tucker, Sweet Western Sound (2023).

I have been really pleased with the resurgence of the country singer Tanya Tucker. Her worn voice sounds great. I hope there are many more records from her. 

Channel 3, After the Lights Go Out (1983).

After seeing Channel 3 play this past summer, I have been enjoying going back to their records. Great frenetic punk rock. 

Uriah Heep, Chaos and Colour (2023).

Uriah Heep has had some ups and downs through the decades. Their twenty-fifth studio record is a solid hard rock record. I am hoping that I can see them play the next time they are in the United States. 

White Lung, Premonition (2022).

Great catchy punk rock from Canada. Nice to finally have another record from them. 

Crossed Keys, Saviors (2019).

Very good melodic hardcore from Philly. 

Tinariwen, Amatssou (2023).

Tinariwen remain a consistent band, gradually expanding their sound. They continue to be awesome. Just listen to it. You will start dancing. 

Marillion, Misplaced Childhood (1985) and Clutching at Straws (1987).

This is the year that I became a fan of the neo-prog band Marillion. They generally have good lyrics. Musically, there is an early Genesis influence, but Marillion has a bigger and heavier sound. It is worth giving these records a serious listen.  

Wobbler, Hinterland (2005) and Dwellers of the Deep (2020).

Wobbler is one of the bigger Norwegian bands playing retro-progressive rock. This year, I really feel in love with their records. 

Truth Cult, Off Fire (2020) and Walk the Wheel (2023).

Truth Cult is an exciting hardcore band from Baltimore. I regret that I missed them on their recent tour. 

Mankind?, Discography (2021).

I have a soft spot for anarcho-political punk rock from the early 1990s. Mankind? Included both male and female vocals. The former were mostly yelling. The latter were a bit screeching. The music is simple and straightforward. I am sure this an acquired taste, but it does satisfy me. Plus, it is good to have a kick in the ass from time to time. 

Sundown, Keep Moving (2004).

More catchy, melodic hardcore, with cool guitar hooks. 

Diaz Brothers, Diaz Brothers (2020).

Great punk rock out of the United Kingdom with a Leatherface influence, especially how Dickie Hammond played guitar. 

Lee Fields, Sentimental Fool (2022).

I need to see Lee Fields perform. Amazing soul singer, making one great record after another. 

Mama’s Broke, Narrow Line (2022).

Excellent folk duo, playing banjo, guitar, fiddle, and mandolin. 

Ruby the Hatchet, Fear Is a Cruel Master (2022).

The new Ruby the Hatchet really grew on me as the year progressed. Plus, I loved their concert this year. Very catchy metal songs, such as “The Change.”

David Huckfelt, Room Enough, Time Enough (2021).

David Huckfelt played in The Pines. His solo record carries forward in a similar vein of Americana, incorporating more explicit political lyrics, celebrating Native lives. 

Rodney Crowell, The Chicago Sessions (2023).

Rodney Crowell consistently puts out great Americana records. 

Green Lung, This Heathen Land: A Journey into Occult Albion (2023).

Green Lung is an excellent doom band that actually rocks. They also have very strong vocals. Dare I say, the vocals at times remind me of the best parts of Ghost.

Caravan, In the Land of Grey and Pink (1971).

This has been my favorite record by this quirky, strange British progressive rock band. 

Jane, Together (1972).

I guess I am getting old, as the progressive rock bug has got a hold of me. I really enjoyed this record by Jane, the German progressive rock band. The mix is uneven, as the vocals are very loud at times, adding a strangeness to the overall sound. 

Crossed Stitches Eyes, Autosarcophagy (2021).

Finally picked up the last release from Cross Stitched Eyes. Love the mix between Rudimentary Peni and Killing Joke. I cannot get enough of this type of punk rock. 

Smokers, Falling Backwards (2018).

I am thrilled that Andy Asp from Nuisance is still playing punk rock. I am hoping that the Smokers record a full-length record, as I need more. 

Bert Jansch, Just a Simple Soul (2018).

It is hard to beat the perfection of Bert Jansch. Each time I listen to him, I fall in love with his playing. It is good to be reminded of just how good music can be. 

Say Zuzu, No Time to Lose (2023).

I have been very excited that Say Zuzu reunited and recorded a new album. Excellent Americana songs. Strong vocals. Hope they continue to record for many years. 

Dionne Warwick, The Best of (2012).

Dionne Warwick had an amazing voice. This collection has many of the Burt Bacharach songs that she sang. Put the record on and just sing along. 

Lars Fredrik Froislie, Fire Fortellingher (2023).

Lars Fredrik Froislie is the keyboard player in Wobbler. This record is loaded with retro-prog keyboard heavy songs. It is an awesome listen.  

Spy, Satisfaction (2023).

Slightly discordant, ugly hardcore that is still full of energy. Time to start a circle pit. 

Caligonaut, Magnified as Giants (2021).

This is the solo project of Airbag’s guitar player. It is a pretty mellow offering, featuring his dreamy guitar playing. Beautiful work. 

Steve Hillage, Fish Rising (1975).

This is the first solo record from Steve Hillage, who was a member of Gong and Khan. Solid, trippy prog-rock. 

Tamikrest, Tamotait (2020).

Another great record by the Mali band. Strong vocal and guitar playing in the same vein as Tinariwen.

Haken, The Mountain (2013).

After exploring Haken’s catalog, The Mountain was my favorite record by this progressive metal band. It remains the one that I returned to throughout the year. 

Jackson Dean, Greenbroke (2023).

Very catchy country music. Good for a road trip. 

Jordsjo, Jordsjo (2015).

Great fucking Norwegian retro prog-rock. Love it. 

Casey Neill and the Norway Rats, Sending Up Flares (2023).

When I lived in Oregon, I used to get to see Casey Neill play quite often. He would play at various leftist events. For some reason, I had not kept up with his recordings. I really enjoyed listening to his newest record. His voice is very strong. While the record has louder moments, it is still quite smooth. Check out “The Ones You Ride With.” 

Songs:

Steven Wilson, “Lazarus,” from Transience (2015).

This re-recording of the Porcupine Tree song is absolutely beautiful, smooth, and moving. 

Hawkwind, “Rama (The Prophecy),” from The Future Never Waits (2023).

I love the vocals and guitars on this song. This is one of the sweet spots for me of all the types of songs that Hawkwind writes. 

Clarence Carter, “Slip Away,” from This Is Clarence Carter (1968).

Great bass lines and vocal delivery.

Sunny War, “No Reason,” from Anarchist Gospel (2023).

Love the guitar hook and the voice on this song. 

Joshua Ray Walker, “Goodbye Horses,” from What Is It Even? (2023).

This year, Joshua Ray Walker put out a covers record. It is uneven, but it has some incredible songs. My favorite is “Goodbye Horses.”

Grave Pleasures, “When the Shooting’s Done,” from Plagueboys (2023).

Very good record from post-punk, gothic band Grave Pleasures. “When the Shooting’s Done” is super catchy and worth repeat listens.  

Tyler Childers, “In Your Love,” from Rustin’ in the Rain (2023).

Beautiful, moving song. It is easily my favorite song on the record. 

Concerts:

While it was a very tough year as far as work, I am very glad that I was able to enjoy quite a few concerts and a couple music festivals. A major part of these experiences included spending time with friends, including Five-Inch Taint, Null, PaulySure, and other loved ones. 

My wife and I took a trip with her sister to see Superchunk play two great shows. This trip seems to be becoming a regular thing. On this one, we were also able to see Henry Rollins speak. Great time. 

PaulySure and I attended the Darker Waves festival. My favorite performances included: Twin Tribes, Cold Cave, X, Violent Femmes, Devo, B-52’s, and New Order.

At Punk Rock Bowling, my wife and I really enjoyed seeing Bad Religion, The Interrupters, Fear, Channel 3, Fishbone, Damned, The Exploited, GBH, End It!, Dropkick Murphys, The Chisel, and Against All Authority.

My other favorite concerts this year included: Thee Sacred Souls, Riverside, Hallas, Godspeed You Black Emperor, Hermanos Gutierrez, Gladys Knight, Lucero, Mastodon, Elder, Ruby the Hatchet, Built to Spill, Pixies, Terror, Frozen Soul, Fuming Mouth, Hoodoo Gurus, GBH, Joshua Ray Walker, Jade Jackson, The Cure, The Twilight Sad, Dwight Yoakam, Emmylou Harris, Pallbearer, Year of the Knife, Lyle Lovett, Drayton Farley, X, Etran De L’air, Tanner Usrey, Dale Watson and His Lone Stars,  Fear, Jawbreaker, Sting, Son Volt, Peter Bruntnell, Slapshot, Spy, Psychedelic Furs, Bombino, Yes, Styx, Samiam, and Quicksand. 

Films:

Of the music documentaries that I saw this year, my favorites were Jason Isbell: Running with Our Eyes Close (2023), Tom Petty: Somewhere You Feel Free (2021), and Squaring the Circle (2022)—the latter is focused on the Hipgnosis team that designed classic album artwork. 

A few other enjoyable documentaries were Minneapolis Hardcore (2021), Love to Love You, Donna Summer (2023), John Waite: The Hard Way (2022), Dionne Warwick: Don’t Make Me Over (2021), The Return of Tanya Tucker (2022), and Little Richard: I Am Everything (2023).

Book:

Brian Slagel, For the Sake of Heaviness: The History of Metal Blade Records (2017).

Jimmy “Explosive Diarrhea” B passed along a copy of Brian Slagel’s book. Very enjoyable read. It was fascinating to realize how much of my youth was interwoven with the various releases from Metal Blade Records.  

Web Channels:

Over the last few years, I have greatly enjoyed three music channels on youtube. The first is Sea of Tranquility, especially the In the Prog Seat episodes, Rick Beato, and Western AF. Each of them only deepened my music addiction.