2023. Big Year.
Aviva and I welcomed Arlo Bowie to the Brooklyn life. The perspective shifts.
Gigs: Rival Schools, NxWorries, Les Savy Fav, Winston Surfshirt, The Mattson 2, Little Simz, Lauryn Hill, Kings of Convenience, Yard Act, Spiritualized, glassjaw
Curatorial note: The playlist is never meant to be a “best of” for each year. Instead, these are the songs informed my vibe over the past 365. I make it for me, and love sharing with you.
However you enjoy it, THANKS FOR LISTENING!
01. Drum - YOUNG FATHERS
This trio’s second appearance on a year-ender, I contend that they remain one of the most vital, underrated groups. The live show is transformative.
02. Selfish Soul - SUDAN ARCHIVES
Great record that came out late in 2022, so it still counts for me. An echo to the Young Fathers deep/dark vibe.
03. City Life - SAM O.B.
Title track. We’ve known each other for 20 years now. Woah. I’m constantly impressed by Sam’s impeccable sonic taste and production. Proof is in the mix. The new LP slaps. Tough to choose just one jam.
04. Bunny is a Rider - CAROLINE POLACHEK
I’m a total sucker for this sonic palette.
05. drive ME crazy! - LIL YACHTY
What is there to say about this? Lil Yachty’s newest record gives some sort of A$AP Rocky vibes with how unexpected it is. (remember L$D?) I’d look forward to more of this.
06. Contact - KELELA
From the Spotify profile: “Kelela synthesizes contemporary R&B and progressive electronic music with an aptitude for prompting club play as much as bedroom listening.” Sounds good to me. Top Album of the Year, no doubt. (Criminally under-exposed)
07. Velveteen - ALVVAYS
Every dang track on this LP. Diverse sounds/styles/genres and they each have their place. Another tough choice.
08. $20 - BOYGENIUS
I’m sure you’ve heard of this “super group”. They are indeed super.
09. Charm - REMA
Afrorave? Bring it.
10. Rumble - SKRILLEX
Holy moly. Can easily recall the feeling of hearing this one on headphones for the first time. Try it. Can’t wait to hear the “unplugged” live version (iykyk).
11. Days go by - SBTRKT & TORO Y MOI
Fun little tidbit - one of my favorite music videos has the same title. Worth a watch.
12. Spirit 2.0 - SAMPHA
One of the more expressive voices making smooth grooves.
13. You Can Let Go - HALF MOON RUN
Don’t really know anything much about this group, turned up as an algorithm suggestion, I’m sure.
14. Super Ego - BABE RAINBOW
Peter, Bjorn and John vibes, but like, way laid back, no? (Young Folks - sorry for the earworm)
15. You’re Changing - JW FRANCIS
Close your eyes. It’s Mac Demarco, right? Nope. New dude.
16. Chosen to Deserve - WEDNESDAY
Doesn’t seem to fit in on this mix, but hot damn, an exciting indie rock band.
17. I Can’t Give Everything Away - SPOON
It was a mind-boggling sensation when I learned, while in the process of making this year’s mix, that this song is a David Bowie cover. It’s a pretty wild final track from his final album, Blackstar. My son’s middle name is Bowie. This song now has an additional layer of meaning for this family.
18. False Start - EMILY KING
Some times call for something a bit more blue. Here’s a nice option.
19. Flimsier - KING KRULE
After so many years, I still can’t square the vision of the artist with the sounds that he produces. Unique and timeless.
20. Vampire Empire - BIG THIEF
Another unique sound to close it out.
Woah. Since you’ve read this far, I bet you are interested in the music. I left a lot on the B-sides this time around. Need a bit more? (I’m lookin at you, Jordan)