Here is my 2023 Top Un-Ten. Why is mine different? Because it’s damn hard to be successful at music, or any type of art, and people should be recognized for that, and because it's hard to rank my favorites. This is what I listened to this past year. Some I liked better than others, but it’s all good. All of it. My list is mostly albums, with a favorite song or two listed for each. A few songs are just singles.

Enjoy! I look forward to what 2024 has in store musically, as well.

#1

Jem Records Celebrates Ray Davies – Weeklings –“Lola”

Arthur Alexander Steppin’ Out! – “Woman,” “Oh Lulu, Won’t You Be My Girl”

The Big Believe Super Impose – “Doin’ My Utmost,” Girl On Wire”

Bobby Sutliff Only Ghosts Remain Plus – “Elam Bridge,” “Griffin Bay,” “Same Way Tomorrow”

The Armoires – “Music and Animals” (single)

Boygenius The Record – “Not Strong Enough,” “$20,” “Cool About It”

Chris Church Radio Transient – “Going ’Til We Go,” “One More Chance To Get Over You”

Dolph Chaney Mug – “Mr. Eli” “Good Luck With All That”

Flashcubes Pop Masters – “Get The Message,” “Gudbuy T’Jane”

Graham Parker Last Chance To Learn The Twist – “We Did Nothing,” “Sun Valley”

The Grip Weeds Under The Influence Of Christmas (reissue) – “I Believe In Father Christmas,” “Christmas, Bring Us”

The Lunar Laugh In The Black – “Born Weird,” “Allegiance”

The Midnight Callers Rattled Humming Heart – “Baby Let Me Be,” “Girl On The Run,” Maggie,” “New York Tramp”

The New Pornographers Continue as a Guest – “Really Really Light.”

Nick Frater Bivouac – “Keep it Simple, Stupid,” “Will It Be Enough?”

Popsicko Off To A Bad Start – “Some Mother’s Son,” “No Better Time”

Queens Of The Stone Age In Times New Roman… – “Paper “Machete,” “Emotion Sickness”

Ratboys The Window – “It’s Alive!” “The Window”

Shplang Thank You, Valued Customer – “Understood,” “Look Me Over”

sparkle*jets u.k. Best of Friends – “He’s Coming Out,” “I Want A Pony,” “Mahnsanto”

Speedy Ortiz Rabbit Rabbit – “Plus One,” ”Ghostwriter”

SUPER 8 HOOPLA – “Good To Be Free,” “OurTown”

SUPER 8 Raindrops On Roses – “It’s My Party,” “I Will Dare,” Cherry Cherry”

The Anderson Council The Devil, The Tower, The Star, The Moon – “Buying A House,” “Alone With You,” “Tarot Toronto”

Tony Valentino Dirty Water Revisited – “Dirty Water,” “Sometimes Good Guys Don’t Wear White,” “Vicki”

Wednesday Rat Saw God – “Chosen To Deserve,” “Quarry,” “Bull Believer”

#2

Mitski The Land Is Inhospitable and So Are We – “Bug Like An Angel,” ”My Love Mine All Mine”

Old Town Crier A Night with Old Town Crier – “Come Home, Caroline!” “I’ll Find a Way,” “Della May”

Steve Stoeckel The Power of And – “Laura Lynn,” “The Monsters Under My Bed”

TRIGGER CUT ROGO – “Way Down The Border,” “Oxcart,” “Hooray Hooray”