What a year. Coming out of the pandemic, the music world rallied with new found freedom in 2023. New groups formed, old groups reformed and the music kept playing on WFIT. These are a few of my favorites that were in heavy rotation at my house this year.
Todd Kennedy
Friday Afternoons 12pm-2pm
1. Boygenius - The Record (Interscope)
Indie supergroup with Julien Baker, Lucy Dacus and Phoebe Bridgers. Each artist contributes their own sound to make a rocking album of girl power. Also the recent EP The Rest is a nice addition to the collection.
2. The National - Laugh Track (4AD)
The second album The National released this year. Features Phoebe Bridgers and Rosanne Cash. Producer Tucker Martine adds a pristine sound.
3. Bully - Lucky For You (Sub Pop)
Alicia Bognanno turns up the amp to 11 for a rocking good time. Alicia could be Bob Mould’s long lost cousin with a guitar.
4. Slowdive - Everything Is Alive (Dead Oceans)
Neil Halstead & Co. delivers their fifth Slowdive album, one of their best. It’s not just for shoegazing.
5. Romy - Mid Air (XL Recordings)
The debut solo album from the vocalists of the XX, Romy recalls the dance pop sheen of Madonna.
6. Sufjan Stevens - Javelin (Asthmatic Kitty)
It’s been a while, but we have a new Sufjan album.
Tender, lovely folk music. The album is dedicated to his late partner Evan Richardson.
7. Lana Del Rey - Did You Know That There’s A Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd (Interscope Records)
Lana Del Rey describes the strange glamour of a crumbling American dream. Sweeping and layered production.
8. PJ Harvey - I Inside The Old Year Dying (Partisan)
A companion to her book Orlam, with themes of life, love, death and solace. Don’t miss PJ Harvey’s performance on NPR’s Tiny Desk Concerts.
9. Jungle - Volcano (AWAL)
The U.K dance collective grooves like an old soul record. Hit the dance floor.
10. Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit - Weathervanes
Jason is one of the greatest southern gothic music songwriters, telling stories of human struggles with hope and mercy.