Albums of 2023

As usual, here’s some of the new music that’s been in heavy rotation here this year.

Shana Cleveland – Manzanita
Margo Cilker – Valley Of Heart’s Delight
Shirley Collins – Archangel Hill
Spencer Cullum’s Coin Collection – Spencer Cullum’s Coin Collection 2
Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit – Weathervanes
Michael Nau – Accompany
Nico Paulo – Nico Paulo
Quasi – Breaking the Balls of History
Setting – Shone A Rainbow Light On
Sparklehorse – Bird Machine
Kassi Valazza – Kassi Valazza Knows Nothing
Yo La Tengo – This Stupid World

And my favourite reissue has to be Jason Isbell’s Southeastern 10 Year Anniversary Edition. This 2013 instant classic was remastered and bundled with a full complement of early demos, plus a recent live recording of the album played in full at the Bijou Theate in Knoxville. I think the performance currently available on YouTube is from a different night at the same venue, but it’s equally thrilling. Jason’s remarks between songs at those gigs remind us how so many of the lyrics were brave challenges to himself to stay sober – stuff that would become painfully embarrassing to sing if he had somehow relapsed into the chaos that had characterised his life before. 10 years of Southeastern means 10 years of sobriety, and with it unprecedented success and particularly great songwriting – of which this year’s new album Weathervanes is a perfect example.