jwilliamhurst
Headphoneus Supremus
Hello Cooler Friends!! I hope everyone New Years Eve (here in the states) and New Years Day (elsewhere) is going awesome!! It has been a very successful year for music I must say. I have well over 150 favorite albums just released this year alone, so narrowing it down took some heart ache and stewing. I am drawn to all and every type of music. Sound in general is my passion and the way I express and release. I built this list specifically based off what I found the most unique, creative and satisfying to my ears. I love popular music but I have a fascination with experimental tropes and off kilter sounds. Some of these selections may not be to many of your tastes but I believe all of these are worthy of at least checking out for the artistry involved. I am purely an album listener so if you love something here, I recommend full listens start to finish and repeated listens are encouraged. But alas, I wont tell anyone how to listen to music, just a humble suggestion. The little blurbs under each title is just my scaled down interpertation of each to help better guide you through the list. I hope everyone that reads this will find something to enjoy here and maybe, hopefully something new that ignites curiosity to seek out more music! At this current time in history we have endless and copious amounts of music at our fingertips which is one the most amazing achievements in modern human history IMO. But, most importantly if you like/love something, share it with another! Pass it on, so these artists get the recognition they deserve. Enjoy Friends and I wish you all A Very Happy New Year full of Love, Friends, Family, Good Health and Peace.
So Without further adieu, here is....
MY TOP ALBUMS OF 2023 ~in no particular order, listed by genre only
Electronic (varying sub-genres)
1.Laurel Halo-Atlas ALBUM OF THE YEAR
A light showing the way through a dense fog, diffused. Atlas is that album. A modern classical album drudged through the grime of a wasting world. Breathtaking and my personal Album of The Year! Best for late night listens.
2.Tara Clerkin Trio-On The Turning Ground
This is one of the most interesting and addictive albums I have heard in a very long time, piano, harmonia, guitar, vocals and electronics combine to create the most highly intriguing and intellectual electronic/folk/jazz/dub music I have heard in at least a decade. Heady and addicting. A must listen start to finish. Third album of the year for me.
3.Lee Gamble-Models
Another compelling Lee Gamble album that just hits for me, great minimal wave with well thought out samples and drumless beats that swirl and hypnotize.
4.Vince Clarke-Songs of Silence
This is steadily becoming one of my favorite synth albums of all time. Klaus Schulze eat your heart out! Mr. Clarke is carving the way for new synth artists to modulate till hearts are content. A very compelling album that deserves a full listen as many times as possible as you will continue to find new things for your brain to latch onto. Join the ride!
5.Hania Rani-Ghosts
Sultry, slinky and sensual vibes here for me, but also just a terrific album with great sonic blade runner-esque landscapes. But those vocals!!! This is why Ghosts is in my top albums. A haunting and measured listen that is well worth it.
6.Galya Bisengalieva-Polygon
A visceral and terrifying landscape full of weightiness and lush synth crescendos as eery visuals emanate from this utopian universe. This one has become a late night favorite. Has a horror soundtrack feel to it but not cheesy, more of a build up of tension with little to no release.
7.Not Waving-The Place I’ve Been Missing
A haunting and breathtaking minimal wave album full of heavenly synth nuggets, droning beats and reverb drenched cold night-hot boxed moments.
8.Actress-LXXXVIII
Big Bass Beats along with minimal distorted beats slowed down and sometimes sped up samples, and layers of synth pads that wash over you with finesse. Some tracks are challenging but its another album that had me keep coming back to hear more. Anything good in life has some challenges and I have found in music these challenges are most often more than not, rewarded. This album builds like its own little electronic world, taking its time with its own agenda to take you to another realm where Actress reigns.
9.Purelink-Signs
I havent found a downtempo techno ambient album this pleasing in a very long time. This is great headphone commute music and music to zone out to and contemplate life or whatever makes you chill.
10.Koan Sound- Led by Ancient Light
What a ride this album is! It has a very cinematic OST feel, then erupts into heavy bass blasts and then turns into jazz, while keeping the above elements at play. A very exciting listen. Not to be missed!
Rock/Indie/Folk
11.Greg Mendez-S/T
Singer songwriter simplicity that is masterful and gut wrenching. A short album with its heart on its sleeve.
12.ML Buch-Suntub
A truly great album that I doubted at first as it is quite midi-full. But the intricate layers of instruments included with the midi influence along with the female vocals blend into something very complete and calls for repeat listens.
13.Maria BC-Spike Field
A beautiful album and while melancholy, it is a slow burn that is worth repeat listens. An angelic voice with acoustic guitar closely mic’d and ethereal swirls of electronics in a ghostly setting make this album a great pick for the winter season.
14.Sonic Youth-Live in Brooklyn NY
One of the greatest live performances from one of the seminal and most influential indie rock/noise bands of our time. Great energy throughout! Dont miss this gem.
15.Dorothy Carter-Wailee Wailee
This is an old-new album. This was a vinyl crate diggers dream find once upon a time. It is now finally released to the masses and this is honestly what the world needs right now. A genuine gifted spirit that gave to her community and poured herself into her music. This is true art, craft of her instrument and a masterpiece of an album. This should not be missed.
16.Julie Byrne-The Greater Wings
One of if not my favorite voices in this genre or any for that matter. Her voice is so captivating and engaging that I find it hard from the moment I push play not to be pulled in for the entire album. Great production and mastering here. A truly breathtaking album.
17.Narrow Head-Moments of Clarity
A brilliant heavy album that reminds me of so many other bands but still strictly there own sound. If you like heavily distorted guitars and deftones-esque breakdowns, this album is up your alley.
18.Olimpia Splendid-2
Angular rock from the most rad rock album I have heard this year! I wish there were more songs! I cant wait to hear more from these amazing ladies! Angular no wave that is completely compelling and addictive.
19.Silicone Prairie-Vol. II
If you like weirdo rock a la Ariel Pink’s earlier albums that were obvious R. Stevie Moore love letters then this is your jam. It is Lo-fi weirdo art rock. There are so many moments of greatness on this album if you let yourself get past the recording as its supposed to sound that way. I personally love it and cant wait for more from this Kansas City band.
20.Sweeping Promises-Good Living is Coming For You
Glorious lo-fi power pop/punk that recalls the girl groups of the 60’s. Another surprise for me this year as I am generally not drawn to catchy punk music however this is done to my tastes i.e. grimy, lo fi sticky sweet with a new wave twist. And yes its supposed to sound like this!
R&B/Hip-Hop/Rap
21.Niecy Blues-Exit Simulation
This is one of my most favorite albums this year. If you love lo-fi soundscapes and vocals a wash with reverb a la ‘grouper’, love r&b and have a taste for something that is different and takes time to encompass you? This is it! This toes the line of traditional R&B being more experimental in nature.
22.L’Rain-I Killed Your Dog Runner up Album of the Year
Her best yet! Every song is a journey and yet the album flows together as a fluid whole. Deserves repeat listens and upon those listens this album blooms into pure bliss! Her vocals are on full display and wonderfully portrayed. This was a potential album of the year for me! Runner up for sure!!
23.Armand Hammer-We buy diabetic test strips
This one took some time to grow on me, but man! this is my favorite hip-hop/ rap album in almost a decade. Its a statement and a very unique (from my experience) rap album when it comes to beats. Some are drumless more airy and synth laden with liquid smooth flows over the top. When the beats and percussion do hit they indeed hit so good. I am truly impressed by this album. Its a modern art piece and as I said previously, A Statement!
24.Liv.e-Girl in the Half Pearl
Another experimental RnB album that is playful, serious and sincere all the same time. Many elements of sound that mesh together for one of the best in its genre.
Classical
25.Roger Eno-The Skies, they shift like Chords
An emotional album that transcends space and time. Roger Eno builds an ethereal sound universe with depth and emotion. This is a classical album in the sense that it uses classical instrumentation but I would call it more of a meditative soundscape conveying a thousand moments in the span of a few minutes.
26.Hauschka-Philanthropy
This is quite the album, each song is different from the next, some being highly dynamic structures of PRaT and others being more chilled/ambient works. This album is a favorite because I always discover something new with each listen. It is an album that is as adventurous as it is restless but will reward you in spades.
Jazz
27.Titanic-Vidrio
An incredible jazz album with the help of one of my all time favorite vocalists Arooj Aftab. A bit avant garde and experimental but completely engaging.
28.Jonah Yano-Portrait of a Dog
One of my most listened to jazz albums this year, Jonah is backed by badbadnotgood on this record and its a thrilling album full of wonderful moments that to me brings a new focus to the jazz genre.
29.JSPHYNX-Reflex
UK Jazz is on fire this year with Alpha Mist, Jaimie Branch, Yussef Dayes, etc. releasing amazing new albums and either of those albums deserves a spot on this list but at the end of the day, this album is what I kept going back to. This is jazz at its most youthful, modern and eclectic. A must hear!
30.The Necks-Travel
Long form jazz trio at it’s very best! These guys are at the top of the game. A very measured and extended listen but it is very rewarding.
31.Mary Lattimore-Goodbye, Hotel Arkada
My favorite harpist album this year and there were several great ones. This one tops my list for its emotional and introspective nature. This is not your typical jazz harp album, neither would I call it spiritual. Its more of an atmosphere of hope and longing imbued by her beautiful instrument.
32.Fabiano do Nascimento-Mundo Solo
A prolific artist that has released some wonderful material over the years, but this sees Fabiano at his most creative and adventurous incorporating textures and loops into his solo classical flamenco style guitar playing. A truly gratifying take on a solo jazz instrumental album.
I hope Ya'll Enjoy!! I tried to provide links but head-fi's whacky link implementation messed it up, so no links, apologies I tried!
Peace and Love, Jeremy
So Without further adieu, here is....
MY TOP ALBUMS OF 2023 ~in no particular order, listed by genre only
Electronic (varying sub-genres)
1.Laurel Halo-Atlas ALBUM OF THE YEAR
A light showing the way through a dense fog, diffused. Atlas is that album. A modern classical album drudged through the grime of a wasting world. Breathtaking and my personal Album of The Year! Best for late night listens.
2.Tara Clerkin Trio-On The Turning Ground
This is one of the most interesting and addictive albums I have heard in a very long time, piano, harmonia, guitar, vocals and electronics combine to create the most highly intriguing and intellectual electronic/folk/jazz/dub music I have heard in at least a decade. Heady and addicting. A must listen start to finish. Third album of the year for me.
3.Lee Gamble-Models
Another compelling Lee Gamble album that just hits for me, great minimal wave with well thought out samples and drumless beats that swirl and hypnotize.
4.Vince Clarke-Songs of Silence
This is steadily becoming one of my favorite synth albums of all time. Klaus Schulze eat your heart out! Mr. Clarke is carving the way for new synth artists to modulate till hearts are content. A very compelling album that deserves a full listen as many times as possible as you will continue to find new things for your brain to latch onto. Join the ride!
5.Hania Rani-Ghosts
Sultry, slinky and sensual vibes here for me, but also just a terrific album with great sonic blade runner-esque landscapes. But those vocals!!! This is why Ghosts is in my top albums. A haunting and measured listen that is well worth it.
6.Galya Bisengalieva-Polygon
A visceral and terrifying landscape full of weightiness and lush synth crescendos as eery visuals emanate from this utopian universe. This one has become a late night favorite. Has a horror soundtrack feel to it but not cheesy, more of a build up of tension with little to no release.
7.Not Waving-The Place I’ve Been Missing
A haunting and breathtaking minimal wave album full of heavenly synth nuggets, droning beats and reverb drenched cold night-hot boxed moments.
8.Actress-LXXXVIII
Big Bass Beats along with minimal distorted beats slowed down and sometimes sped up samples, and layers of synth pads that wash over you with finesse. Some tracks are challenging but its another album that had me keep coming back to hear more. Anything good in life has some challenges and I have found in music these challenges are most often more than not, rewarded. This album builds like its own little electronic world, taking its time with its own agenda to take you to another realm where Actress reigns.
9.Purelink-Signs
I havent found a downtempo techno ambient album this pleasing in a very long time. This is great headphone commute music and music to zone out to and contemplate life or whatever makes you chill.
10.Koan Sound- Led by Ancient Light
What a ride this album is! It has a very cinematic OST feel, then erupts into heavy bass blasts and then turns into jazz, while keeping the above elements at play. A very exciting listen. Not to be missed!
Rock/Indie/Folk
11.Greg Mendez-S/T
Singer songwriter simplicity that is masterful and gut wrenching. A short album with its heart on its sleeve.
12.ML Buch-Suntub
A truly great album that I doubted at first as it is quite midi-full. But the intricate layers of instruments included with the midi influence along with the female vocals blend into something very complete and calls for repeat listens.
13.Maria BC-Spike Field
A beautiful album and while melancholy, it is a slow burn that is worth repeat listens. An angelic voice with acoustic guitar closely mic’d and ethereal swirls of electronics in a ghostly setting make this album a great pick for the winter season.
14.Sonic Youth-Live in Brooklyn NY
One of the greatest live performances from one of the seminal and most influential indie rock/noise bands of our time. Great energy throughout! Dont miss this gem.
15.Dorothy Carter-Wailee Wailee
This is an old-new album. This was a vinyl crate diggers dream find once upon a time. It is now finally released to the masses and this is honestly what the world needs right now. A genuine gifted spirit that gave to her community and poured herself into her music. This is true art, craft of her instrument and a masterpiece of an album. This should not be missed.
16.Julie Byrne-The Greater Wings
One of if not my favorite voices in this genre or any for that matter. Her voice is so captivating and engaging that I find it hard from the moment I push play not to be pulled in for the entire album. Great production and mastering here. A truly breathtaking album.
17.Narrow Head-Moments of Clarity
A brilliant heavy album that reminds me of so many other bands but still strictly there own sound. If you like heavily distorted guitars and deftones-esque breakdowns, this album is up your alley.
18.Olimpia Splendid-2
Angular rock from the most rad rock album I have heard this year! I wish there were more songs! I cant wait to hear more from these amazing ladies! Angular no wave that is completely compelling and addictive.
19.Silicone Prairie-Vol. II
If you like weirdo rock a la Ariel Pink’s earlier albums that were obvious R. Stevie Moore love letters then this is your jam. It is Lo-fi weirdo art rock. There are so many moments of greatness on this album if you let yourself get past the recording as its supposed to sound that way. I personally love it and cant wait for more from this Kansas City band.
20.Sweeping Promises-Good Living is Coming For You
Glorious lo-fi power pop/punk that recalls the girl groups of the 60’s. Another surprise for me this year as I am generally not drawn to catchy punk music however this is done to my tastes i.e. grimy, lo fi sticky sweet with a new wave twist. And yes its supposed to sound like this!
R&B/Hip-Hop/Rap
21.Niecy Blues-Exit Simulation
This is one of my most favorite albums this year. If you love lo-fi soundscapes and vocals a wash with reverb a la ‘grouper’, love r&b and have a taste for something that is different and takes time to encompass you? This is it! This toes the line of traditional R&B being more experimental in nature.
22.L’Rain-I Killed Your Dog Runner up Album of the Year
Her best yet! Every song is a journey and yet the album flows together as a fluid whole. Deserves repeat listens and upon those listens this album blooms into pure bliss! Her vocals are on full display and wonderfully portrayed. This was a potential album of the year for me! Runner up for sure!!
23.Armand Hammer-We buy diabetic test strips
This one took some time to grow on me, but man! this is my favorite hip-hop/ rap album in almost a decade. Its a statement and a very unique (from my experience) rap album when it comes to beats. Some are drumless more airy and synth laden with liquid smooth flows over the top. When the beats and percussion do hit they indeed hit so good. I am truly impressed by this album. Its a modern art piece and as I said previously, A Statement!
24.Liv.e-Girl in the Half Pearl
Another experimental RnB album that is playful, serious and sincere all the same time. Many elements of sound that mesh together for one of the best in its genre.
Classical
25.Roger Eno-The Skies, they shift like Chords
An emotional album that transcends space and time. Roger Eno builds an ethereal sound universe with depth and emotion. This is a classical album in the sense that it uses classical instrumentation but I would call it more of a meditative soundscape conveying a thousand moments in the span of a few minutes.
26.Hauschka-Philanthropy
This is quite the album, each song is different from the next, some being highly dynamic structures of PRaT and others being more chilled/ambient works. This album is a favorite because I always discover something new with each listen. It is an album that is as adventurous as it is restless but will reward you in spades.
Jazz
27.Titanic-Vidrio
An incredible jazz album with the help of one of my all time favorite vocalists Arooj Aftab. A bit avant garde and experimental but completely engaging.
28.Jonah Yano-Portrait of a Dog
One of my most listened to jazz albums this year, Jonah is backed by badbadnotgood on this record and its a thrilling album full of wonderful moments that to me brings a new focus to the jazz genre.
29.JSPHYNX-Reflex
UK Jazz is on fire this year with Alpha Mist, Jaimie Branch, Yussef Dayes, etc. releasing amazing new albums and either of those albums deserves a spot on this list but at the end of the day, this album is what I kept going back to. This is jazz at its most youthful, modern and eclectic. A must hear!
30.The Necks-Travel
Long form jazz trio at it’s very best! These guys are at the top of the game. A very measured and extended listen but it is very rewarding.
31.Mary Lattimore-Goodbye, Hotel Arkada
My favorite harpist album this year and there were several great ones. This one tops my list for its emotional and introspective nature. This is not your typical jazz harp album, neither would I call it spiritual. Its more of an atmosphere of hope and longing imbued by her beautiful instrument.
32.Fabiano do Nascimento-Mundo Solo
A prolific artist that has released some wonderful material over the years, but this sees Fabiano at his most creative and adventurous incorporating textures and loops into his solo classical flamenco style guitar playing. A truly gratifying take on a solo jazz instrumental album.
I hope Ya'll Enjoy!! I tried to provide links but head-fi's whacky link implementation messed it up, so no links, apologies I tried!
Peace and Love, Jeremy
Last edited:
Yes, it's a bit of everything. Just add to the bucket that SEPTember should've been month 7, OCTOber month 8, NOVEmber 9, and DECEmber 10, and you get the picture: We messed it up and took it for granted - the history of human beings in 9 words 
