Thanks Barry for making me aware of artists I've always liked and showcasing their new albums,like Depeche Mode,John Cale and some newer bands and musicians I've never heard before.
What a pleasure to have you turn your incisive focus on current releases. I sense a fair amount of Todd Rundren coming through from the Lemon Twigs As well. Your assessment of En Attendant Ana, is just about perfect. Krautrock rhythms plus more delicate sensibilities without the heavier layering of Stereolab. Going to have to give your other choices a listen. Thanks for the post !
As a long standing fan of Hawkwind i have been mightily impressed with their latest opus. Indeed I'm starting to believe it may reside in my top 5 of the band's studio albums. Have tried to like Jethro Tull's latest but find the material a bit 'samey' probably in part due to the lack of acoustic guitar work. As for Yes i think it is the band's best work with Jon Davidson although the sustained notes that Steve Howe employs with ever more vigour could have been restricted in my view.
Two very fine 2023 albums are: The Winery Dogs - III (Ritchie Kotzen on guitar/vocals, Billy Sheehan on bass, and Mike Portnoy on drums) and even better is The Rival Son's Darkfighter.....my highest recommendation goes to it.
I've reviewed several of these - you hit the mark on Depeche Mode, John Cale, En Attendat Ana, and the Lemon Twigs. Those four certainly feature among the best I have heard this year!
A great return for Uriah Heep, John Cale and depeche mode has done some fine work recently . Some major hitters have yet to release this year yet like Mr Gabriel , Wolfie Van halen and Mr Wilson. Anyway so far ive got these notables challenging so far for album of the year for me. Nothing is yet sticking out though. The Black Star Riders - Wrong side of Paradise Rival Sons - Darkfighter Ian Moss - Rivers run dry Those Damn Crows - Inhale/Exhale The Winery dogs III Foo Fighters - But here we are The Church - The Hypnogogue Riverside - ID Entity Noiseworks - Evolution Klone - Meanwhile
omg is it really that time of year again! 😅 Great list, agree with the National release, it gets better with every listen. A lot on your list I need to check out. I really like the new Cowboy Junkies album Ferocious Beauty and Rickie Lee Jones covers album Pieces Of Treasure also.
Some great albums in your list, I love the new Depeche mode album but everything has kind of been overshadowed by the Damned's Darkadelic, its hardly been off my turntable, got to see them live too, they were fabulous
It never ceases to amaze me how the old bands and artists continue resurfacing, Uriah Heep and John Cale. But I'm unfamiliar with some of the other names. " The Lemon Twigs " however do sound very intriguing. I like what's being said about their brand of music.
Good to hear about groups I don't recognize and may check out. But if someone sounds like a combo of CSNY & The Beach Boys, I'll run away screaming. I'll add my eclectic top 10 here: 10. Ian Hunter--Defiance Pt. 1 9. Uriah Heep--Chaos & Color 8. Hawkwind--The Future Never Waits 7. Avatar--Dance Devil Dance 6. Siena Root--Revelation 5. LE SSERAFIM--Unforgiven 4. Winery Dogs--III 3. Elegant Weapons--Horns for a Halo 2. Purple Kiss--Cabin Fever 1. (G)I-DLE--I Feel
I'd have Foo Fighters latest album along with Scott Matthews 'Restless Lullabies' and Emiliano Torrinis 'Racing the storm'...Gaz Coombes 'Turn the car around' being the highlight so far in 2023.
Do check out the BIG BIG TRAIN - INGENIOUS DEVICES - which reworks some of their best epics with the voice of the late great David Longdon whilst also sharing a live track from a concert that I attended featuring the new cracking lineup. They are touring soon and I think deserve support.
Sad sacks assemble! There is some glorious examples of supreme melancholia in your list. The one I liked most, though, was Kara Jackson's album. I sampled it on RUclips after watching this video, and decided to buy the record. Thanks for the introduction.
I guess I'll be more mellow for 2023. Winger Art Nation The Defiants Ray Alder Steve Lukather House of Shakria Big Wreck Last in LIne Cross Country Driver Mecca Noel Gallagher
You should start a 2nd channel focusing on contemporary current stuff it's a great idea and you seem naturally keyed into new releases. Worth a shout 👏 😊
I wondered if En Attendant Ana was a reference to Beckett's play. Apparently not. They've certainly got that early 80s jangly indie sound (I've only listened to a couple of tracks and really like it).
Good variety on your list. I'll add one more album; LIGHT UP by Solstice. Andy Glass & Company have created a beautiful fusion of styles on this album - which I just can't stop playing since its January release. "Bulbul Tarang" is my top track. Thanks for the heads-up on Solstice.
@@classicalbum I believe that it was delayed until January 13th. I recall Andy & Jess commenting about its "Friday the 13th" release. They've created a new sound.
Thanks I going to listen nine of them. I already have DM. I missed the name of the woman Jackson? My choice for the year are Depeche Mode, Sparks, Jain and Zaho de Sagazen.
Yes, (no not Mirror to the sky) how come of mention of Hawkwind ? The Future Never Waits (does it) But, I’m so glad Depeche Mode are being included in rock circles. They’ve always deserved to be.
Weakest album by the National since their debut, unfortunately, and certainly nowhere near the standard of High Violet, Trouble Will Find Me or Boxer. I really don't understand how anyone would view it as a 'return to form' or anything like that.
Not knocking anyone for their choice in music. But to me most new music that has come from the covid time (2020 - 2023) flat out sucks. As most band found them self's with free time in the lock downs. Thought well lets at least make a new album. Which made for alot of shity NEW music. But that just my thoughts on the matter.
Funny but almost all of these albums are the same slow boring nonsense. What is it about music critics who just don't like uptempo rocking music or fun bouncy pop stuff? I really do not understand how people can subject themselves to music that makes you want to take a long nap. Personally none of these records would even be in my top 100 of 2023 if I even get to the magic 100 number this year. Seems now it's a top 50 or 75 albums of the year the last decade.
We are locked into that goddawful hamster wheel of love for nostalgia and God it's boring. Everyone of these dreary selections could easily have been made last century
No Hawkwind, The future never waits, that would be in my Top 10 this year so far.
I will do a ten best prog - and I might insert this one there
Thanks Barry for making me aware of artists I've always liked and showcasing their new albums,like Depeche Mode,John Cale and some newer bands and musicians I've never heard before.
What a pleasure to have you turn your incisive focus on current releases. I sense a fair amount of Todd Rundren coming through from the Lemon Twigs As well. Your assessment of En Attendant Ana, is just about perfect. Krautrock rhythms plus more delicate sensibilities without the heavier layering of Stereolab. Going to have to give your other choices a listen. Thanks for the post !
The Chronicles Of Father Robin is the best thing I’ve heard this year…
Love to get info on new bands/albums, thanks.
1. Rival Sons - Darkfighter
2. Overkill - Scorched
3. Leathurbitch - Shattered Vanity
4. Metal Church - Congregation of Annihilation
5. Danava - Nothing but Nothing
6. Roadwolf - Midnight Lightning
7. Antioch VI: Molten Rainbow
8. Enforcer - Nostalgia
9. Iron Void - IV
10. Night Demon - Outsider
Nice list. We are aligned on Darkfighter. I haven't picked up much other new stuff so far this year.
You obviously like music that invigorates the brain unlike the bulk of this list which is pinebox bangers.
@@Splashadian no comment
never heard the term 'pinebox bangers' before. Not sure what it means, but sounds funny
Absolutely wonderful list!
Glad you think so!
As a long standing fan of Hawkwind i have been mightily impressed with their latest opus. Indeed I'm starting to believe it may reside in my top 5 of the band's studio albums. Have tried to like Jethro Tull's latest but find the material a bit 'samey' probably in part due to the lack of acoustic guitar work. As for Yes i think it is the band's best work with Jon Davidson although the sustained notes that Steve Howe employs with ever more vigour could have been restricted in my view.
Two very fine 2023 albums are: The Winery Dogs - III (Ritchie Kotzen on guitar/vocals, Billy Sheehan on bass, and Mike Portnoy on drums) and even better is The Rival Son's Darkfighter.....my highest recommendation goes to it.
I'll probably end up getting "III" it's just a matter of whether it's this yr or not.
Yeah, The Winery Dogs III, and Rival Sons "Darkfighter" are real good! I forgot to mentioned them in my comment. Shame on me!😊
I will do the ten best rock albums of 2023. Althoug, I'm having a real problem getting hold of the Winery Dogs album here in the UK
"the bastard progeny of Brian Wilson and the Smiths" lol
I've reviewed several of these - you hit the mark on Depeche Mode, John Cale, En Attendat Ana, and the Lemon Twigs. Those four certainly feature among the best I have heard this year!
They are good
Thanks for directing me to new discoveries!!
My pleasure!
Nice rundown Barry and some interesting choices
A great return for Uriah Heep, John Cale and depeche mode has done some fine work recently .
Some major hitters have yet to release this year yet like Mr Gabriel , Wolfie Van halen and Mr Wilson.
Anyway so far ive got these notables challenging so far for album of the year for me.
Nothing is yet sticking out though.
The Black Star Riders - Wrong side of Paradise
Rival Sons - Darkfighter
Ian Moss - Rivers run dry
Those Damn Crows - Inhale/Exhale
The Winery dogs III
Foo Fighters - But here we are
The Church - The Hypnogogue
Riverside - ID Entity
Noiseworks - Evolution
Klone - Meanwhile
omg is it really that time of year again! 😅 Great list, agree with the National release, it gets better with every listen. A lot on your list I need to check out. I really like the new Cowboy Junkies album Ferocious Beauty and Rickie Lee Jones covers album Pieces Of Treasure also.
Some great albums in your list, I love the new Depeche mode album but everything has kind of been overshadowed by the Damned's Darkadelic, its hardly been off my turntable, got to see them live too, they were fabulous
Good list a couple I missed so will check out. I would have added Sleep token album modern prog with elements of a range of other musical styles
Always look foward seeing what band shirt you’re wearing. I don’t listen to much new music but I’ll check out your recommendations👍
Totally agree on The Lemon Twigs! Great album
Thank you for introducing me to some new bands. I've listened to both the Lemon Twigs and The National. Fantastic.
It never ceases to amaze me how the old bands and artists continue resurfacing, Uriah Heep and John Cale. But I'm unfamiliar with some of the other names. " The Lemon Twigs " however do sound very intriguing. I like what's being said about their brand of music.
Thank you. I have the Lana and will check out Kara.
Thank you so much 👍
Pat Metheny/ Dream Box, Soft Machine/ Other Doors
The Uriah Heep record is excelent Great Hammond Organ and keyboards .and Mick Box Riffs are puré Bliss.
Yes they are!
Brilliant!
Yes, Tears For Fears, Depeche Mode, Uriah Heep, Within Temptation, Lana Del Ray. Nazareth, Olivia Rodrigo, Journey ,Duran Duran.
Good to hear about groups I don't recognize and may check out. But if someone sounds like a combo of CSNY & The Beach Boys, I'll run away screaming. I'll add my eclectic top 10 here:
10. Ian Hunter--Defiance Pt. 1
9. Uriah Heep--Chaos & Color
8. Hawkwind--The Future Never Waits
7. Avatar--Dance Devil Dance
6. Siena Root--Revelation
5. LE SSERAFIM--Unforgiven
4. Winery Dogs--III
3. Elegant Weapons--Horns for a Halo
2. Purple Kiss--Cabin Fever
1. (G)I-DLE--I Feel
Surprised that Fuse by EBTG does not make your list. Great album and welded to my turntable …
Certainly give some of these a listen. My favorite for the year is Blood Harmony from Larkin Poe.
"harking back to when music actually mattered"
Gosh 😬
Many thanks, & really look forward to delving into some of these.
Even the French one
Always enjoy a John Cale critique.
Love the Queen's album
Are those statuettes on the wall a Pendragon reference?
No, it's my wife's art studio
One Nation One Sun, fabulous track from a fantastic album by a band still sounding relevant today
I'd have Foo Fighters latest album along with Scott Matthews 'Restless Lullabies' and Emiliano Torrinis 'Racing the storm'...Gaz Coombes 'Turn the car around' being the highlight so far in 2023.
Do check out the BIG BIG TRAIN - INGENIOUS DEVICES - which reworks some of their best epics with the voice of the late great David Longdon whilst also sharing a live track from a concert that I attended featuring the new cracking lineup. They are touring soon and I think deserve support.
I have it. Check out my interview with Greg Spawton
@@classicalbum thanks I will
The National, Depeche Mode and QOTSA are Top 3 for me. Maybe I should have a listen to some of the rest of your list.
Sad sacks assemble! There is some glorious examples of supreme melancholia in your list. The one I liked most, though, was Kara Jackson's album. I sampled it on RUclips after watching this video, and decided to buy the record. Thanks for the introduction.
Interesting, Barry
I guess I'll be more mellow for 2023.
Winger
Art Nation
The Defiants
Ray Alder
Steve Lukather
House of Shakria
Big Wreck
Last in LIne
Cross Country Driver
Mecca
Noel Gallagher
You should start a 2nd channel focusing on contemporary current stuff it's a great idea and you seem naturally keyed into new releases. Worth a shout 👏 😊
I like to think of my channel as being eclectic.... although there will always be a stronger emphasis on rock and prog
Right on with The National, High flying birds, the rest, I have to check my finances !
Great selection 👌
I'd throw False Lankum by the Irish progressive Trad band Lankum on that list.
Amazing band / amazing album … big drones … 👍👍👍
I wondered if En Attendant Ana was a reference to Beckett's play. Apparently not. They've certainly got that early 80s jangly indie sound (I've only listened to a couple of tracks and really like it).
"Bastard progeny of Brian Wilson and The Smiths"😂 Fantastic stuff!
Agree The Lemon Twigs, great album, but my Best of the year so far is Nothing But Thieves with Dead Club City
Wye Oak, "Everyday Is Like the Last"
Looking forward, the new Wilco, "Cousin"
Great suggestions for next purchases. I’m surprised that This Is Why from Paramore didn’t make the list.
Good call!
Good variety on your list. I'll add one more album; LIGHT UP by Solstice. Andy Glass & Company have created a beautiful fusion of styles on this album - which I just can't stop playing since its January release. "Bulbul Tarang" is my top track. Thanks for the heads-up on Solstice.
Didn't that come out in December?
@@classicalbum I believe that it was delayed until January 13th. I recall Andy & Jess commenting about its "Friday the 13th" release. They've created a new sound.
Great band,
Thanks I going to listen nine of them. I already have DM. I missed the name of the woman Jackson? My choice for the year are Depeche Mode, Sparks, Jain and Zaho de Sagazen.
Yes, (no not Mirror to the sky) how come of mention of Hawkwind ? The Future Never Waits (does it) But, I’m so glad Depeche Mode are being included in rock circles. They’ve
always deserved to be.
Luckily the Earth also gives us music to love!😉
“Catchy, Jangly, and Drony”. 😂
Zodeon at Crystal Hall
Ffs sit on your hands!😂
The Ballad of Darren
I am not on top of all the new releases, but do have 72 Seasons by Metallica on hard repeat on my phone when out running 🏃 .
What , no prog??!!!
I usually do a seperate prog list for best albums. That will come later
Didn’t you listen to Iggy Pop’s new album ? I easily replace Lana del Rey by him!
I stepped cautiously as I wasn't crazy about the last one.
@@classicalbum hahah Cheers from Brazil! 🙂
Hahahahaha ... I wonder if I'll listen to any of this ...
Weakest album by the National since their debut, unfortunately, and certainly nowhere near the standard of High Violet, Trouble Will Find Me or Boxer. I really don't understand how anyone would view it as a 'return to form' or anything like that.
Not knocking anyone for their choice in music. But to me most new music that has come from the covid time (2020 - 2023) flat out sucks. As most band found them self's with free time in the lock downs. Thought well lets at least make a new album. Which made for alot of shity NEW music. But that just my thoughts on the matter.
Whatever old guy yelling at clouds whatever.
Those pesky clouds
The Lemon Twigs should be renamed The Wet Noodles
Just like your comment🤔😐
Funny but almost all of these albums are the same slow boring nonsense. What is it about music critics who just don't like uptempo rocking music or fun bouncy pop stuff? I really do not understand how people can subject themselves to music that makes you want to take a long nap. Personally none of these records would even be in my top 100 of 2023 if I even get to the magic 100 number this year. Seems now it's a top 50 or 75 albums of the year the last decade.
Maybe I'm just getting old.
@@classicalbumNot really. Perhaps 'Splashadian' should take his ears elsewhere?
Most current "music" sounds like monkeys being tortured by robots. Thx for finding the good stuff.
We are locked into that goddawful hamster wheel of love for nostalgia and God it's boring. Everyone of these dreary selections could easily have been made last century
I will do a ten best rock albums later as well as a ten best prog.