14 Comments

Wooo so much to explore here! 🚀 Cant wait to dive in. Sending you lots of good energy for Holidays ✨🎄🎁

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Thanks Stygi, happy holidays to you! I look forward to hearing about what if anything resonates with you.

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First, thank you for the kind words! That means a lot to me, and I'm really happy we've connected this year!

The Phosphene record is awesome. The fact that they're both incredibly nice/cool people just makes it all the better! On a fun side note, it turns out that Matt from the band and Steve Goldberg used to work together, and they reconnected in the comments on my article. Loved seeing that happen.

This is a killer list, with several that are new to me! In hindsight, I'm not sure I gave Gaz Coombes the time he deserved. Might start with that one.

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The kind words are well deserved Kevin, and I’m also really happy we connected! You’re right about that Phosphene album, just lovely. Very fun about Matt and Steve connecting in the comments!

I think with a little more time you might enjoy the Gaz Coombes.

Happy holidays!

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just letting you know that i have saved this to come back to next week when i should have time to pay close attention. lots of stuff i never heard of which is further proof that it was a fantastic year for new music!

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Thanks Steve, will be interested to hear your thoughts once you’ve had a chance to listen. Happy holidays to you and yours!

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Lots of amazing stuff here, Mark. I still have not had time to really listen to the stuff I don't know (H.C. McIntyre, Meg Baird, Skinny Pelembe, Robin Kester, The Murder Capital) but I can say that I also really like RVG, Gaz Coombes (he's in my part 1 of 3 best songs of 2023 post), Mitski, Jungle, Natalie Merchant, and Phosphene. I couldn't get into The National, though ever since Alligator I just haven't connected with them. It's all good -- enough other stuff to listen to!:)

I was obsessed with Jungle earlier this year with their single-shot dance videos (1 for every song!). Steven Wilson did a similar thing with his song "Economies of Scale." I'll comment on 1-15 soon....

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Thanks for reading Steve, happy new year! I’m pretty sure it was you who put Steven Wilson on my musical radar in the first place, so thanks for that! Looking forward to your thoughts on the top 15.

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Thanks so much for the inclusion, Mark! Rachel and I are always excited for new ears to discover our music. We're so glad you found us and enjoyed listening to Transmute!

P.S. I've realized that Kevin Alexander is the Kevin Bacon of Substack, since everyone I know on this platform is barely six degrees removed.

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Thanks for your comment! And for producing such a lovely work of art in Transmute. And Kevin A really is the Kevin Bacon of Substack!

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P.P.S. Formentera II was also one of our favorite records this year!

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It’s fantastic!

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My condolences on your losses early in the year; I'm glad you made it through that week.

I know writing a bit for each album takes more time than one might think. I appreciate them, and your remarks on several entries have intrigued me enough to check out the artist beyond the songs you've shared.

Happy holiday wishes to you and yours, Mark.

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Thanks for your kind words Jackie, I appreciate them. I’m glad you enjoy the blurbs. I enjoy writing them. But as you said, they do take time. Wishing you and yours a safe and happy holiday season!

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