Top Picks of 2023: Dave Nowels Self-Indulgence

New music

Much like the previous year, 2023 was lean for me when it came to new releases as a whole. Between outside commitments, work and general life responsibilities my ‘fun’ time decreased again. That makes for balancing my gazillion interests challenging, such as photographing, writing and even hearing new music. Even when I find the opportunity these days, my ongoing obsession downloading/archiving vintage jazz, blues and rock-n-roll outweighs much of what I do hear from the new releases. But not always. Every now and then, something makes an impression. Here’s what I really enjoyed this year:

Rolling Stones – Hackney Diamonds
When the Stones first started teasing their new album earlier this year, I was hopeful, but only reasonably optimistic. I mean, c’mon. At most, I expected a couple of “good” songs, with a bunch of filler or covers tossed in. While I enjoyed their last official album, a collection of covers, Blue and Lonesome, I haven’t really been impressed with new material since Steel Wheels. Instead the Stones blew my mind with easily my favorite album of the year. Somehow the Stones managed to capture a bit of their late ’70s and early ’80s magic in a bottle, storing it away until now, for what realistically could be the final album of their glorious career. Lots of bands far younger than the Rolling Stones these days seem to be content rehashing their past hits over and over on never-ending farewell tours. Meanwhile, the Stones are out here in their late seventies, still kicking ass and putting everyone else on notice with what is not just new material, but really strong new material. Jaw dropping even. Hackney Diamonds is a gem, one that is also surprisingly chock full of special guests, including Paul McCartney, Elton John Stevie Wonder and Lady Gaga. The album also features a cut with the return of original bassist Bill Wyman as well as the final contributions from Charlie Watts. Even with all that going on the album just shines brighter with each and every track. I’m really looking forward to the forthcoming 2024 tour and may even try to catch the tour opener in my hometown of Houston on April 28th. Fingers crossed. https://rollingstones.com

Peter Gabriel – I/O
Gabriel’s first true album in decades, I/O is a definitive testament to his ever evolving creativity and brilliance. Everything about the album, from cover, to the various mixes, and even the full moon release schedule of the songs themselves, just screams art. Seeing these songs all performed live this year was truly a special treat. It’s an album I enjoy more and more with each subsequent listen.

Jaimee Harris – Boomerang Town
I first discovered Harris back in 2018 at that year’s WoodyFest and I’ve made a point to keep tabs on her ever since. Boomerang Town tackles a ton of emotions, from grief and desperation all the way to joy and optimism. The title track was my favorite song of the year, with “The Fair and Dark Haired Lad” a close runner up. REVIEW: Jaimee Harris Boomerang Town

Marty Stuart – Altitude
Simply put, God bless Marty Stuart. Few artists have done so much to preserve the history of country music, all while remaining the epitome of freshness and vibrancy with every damn thing he touches. Altitude was his first new album in nearly 5 years, and is a must have, particularly if you’re a fan of throwback cosmic country in the vein of the Byrds or Gram Parsons. Just a brilliant record. I was truly disappointed I never heard back from his PR folks about photographing his stop here in OKC. I’d really been looking forward to it. Hopefully next time. REVIEW: Marty Stuart Altitude

JD Clayton – Long Way From Home
There’s a refreshing simplicity and sincerity here that no amount of studio polish can create. JD Clayton hasn’t really done anything groundbreaking with Long Way From Home, in fact he’s simply proven that good songs and an honest, organic approach can be the winning formula. REVIEW: JD Clayton Long Way From Home

Son Volt – Day of the Doug
Son Volt covering Doug freaking Sahm. What’s not to like? It’s rambunctious, rollicking and really dives deep into Sahm’s catalog, helping to showcase just how underrated the man was at his craft. This is just about as good as it gets folks. Really wish OKC had gotten one of these dates. REVIEW: Son Volt “Day of the Doug”

Rickie Lee Jones – Pieces of Treasure
Rickie Lee has been a favorite of mine for years now, and this collection of standards and covers is a testament to her prowess. I only discovered her debut around the time I had started working in record stores back in ’88, and her new at that time album Flying Cowboys was actually one of the first promo albums I ever got. I saw her perform in a small club soon after, and had a chance a few years after that to have an extended conversation with her at the 1992 H.O.R.D.E. Festival thanks to John Medeski. Her newest album is a return to her jazzy roots, and, as it was quickly recorded live in the studio, it captures every bit of nuance the Duchess of Coolness brought with her. Throw on some headphones and it’s as if you’re right there in the studio with her.

Dorthia Cottrell – Death Folk Country
Cottrell is best know as the bassist for the doom metal band, Windhand. Here though, she steps out on her own with a funky, folky, doomsy and spooky songwriting venture into dark places. Different and worthwhile, Death Folk Country draws you in.

Joey Frendo – Bound for Heartache
I think the thing that won me over the most was just how good this record sounds overall. I really like the fact that the album sounds like an album Frendo wanted to record. Joey Frendo has impressed me with Bound for Heartache. There’s a smartness and a maturity to the album’s “feel” that takes it far beyond being just a debut. REVIEW: Joey Frendo “Bound For Heartache”

André 3000 – New Blue Sun
When I first heard there was a new André 3000 album about to drop, I definitely wasn’t expecting it to be a jazz or flute prominent type of album, but, here we are. Certainly, it’s not an album that will be in the proverbial ‘wheelhouse’ for most, but for me, there’s a refreshing intangible appeal to the vulnerability and organic nature of the music. Think John and Alice Coltrane, Eric Dolphy or even for a more modern comparison, Brian Eno and Kamasi Washington. Ambient and ethereal. Unexpected and contemplative. I enjoyed it more than I expected.

Carter Sampson – Gold
Sampson’s music is a little folksy, and a little country. There’s a smidgen of pop and a whole bunch of rootsy rock-n-roll, and it seems she’s always pushing the boundaries of her own comfort zones in an effort to find the “right” sound. Sampson continues to grow as an artist. Gold is proof. REVIEW: Carter Sampson Gold

Various Artists – Burn on the Bayou – A Heavy Underground Tribute to Creedence Clearwater Revival
Straight up, this is really a fun album. Two years in the making and Ripple Music really hit it out over dead center field with this one. First, you take a bunch of heavy bands, predominantly bands in underground genres such as, doom, psych etc. Then, Ripple founder Todd Severin let them pick a CCR song, gave them the unheard of creative freedom to put their own flair on it. Compile it, slap a ridiculously cool piece of cover art on it, and then sit back and be proud of the finished masterpiece. That’s exactly what it is too, and not just that. It’s a fitting tribute to a legendary band and in hindsight, I can’t believe it hadn’t been done before now. There’s been a few of these band tributes from the heavy underground music community the past few years, but this is by far the most adventurous and ultimately the most rewarding one yet.

Archival Releases:

Grateful Dead – Here Comes Sunshine Box Set
The Grateful Dead archival team and Rhino Records are pretty much unmatched when it comes to the detail and beauty that’s put into these releases. To this day, I listen to the Grateful Dead probably more than any other band, and I’m still left completely awestruck by each of these official archive releases I’m fortunate enough to get my hands on. I already promptly renewed my 2024 Dave’s Picks subscription and eagerly await whatever boxed set treasures these good folks present to us with the new year.

Stephen Stills – Live at Berkeley, 1971
I’ve been listening to a LOT of Stills these past few years and I’m convinced his importance not only as a guitarist and songwriter, but also as a vocalist has been seriously undervalued. From Buffalo Springfield to Manassas and his solo albums, I’ve found myself captivated and mesmerized by the absolute ease by which he shares his talents. This archival live recording nicely presents Stills in all his glory.

Live Shows:

As I said above, even seeing live music has become more challenging the past few years. There’s a lot that goes into the process of not only attending, but also scheduling time off of work. There’s also getting approval to photograph as well as timely processing those photos for publication. It takes a lot of effort and follow-up, but when it all works out, there’s nothing like it. It really didn’t feel like I saw a lot of shows this year, but man, the ones I did manage to see were pretty darn special. Here’s a few of my favorite shows and photographs.