Best of 2023 | Best albums | Best songs | Irish albums | Best Of Podcasts | Guest lists |
The Wicklow folk singer-songwriter Anna Mieke released a fine second album called Theatre last year and has spent much of this year touring its palette of alt-folk music. ‘Ornament’ was released this year.
ML Buch
Pan Over The Hill
This was released just before we headed away on tour in the US for three weeks and this song, the first on ML Buch’s album, really brings me back to driving through New York state and Vermont and then up the west coast, with its insanely vast scenery. The key change in the last minute is so uplifting.
Andy Shauf
Wasted On You
Almost a tour anthem at this stage..we play a lot of Andy Shauf in the car. His album Norm was released during our first US tour of the year, in February. Long drives are the perfect time to properly listen to albums. He’s such a brilliant songwriter and lyricist..a real genuine ease to all of his music and his solo show in The Sugar Club in October was great.
Blake Mills
Skeleton Is Walking
Another tour song. Super nostalgic for all the long drives. I love the chorus of guitars and the repeated riff.
Elaine Howley
Live As I Saw It
First heard this when it appeared in the short film This Years Lull, directed by Charlie Joe Doherty. It was such a perfect soundtrack to that part of the film. I really love Elaine’s choices in her melodies and the sounds she uses in her production.
Plume Girl
4get yrself
Solo project of Sowmya Somanath, a Hindustani singer/composer. Really beautiful album, so transportive.
Call Super + Julia Holter
Illumina
The production, Julia’s voice and melody are all amazing. The track takes all these unexpected twists and turns. I hear something new each time I listen.
Rachael Lavelle
Let Me Unlock Your Full Potential
This is from her amazing debut, Big Dreams. Hard to choose a favourite song from it to be honest.. it’s all brilliant. I am so excited about this album.
Trá Pháidín
Cé Mo Dhuine Siúl Sa Hi-Vis
I love what Trá Pháidín do. Their live shows are brilliant too, a lot of them on stage, all dressed up in hi-vis and a sort of organised chaos happening, in the best way.
Lankum
Lord Abore and Mary Flynn
Beautiful melody and I love Cossie and Radie’s voices together. I loved seeing this live in Vicar Street earlier this year. There was a sort of amazing tension held throughout the whole performance that really drew everyone in.
Hana Stretton
Come Home
First track of Hana’s album Soon – I love the lo-fi acoustic production + close harmony. I feel I’ve listened to this album a zillion times.
See all Guestlist of 2023 choices
Best of 2023 | Best albums | Best songs | Irish albums | Best Of Podcasts | Guest lists |
