The second issue of Crucial Tracks just went out. This issue features the other half of the team, Chris Fritton aka The Itinerant Printer. It’s a genre spanning opus and an amazing introduction to his life with music. Check it (and subscribe to not miss a future issue!)

In case you missed, here are Apple Music and Spotify playlists for the first issue of Crucial Tracks, my newsletter focusing on the impact of music on your life.

Come read my music-focused origin story on Crucial Tracks. The first issue just posted!

(And finally) Some albums that didn’t make my 2023 favorites, but were still enjoyed… Hip Hop edition:

  • To What End by Oddisee
  • And Then You Pray for Me by Westside Gunn
  • Scaring the Hoes by JPEGMAFIA & Danny Brown
  • Sundial by Noname
  • Indiana Jones by Boldy James & RichGains

Some albums that didn’t make my 2023 favorites, but were still enjoyed… R&B Adjacent edition:

  • The Age of Pleasure by Janelle Monae
  • Red Moon in Venus by Kali Uchis
  • Falling or Flying by Jorja Smith
  • Fountain Baby by Amaarae
  • Raven by Kelela
  • Heaven by Cleo Sol
  • My Soft Machine by Arlo Parks

Some albums that didn’t make my 2023 favorites, but were still enjoyed… Hardcore/Punk edition:

  • Slogan Machine by Gumm
  • Living Proof by Drain
  • Consume Me by Big Laugh
  • Hellmode by Jeff Rosenstock
  • Walk the Wheel by Truth Cult
  • Would You Miss It? By Koyo
  • Of Days Renewed… by Magnitude

Some albums that didn’t make my 2023 favorites, but were still enjoyed… Alternative/Indie edition:

  • Pure Music by Strange Ranger
  • Infinite Spring by Superviolet
  • s/t by Liquid Mike
  • In the End It Always Does by The Japanese House
  • Lucky for You by Bully
  • Careful of Your Keepers by This is the Kit

I’m pretty set with my favorite albums from 2023. I’m going to write up something in depth during December, but here’s the list.

Something for everyone: indie, pop, singer songwriter, alt-country, 90s alternative redux, emo, hardcore, R&B and hip hop. Hope you find something new that you love.

I have a fantasy hockey league that had two drop out from last season. It’s $40 to enter with payouts of $240/120/40 to top 3 teams. If interested, let me know and I will get you the details.

Finished reading: Upgrade by Blake Crouch 📚