This year absolutely flew by and here I am scrambling to toss something together to validate myself for poorly running my blog.
Clearly other objectives in life got in the way of how I wish I could maintain the site and keep it current, but here we are, so I guess I just do what I can, when I can.
I will say this past year has been a wild ride and I was able to really to enjoy it with friends and family, but something tells me that next year is going to be even better.
The absolute highlight of 2023 was covering the Punk in Drublic fest (thanks Vanessa!!!!) in Columbus, OH. If you missed that you can check it out HERE. To see so many of my favorite bands with some close pals of mine was just perfect.
I may not have reviewed a lot of bands this year, hell, I think I only did one looking back…but I did listen to tons of music and wanted to share a few that really caught my attention in 2023.
Enjoy.
BHP BEST OF 2023 LIST
Codefendants – This is Crime Wave
Easily one of the best releases this year. When I heard Fat Mike got The D.O.C. to drop some lines on one track I knew this was going to be something special.
Lucero – Should’ve Learned by Now
I love Lucero and everything they stand for and have to admit this took me a couple of listens to truly get into and I am glad I did because there are some gems on this one.
Heart Attack Man – Freak of Nature
I love this album. I really do not know what else to say here other than if you have not checked it out yet, you really should change that.
koyo – Would You Miss It?
This band won me over this year in the best way. Melodic emo hardcore. Does it get any better than this?
Militarie Gun – Life Under the Gun
Catchy as hell sums up this release. This has been a weekly listen since it dropped.
Sincere Engineer – Cheap Grills
File this one under “Deanna Belos makes me cry again with her poignant lyrics.” Dammit.
Bollweevils – Essential
Dr. Daryl Wilson is back with the gang and completely blew me away with this release. It sounded even better live at a local dive bar. That was a true treat.
Blink 182 – One More Time
I grew up in the 90s. Did you seriously not think this was going to land here at some point? Old punks are still cool, we just go to bed at a reasonable time.
Spanish Love Songs – No Joy
This band always stabs me in the feelings. This album was no exception.
Svalbard – The Weight of the Mask
I found this band a few years back as a suggestion to Holy Fawn and have loved them since. I was so stoked to see a new album drop by them this year and it simply rules.
Hot Mulligan – Why Would I Watch
Pop punk fun. Honestly, I did not think I was going to enjoy this one as much as I did.
Chayla Hope – Damn, Feelings
True Cleveland talent here. I will not be shocked when she grabs the attention of the world. Chayla can do no wrong.
Joey Valence & Brae – Punk Tactics
Just got into these guys a few weeks ago and adore their style that really reached back to the 90s. This release is pure fun and begs to be listened to on repeat.
Lil Yachty – Let’s Start Here.
This was one of those releases I read a review on and knew I needed to stop what I was doing and check it out. It is wild.
Incendiary – Change the Way You Think About Pain
Meanest album of the year. I adore it and listen to it on my worst days.
MSPAINT – Post-American
Music-genre bending at its best. I certainly cannot tell you their style other than “all of the above.”
Flying Racoon Suit – Moonflower
Oh hi, this band takes almost all the sounds of music I adore, tosses it in a blender, purees it, and pours out one hell of a release. Do not let the band’s name fool you.
Kerosene Heights – Southeast of Somewhere
2023 was a pretty emo year for me and this band helped fuel that.
I want to thank all my friends out there for keeping me going. New and old, life rules when you are all around.
More importantly, shoutout to my amazing kids who continue to give me purpose in life and let me continue to be my goofy-ass self with zero apologies. I hope one day you come across this and are reminded of the joy you both bring me.
Happy New Year and thanks for reading. Let’s see if I can kickstart the blog in 2024. I think I am up for it.