15 years on and I’m fairly certain I’m just doing this for myself, but that’s enough reason for an annual rundown of great music.

Best of 2023 Spotify playlist

1. Hundred Reasons – Glorious Sunset

When Hundred Reasons called it a day in 2009, it seemed like a shame for many reasons, not least the disappointment that was their fourth album Quick The Word, Sharp The Action. This record makes up for that let down in so many ways and confirms their legacy as alt-rock greats.

2. Arlo Parks – My Soft Machine

A beautifully therapeutic record about finding love in a confusing world. Scarcely believable that she didn’t win the Mercury Prize for this.

3. Lakes – Elysian Skies

An impressively huge sounding album from a band that’s increasingly difficult to categorise.

4. Ash – Race The Night

After a five-year break, Ash sound refreshed and full of great ideas on their eighth studio album.

5. Nothing But Thieves – Dead Club City

The concept doesn’t come through with any real clarity, but thankfully the tunes are up to NBT’s usual high standards.

6. The Subways – Uncertain Joys

Packed with sub-3 min gems and delightful earworms, this record sees The Subways back on top form.

7. The Xcerts – Learning How To Live And Let Go

A refreshingly vibrant new direction from Aberdeen’s finest. But letting go of your ego is easier said than done, it would seem…

8. Young Fathers – Heavy Heavy

Another Mercury nominee that really stood out for me this year. This hugely multifarious album will keep you guessing at every turn.

9. Foo Fighters – But Here We Are

A brutally honest album about grief. Beautifully brave, but a tough listen in places.

10. Explosions In The Sky – End

Thankfully not the end for these post-rock pioneers, just the start of a majestic new chapter.

11. Teenage Wrist – Still Love
12. Taking Back Sunday – 152
13. Paramore – This Is Why
14. We Are Scientists – Lobes
15. Creeper – Sanguivore
16. Gaslight Anthem – History Books
17. City And Colour – The Love Still Held Me Near
18. Lonely The Brave – What We Do To Feel
19. Queens Of The Stone Age – In Times New Roman
20. The Go! Team – Get Up Sequences Part Two

In 2024 I’m particularly looking forward to new albums from The Vaccines, Neck Deep, Red Rum Club and Yard Act.

And finally, my video of the year is this beautiful mind-melter: