I Don't Hear A Single Albums Of The Year 2023 : 51-60

 

For the last few years We have compiled annual Best Of 's because these posts seem so popular and the aim of this Blog is to get exposure (and Sales) for the artists. A reminder that anything reviewed on I Don't Hear A Single is highly recommended. 

Narrowing things down to this 100 has been really difficult. The countdown is posted in reverse batches of 10. For each album, a song is embedded from the album and a link is provided to the IDHAS Review where you can find further details and how to listen or buy the album.

51 This Day In History - Years Of Wear & Tear      IDHAS Review    

  

52 the black watch - future strangers      IDHAS Review 

53 Rinehearts - Full Bloom  -   IDHAS Review 

54 The On And Ons - Let Ya Hair Down      IDHAS Review 

55 Cherry Fez - Honeycomb Tearoom       IDHAS Review 

56 The Whiffs - Scratch 'N' Sniff       IDHAS Review 

57 Lane Steinberg - Headspace       IDHAS Review 

58 Mo Troper - Troper Sings Brion      IDHAS Review 

59 Trademark Issues - 601 Deluxe      IDHAS Review 

60 Pacific Avenue - Flowers      IDHAS Review 

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Lane Steinberg - Headspace

 

New York's Lane Steinberg writes and performs great Pop Rock. It is the sort of Pop Rock beloved of I Don't Hear A Single followers, the sort of thing that IDHAS grew its reputation on in the early days. This is incredibly melodic stuff without ever going over the top or being too clever.

Instrumentally, these songs are astounding, creating a beautiful, at times pastoral, palette of harmonic pop, the arrangements are tip top. Steinberg's matches this soundscape, gentle, even soothing, over the musical accompaniment.

Although Headspace is is no way front loaded, the first three songs drag you in for the full journey. Headspace is fine McCartney late 60s Pop, Under Summer Skies is pure Andy Partridge and The Mountain is great Ben Folds Piano Pop.

So you know what sort of a ride that you are in for and the quality never lessens. Super Flumina Babylonius is Toytown of the highest order, Samardine is lounge driven joy, with a killer bass line. Whilst The Human Zoo goes in to full 70s Singer Songwriter schmaltz.

Finally Next To You even treads gently into Prog and I Don't know What To Do In Paris Anyore is, as you might expect, instrumentally very French. Alligator Chilli can only be described as Country Psych, which is a genre that has surprised me much in the last few months. 

Steinberg even closes with the splendid Power Pop of Antidote with a big hint of Orgone Box. For all these delights, it is Lovesick Jones that stands out most. A storytelling song that is less embellished than the rest of the album, but stands out especially because of this. Highly Recommended!

You can listen to and buy the album here.

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