Top 10 Tracks of 2023 (Derek)

Top 10 tracks: Vinyl Countdown of 2023 – selected by Derek Rickman, Writer

1. Geisha / Egyptian Blue
Even COVID couldn’t derail Egyptian Blue’s inevitable rise in 2023. Subsequently their much delayed debut album arrived fully formed and fleshed out. Geisha is perhaps the standout track, a frenetic ball of nervous energy with its taut mix of insistent guitars and syncopated drums.

2. Dead Horse / Yard Act
James Smith and cohorts take a few well aimed shots at right wing tabloid culture and emrerge triumphant. Refreshing belligerence from Leed’s hottest prospects.

3. Loveher / Romy
A deeply personal song from Romy yet its lo-fi beats and impassioned vocals mesmerise. The mantra like refrain ‘Lover, I love her, Lover, I love her’ feels alluringly confessional.

4. It’s Coming Round Again / Andrew Cushin
Accomplished songwriting from an artist mature beyond his years. It’s Coming Round Again positively glows after repeated listens. With the likes of Noel Gallagher and Peter Doherty as patrons, Mr Cushin has a bright future.

5. The Weeks / Art School Girlfriend
Transient moments of euphoria course through Art School Girlfriend’s second album Soft Landing, none more so than The Weeks. A sly deceptive opening eventually bursts into a cinematic rush of grungy guitar and ethereal harmonies.

6. Hard Day’s Night 2023 Mix / The Beatles
The wonders of AI provide a fascinating insight into the Fab Four’s studio ethic in this 2023 mix from newly released Red Album. The clarity is remarkable, you can hear Lennon and Harrison’s guitars ring brightly and Ringo Starr’s snare drum seems to have added bite.

7. Fairy Tale of New York / The Pogues, Kirsty MacColl
There is added poignancy to this perrenial favourite with the sad news of Shane MacGowan’s passing fresh in our minds. It’s still timeless in its appeal and clearly head and shoulders above all the other festive mire. It will forever stand as a testament to his creative genius.

8. Woman / Barry Can’t Swim
One of those feel-good tunes that sleepwalked its way on to my playlist this year! Lovely stilted piano and a memorable chorus all underpinned by Lapsley’s emotive vocal.

9. Cold Reactor / Everything Everything
First taster from their Mountainhead album due next March. The boys are still delving into conceptual art pop. Cold Reactor is mellow but punches brightly with Jonathan Higgs’ jaunty vocals riding bubbling waves of electronica.

10. Heaven Sent / VLURE
I’ve yet to see VLURE but I’m guessing this new track has harnessed the intensity of their live sound. As thrilling an anthem as I’ve heard all year. World domination surely awaits.

Derek is a writer, poet, painter and hiker who often captures his journeys on camera – see more of what he’s been up to this year on his Instagram link below, and listen to his top 10 tracks of 2023 here…