Nashville garage punks Be Your Own Pet made a triumphant return this year with their first album in 15 years, Mommy, and some fiery reunion shows. And now, with the year coming to a close, we asked singer Jemina Pearl what her favorite albums of the year were. She made a list that ranges from Snooper to Upchuck to Olivia Rodrigo, with interesting commentary on each pick. See her full list below.
Earlier this year, Jemina also talked to us about some of the influences behind Mommy.
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Jemina Pearl’s 10 Favorite Albums of 2023
Snooper – Super Snooper
I love this album. Snooper put on an amazing live show, which can sometimes be hard to translate to an album, but they definitely succeeded in capturing the frenetic energy and excitement of their performances. I’m lucky to call them friends, and I’ve been so happy to watch their success this year.
Upchuck – Bite The Hand That Feeds
I was lucky to catch Upchuck at SXSW this year and was blown away by their music and performance. I was looking forward to the release of their full length, and it exceeded my high expectations. I especially love the song “Freaky.” Can’t wait to see what else they do.
Exploding Hearts – Guitar Romantic” reissue
This album is so important to me and I can’t even put into words its impact on me when it first came out. I was so happy to see it get the recognition it deserves with a proper reissue. Everyone should own this record. The songs are perfect punk power pop with hooks for days. Honored to be label mates with one of my favorite bands of all time.
Olivia Rodrigo – Guts
Olivia Rodrigo is one of my daughter’s favorite artists, so this album has been on heavy rotation in my home. This record is so much fun, and provides plenty of great lines to sing along to in the car after school pick up. Looking forward to seeing her tour next year and getting to sing along live with my daughter. “Bad Idea Right?” is one of our favorites.
Tee Vee Repairman – What’s On TV
This record is catchy as hell and I love the production. It was a perfect soundtrack to my summer this year. Reminds me of some of my favorite West Coast budget rock from labels like Radio X and Rip Off Records that I was obsessed with in high school.
Dream Wife – Social Lubrication
This record is great and really speaks to me. Lots of fun but with lyrics that hit me to my core. Great to scream along to like ” I am not my body, I am somebody” and “Just have some fucking empathy.” They perfectly captured so many emotions and experiences I’ve had as a woman in a band. Music you can dance to with a great social message as well.
Being Dead – When Horses Would Run
This record is a real good time. We were lucky to play with them at our record release show this year in Nashville. A great live band, so fun to watch Falcon Bitch and Gumball switch instruments throughout the set. I love the harmonies and surf rock vibe of this album.
Die Spitz – Teeth
I just discovered Die Spitz this year, and I hope to catch them live soon. This record is ferocious raw high energy punk. I love the song “Hair Of The Dog.” This album makes me long for the days when I would still get in the pit at shows and not care if I got a bloody nose. Definitely the perfect record when I’ve had a bad day and need to release some aggression.
Sonic Youth – Live in Brooklyn
What’s there to say about Sonic Youth that hasn’t already been said? An endless source of inspiration to me, sonically and lyrically. This live album has so many of my favorite songs on it, and also brings back a lot of happy memories of when Be Your Own Pet was lucky enough to open up some shows on their ’06 tour for Rather Ripped. Glad this show got an official release.
C.O.F.F.I.N. – Australia Stops
Pure rock n roll, the perfect Saturday night record. The guitar solos remind me of James Williamson, especially on “Give Me A Bite.” I missed them when they played Nashville this year, and I hope I get another chance to see them live. Until then I’ll be listening to the record on repeat.