Citizen released one of their best albums yet this year with Calling The Dogs (Run For Cover), they celebrated the 10th anniversary of their beloved debut album Youth on tour, and they had a lot of interesting things to say about all that and more when they came on the BrooklynVegan Podcast earlier this year. Guitarist Nick Hamm told us about some of the new music he’d been listening to during that interview, and now with the year coming to a close, he’s made us a list of his 10 favorite albums of 2023.
Nick’s list ranges from Strange Ranger and Caroline Polachek (who both also came up on the podcast) to Yves Tumor to Wednesday and beyond, and Nick provided commentary on each pick. Read on for what he had to say.
Next year, Citizen are touring Europe and the UK with Drug Church (dates here). Calling The Dogs is out now and available on exclusive blue & red swirl vinyl in our store.
Nick Hamm’s (Citizen) 10 Favorite Albums of 2023
Lauren Auder – the infinite spine
A beautiful work of art pop by Lauren Auder, who I first discovered by her cover (alongside Caroline Polachek) of Virginia Astley’s “Some Small Hope.” I read an interview in which she described the title as a reference to the continuous mission of self understanding and determinism and frankly the album feels like that.
Strange Ranger – Pure Music
I was / am obsessed with their 2021 mixtape, so I heavily anticipated the release of this album which they just announced would be their last. I thought they carved out a nice path for themselves so it’s sad news to hear but it’s a great way to go out.
Caroline Polachek – Desire, I Want to Turn Into You
It’s gotta be my favorite of the year. I’ve been waiting a long time for it after PANG which has become one of those great albums of my life that I think will be with me forever. Initially, I felt mesmerized but not connected but then I saw these songs live and felt so pulled in. Great record.
Andrew Savage – Several Songs About Fire
Another one I’ve been waiting for. Huge fan of his first solo LP so I was excited to see that he pumped out another finally. I think Andrew is one of our great songwriters and there’s several songs here that I think are some of the best of the year. The opening track will be the soundtrack to my next 5 autumns.
Yves Tumor – Praise a Lord Who Chews But Which Does Not Consume; (Or Simply, Hot Between Worlds)
One of 2023’s best rock records. It’s glamorous and fun and dark, with some nice production to contrast most of what is going on in guitar music. The live show was inspiring too.
100 gecs – 10,000 gecs
A group I didn’t love on their previous work but this album is a revelation. It’s a pure delight and I’ve turned even the hardest souls into believers. Probably the most fun I’ve ever had at a show. It’s music for the people. Free of judgement, free of cool-ness, which makes it pretty much the coolest thing.
Spiritual Cramp – Spiritual Cramp
Unbelievably locked in rock music of the garage n’ punk variety. It’s almost intimidating like…how does a band set out to do something or do a sound and just do it that well?
Wednesday – Rat Saw God
As an Ohioan, I love when bands are from places that aren’t NY or Cali or whatever. This album feels like NC.
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Pick up our exclusive vinyl variant of Calling The Dogs in the BV shop. For more, listen to our podcast episode with Citizen:
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