As we kiss twenty twenty two on both cheeks, we're taking some time to look ahead at all the musical riches we know 2023 has lined up. Or at least, the ones that we know we know about.
As regular Drift readers and browsers will assent, the Pre Order department is a rolling section of coming soon action. Of the confirmed releases we already have at the ready for the clicking, there are a few we've been playing a lot here at the office, including; Newcastle-upon-Tyne Doom band Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs gnarled return with Land Of Sleeper, iconic musician, songwriter and Velvet John Cale's brilliantly experimental MERCY on Double Six / Domino, the equally iconic Gina Birch of The Raincoats with her first full solo debut I Play My Bass Loud on Third Man, the mysterious fifth album - Afterpoem - from Brooklyn-based composer Faten Kanaan, Canadian hardcore(st) band Fucked Up and the hugely effecting One Day (written and recorded in the confines of one literal day, hence the title)... and lastly the small matter of This Stupid World, the (trust us) incredible-sounding new Yo La Tengo LP.
There will be Dinked Editions, thrilling debuts and some very welcome returns. Keep scrolling for more of what the start of 2023 has in store.
Alongside the things that we know (and are allowed to talk about), we also keep our collective eyes and ears out for people saying things (subtle, cryptic and overt) on their websites, social channels and in interviews. Based on this web of indagation, we'll also be expecting new material in 2023 from; U.S. Girls, boygenius, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, KAYTRANADA, Geese, Pale Blue Eyes, Yves Tumor, Death Grips, Bartees Strange, Squid, Thundercat, Oneohtrix Point Never, Yaeji, Altin Gün, Blanck Mass, SBTRKT, Sleaford Mods, The National, Youth Lagoon, Neon Indian, Grimes, Bully, PinkPantheress, MGMT, Michael Stipe, The Cure and A$AP Rocky's Don’t Be Dumb.
Oh, and not to forget our obligatory annual "take a big old deep breath and hold it in anticipation of a new My Bloody Valentine album" shout out. Guys, imagine it though!
As all the clocks strike NY, it's arguably never been a harder time to buy and sell records, but we are genuinely optimistic and very excited about the rolling schedule for the first few months of 2023. You never know, one of these might very well be your new favourite record.
January
The Tubs – Dead Meat
Iggy Pop – Every Loser
John Cale – MERCY
Oozing Wound – We Cater To Cowards
Fucked Up – One Day
Margo Price – Strays
Billy Nomates – CACTI
Gaz Coombes – Turn The Car Around
J.T. IV – The Future
King Tuff – Smalltown Stardust
Rozi Plain - Prize
CVC - Get Real
James Yorkston, Nina Persson & The Secondhand Orchestra - The Great White Sea Eagle
Italia 90 - Living Human Treasure
SLUG - Thy Socialite!
The Murder Capital - Gigi’s Recovery
abracadabra - shapes & colors
Nighttime - Keeper Is The Heart
Kenny Beats - LOUIE
H.C. McEntire - Every Acre
Sweet Baboo - The Wreckage
MOLLY – Picturesque
The C.I.A. – Surgery Channel
* Something Exciting *
February
Gorillaz – Cracker Island
Young Fathers – Heavy Heavy
Shame – Food For Worms
Faten Kanaan - Afterpoem
Caroline Polachek – Desire, I Want To Turn Into You
Yo La Tengo – This Stupid World
Kelela – RAVEN
Gina Birch – I Play My Bass Loud
Algiers – ShookThe WAEVE The WAEVE
The Go! Team - Get Up Sequences Part Two
The Psychotic Monks - Pink Colour Surgery
M(h)aol - Attachment Styles
Quasi - Breaking The Balls Of History
Lowly - Keep Up The Good Work
Unthank : Smith - Nowhere And Everywhere
Anna B Savage - in|FLUX
Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs – Land Of Sleeper
The Golden Dregs – Grace And Dignity
The Men – New York City
March
Depeche Mode – Memento Mori
Fever Ray – Radical Romantics
H. Hawkline – Milk For Flowers
Kate NV – Wow
Steve Mason – Brothers & Sisters
Death and Vanilla - Flicker
Willie J Healey - Bunny
April
Metallica - 72 Seasons
Teleman - Good Time/Hard Time
Browse all of these and hundreds more in the Pre Order section.