Includes favorite new releases, reissues and compilations

Reissues that make this list are usually of good pressing/mastering quality

Purchased LP or EP unless otherwise stated BD, SACD, DVD-A or CD (*don't own)

REST IN PARADISE Jimmy 9/1/23. All of us Parrotheads will miss you profoundly.

2023 List

Favorite New Releases

• Aesop Rock - Integrated Tech Solutions (2023,Opaque Orange 2xLP + Lighted Cover)
• Baroness - Stone (2023, "Ruby Red" (Orange) Translucent LP)
• Beatles - Now and Then (2023,12" Opaque Red Target Exclusive Single)
• Black Rainbows - Superskull (2023,LP)
• Camel - Camel-Air Born: The MCA & Decca Years 1973-1984 (2023, 27xCD,5xBlu-ray Box Set)*
• Colter Wall - Little Songs (2023,LP)
• Cowboy Junkies - Such Ferocious Beauty (2023,Translucent Green LP)
• Dope Lemon - Kimosabè (2023, "Sea Blue" LP)
• Fleetwood Mac - Rumours Live (2023,"Crystal Clear" Walmart Exclusive 2xLP)
• Haken - Fauna (2023,2xLP)
• Holly Amber Church - Tiki Lounge TV Themes (2023,Opaque Red EP)
• Jimmy Buffett - Equal Strain on All Parts (2023, Key West Blue 2xLP)
• King Gizzard - PetroDragonic Apocalypse... (2023, "Recycled Black Vinyl" 2xLP)
• Metallica - 72 Seasons (2023, Target Exclusive Red Swirl 2xLP)
• The Orb Featuring David Gilmour - Metallic Spheres in Colour (2023,LP)
• Ozric Tentacles - Lotus Unfolding (2023, LE Green Marble LP)
• Phish - LP on LP 04: "Ghost" 5/22/00 (2023, Orange Splatter LP)
• Pink Floyd - DSOTM: Live at Wembley 1974 (2023,LP)
• Porcupine Tree - IA/DW/XT (2023, Record Store Day LEx800 EP)*
• Queens of the Stone Age - In Times New Roman (2023,2xLP)
• Rival Sons - Lightbringer (2023,EP)
• Riverside - ID:Entity (2023,White 2xLP w/signed postcard)
• Rolling Stones - Hackney Diamonds (2023, Amazon Exclusive Green LP w/Alternate cover)
• Rush - Signals (1982,2023 Super Deluxe Edition Box Set)
• Steven Wilson - The Harmony Codex (2023,Translucent Orange 2xLP)
• The Tikiyaki Orchestra - Tropika (2023,Opaque Purple LP)
• Tito Ramirez - El Prince (2023,LP)

Favorite Reissues

• Abba - The Visitors (1981,2023 ARS Half-speed LP)
• Andrew Hill - Dance With Death (1980,2023 BN Tone Poet Series LP)
• Arabs in Aspic - Victim of Your Father's Agony (2015,2023 Olive Green Marble LP)
• Arabs in Aspic - Pictures in a Dream (2013,2023 Blue/Black/White Marble LP)
• Arabs in Aspic - The Magic of Sin (2017,2023 Orange/Black Marble LP)
• Beatles - The Beatles - 1962-1966 / 1967-1970 (1982,2023 Blue/Red 4xLP Box Set)
• Baroness - Red Album (2007, 2023 "Blood Red Cloudy Effect" 2xLP)
• Baroness - Blue Record (2009, 2023 "Blue Cloudy Effect" 2xLP)
• Big John Patton - Let 'em Roll (1967,2023 BN Tone Poet Series LP)
• Blur - Modern Life is Rubbish (1993,2023 Translucent Orange 2xLP)
• Bobby Hutcherson - San Francisco (1971,2023 BN Classic Series LP)
• Booker T. & The M.G.'s - Green Onions (1962,2023 Trans.Green Signed LP)
• Cake - Prolonging the Magic (1998,2023 RM LP)
• Cake - Comfort Eagle (2001,2023 RM LP)
• Camel - Kosei Nenkin Hall, Tokyo, January 27, 1980 (2019, 2023 Blue LP)
• Charles M. Bogert - Sounds of North American Frogs (1958, 2023 Reissue LP)
• Chet Baker - Chet Baker Sings (1954,2023 BN Tone Poet Reissue LP)
• Cowboy Junkies - Lay it Down (1996,2023 LP)
• Crosby, Stills & Nash - Greatest Hits (2005,2023 2xLP)
• Dave Matthews Band - Before These Crowded Streets (1998,2023 2xLP)
• Dizzy Reece - Star Bright (1960,2023 BN Classic Series LP)
• Donald Byrd - Slow Drag (1968,2023 BN Tone Poet Series LP)
• Dope Lemon - Honey Bones (2016,2023 Opaque Yellow 2xLP)
• Earth, Wind & Fire - The Best Vol.1 (1978,2023 Target Exclusive Opaque Red LP)
• Erykah Badu - Baduizm (1997,2023 Target Exclusive Yellow 2xLP)
• Fatso Jetson / Dali's Llama - Legends of the Desert: Vol.3 (2003,2023 LP)
• Freddie Hubbard - Blue Spirits (1967,2023 BN Tone Poet Series LP)
• Grant Green - Green Street (1961,2023 BN Tone Poet Series LP)
• Herbie Hancock - Empyrean Isles (1964,2023 VN Classic Series LP)
• Horace Parlan Quintet - Speakin' My Piece (1960,2023 BN Classic Series LP)
• Jackie McLean - Bluesnik (1956,2023 BN Classic Series LP)
• Jerry Garcia & Merl Saunders - Heads & Tails: Volume 1 (2023,Cloudy Blue Splatter LP)
• Jimi Hendrix Experience - Live in Maui (2020,2023 Turquoise Walmart Exclusive LP)
• Jimmy Buffett - Christmas Island (1996,2023 LP)
• JJ Grey & Mofro - Country Ghetto (2007,2023 LP)
• Larry Coryell - Introducing The Eleventh House... (1974,2023 RSD Rainbow Splatter LP)
• Led Zeppelin - IV (1971,2023 Clear LP)
• Luna - Lunapark (1992,2023 Deluxe Numbered 2xLP)
• McCoy Tyner - Extensions (1973,2023 BN Tone Poet Series LP)
• Nazz - Nazz (1968,2023 Purple/Black Splatter LP)
• New Order - Substance (1987,2023 Translucent Blue + Red 2xLP)
• The Pretty Reckless - Other Worlds (2022,2023 LP)
• Queen - Jazz (1978,2023 Target Exclusive Opaque Pink LP)
• Richard Wright - Wet Dream (1978,2023 Blue Marble LP Remix by Steven Wilson)
• Rolling Stones - England's Newest Hitmakers (1964,2023 Amazon Exclusive Teal LP)
• Rolling Stones - El Mocambo 1977 (2022,2023 4xLP)
• Slayer - Repentless (2015,2023 Translucent Red/Black Splatter LP)
• Slint - Spiderland (1991,2023 Opaque Blue LP)
• Snoop Doggy Dogg - Doggystyle (1993,2023 Amazon Black/White Smoke 45rpm 2xLP)
• Stanley Turrentine - Mr. Natural (1980,2023 BN Tone Poet Series LP)
• Steely Dan - Aja (1977,2023 MFSL UHQR AP 45rpm Clear 2xLP)
• Supertramp - Alive in England (2001,2023 Opaque Red 2xLP)
• Thunder - The Thrill of it All (1983,2023 Clear + Pink 2xLP)
• Thunder - Giving the Game Away (1999,2023 Yellow + Green 2xLP)
• Tina Brooks - True Blue (1960,2023 BN Classic Vinyl Series LP)
• Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers - Mojo (2010,2023 Translucent Red 2xLP)
• Tyler, The Creator - Wolf (2013,2023 Neon Pink 2xLP w/Alternate Cover)
• The Who - Who's Next (1971,2023 ARS Half Speed Mastered LP)
• X-Ray Spex - Germfree Adolescents (1978,2023 "Day-Glo" Pink LP)
• Zac Brown Band - Uncaged (2012,2023 Bone White LP)

Not Sure Yet

• Beths - Expert in a Dying Field (2023,Evergreen LP)
• Blur - The Ballad of Darren (2023,Amazon Exclusive Neon Coral LP)
• Chet Baker - Sings and Plays... (1955,2023 BN Tone Poet Series LP)
• Dolly Parton - Rockstar (2023,Amazon Exclusive Opaque Pink 4xLP Box Set)
• Dwarves - The Dwarves Concept Album (2023,LP)
• Easy Star All-Stars - Ziggy Stardub (2023, Translucent Blue LP)
• Foo Fighters - But Here We Are (2023, Opaque White LP)
• Los Tiki Phantoms - Y El Enigma Del Tiempo (2023, Opaque Orange/Black Swirl LP)
• Mötley Crüe - Shout at the Devil (1983,2023 Walmart Red/Black Swirl LP)
• Porcupine Tree - IA/DW/XT (2023,45rpm RSD EP)
• Stöner - Boogie to Baja (2023,LP)

Top 10 2023 Favorite New Releases

• 1. Rolling Stones - Hackney Diamonds (2023, Amazon Exclusive Green LP w/Alternate cover)
• 2. Fleetwood Mac - Rumours Live (2023,"Crystal Clear" Walmart Exclusive 2xLP)
• 3. Ozric Tentacles - Lotus Unfolding (2023, LE Green Marble LP)
• 4. Jimmy Buffett - Equal Strain on All Parts (2023, Key West Blue 2xLP)
• 5. King Gizzard - PetroDragonic Apocalypse... (2023, "Recycled Black Vinyl" 2xLP)
• 6. Steven Wilson - The Harmony Codex (2023,Translucent Orange 2xLP)
• 7. Colter Wall - Little Songs (2023,LP)
• 8. Metallica - 72 Seasons (2023, Target Exclusive Red Swirl 2xLP)
• 9. Aesop Rock - Integrated Tech Solutions (2023,White 2xLP)
• 10. Phish - LP on LP 04: "Ghost" 5/22/00 (2023, Orange Splatter LP)

Special Mention: The Beatles - Now & Then new single!

Top 10 2023 Favorite Reissues

• 1. Chet Baker - Chet Baker Sings (1954,2023 BN Tone Poet Reissue LP)
• 2. Big John Patton - Let 'em Roll (1967,2023 BN Tone Poet LP)
• 3. Blur - Modern Life is Rubbish (1993,2023 Translucent Orange 2xLP)
• 4. Cowboy Junkies - Lay it Down (1996,2023 LP)
• 5. Dave Matthews Band - Before These Crowded Streets (1998,2023 2xLP)
• 6. Abba - The Visitors (1981,2023 ARS Half-speed LP)
• 7. Slint - Spiderland (1991,2023 Opaque Blue LP)
• 8. Earth, Wind & Fire - The Best Vol.1 (1978,2023 Target Exclusive Opaque Red LP)
• 9. Grant Green - Green Street (1961,2023 BN Tone Poet Series LP)
• 10. Camel - Kosei Nenkin Hall, Tokyo, January 27, 1980 (2019, 2023 Blue LP)

Best Sound (Nice Pressing + Great Mastering = Sublime Sound)

• Cake - Comfort Eagle (2001,2023 RM LP)
• Dope Lemon - Kimosabè (2023, "Sea Blue" LP)
• Haken - Fauna (2023,2xLP)
• Horace Parlan Quintet - Speakin' My Piece (1960,2023 BN Classic Series LP)
• Steely Dan - Aja (1977,2023 MFSL UHQR AP 45rpm Clear 2xLP)

Special note: Most of the 2023 Blue Note Tone Poet and Classic Vinyl series of vintage jazz recordings mastered by Kevin Gray. These all-analog pressings are manufactured at RTI and are reliably flat and quiet.

Favorite 4.0 / 5.1 Multichannel

• Ten Years After - A Space in Time [SDE Surround Series] (1971, 2023 Atmos + 5.1 BDA)

Favorite Color Vinyl

• Blur - The Ballad of Darren (2023,Amazon Exclusive Neon Coral LP)
• Jerry Garcia & Merl Saunders - Heads & Tails: Volume 1 (2023,Cloudy Blue Splatter LP)
• Larry Coryell - Introducing The Eleventh House... (1974,2023 RSD Rainbow Splatter LP)
• Los Tiki Phantoms - Y El Enigma Del Tiempo (2023, Opaque Orange/Black Swirl LP)
• Nazz - Nazz (1968,2023 Purple/Black Splatter LP)
• Phish - Farmhouse (2000,2023 RM "Stars So Bright" Splattered 2xLP)
• Rodrigo y Gabriela - Rodrigo y Gabriela (2006,2024 "Crocodile Green" Swirl Deluxe 2xLP)
• Tha God Fahim - Tha Supreme Hoarder of All Pristine Wealth (2023,Gold Swirl LP)*

Favorite Cover Art

• Aesop Rock - Integrated Tech Solutions (2023,Opaque Orange 2xLP + Lighted Cover)
• Blur - The Ballad of Darren (2023,Amazon Exclusive Neon Coral LP)
• Cowboy Junkies - Such Ferocious Beauty (2023,Translucent Green LP)
• Dolly Parton - Rockstar (2023,Target Exclusive 4xLP Box Set)
• Dwarves - Concept Album (2023,LP)
• Fly Anakin - Skinemaxxx (2023,LP w/Hologram Giraffe Cover)*
• Haken - Fauna (2023, 2xLP)
• Handsome Family - Hollow (2023,LP)
• Holly Amber Church - Tiki Lounge TV Themes (2023,Opaque Red EP)
• King Gizzard - PetroDragonic Apocalypse... (2023,"Recycled" Black Vinyl 2xLP)
• Los Tiki Phantoms - Y El Enigma Del Tiempo (2023, Opaque Orange/Black Swirl LP)
• Ozric Tentacles - Lotus Unfolding (2023, LE Green Marble LP)
• Rolling Stones - Hackney Diamonds (2023,LE Green Amazon LP w/Alternate Cover)
• Rolling Stones - El Mocambo 1977 (2022,2023 4xLP)
• Stöner - Boogie to Baja (2023,EP)
• Thundercat / Tame Impala - No More Lies (2023,Single Orange 45rpm w/reverse side screenprint)
• The Tikiyaki Orchestra - Tropika (2023,Opaque Purple LP)
• Tyler the Creator - Wolf (2013,2023 Pink 2xLP w/Alternate Cover Art)
• Zac Brown Band - Uncaged (2012,2023 Bone White LP)

Worst Cover Art

• The Beatles - Now and Then (2023,12" Single)
• Foo Fighters - But Here We Are (2023, Opaque White LP) - the worst ever!

Presentation Standouts

• Aesop Rock - Integrated Tech Solutions (2023,LP w/USB flashing lights cover)
• Steely Dan - Aja (1977,2023 MFSL UHQR AP 45rpm Clear 2xLP)

Disappointments

• Black Pumas - Chronicles of a Diamond (2023, Amazon Gold Butterfly Splatter LP)
• Dengue Fever - Ting Mong (2023,LP)
• Gorillaz - Cracker Island (2023,Magenta LP) - Side A rocks! Side B sucks ass. ***
• The Handsome Family - Hollow (2023,LP) - Have insomnia? Play this.
• Jonathan Wilson - Eat the Worm (2023) - Boring and practically unlistenable.
• Roger Waters - DSOTM Redux (2023) - Roger should read Ryan Holiday's book, "Ego is the Enemy." A waste of everyone's time.
• Royal Blood - Back to the Water Below (2023) - Mind-numbing.

Bad Pressings and Other Annoyances

• Ann-Margret - Born to Be Wild (2023,LP); Not necessarily a bad pressing, but a bad voice!
• King Gizzard - PetroDragonic Apocalypse... (2023, "Recycled Black Vinyl" 2xLP); One of the best records of 2023, but unfortunately it ends in disappointment. Why the decision to throw in a narrated track for the final side? No music. Listed as a "bonus track," but what they really meant was "filler." Yawn. Skip it.
• Madlib - Shades of Blue: Madlib Invades Blue Note (2023,BN Classic Vinyl Series). Blue note blew it here. No need for a repress. Too much talking between tracks. Yawn. Returned. First one of this series I hated.
• Thunder - Shooting at the Sun (2003,2023 Red + Purple 2xLP); Tried ordering twice from Amazon and they keep sending "Giving the Game Away" not sure if I will ever obtain this pressing!

Something Good!

• Band signed copy of Cowboy Junkies - Such Ferocious Beauty (2023,Translucent Green LP) found at Zia Records in Las Vegas June 2023

In Concert

• Brant Bjork / Fatso Jetson (Transplants Brewing Company, Palmdale, CA 7.08.23) w/Ian
• Built to Spill (Belly Up Tavern, Solana Beach, CA 11.17.23) w/Ian

In Memorium 2023

• Astrud Gilberto
• Burt Bacharach
• Robbie Bachman (BTO)
• Fred White (Earth, Wind & Fire)
• Harry Belafonte
• Jane Birkin
• Jeff Beck
• JIMMY BUFFETT
• Van Conner (Screaming Trees)
• David Crosby
• Gary Rossington (Lynyrd Skynyrd)
• Gary Wright
• George Tickner (Journey)
• George Winston
• Lasse Wellander (ABBA)
• Gordon Lightfoot
• David Lindley
• Otis Redding III
• Lisa Marie Presley
• Robbie Robertson (The Band)
• Sinéad O'Connor
• Sixto Rodriguez
• Wayne Shorter
• Tina Turner
• Tom Verlaine (Television)
• Roger Whittaker
• Tony Bennett
• Wayne Shorter