Summer's Best Listens, 2023

Hi, readers! As I sit down to write this, I see the red Roosevelt Island shuttle drive over the Queensboro Bridge, reminding me that summer (and easily getting off this island) has ended. Since the F train has been shut down for a long stint of maintenance, I've picked up an annual CitiBike membership, which pairs well with my penchant for listening to albums front-to-back.

So, in commemoration and reflection, as the sun begins to set before 7PM, I've compiled a list of my top musical consumptions from sweltering months gone by. Here's my list of the best listens of Summer 2023!

Modjo - Modjo (2001)

Genres: French house, nu-disco, dance

You've probably heard 'Lady (Hear Me Tonight),' but have you heard 'Music Takes You Back' and 'Chillin''? Furthermore, have you heard a mix of 'Lady' and Daft Punk's 'One More Time' at the Box (read: somewhere you might get ketchup sprayed on your nice white shirt)?

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POiSON GiRL FRiEND - MELTING MOMENT (1992)

Genres: Dreampop, atmospheric, art pop

The string arrangement on "HARDLY EVER SMILE(without you)" is simply sublime.

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Arca - KiCK i (2020)

Genres: Avant-pop, electronic, deconstructed club

Before this album, my only encounter with Arca was through their production work on Bjork's Vulnicura, which contains one of my favorite tracks of all time -- "Stonemilker". Arca's music is an acquired taste, characterized by its frenetic and experimental nature. "Time" reminds me of the wisftulness of "History of Touches" from Vulnicura, while "Riquiqui" stands out as a unique experiment, with Arca collaborating with an AI startup to produce 100 alternative versions of the track, each featuring distinct arrangements and beats.

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Christine and the Queens - Tears can be so soft (2023)

Genres: French pop, synthpop, electropop

I must confess, I haven't quite managed to sit through this entire album. Nevertheless, "Tears can be so soft" is one my favorite tracks of the year; I've never encountered something that makes descriptions of loss seem so empowering. With Mike Dean (of Kanye West fame) taking on a prominent role in the production, the album boasts a rich sonic landscape characterized by resonant basslines, warm synths, and dynamic range.

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Amaarae - Fountain Baby (2023)

Genres: Afrobeats, R&B, pop

Album of the year! Imagine the vocal baby of Kate Bush's early years and Doja Cat, fused with captivating live instrumentation and a sprinkle of queer, and you have Fountain Baby. Tracks like 'Disguise,' 'Angels in Tibet,' and 'Sex, Violence, Suicide' are personal favorites.

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808 State - ex:el (1991)

Genres: Acid house, sound collage, techno

This album solved my month-long quest to unearth music reminiscent of an early Tekken soundtrack. Its raw energy and live instrumentation, coupled with vocal samples like "Big and strong like a lion!" make it a refreshing departure from the typical electropop soundscape of the 2010s and 20s. Standout tracks include 'Empire,' 'Leo Leo,' and the great opener 'San Francisco.'

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Allison Goldfrapp - The Love Invention (2023)

Genre: Synth disco

Sultry synth-pop that evokes the feeling of emerging from the West Fourth Street subway station after-hours on a Thursday. Personal favorites from this album include 'Gatto Gelato' and 'Love Invention.'

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Daft Punk - Discovery (2001)

Genres: French house, nu-disco, dance

Dear friend Anna put me on to this album. Much like how most have probably heard "Hung Up" from Madonna's Confessions on a Dance Floor, most have likely encountered Discovery's most famous single, "One More Time". Other tracks like 'Face to Face' and 'Aerodynamic' are also standouts.

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Troye Sivan - Rush (2023)

Genres: House, dance, pop

When I first listened to Rush, I immediately drew sonic comparisons to one of my all-time favorite songs, Fleetwood Mac's Big Love. I also really liked the choreography in this song's accompanying music video.