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What’s up Sorry State readers and Happy New Year. I hope everyone had a nice holiday season and a good start to the new year. I can’t believe it’s already 2024. I feel like the last half of this past year really just flew by, but I’m sure I’m not alone in feeling that way. 2023 was a great year of music for me between a ton of amazing live shows, new releases, and some great reissues too. I don’t think I’ve ever consumed more music in any year than I did in 2023. Here’s hoping there’s even more in 2024! Today, I’d like to highlight some titles that came out last year that I really enjoyed, some brand new and like I mentioned earlier, some reissues of older material. In no particular order, here are some of my favorites from 2023:
Delco MF’s - 100% Complete and Total Motherfuckers 12"
This record is a collection of the first year of material from Delco MF’s and what a great year it was. Every track on here is ripping, but what really solidified this as a favorite of mine was seeing them destroy their set at the Sorry State 10th Anniversary fest. No beer can was safe. If you haven’t already checked this one out, do yourself a favor and hop on it.
Tožibabe - Discography 1984-1986 12”
As you may gather from the title, this record compiles material released by the band between the years ‘84 -’86 as well as some recordings of live performances that honestly sound pretty good for what they are. This is a prime example of why I feel so lucky to have a job where I get to learn about so much different music and branch out. Without working at Sorry State, I probably never would have discovered an 80s all-female hardcore band from Yugoslavia on my own. I love this record though and I find myself wanting to run it back from the top whenever it’s finished.
Ida E Os Voltas - Demo 1986 12”
Another 80s banger, this one comes out of Brazil this time. This record features the only recordings of the short-lived post punk band on vinyl for the first time. This record is just so catchy and fun to listen to the whole way through. Warning: These songs will get stuck in your head.
Haunted Mansion - S/T 7”
Okay, how about something that actually came out this year. This thing is short, sweet and to the point at four songs. Favorite track on here is Your House is Mine. Not for the faint of heart if the sounds of a spooky haunted house and witches cackling scare you.
People’s Temple - I’m With The People’s Temple 7"
I am fully with the People’s Temple out of Brooklyn. There’s some seriously catchy guitar riffs all throughout the jam-packed eight track 7”. I’ve enjoyed revisiting this one throughout the year, as it came out in February. Only you can decide which side you stand on with this band. Hopefully you don’t share the same sentiments as the gentleman at the beginning of the track Nuclear War Obsession.
Frantix - My Dad’s A Fuckin’ Alcoholic 7”
Disclaimer: My dad isn’t a fuckin alcoholic but I’ve been around enough alcoholic dads to enjoy this one. Sometimes music can just be dumb and fun and forty years after this originally came out, it’s still just as fun to listen to. Plus, how can you not like that cover art?
Legal Weapon - Death Of Innocence 12”
I’m looking at this now and I actually think this reissue came out in ‘22 and not ‘23. Maybe it came out closer to the end of ‘22? Regardless, it’s close enough, and I listened to it a lot this year, so we’re gonna roll with it. Pretty sure everyone here at Sorry State is a big fan of this record, so I’m sure anyone reading this is familiar. There’s really nothing not to love about this one.
Gram Parsons and the Fallen Angels - The Last Roundup (Live From The Bijou Café In Philadelphia, 3/16/73) 12"
I just wrote about this one for my last staff pick so I don’t have too much else to say about it that I didn’t already say there. Of course, I had to sneak this into my end of the year list amongst a sea of punk. If you get the chance to, listen to this incredible live show. It just might save your soul punk.
Various - Screaming Death 12"
Holy smokes! What more can you ask for than four ripping bands kickin ass all over twelve inches? Always one of my go-to’s when someone comes into the store saying they wanna listen to some new shit. Maybe I’m biased cause the always-gnarly Scarecrow is featured on here with four pummeling tracks, but don’t get it twisted, every other band on here (Destruct, Rat Cage, Dissekerad) brings their A-game, which culminates in one incredible project from start to finish.
Meat House - S/T 12”
I had to get one Sorry State release in here, and I’m sure it’s one you all know and love. Hardcore noise to melt your face, delivered to you at blistering speeds. If you don’t like it, keep it to yourself, nerd.