In each of her songs, she starts as a princess and finds herself, supercalifragilisticexpialidociously, a frog.

 This is the time of Poet’s Tooth. Thus, here is one of the four best albums of 2023.

Tele Novella’s 'Poet’s Tooth' is a richly textured indie rock album from Austin duo Natalie Ribbons and Jason Chronis. Blending alt country, neo-psychedelia, and folk influences, the 10-track, 35-minute album features vintage instrumentation and heartfelt vocals. Praised for its poetic approach and evocative mood, it represents one of the standout releases of 2023. Produced by Danny Reisch, the record offers nostalgic and theatrical storytelling with a graceful, mellow sound. Listen to Tele Novella’s Poet’s Tooth now and discover one of 2023’s best indie rock albums!

 …What a track, folks. It may have arrived past its time, but I find the same root from which Joy Division and post-punk took shape.

 In short, a very successful album where there isn’t a single song you wouldn’t play for your girlfriend...

The review reflects on Deerhunter's 2010 album Halcyon Digest as a cohesive and inspired shoegaze/noise pop record that stands out despite modern music trends. The reviewer highlights the memorable track 'Desire Lines' and compares the album favorably to other works. Emphasizing consistent musical quality, the album is recommended for fans of post-punk and atmospheric indie rock. Dive into Deerhunter's Halcyon Digest and discover a shoegaze classic that stands the test of time.

 One can lose themselves, one can find themselves in these pieces.

 I wouldn’t have bet anything on Alpha Mike Foxtrot: Rare Tracks 1994-2014, but, in good measure, I can no longer do without it.

Alpha Mike Foxtrot is a richly rewarding four-disc collection spanning 20 years of Wilco’s rare and unreleased tracks. The album blends alternative country, experimental folk, and rock with live performances, demos, and collaborations. It highlights Jeff Tweedy’s poetic and inventive musicianship, delivering both intimate and energetic moments. Overall, the review praises the collection’s artistic depth and the band’s continued creativity. Explore Wilco’s rarest gems in Alpha Mike Foxtrot and experience the evolution of an alternative rock legend.

 The notes of a guitar illuminate the shadows and make them less frightening.

 Centralia is a small town in Pennsylvania... the fire has been burning underground since the 60s.

This review reflects an emotional connection with Norfolk & Western's album 'Centralia,' inspired by the haunted Pennsylvania town. The country-folk melodies illuminate shadows of nostalgia and melancholy. The reviewer shares personal memories tied to the band and the album's poetic storytelling. The music evokes hope amidst darkness and fading places. Discover the haunting beauty of Norfolk & Western's 'Centralia'—listen to the album and immerse yourself in a story of fire, loss, and hope.

 It’s a record very much a child of the ’70s. But with sprinkles of country, a falsetto that pairs well with Bon Iver, and a warm and enveloping horn section that feels like the first sweater after summer.

 10 tracks for about half an hour of music. Short songs without choruses repeated until death. They say what they have to say and then move on to the next track. Like music should do.

Whitney's Forever Turned Around is a warm, 70s-inspired indie folk album rooted in Chicago's rich musical heritage. The record features short, honest songs with catchy falsettos and a comforting horn section. While not as iconic as some Chicago legends, the album stands out for its balanced dynamics and accessible style, offering listeners a sunny and sensitive musical experience. Listen to Whitney's Forever Turned Around and experience a warm, heartfelt indie folk journey from Chicago.

 "Why You So Crazy" is a very important album for the Dandy Warhols.

 An extremely schizophrenic, interesting, and courageous album... a band that has survived twenty-five years of storms and still has no intention of giving up without a fight.

Why You So Crazy celebrates The Dandy Warhols’ 25 years with a bold and eclectic mix of styles, revealing their continued artistic freedom. Moving away from mainstream hits, the album embraces schizophrenic shifts in sound, from industrial to trip-hop and classical piano. It’s a courageous return reminiscent of their best experimental works, proving the band’s resilience and willingness to innovate. Highlights include the single Be Alright and the majestic Ondine. Dive into The Dandy Warhols' vibrant and fearless album Why You So Crazy—listen now and experience their bold musical evolution!

 "'Don't Skip Out On Me' is an entirely instrumental work, containing 16 country western ballads played with acoustic guitars, bass, drums, steel guitars, and harmonica."

 "It is a story of people alone with themselves, seeking their identity in a world that oppresses and ignores them."

Richmond Fontaine's album 'Don't Skip Out On Me' serves as a thoughtful instrumental soundtrack companion to Willy Vlautin's novel of the same name. It explores themes of identity, struggle, and the harsh reality of life in America through 16 emotive country western ballads. The album marks a poignant farewell from the band, combining literary depth with rich musical storytelling. Listen to Richmond Fontaine's evocative final album and dive into the powerful story behind the music.

 "The Thread That Keeps Us is indeed an ugly album or - worse - harmless."

 "In the end the listener will only be able to take this album and throw it out the window. What a pity."

Calexico's 2018 album 'The Thread That Keeps Us' is a significant letdown after previous innovative works. Although some tracks show brief inspiration with desert and Latin influences, the majority of the album falls into uninspired pop-rock territory. The change in recording location and attempts to vary their sound do not rescue the album from boring and forgettable results. Fans expecting the band's earlier unique fusion styles will likely be disappointed. Discover why Calexico's latest effort missed the mark—read the full review and listen to decide for yourself.

 "While you fly beside me you will discover my weakness / I am not fighting for your freedom / I am fighting to be wise."

 "The apparent halt of life is a cell of existence itself. To meet the freedom of a new genesis. And to bet on life once more."

Neko Case’s album blends sorrow and strength as she processes deep personal loss. Featuring rich arrangements and notable collaborations, it moves beyond alt-country into cohesive alternative folk-rock. The songwriting is emotionally raw yet elegant, capturing vulnerability and resilience. Powerful vocals and diverse instrumentation highlight a spiritual and creative journey toward healing and renewal. Listen to Neko Case's heartfelt album and experience a powerful journey through grief and resilience.

 "Case’s voice, so natural, bold, and poignant, capable of a strong song, in extension and height, as well as elegiac sweetness."

 "It is probably the best starting point to venture into the work of the Virginia singer-songwriter, always seeking a renewed balance between roots inspiration and indie adherence."

Neko Case's Blacklisted is a richly crafted alt-country album blending folk, blues, and soul influences. Her bold, natural voice conveys both power and elegance through meditative and mysterious compositions. Backed by collaborations with Giant Sand and Calexico members, the album explores dark themes with deep emotional resonance. Standout tracks include her haunting rendition of 'Runnin' Out Of Fools' and the sinister 'Deep Red Bells.' This 2002 release marks a pivotal moment in Case's career, highlighting her unique balance of roots and indie influences. Listen to Neko Case's Blacklisted to experience an unforgettable journey through haunting alt-country and poetic storytelling.

 If nowadays a singer-songwriter album (even if American) can still make sense, it is thanks to works like this.

 This way, it avoids the pitfalls of repetitiveness and, even without changing the course of rock history, manages to produce an enjoyable and not trivial album.

This review highlights the album 'Lotta Sea Lice' by Courtney Barnett and Kurt Vile as a successful example of modern singer-songwriter music. The album blends folk and alternative guitar work with alternating male and female vocals. It offers a fresh take on simple guitar-and-voice songs, avoiding repetitiveness. While not revolutionary, it is enjoyable and crafted with class and talent. Discover the unique blend of voices and guitars in Lotta Sea Lice – listen now and experience this captivating collaboration!

 Not coincidentally, I referred to soundtracks a little while ago; in fact, the "Morricone-inspired" "Gypsy’s Curse" introduces us to this lysergic fiesta.

 Whether used as "musical wallpaper" or given a close listen, this "The Black Light" will not disappoint anyone.

Calexico's The Black Light captures the spirit of Imperial County through a cinematic blend of alternative country and Tex-Mex. The album shines with atmospheric instrumentals and evocative melodies reminiscent of Morricone soundtracks. Vocal performances by Joey Burns are subtle yet effective. Standout tracks like "Missing" and "Bloodflow" highlight the album's emotional depth. Overall, it's a captivating auditory experience suitable for attentive listening or background ambiance. Dive into The Black Light and experience Calexico's cinematic blend of alternative country and Tex-Mex magic today!

 David Eugene Edwards has produced some of the most seminal, heartfelt, and inspired works of the 'dark country' of the last 15 years.

 Each of his records must be savored in all its minimal inflections and variations, discovering each time new influences and small details that seemed to have escaped on a first listen.

Wovenhand's ninth studio album, Star Treatment, continues David Eugene Edwards' tradition of blending dark country with hard and psychedelic rock. The album showcases a furious yet evocative sound marked by messianic and spiritual themes. Known for complex songwriting and rich atmospheres, Star Treatment impresses with its epic strength and depth. Edwards maintains his unique position in alternative music by evolving his sound while preserving his distinctive style. Dive into Wovenhand's Star Treatment and experience a powerful blend of dark country and psychedelic hard rock—listen now!

 Nikki personally wrote all ten songs on the album, which immediately received a good response in the USA.

 Upon re-listening, in the arrangements and vocal nuances of our singer-songwriter, I found several interesting elements that ultimately made me like it.

Highway Queen by Nikki Lane embraces the outlaw country tradition with modern touches and heartfelt songwriting. Produced alongside Jonathan Tyler, the album balances classic country-western with folk ballads. While initially not immediately captivating, repeated listening reveals musical nuances that reward fans of American roots music. The review positions the album as suitable for listeners seeking an accessible, sincere country experience without heavy intellectual pretensions. Discover Nikki Lane’s Highway Queen and experience the fresh spirit of outlaw country with heartfelt songwriting—listen now!

 "Margo blends sensuality and innocence, purity and maturity, warmth and coolness."

 "The record has a precise lyrical theme, which is that of love found, lost, and betrayed, the journey of the black-eyed man, a persecuted man, faceless, nameless."

Cowboy Junkies' fourth album, Black Eyed Man, marks a shift towards a more vivid, character-driven sound blending country, blues, and folk. Inspired by Flannery O'Connor's vision of concrete relationships and mystery, the album explores themes of love, betrayal, and redemption. Margo Timmins' ethereal voice and Michael Timmins' personal songwriting enhance this evocative work. The album stands as a significant contribution to alternative country and slowcore styles. Discover the haunting tales and soulful soundscapes of Cowboy Junkies' Black Eyed Man—listen now and experience their evocative alternative country journey.

 Kurt Wagner leads a group of musicians...to rediscover and rethink rural music.

 'Soaky In The Pooper,' an early masterpiece, now a classic... the (difficult) theme is suicide in a bathtub.

Lambchop’s 1994 debut album 'I Hope You're Sitting Down (aka Jack's Tulips)' showcases Kurt Wagner’s distinctive blend of country, soul, muffled jazz, and avant-garde noise. With a large ensemble and diverse instrumentation, the album presents lush yet airy arrangements alongside surreal and ironic lyrics. Wagner’s phlegmatic, magnetic voice ties together intimate reflections and darker themes with poetic nuance. Highlights include tracks like 'Soaky In The Pooper,' a haunting meditation on suicide. Overall, the album establishes Lambchop's unique style and is praised for its consistent quality and emotional depth. Dive into Lambchop’s groundbreaking debut and experience a unique blend of country, soul, and experimental sounds today.

 Her vocal range knows no bounds, it’s astonishing.

 In 'Fox Confessors Brings The Flood' lies, in a state of half-sleep, a small masterpiece.

Neko Case's 2006 album 'Fox Confessor Brings the Flood' is praised as a small masterpiece blending alt-country with alternative pop/rock. Her exceptional and versatile vocal range shines throughout, supported by accomplished musicianship. The album's twelve tracks balance intimacy and expression, with poetic storytelling and rich soundscapes. It marks an evolution from her previous work, polished yet emotionally compelling. Listen to Neko Case’s Fox Confessor Brings the Flood to experience a vocal and alt-country gem!

 A maybe rotten but sincere smile is worth much more than a thousand twisted words.

 Semi-acoustic sounds relax on a veranda under the sun. Alcohol, drowsy melodies, and uneven tempos.

Souled American's 'Around the Horn' is a slowcore, semi-acoustic album that captures rustic and melancholic moods through minimalistic melodies and uneven tempos. The review highlights its simplicity and honest emotional expression, evoking imagery of relaxed evenings and heartfelt moments. Despite its rough edges, the album charms with sincerity and subtle beauty. Listen to Souled American's 'Around the Horn' for a hauntingly beautiful slowcore experience full of rustic charm and heartfelt melodies.

 His songs are somehow scenic and engaging representations and have that magical power to drag the listener inside these structures set up by what at this point I want to define more as a storyteller than a singer-songwriter.

 The trilogy is a tribute to what he himself defines as his way of feeling and conceiving the idea of 'home', something he considers the most precious thing he possesses and an emotional heritage he is absolutely determined to preserve.

Tom Brosseau’s album 'North Dakota Impressions' completes a heartfelt trilogy rooted in his hometown memories. The music balances Americana and folk influences without leaning into rustic clichés. Brosseau’s storytelling crafts vivid, emotional scenes of home, nostalgia, and hope. Collaborations with producer Sean Watkins enhance the album's authentic and polished sound. Overall, the album is a refined tribute to personal history and place. Discover Tom Brosseau’s evocative journey through home and memory—listen to 'North Dakota Impressions' now!

 DEE delivered the most visceral, powerful, and "metallic" effort of his career.

 "Obdurate Obscura" is pure ancestral epicity.

Refractory Obdurate by Woven Hand showcases David Eugene Edwards' matured songwriting with a powerful, guitar-driven sound. Diverging from past works, the album blends folk and gothic elements with a metallic edge. Though less evocative than some previous albums, it remains a compelling and inspired artistic effort. Standout tracks include 'Obdurate Obscura' and 'Salome.' Dive into Woven Hand's Refractory Obdurate and experience David Eugene Edwards' powerful blend of dark folk and metallic rock!