On average, with almost one volume of LEM every week, we have calculated that we introduce you to about 420 new releases every year. All of the releases you hear are of course, the best. As it’s impossible to squeeze that many cuts into a one hour show for this final show of 2023 we have selected some of the most-played cuts on the LE gramophone at LE Tower. This could be considered a playlist of the music that touched us over the past year and as you’ll hear, almost every cut is emotive – yes, it’s been one of those years.

Crooks & Nannies – No Fun

From the reverse tape sound at the beginning of No Fun, Sam Huntington and Max Rafter as Crooks & Nannies make it clear they know how to set the mood for a seemingly gentle song that evolves into a dark pronouncement. This first-rate duo from Philadelphia clearly knows how to stir a reaction with passionate creativity, plus they say “We make Rock ’n’ Roll!” I agree, do check out their earlier releases.

Rozi Plain – Complicated

Beautifully restrained, Complicated is from the album, Prize by Rozy Plain out of Bristol in The UK’s west country. This enjoyable album was released at the beginning of 2023 on the always consistent Memphis Industries imprint. Rosalind Leydon is Rozy Plain, this talented artist makes lovely, carefully arraigned music.

Kylie V – Runaway

From the creative hub of Vancouver, British Columbia, Kylie Van Slyke says Runaway is overemotional. Maybe that’s why I like this cut so much, along with the smart hooks Kylie V has employed. Kylie proves they can craft a deliciously sad, yet optimistic love song. Nothing overemotional about that. Perfectly observed. Here is an artist to keep a watchful eye on.

Personnel – Leave Me Behind

I like what Personnel are doing and so should you. From the very opening of Leave Me Behind you know you are in for a treat. Robbie Defacto’s synth-work and effects bank along with Trixy Skulz alluring vocals result in a somewhat familiar coda yet at the same time completely brand new. After numerous repeat plays, I still want to hear this cut again and again. I can imagine deejaying in a club, late at night seguing Leave Me Behind into or out of Human League’s Don’t You Want Me. Dazzling!

SND & RTN (ft. Tenor Youthman) – Whitney Houston

Ah, yes, a Whitney Houston is a blissful example of Deep Dub Techno on Echo Ltd out of Rotterdam, Netherlands. Top-notch production here. Play this one as the party is slowing down, then, flip the disc over to extend the dance as bodies meld together while the seductive Dub version’s bass and congos work their magic.

Mui Zyu – Rotton Bun

This is the work of Hong Kong-British artist Eva Liu who utilizes chopped-up soundscapes, delicate industrial ambience and sweet pop melodies to full effect on her album, Rotten Bun For An Eggless Century. So much to comprehend here, after the third break/bridge the song goes into yet another direction. Gorgeous, you must check this album out.

Brittain Ashford – Slow Talk

Singing about the painful realization of the death  of a friend, a lover or a parent is not a task any songwriter would welcome. Brooklyn-based Brittain Ashford says her album, Trotter is centered around “finality and making regrettable decisions”. With Slow Talk, Brittain reflects on the death of her father. Despite that I shed a tear on each repeated play of this potent song, I return to Slow Talk often. The other songs on Trotter are equally wrapped in poignant music and words, especially on Saints Of The Coast. An exceptional collection.

Loraine James – Speechless (ft. George Riley)

And then comes, Loraine James with Speechless  from her recent LP, Gentle Confrontation. Since her very first release I have been championing this creative talent from North London. Curiously, I expected that at some point, Loraine would step forth with a tender, personal work. She says, “This is the record a teenage Loraine would like to have made, with musical tendencies that reflect that time, too. It’s a positively languid, enjoyably disjointed set made while listening to her teenage favorites: math rock and emo-electronic”. Loraine James is special, she makes unique music. You are encouraged to explore her past releases on the Hyperdyb imprint.

Fatima Al Qadiri – Fidetik (I Lay Down My Life)

It really doesn’t matter what language you choose to sing about love in. The passion, the emotion always comes through.Ruminating on the subject of unrequited love, arguably the most common theme in Arabic music past and present. Kuwaiti musician Fatima Al Qadiri with fellow Kuwaiti vocalist Gumar give us, Fidetik (I Lay Down My Life) from a four track EP, also titled Gumar which is Arabic means moon. A large tip of the hat for the splendid sleeve artwork. Plus, make sure you check out Fatima’s website.

Squirrel Flower – When The Plant Is Dying

Ella Williams as Squirrel Flower has always communicated a strong sense of place. Her new LP, Tomorrow’s Fire is quite simply, magnificent. When The Plant Is Dying is an example of superb music from an exceptional talent. I do hope “so-called” alternative radio programmers pay attention to Squirrel Flower. This is music that deserves to be heard by a wide variety of music-lovers. Everything you need is here, important lyrics, essential scorching guitars from Mikey Jordan Lenderman and damn wonderful production. 

Deary – Beauty In All Blue Satin

Dottie and Ben who are Dearie caught my attention at the beginning of 2023 with the release of their debut single, Fairground. At the time I said here was a duo to watch out for. Now with the release of their mini album I’m yet again prompting you to give Deary a moment of your time if you haven’t already. Everything is so right with their music, also I hear from friend in the UK that their live sows are brilliant. Will 2023 see them coming stateside, I wonder? Hopefully that pans out. Perfectly perfect!

Lina K.O. – Two-Player Mode

Here we have music with such an endearing quality. I have no idea if that was the intention, but Lina’s lyrics are honestly revealing – “Your calloused feet scraping me under the sheets. I can’t sleep so I’ll keep bleeding. When the sun punches in after my graveyard shift I’ll get some peace, but I’ll still miss it”. If vulnerable were a genre, Lina has it down. I’m impressed, and you should be too. Lina K.O. has a lovely, minimalist video to accompany this cut, plus the sleeve photo by Kirsten Eleanor Showe is superb.

Semi Precious – The Weight

I discovered Semi Precious late in 2023, although he has had releases out for some while. This is the compelling music of South London singer-musician-producer and creator lo-fi minimalist bedroom pop, Guy Baron. The EP, Sun Is Out blurs the boundaries between memory, fantasy, longing and loss. I’m intrigued by Guy’s intricately crafted productions. A conversation with Guy Baron is in the works.

There are so many other releases of 2023 that deserve your attention and must be considered the best, after all we included them in our shows. Big sincere thanks to everyone who worked hard to produce excellent music and sent us samples in 2023. Plus, a special mention to some favorite people who consistently send us quality releases, Alex over at Blackjack Illuminist Records, Nico at Shoredive Records, Jez at Mammal Sounds, James at Hand Drawn Dracula, Nick Clift, Robert Vickers, Shauna McLarmon at Shameless and many more artists, labels and PR people. A Very Splendid Happy New Year To All!

Artwork by Norman B. “A partial view of the gallery at LE Studio” 2023 35” x 35” digital print on archival paper. Courtesy of Norman B’s collection