Back by popular demand (my sister replying to my Instagram story and telling me to go for it), the blog has being resurrected for yet another unoriginal annual favourites post.

2023 has been crazy. I believe it’s been one of the most pivotal years of my life in a long time – Emmels has really put herself through it guys. But God have I made some incredible memories.

Alongside spending a lot (probably too much) time out and about, I have managed to consume some culture and collate a list of faves to share. So here we go…

Book of the year

I actually read this way back in January, my first book of the year, and it remains unchallenged as the one that has affected me the most.

In all honesty, I knew very little about Nick Cave and his music before reading this. I was more versed on his wife and her amazing ‘The Vampire’s Wife’ label. But after reading this, I fell in love with Cave’s mind and went on to devour his back catalogue of music.

What stood out the most is his reflections on grief and love, as well as his songwriting process, the latter of which has aided me on my own journey this year.

The interview-style format of this book makes it easy to get through – although I’d recommend pausing after each chapter as its heavy content is better served with time to digest.

Song of the year

This song and this band, truly broke my musical rut. I’ve become that guy who reverts to their comfort artists and albums time and time again. Unable to commit the brain power to explore new music, or step out of my comfort zone of the songs of which I know every drum beat or ad-lib, I skim Spotify on autopilot selecting ‘Daily Mix’ after ‘Daily Mix’. It’s a safe place, but not a very exciting one.

The Last Dinner Party’s music is an enigmatic tapestry of rock, folk, classical and pop – weaving in the whimsical, the sensual, the heroic, and everything in between.

I feel powerful and deliciously feminine when I listen to them. Ready to battle for my rights and my heart, in a renaissance dress and with roses in my hair. It’s fucking beautiful basically. Listen, now.

Side note, their newest track ‘On your side’, is fast-becoming my favourite – so definitely check that one out too and imagine yourself barefoot in marshland slow dancing with a rugged lover.

Film of the year

I’ve not chosen Barbie. Get over it. Barbie was class, and the soundtrack is obviously pink perfection (once a Charli XCX stan, always a Charli XCX stan). But for personal impact, I’ve got to give it to this indie sleaze time capsule that made me fall in love with this music and aesthetic all over again. It also led to a lot of hot dreams about Julian Casablancas, but besides the point.

I was drunk on Nostalgia watching this film (despite never having been to New York and being a small child for the majority of the era).

Alongside the beautifully documented music and scene itself, one of the most interesting journeys captured is the shift in technology throughout this late 90s/early 00s and the role that played in music and celebrity. From stapling posters on ever lampost, to email promotion and eventual invention of social media and blogs. The devastating fall of the Twin Towers is covered also, in reference to its impact on those in the scene and New Yorkers on a large.

If you love The Strokes, The Moldy Peaches, LCD Soundsystem, Yeah Yeah Yeahs etc.  – watch this docufilm now.

Gig of the year

I’ve been incredibly lucky enough to have gone to 28 (?!) gigs this year. I keep a list as it’s nice to look back on, and remind myself where all my money went.

This category hosts my only tie, and I’ve chosed two quite different live music events as they both meant a lot for different reasons.

Firstly, CVC are a band I discovered last year, having wandered into the tent they were playing at about midday at Leeds fest last year. Their album ‘Get Real’ came out this year, and I’ve had it on non-stop, but seeing them live is really something else. I saw them at The Cluny in April, then again in July at Third Man Records in London. But seeing them a final time this year at Newcastle’s the Grove in Early December was incredibly special. Pure joy radiated of the band as they were playing for the sets entirety, and I didn’t stop dancing all night.

They’re all so fucking talented and the tunes make you feel so good, I don’t know what else to say other than if you get a chance to see them, do please.

Secondly, the long time loves – AM. Seeing Arctic Monkeys in Belfast in October was lucky number 7 for me. The seventh time seeing them live, but undoubtedly the most special. I was the closest physically I’ve ever been to them, but it resonated the most it ever has emotionally too. The setlist spanned the eras, and took me on a glorious trip down memory lane and back again.

I know not every one is a big fan of ‘The Car’, it’s certainly not my favourite AM album (that’s Humbug, fight me), but the best tracks on the LP pretty perfect if you ask me. Body Paint, Sculptures of Anything Goes and There’d Better be a Mirrorball all now sit firmly in my top 10 Arctic Monkeys tracks of all time. Again, fight me.

Because I’ve been to so many incredible gigs this year, I’ve pulled together a playlist featuring the artists I saw live and some of my favourite tracks of theirs. Enjoy, or don’t.

So…

This year, I must’ve changed my hair colour about 16 times, changed my mind at least a thousand times more, and learnt a lot about myself through some brave endeavours and a whole load of mistakes too.

Along with surprising myself consistently and going through a host of personal challenges, I have also made some truly incredible memories, forged some beautiful friendships and created art and connections I’m really proud of.

2024 is set to be a good’un (ever the optimist). Look out for music, more writing and happy times from me.

A very happy new year to you and your loved ones, and I’ll see you all in the pub on the 1st Feb yeah? Dry Jan beckons.