The great Barbara Manning (S.F. Seals, World of Pooh) came out of hibernation this year to release Charm of Yesterday…Convenience of Tomorrow, a compilation of her 2016 Chico Daze EP (previously only out via Bandcamp) and a variety of cover songs recorded during covid lockdown. You can listen to that below. She also toured with Codeine and her label, Ba Da Bing!, says to look forward to new music from Barbara, so stay tuned.
While we wait, Barbara has sent us her list of Top 10 Albums of 2023. This one goes to 11, though, as she included Charm of Yesterday as a little self promotion. Also on the list: Sufjan Stevens, Sparklehorse, Harp (Tim Smith, formerly of Midlake), a few of her Ba Da Bing! labelmates, and more. She also picked a favorite song from each album. Check out Barbara’s list and commentary below.
1. Music on Fire – Music on Fire (self-released)
No doubt, some will think I am placing this LP here at number 1 because the artist is my husband, Dan Vargas, but instead it’s here because of it’s intensive, undefinable, 3-D volume scariness that makes my hair stand on edge. Listening to the song “Dagger Down,” I feel as if I am surrounded by a gang of Dan Vargas’ all flashing steel and making stabbing motions toward me. I feel myself spin around in avoidance, but I don’t know when to dodge the thrusts. Exciting! My favorite song is “Work on Time,” a commuter’s nightmare song that enhances morning panic attacks.
2. Sufjan Stevens – Javelin (asthmatic kitty records)
There was some chattering on Postcard about Stevens being a flavor of the week, or some such nonsense. No, this guy is the real deal. The album Javelin is a multi-faceted art piece, if you bought the deluxe edition with book, like I did. Simultaneously absorbing all the visual art, short essays, and dense musical taffy certifies, for me, Sufjan Steven’s brilliant legacy. However, at times the music feels over tracked. He hides behind the production, me thinks. I like his quieter numbers on this record best. I’ve recently decided that my late-mother’s love for Cat Stevens is kinda like my love for Sufjan Stevens. Favorite song: “Everything Rises”
3. Sparklehorse – Bird Machine (ANTI-)
This album received instant love on the first day of its release, and multiple plays since, in our home. So glad to have one more record from Linkous! Because the record is without much visually, the white cover has me thinking what I’d decorate the cover with if I could have, so I dropped the album a notch. Musically, this album is more of a favorite than my 2nd choice because it rawks, is real, and gave me countless times of bouncing in front of the speakers to my Favorite song: “Daddy’s Gone”
4. The Harry Von Zells – Play It Backwards (Igor Records)
In a place of honor, I give this Pittsburgh band my top 4th spot! Lyrically, the words make me squirm with familiarity. They are so…honest. Check out “Dear John.” Insecurity Rules! Musically, I was reminded of that magical time when 100 Flowers and The Embarrassment were heard with regularity at parties I attended. This is the new party record for the Indie nerdy people! I wish. Favorite song: “Play It Backwards”
5. Tiny Ruins – Ceremony (Milk! Records / BA DA BING!)
I’m hooked on this New Zealand band that lead with soothing female vocals (Hollie Fullbrook) and are equipped with such lovely songs. Listening, I think of Glen Campbell, Paul Simon, but with a perfect female voice, not too showy, not too shy. Incredibly listenable, Ceremony quickly became a repeat on our turntable, especially because of this Favorite song: “Out of Phase”
6. Nighttime – Keeper Is the Heart (BA DA BING!)
I thought this was an older folk record when I heard it. High lilting female voice, I thought of Opal. The earthy instrumentation clearer than the lyrics – sometimes her voice sounds as murky as a catholic boy choir. I can’t make out a word of lyric and they’re written by hand in 6 font on the back of the record. This record is enchanting. It sounds ancient for being born this year. Favorite song: “When the Wind Is Blowing
7. Harp – Albion (Bella Union)
Only having had this album 1 day, I know it is going to be regularly sought after for more listens over the years. THAT SMITH SOUND! His voice scratches a long aching itch. His band supports perfectly. The “M” word needs not be mentioned. After only a few listens, already my Favorite song: “Country Cathedral Drive”
8. Rain Parade – Last Rays of a Dying Sun (Label 51)
This is a nice record with easy-going tempos, melodic leads and multiple vocalists. None of the songs are as poppy as their early days, instead the songs are well-blended psychedelia with pleasing choruses and middle 8s written and sung by wizened guys who have been there and know that it is good. Favorite song: “Last Rays of a Dying Sun”
9. Famous Mammals – Instant Pop Expressionism Now (Siltbreeze Records)
An energetic record that has a wide range of modern cacophony, from slow intimate leg winders to songs that remind of pogoing on the beer keg. A record for fun times, when you can have some. Favorite song: “Let the Light In”
10. Cuticles – Major Works (Siltbreeze records)
Pop tunes done punk rawk, with a “w.” That means it is fun and slightly sloppy, and when played loudly enough, gives you an impulse to dance with little regard to what is around you. Nice male/female voices and zero lead guitar! Credits on the record include thanks to Emily Dickinson and Buster Keaton. Favorite song: “Cheese in my Brain”
11. Barbara Manning – Charm of Yesterday, Convenience of Tomorrow (BA DA BING!)
All of these songs were recorded in solitary sessions. Most of these recordings were a lucky break during periods of food insecurity and lack of self-esteem. Things are better now. I’m grateful to those at BA DA BING for throwing this fragile compilation together. Favorite Song: “Don’t Hold Back”
