Kevin Drew kept busy in 2023 both with Broken Social Scene, who continued touring the 20th anniversary of You Forgot It In People, and as a solo artist, releasing a new album, Aging, in November. As the year draws to a close we’ve been asking artists about their favorite music of the year, and Kevin made us a list that includes releases by Liturgy, Olivia Rodrigo, a couple of fellow BSS members, and more. Read his list, commentary included, below.
KEVIN DREW’S FAVORITE ALBUMS OF 2023
Liturgy – 93696
This album captures 2023 better than no other. One hour and twenty-two minutes of urgency for the world around you. I had no idea that this album was going to rip into my lungs and help me breathe better. Incredible.
André 3000 – New Blue Sun
I welcome this amongst the choice of keep it free and freaky. An unexpected soundtrack for our times. Mellow gold.
La Force – XO SKELETON
Just a stunning piece of work. Her voice is like melting textiles through songs of continuing love. An album for living rooms that have been lived in. Stunning.
Feist – Multitudes
Songwriting, production, lyrics, tone…..she doesn’t stop. An album of love and loss that moves into paragraphs of growth circles. Gorgeous
Chihei Hatakeyama – Void XXV
He has never done wrong in my book. The sounds of ignored emotion put through the ambience of what we take in. It’s a soundtrack for the still moments. Needed.
Squirrel Flower – Tomorrow’s Fire
A fantastic voice and songwriter. Seems effortless as it unfolds. Has a sleeping bag vibe that’s surrounded by shadows and morning journals. So good.
Lonnie Holley – Oh Me Oh My
Such a wonderful piece of work that reaffirms the adventures that can be had in making an album. I respect all those involved in the making of this. He soars through all your attic space and then some. Such crushing lullabies. Lovely.
Zoon – Bekka Ma’iingan
Compelling beauty jams that drown all around you. They never put their feet on the ground and stay in the lush clouds of reverb forever. Beautiful.
Olivia Rodrigo – GUTS
Such a cool record. Does everything right. Makes me smile in its honouring of what has happened while making her own reflective perfection of what is happening. This world needs her amongst the overused mainstream marketing campaigns. Thrilling jams.
Leo Lackritz – Crazy Enough
Experimental break beat pop punk from a talented six-year-old. It sounds like an Arthur Russell pajama party filled with captivating vocal meltdowns and immediate melodies. Leo doesn’t hold back. It’s as exciting as exciting gets.
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Kevin is going on his first solo tour in nine years in January, including Brooklyn shows at Public Records on January 19 and 20. See all dates below.
KEVIN DREW: 2024 TOUR DATES
January 14th, 2024 Halifax, NS The Stage at St. Andrew’s
January 15th, 2024 Charlottetown, PEI Trailside Music Hall
January 17th, 2024 Fredericton, NB Wilmot United Church
January 19th, 2024 Brooklyn, NY Public Records
January 20th, 2024 Brooklyn, NY Public Records
January 21st, 2024 Philadelphia, PA Underground Arts
January 23rd, 2024 Evanston, IL SPACE
January 26th, 2024 Los Angeles, CA Masonic Lodge at Hollywood Forever
January 27th, 2024 Los Angeles, CA Masonic Lodge at Hollywood Forever
