Walter Etc returned this year with new album When the Band Breaks Up Again on SideOneDummy, and now Dustin Hayes (aka Walter) has told us about his 10 favorite albums of the year. The list includes Joanna Sternberg, Golden Apples, Slaughter Beach Dog, Suzie True, and more, with commentary on each pick. Read on for what Dustin had to say…
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Dustin Hayes’ (Walter Etc) 10 Favorite Albums of 2023
Diners – Domino
Blue was already an incredible and prolific songwriter, but paired with Mo Troper as producer and a more “aggressive” Diner’s sound, this record immediately escorted itself into my favorite Diners releases!
Suzie True – Sentimental Scum
I mean… this style of pop punk is right up my alley, these guitar tones absolutely fuck, and the lyrics never miss. Perfect album to put on in the car on a sunny day when your crush won’t text you back and you start smoking again.
Joanna Sternberg – I’ve Got Me
Just some personable quirky folk songs to be your lifetime companion. No big deal!!
Golden Apples – Bananasugarfire
Super underrated band puts out flawless album! This is the type of record that holds you in your car while you’re still in the driveway mesmerizing, cathartic, and cooler than thou.
100 gecs – 10,000 gecs
Sometimes you feel like all culture since the dawn of the internet has been swirling in one big regurgitating washing machine, and then you hear 100 gecs and remember that its still possible to make something that sounds and feels new and the magic of music reveals itself again.
Field Medic – Light is Gone 2
Longtime fan of the medic, this one caught me off guard with its change in production and genre evolution. It’s still classic FM songwriting but with new colors and shapes and reveals just how far Kevin can take his sound. It’s only a matter of time til a huge FM radio single.
Outwest – All the Wild Horses (EP)
I am the old guy hiding at the back of the Ventura DIY show watching this local band craft a sound I can only describe as Husker Du meets Happy Diving. I really love them and am excited to see where they go in life and sound!!
Slaughter Beach, Dog – Crying, Laughing, Waving, Smiling
Early in 2023 I had the pleasure of touring with Jake on his solo tour and got to hear a lot of the songs from this album played live and acoustic. Hearing them come to life on the record was a magical experience and the track “Engine” has been a constant companion for me this year.
PACKS – Crispy Crunchy Nothing
A long plane ride listening to the Better Yet Podcast led me to this band. When I heard that the album was recorded in Mexico, you KNOW I was interested. When she sings “no fucking clue what’s going on right now” in “Fourth of July” you KNOW I choked on my Delta pretzels and saved the album.
Foot Ox – Judee and the Sun
I used to see Teague play at Portland house shows sitting on the living room floor in dark northwest winters. When I heard “Colorado’s Dead” I was reminded of Foot Ox’s strange intimate magic and was happy to find the new album is like a polish and shine of that house show magic but without losing the authenticity and genius.
