Lav's Music Corner

Let the listing begin. In the first and smallest year-end list I publish I take a look at the tiny projects that were packed full of good songs. While this list lacks some of the stunning high-end releases of previous years, it's a very deep well full of versatile and compelling projects.  These are my 10 favorite EPs of 2023. Enjoy <3 10. Jlin - Perspective  EP Kicking off the list we have Jlin's pseudo-return to dropping new music with this Pulitzer Prize For Music finalist Perspective . After being originally composed three years ago the material was re-recorded by Jlin and finally made it to the public, which I'm very grateful for. Despite moments that feel undersold relative to her normal textural bliss, there is ton of magnetic and distinctive electronic music present throughout this project. Jlin continues to have a sound that is not only easy to identify but easy to love.  Listen To: Derivative , Paradigm 9. Softcult - See You In The Dark  EP Canadian duo ...

Forever Means EP - Angel Olsen The reason I was excited for this new Angel Olsen EP is easy to explain. Her output has been so consistently great that everyone should be constantly excited for whatever she's doing next. After loving her last album I was thrilled that we were getting another taste with these four songs which originate from the same recording sessions. It helped that the EP was led off by the gorgeous Nothing's Free  and intimate ballad which stretches and grows to include a charming sax solo and some slinky keys. The EP's title track is a turn for something a bit more reserved though it definitely reminds me of some of my favorite quiet moments on her last record even if it isn't the most standout part of this project. Time Bandits  is another big highlight which kind of feels like a throwback of sorts as Angel revisits some vocal inflections we haven't heard since at least My Woman . It's a simple sonic palette for a song but the results are lar...