The AllMusic 2023

Year
In
Review

Sometimes the best way to look back is to look way, way back. These are our favorite reissues, boxed sets, expanded editions, previously unreleased releases and archival albums of 2023. Charles Mingus, Nirvana, The Replacements, Devo, and Joni Mitchell among many others gave our editors hours of "new" music to dig into in 2023.

2ManyDJs

As Heard on Radio Soulwax, Pt. 2

Cult favorite mash-up mix that tossed artists like Kylie Minogue, the Stooges, Basement Jaxx, and more into a wild, fun blender.

Airiel

Winks & Kisses [20th Anniversary Deluxe Edition]

The 20th anniversary deluxe edition of the shoegaze band's four-EP series includes unreleased demos dating back to their 1997 formation.

Airto Moreira / Flora Purim

Airto & Flora, A Celebration: 60 Years – Sounds, Dreams & Other Stories

A wonderfully remastered, annotated multi-disc overview of six decades in the careers of married Brazilians Airto Moreira and Flora Purim.

Alan Braxe

The Upper Cuts [2023 Edition]

Updated version of the French house producer's seminal 2005 compilation, including seven bonus tracks.

Alice Cooper

School's Out [Deluxe Edition]

A bright, new remastering plus a full live show recorded in Miami in May 1972. Also included are single versions of "School's Out" and "Gutter Cat vs. The Jets," an alternate version of "Alma Mater,

Anadol

Hatıralar

A reissued gem of quirky lo-fi synth music from Turkish composer Gözen Atila.

Arthur Baker

Arthur Baker Presents Dance Masters: Arthur Baker - The Classic Dance Mixes

Four packed discs of remixes, productions, and "reproductions," featuring well over a dozen '80s Top Ten Billboard dance hits.

Arthur Russell

Picture of Bunny Rabbit

Another posthumous excursion into the archives of this boundless musician unearths previously unheard material closest in style to his minimal 1986 masterstroke World of Echo.

Blueboy

Singles 1991-1998

This compilation release from the Sarah Records indie band collects all their singles and B-sides in one place for the first time.

Brainiac

Predator Nominate

This fascinating, poignant EP of the songs the band were working on at the time of Tim Taylor's death expands on their later work's darker mood.

Brinsley Schwarz

Thinking Back: The Anthology 1970-1975

A comprehensive seven-disc overview of the definitive pub rock band, containing all of their albums and key rarities.

C-Clamp

Dream Backwards

The recorded legacy of a great but overlooked Chicago indie band of the 1990s, whose music was languid yet forceful.

Candy Claws

Ceres & Calypso in the Deep Time [10th Anniversary Edition]

Tenth anniversary reissue of the psych-gaze cult classic, including its dual mono instrumental mix and the band's first song in a decade.

Charles Mingus

Changes: The Complete 1970s Atlantic Studio Recordings

This handsome box set offers an essential reassessment of the final seven albums the bassist, composer, and bandleader recorded between 1973 and 1979.

Comet Gain

The Misfit Jukebox

Career-spanning collection of odds and sods including demos, lost tracks, and rare singles from the long-running, ever-inspiring group.

D.B. Shrier / D.B. Shrier Quartet

D.B. Shrier Emerges

Obscure 1967 album of earthy hard bop and spiritual jazz by the lesser-known Philly saxophonist.

Daft Punk

Random Access Memories [Drumless Edition]

Stripping the beats from the duo's nostalgic 2013 masterpiece lets its musical and emotional nuances shine all the brighter.

Del Shannon

Stranger in Town: A Del Shannon Compendium

Everything the brilliant singer/songwriter recorded throughout his up-and-down career, topped with hits, rarities, and previously unreleased tracks.

Devo

50 Years of De-Evolution 1973-2023

A golden anniversary anthology celebrating the music of one of the visionary bands of the American new wave.

Dionne Warwick

The Complete Scepter Singles 1962-1973

Thorough three-disc anthology combining everlasting pop classics with often-thrilling B-sides.

Dorothy Ashby

With Strings Attached 1957-1965

The retrospective collects six early albums from the legendary harpist, who introduced the harp as a lead instrument in jazz.

Drive-By Truckers

The Complete Dirty South

The Southern rock revivalists' fifth studio album remains impressive, restored to its intended 17-track sequence.

Evanescence

Fallen [20th Anniversary Deluxe Edition]

This 20th anniversary edition adds era B-sides, demos, alternates, and live recordings to the landmark original debut.

Green Day

Dookie [30th Anniversary Edition]

Adolescent, snotty, and super-catchy songs that gleefully updated punk for a new generation, the album is expanded here by demos, outtakes, and two live shows.

Gregory Kramer

Veils of Transformation 1972-1980

Early electro-acoustic works from a composer, inventor, and educator who founded the Electronic Art Ensemble.

Haircut One Hundred

Pelican West 40

Deluxe edition of the band's sophisticated pop classic, featuring B-sides, 12" versions, songs recorded for a never-finished second album, and a 1982 live show.

Joe Gibbs / Joe Gibbs & the Professionals

1970s Dub Albums Collection

Fascinating journey into the heart of dub that collects eight albums' worth of classic '70s recordings helmed by Errol Thompson.

John Coltrane / Eric Dolphy

Evenings at the Village Gate: John Coltrane with Eric Dolphy

A fly-on-the-wall recording of the legendary saxophonist's group during their 1961 residency at N.Y.C.'s Village Gate.

John Luongo

Arthur Baker Presents Dance Masters: John Luongo - The Classic Dance Remixes

Four-disc anthology of the Bostonian disco legend's remix work bringing together the likes of Melba Moore, Cabaret Voltaire, and Shakin' Stevens.

Joni Mitchell

Joni Mitchell Archives, Vol. 3: The Asylum Years (1972-1975)

The third volume of this legendary singer/songwriter's ongoing archival series includes behind-the-scenes materials from one of her most transformative phases in the early '70s.

Kirsty MacColl

See That Girl 1979-2000

The underrated British pop singer/songwriter is well-represented by this lavish eight-disc box set.

Laurie Styvers

Gemini Girl: The Complete Hush Recordings

Anthology of the Texas-born singer/songwriter's obscure, bittersweet '70s folk and AM pop albums.

Lieutenant Pigeon

Decca Years

Collection of silly mid-'70s bubblegum from the band who dazzled (and confused) the world with the oddball novelty chart-topper "Mouldy Old Dough."

Linkin Park

Meteora [20th Anniversary Edition]

The genre-blurring band's sophomore set -- presented here in greatly expanded form -- builds upon the winning formula of their debut to greater impact.

Luke Una

Luke Una Presents É Soul Cultura, Vol. 2

A welcome second round of unmixed selections from the veteran DJ, who gathers tracks spanning soul, African jazz, art rock, techno, and beyond.

Matt Monro

Complete EMI Recordings 1971-1984

Lovingly curated anthology of the British crooner's final years at EMI.

Michał Urbaniak Group / Michał Urbaniak

Sound Pieces

A triple-disc comp assembles the group's 1973 studio albums with a wide-open Radio Bremen broadcast from 1972.

Milford Graves / Arthur Doyle / Hugh Glover

Children of the Forest

Black Editions unearths three early-1976 sessions by the drum master and his collaborators that set the stage for his finest album.

Mort Garson

Journey to the Moon and Beyond

A celebration of the breadth of the composer's work that encompasses music for the 1969 moon landing, blaxploitation movie themes, and novelty pop.

Najib Alhoush / The Free Music

Free Music (Part 1)

A revelatory collection of music from a Libyan band from the '70s who added fiery disco to their hybrid funk sound.

Neil Young

Chrome Dreams

The first official release of one of the better-known "lost records" in rock history, finished in 1977 but existing only in bootleg form until this edition.

Neko Case

Wild Creatures

A dazzling summation of the first 25 years in the career of a unique, singularly talented singer and songwriter.

Nervous Gender

Music from Hell

Depraved, wickedly humorous 1981 LP from the confrontational L.A. group who influenced both the synth-punk and queercore scenes.

Neutral Milk Hotel

The Collected Works of Neutral Milk Hotel

Extensive box set that collects the entire recorded output of this mythical and fascinating indie band, including both studio albums and ample additional material.

New Musik

From A to B: The Sony Years

Career-spanning collection from an underrated early-'80s band who matched sparkling classic pop songcraft with quirky new wave sounds and state-of-the-art production.

Nirvana

In Utero [30th Anniversary Super Deluxe Edition]

This remastered anniversary edition features bonus tracks, 2 complete concerts, plus 6 bonus live songs from the tour.

Pale Saints

In Ribbons [Expanded 30th Anniversary Reissue]

4AD shines a light on the Leeds dream pop band's second album, remastered and augmented by the bonus 7" from the original vinyl pressing and nine demos.

Pet Shop Boys

Smash: The Singles 1985-2020

This remarkable set collating 35 years of high-quality singles speaks for itself.

Pharoah Sanders

Pharoah [Expanded Edition]

The saxophonist's post-Impulse! debut gets its first official re-release with bonus material, a deluxe package, and remastered sound.

Phew

Our Likeness

Featuring members of Can, Liaisons Dangereuses, and Einstürzende Neubauten, Phew's 1992 album dazzles with experiments ranging from feral to sultry.

Pink Floyd

The Dark Side of the Moon: Live at Wembley 1974

An excellent live version of Pink Floyd's classic 1973 album performed on its initial supporting tour.

Primal Scream

Reverberations (Travelling in Time): BBC Radio Sessions & Creation Singles 1985-86

Brilliant collection of early tracks recorded for BBC sessions in the mid-'80s that serve to define the classic indie pop sound.

Randy Crawford

You Might Need Somebody: The Warner Bros. Recordings 1976-1993

Discerning three-disc overview drawing from the radiant singer's 11 albums for Warner and assorted contemporaneous recordings.

Rick Deitrick

The Unguitarist: Complete Works, 1969-2022

Comprehensive boxed retrospective by the outsider acoustic guitarist highlights decades of inquiry, exploration, and innovation.

Robert Palmer

The Island Records Years

The singer/songwriter and producer's remarkably expansive first nine albums, plus over two-dozen bonus tracks.

Sandy Posey

Born a Woman: The Complete MGM Recordings

Sandy Posey's sumptuous blend of uptown pop and the Nashville sound is captured in full on this double-disc set.

Shirley Scott

Queen Talk: Live at the Left Bank

Earthy, soulfully engaging live 1972 concert from the organist and her trio.

Som Imaginário

Banda da Capital

An unissued live set from 1976 showcases the musical promise of the boundaryless, heavyweight Brazilian progressive fusion group.

Sonic Youth

Live in Brooklyn 2011

The veteran band's final U.S. show captures their greatness with a gripping set centered on their earliest, noisiest days in the underground.

Suede

Suede [30th Anniversary Edition]

Exciting, glamorous, and louche, the classic album is a shimmering collision of glam attitude, arena-sized ambition, and brilliant guitar playing, reissued here with B-sides.

Sun Ra

Space Is the Place [Original Motion Picture Soundtrack] [Deluxe Edition]

The soundtrack to the Afrofuturist cult classic, along with 40 minutes of previously unreleased material as well as the film itself.

Superchunk

Misfits and Mistakes: Singles, B-sides & Strays 2007–2023

The timeless and true indie rock band take a look back at a couple decades' worth of classic singles and non-LP surprises.

T. Rex

1973: Whatever Happened to the Teenage Dream?

Four-disc set that compiles Tanx and Zinc Alloy, plus demos, outtakes, singles, and an unreleased album, to present a comprehensive view of a transitional year.

Terri Lyne Carrington

TLC & Friends

The rarely heard debut from the Grammy-winning jazz drummer is a hard bop blowing session with veterans.

The Cranberries

To the Faithful Departed [Deluxe Edition]

Deluxe version of hardened third set from the Irish rock group that marked a shift in sound that carried them into the 2000s.

The Darling Buds

Killing for Love: Albums, Singles, Rarities, Unreleased 1987-2017

A comprehensive five-disc boxed set from an undervalued Welsh band that helped bridge C86 to Britpop.

The Dream Syndicate

The History Kinda Pales When It and You Are Aligned: The Days of Wine and Roses - 40th Anniversary Edition

The band's brilliant debut album of malevolent psychedelic noise rock is joined here by a wealth of extras, including never-before-released live recordings.

The Ducks

High Flyin'

Archival recordings document Neil Young's brief tenure as guitarist with one of the best bar bands you'll ever hear.

The Particles

1980s Bubblegum

Essential collection of tracks by an unjustly obscure Australian band who helped invent indie pop in the early '80s.

The Replacements

Tim [Let It Bleed Edition]

A Super Deluxe reissue of the Replacements' major-label debut is highlighted by a fresh mix that makes the album sound raw and alive.

The Runaways

Neon Angels on the Road to Ruin 1976-1978

All five albums from the raw, rough, and ready all-female band that gave Joan Jett and Lita Ford their start.

The Spinners

The Complete Atlantic Singles: The Thom Bell Productions 1972-1979

Lovingly presented collection of the Detroit group's A-sides and B-sides helmed by the Philly soul co-orchestrator.

The Tornados

Love & Fury: The Holloway Road Sessions 1962-1966

This deep dive into the band's sessions with Joe Meek offers a wealth of insight into their music and the producer's bag of tricks.

The Veldt

Illuminated 1989

Unearthing of the true first album from the sorta-shoegaze North Carolinian outliers, recorded with (and remastered by) Cocteau Twins' Robin Guthrie.

The Who

Who's Next/Lifehouse [Super Deluxe Edition]

An 11-disc set offering a deep, multi-dimensional immersion into the Who at the very peak of their creative powers.

The Woods

So Long Before Now

Off-kilter and experimental jangle pop from an overlooked band of the '80s, this is all their work collected in one wonderful package.

Tony Rivers

Move in a Little Closer: The Complete Recordings 1963-1970

Made up of tracks by the Castaways and Harmony Grass, the set is a fine collection of beat group bounce, sunny sunshine pop, and MOR.

Tori Amos

Little Earthquakes: The B-Sides [RSD23]

An 11-track collection of B-sides from the piano-playing singer/songwriter's debut album era.

Various Artists

Waves of Distortion: The Best of Shoegaze 1990-2022

A sprawling compilation acknowledging the long shadow shoegaze's initial wave cast on alternative and indie rock.

Various Artists

Silberland, Vol. 2: The Driving Side of Kosmische Musik 1974-1984

An excellent collection of beat-driven highlights from the vast back catalog of reissue-heavy German label Bureau B.

Various Artists

Cherry Stars Collide: Dream Pop, Shoegaze & Ethereal Rock 1986-1995

Four-CD set focusing on dream pop's atmospheric, gently haunting textures rather than shoegaze's noisy, swirling guitars.

Various Artists

Keeping Control: Independent Music from Manchester 1977-1981

Triple CD exploring the city's iconic punk and post-punk scenes, from early Haçienda favorites to acts affiliated with the Manchester Musicians Collective.

Various Artists

Musik Music Musique 3.0: 1982 Synth Pop on the Air

Cherry Red continues their year-by-year examination of '80s synth pop, digging deeper into the year the genre infiltrated radio airwaves.

Various Artists

Bolinus Brandaris: Flamenco From the Bay of Cadiz

This rare, beautifully packaged and annotated collection of field recorded traditional flamenco comes from the "cradle of song," Spain's Bay of Cadiz.

Various Artists

Pacific Breeze 3: Japanese City Pop, AOR & Boogie 1975-1987

The most enjoyable volume of the series yet, this pulls up truffles from the likes of Osamu Shoji, Naomi Akimoto, Miho Fujiwara, and Yukako Hayase.

Various Artists

Soul'd Out: The Complete Wattstax Collection

The last word on the living word -- a lavish 12-disc box set documenting Stax Records' 1972 benefit concert for the Watts Summer Festival.

Various Artists

If There's Hell Below

Digging in their own crates, the Numero label sifts out darker rock-oriented nuggets from their vast archival catalog.

Various Artists

Disco Discharge Presents Box of Sin

Covering almost the full spectrum of 1980s post-disco, this five-disc set features the likes of Aretha, Dusty, Liza, Donna, Whitney, and of course Frankie.

Various Artists

What a Groovy Day: The British Sunshine Pop Sound 1967-1972

Full of sunny hooks and warm sentiment, this collection rounds up the best harmony groups of the era, from well-known to obscure.

Various Artists

In the Light of Time: U.K. Post-Rock & Leftfield Pop 1992-1998

Collection of U.K. bands who helped to blow up preconceived notions of what rock music could be, while spinning it off in fascinating, oft-challenging directions.

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Nirvana