Weezer's Brian Bell tells us about his favorite songs of 2023
After releasing their SZNZ EP series in 2022, Weezer kept busy on the road this year, including their “Indie Rock Roadtrip” summer tour. They’ve started plotting their 2024 shows too, including UK dates with The Smashing Pumpkins, and they’ve also revealed plans for a Blue Album 30th anniversary expanded reissue and tour. Stay tuned for details.
We’ve been asking artists about their favorite music of 2023, and before he gets started on his busy 2024, Weezer guitarist, keyboardist, and occasional vocalist Brian Bell made us a list of songs. Read that, along with his commentary, below.
BRIAN BELL OF WEEZER’S FAVORITE SONGS OF 2023
It’s been an honor to be asked to make a list of my top ten releases of 2023. It’s near impossible to put them in any kind of order. So please feel free to make a Spotify playlist like I did. Name it “Brooklyn Vegan” if you’re feeling inclined and put them in any order you wish. Then judge them and judge me, or enjoy them and still judge me. And yes, I’m aware that The Beatles put out a new song this year. It was a great year for new music.
Anime Girlfriend – “email,” “red pill/ blue pill” (from AGF)
I must admit I didn’t know of this band until my twenty-two-year-old nephew hipped me to them. I didn’t know what to expect based on their name; nor does their song entitled “email” ever sound like an unhealthy codependent relationship with devices. There is something fresh sounding about this band that hits deeper than just juicy guitar tones.
Those Pretty Wrongs – “Always The Rainbow,” “Paper Cup” (from Holiday Camp)
These songs remind me of music from the 1960’s. My favorite era of music. It’s like discovering some unreleased tape vault treasure. It features Joey Stephens from Big Star. Yes, that Big Star.
Blonde Redhead – “Snowman” (from Sit Down for Dinner)
I used to love this band back in 1995. I confess I haven’t been keeping up with their career but jumped at the chance to add them to a best of 2023 list. They are still great (in case I was wondering).
The Dinosaur’s Skin x Summer Salt – “If I Say I Love You”
Sometimes when I’m out and about, I’ll catch a passage of music that grabs my ear. This rarely happens and bless Shazam for the ability to pull those sound waves out of the air and reform them into a visual icon on my phone. It’s a modern miracle, much like this song.
Summer Salt – “Supermoon,” “Fire Sign” (from Campanita)
I’m not sure what their connection is with The Dinosaur’s Skin, but they’re also good on their own, as evident in these songs.
Mustard Service – “The Dominoes” (from Variety Pack)
This may be my favorite track of 2023. When I first heard this, and I’ve no amusing story of when that was, I thought it was a new Strokes song and I was immediately jealous. I guess that’s somewhat amusing.
Silver Synthetic – “The Door” (single)
I’ve already mentioned how I love music from the 1960’s, especially the kind recorded in 2023.
Pest Control – “Buggin’ Out” (from Don’t Test The Pest)
Best concept album of 2023! Give me a break – a concept record of songs all about insects. “I can’t take it, I’m bugging’ out…”
Depeche Mode – “Never Let Me Go” (from Memento Mori)
Much like Blonde Redhead putting out a new album in 2023, the same goes for jumping at the chance to add Depeche Mode to an end of the year list, maybe even more so.
Sarabeth Tucek – “The Gift,” “Swings” (from Joan of All)
This one falls into music like the ’60’s with an emphasis on lyrics, until the ending launches you into the upper stratosphere.
See all of Weezer’s upcoming shows below.
WEEZER: 2023-2024 TOUR DATES
Dec 29, 2023 Choctaw Grand Theater Durant, OK
May 4, 2024 Shaky Knees Festival Atlanta, GA
Jun 7, 2024 Utilita Arena Birmingham, UK *
Jun 8, 2024 The O2 London, UK *
Jun 10, 2024 3Arena Dublin, IE *
Jun 12, 2024 OVO Hydro Glasgow, UK *
Jun 13, 2024 Co-op Live Manchester, UK *
Jun 14, 2024 Cardiff Castle Cardiff, UK *
* with The Smashing Pumpkins and Teen Mortgage
