Almost made it. 2023 was pretty interesting - without music and various overlapping music communities I think we’d all be struggling. But whatever was out there, often menacing or uncomfortable, the music was strong, it didn’t let us down. We could still feel overwhelmed, enthralled, across something important. We've decided to document our year with thirteen records that meant a lot to us, that connected with our hearts. It’s a non-hierarchical list, a baker’s dozen, our 2023. Stephen, Michael, Lauren + all of us here at Monorail

Monorail’s Records of the Year, 2023:

Belle and Sebastian - Late Developers (Matador)

There are so many colours to Belle & Sebastian, some obvious, some less so... Winning weirdos forever. - SP

Caroline Polachek - Desire, I Want To Turn Into You (Perpetual Novice)

I saw a meme the other day satirising shops and magazines' 2023 end of year lists... 2023 was, inevitably, Caroline Polachek's year. - MK

Cloth - Secret Measure (Rock Action)

There’s a track on Cloth’s Secret Measure... Cloth are already ingrained in the fabric of Glasgow. - LT

Emahoy Tsege Mariam Gebru - Jerusalem (Mississippi)

I'm listening to the first piece on Jerusalem watching the customers in Mono eat their lunch... May she rest in at least as much peace as she brought in her time here. - MK

That’s all folks. 13 records that made our year. Here’s to all the artists who were our soundtrack, and to all those who will carry us through the next 12 months too.