The Best Music of 2013
My apologies for this annual write-up being very overdue but it's still 2013 so I think I am coming in with time to spare.
Like last year I am opting to go with a round-up style instead of a Top 20 (or more) list and instead just share what I thought were some albums worth listening to, some of which got a lot of attention and others that still feel like my own little treasures.
Here we go...
Stop Me If You Heard This One Before
Like so many I was incredibly impressed with Vampire Weekend's third release Modern Vampires of the City, which perfectly balances their progression and maturity with the familiar sound their fans have come to expect. I am a fan of all their work but this release is far and away their finest. There is a reason it made so many year end lists.
I also spent a lot of time with Jason Isbell's fourth solo record Southeastern, which I would probably call the single best disc I heard if forced to pick just one. A brutally naked, honest, and reflective set with subjects ranging from getting sober to falling in love to losing friends along the way, the former Drive-By Truckers ace delves into Steve Earle territory and the harmonies of wife Amanda Shires really brings even more life to some captivating songs. Like Vampire Weekend, Isbell made a lot of lists, as well he should.
In a similar sonic range of Isbell is the excellent debut country release from Kasey Musgraves, who's Same Trailer, Different Park is that rare daring and against the grain mainstream country release to find success and be unique at the same time. This is a country album for those who don't like country and for those who do. That's damn rare.
I Saw Them Back When...
This was also a good year for strong debut records and I found myself listening to freshman releases from a wealth of talented acts. High on that list is Chvrches and their debut The Bones of What You Believe. It's so pop and sugar at times it can rot your teeth but it's also smart, catchy throughout, and impossible to not like. If you find Chvrches to be your cup of tea I would also suggest checking out the very strong debut from Echosmith, a sibling foursome who blend the best elements of their contemporaries ranging from Taylor Swift to Paramore on their album Talking Dreams. In a similar vibe is the self-titled debut (the 1975) from the UK's the 1975.
I also loved a trio of discs from similarly spirited acts, The Mowglis' Waiting for the Dawn, The Kopecky Family Band's Kids Raising Kids, and Walk Off the Earth's R.E.V.O. Big gang/multi harmony vocals, a loose hippy dippy spirit, and easy to digest rock based with acoustic vibes and positive lyricism. Nothing wrong with that.
Finally, there was the early 2013 release that stuck with me all year: The Lone Bellow's self-titled release. Nothing earth shattering but an eclectic mix of country, rock, and folk. Sometimes the simplest things work on so many levels.
The Young and The Restless...
I ran into some sophomore releases from artists I previously was not on board with but, as always, it is better late than never. Among those who impressed me with their second albums are Little Comets' Life Is Elsewhere, Bobby Long's terrific Wishbone, the soulful sounds of Charles Bradley on Victim of Love, and Gin Wigmore's Gravel & Wine. None of the above really got the attention they deserve so please give them the proverbial i-Tunes sampling.
Finally there are the veterans who brought their A-game to their latest work. I would include the second self-titled album from The Civil Wars (and it'll be a damn shame if it's their last), the reinvented, more eclectic Melophobia from Cage The Elephant, the loving ode to San Francisco that came via Matt Nathanson's Last of the Great Pretenders, Jimmy Eat World's accurately self-described "adult break up album" Damage, Butch Walker's Peachtree Battle EP (inspired by the passing of his father), and the everyone-place-nice-now Mechanical Bull from Kings of Leon.
The best of the 'returning' artists, though, goes to Frank Turner and his latest Tape Deck Heart, a quintessential break-up record mixed with humor, sadness, anger, aggression, and the belief that music can save any soul. No one should even try to argue with that. It's that rare release where I encourage you to find the "Deluxe Edition" with extra tracks, as Turner was clearly on a tear during these sessions.
And there you have it... some tips, praises, recommendations, and highlight from what was a damn strong year for music all-around. I could have listed even more, mentioned particular singles I fell in love with, and beyond. But this round-up hopefully serves as a place to start or continue.
Bring on 2014!
J
Like last year I am opting to go with a round-up style instead of a Top 20 (or more) list and instead just share what I thought were some albums worth listening to, some of which got a lot of attention and others that still feel like my own little treasures.
Here we go...
Stop Me If You Heard This One Before
Like so many I was incredibly impressed with Vampire Weekend's third release Modern Vampires of the City, which perfectly balances their progression and maturity with the familiar sound their fans have come to expect. I am a fan of all their work but this release is far and away their finest. There is a reason it made so many year end lists.
I also spent a lot of time with Jason Isbell's fourth solo record Southeastern, which I would probably call the single best disc I heard if forced to pick just one. A brutally naked, honest, and reflective set with subjects ranging from getting sober to falling in love to losing friends along the way, the former Drive-By Truckers ace delves into Steve Earle territory and the harmonies of wife Amanda Shires really brings even more life to some captivating songs. Like Vampire Weekend, Isbell made a lot of lists, as well he should.
In a similar sonic range of Isbell is the excellent debut country release from Kasey Musgraves, who's Same Trailer, Different Park is that rare daring and against the grain mainstream country release to find success and be unique at the same time. This is a country album for those who don't like country and for those who do. That's damn rare.
I Saw Them Back When...
This was also a good year for strong debut records and I found myself listening to freshman releases from a wealth of talented acts. High on that list is Chvrches and their debut The Bones of What You Believe. It's so pop and sugar at times it can rot your teeth but it's also smart, catchy throughout, and impossible to not like. If you find Chvrches to be your cup of tea I would also suggest checking out the very strong debut from Echosmith, a sibling foursome who blend the best elements of their contemporaries ranging from Taylor Swift to Paramore on their album Talking Dreams. In a similar vibe is the self-titled debut (the 1975) from the UK's the 1975.
I also loved a trio of discs from similarly spirited acts, The Mowglis' Waiting for the Dawn, The Kopecky Family Band's Kids Raising Kids, and Walk Off the Earth's R.E.V.O. Big gang/multi harmony vocals, a loose hippy dippy spirit, and easy to digest rock based with acoustic vibes and positive lyricism. Nothing wrong with that.
Finally, there was the early 2013 release that stuck with me all year: The Lone Bellow's self-titled release. Nothing earth shattering but an eclectic mix of country, rock, and folk. Sometimes the simplest things work on so many levels.
The Young and The Restless...
I ran into some sophomore releases from artists I previously was not on board with but, as always, it is better late than never. Among those who impressed me with their second albums are Little Comets' Life Is Elsewhere, Bobby Long's terrific Wishbone, the soulful sounds of Charles Bradley on Victim of Love, and Gin Wigmore's Gravel & Wine. None of the above really got the attention they deserve so please give them the proverbial i-Tunes sampling.
Finally there are the veterans who brought their A-game to their latest work. I would include the second self-titled album from The Civil Wars (and it'll be a damn shame if it's their last), the reinvented, more eclectic Melophobia from Cage The Elephant, the loving ode to San Francisco that came via Matt Nathanson's Last of the Great Pretenders, Jimmy Eat World's accurately self-described "adult break up album" Damage, Butch Walker's Peachtree Battle EP (inspired by the passing of his father), and the everyone-place-nice-now Mechanical Bull from Kings of Leon.
The best of the 'returning' artists, though, goes to Frank Turner and his latest Tape Deck Heart, a quintessential break-up record mixed with humor, sadness, anger, aggression, and the belief that music can save any soul. No one should even try to argue with that. It's that rare release where I encourage you to find the "Deluxe Edition" with extra tracks, as Turner was clearly on a tear during these sessions.
And there you have it... some tips, praises, recommendations, and highlight from what was a damn strong year for music all-around. I could have listed even more, mentioned particular singles I fell in love with, and beyond. But this round-up hopefully serves as a place to start or continue.
Bring on 2014!
J