So many great albums in 2013, a truly fantastic year for music in my opinion. Usually something I agonize over for weeks, this was one of the easiest year end lists I've made to date.
This year I'll be bringing you my top 5 albums list plus my best of the rest.
As always thanks for stopping in throughout the year it's much appreciated. Happy Holidays & Happy New Year!!
THE TOP 5:
A somber yet beautifully retrospective disc that deals with the death of their former bandmate Christopher Reimer. Same melodic qualities you would expect from the SF band with heavier themes this go round. One of their best.
Favorite track- "Confidence"
Other standouts- "Substance" "Holidays" and "The Current"
Young and incredibly talented, Nashville's Winston Yellen released one of the years finest debut LP's. With a wild vocal range and heartfelt sentimental lyrics, this album is stacked from top to bottom with heartbreaking numbers.
Favorite track- "Lost Springs"
Other standouts- "22" "Even if We try" and "Cherry Blossoms"
Tackling intensely personal subjects like divorce and miscarriage doesn't make Trust an easy listen. But it's done so purely and so raw, just a voice and a guitar, that it's one of the most powerful things you'll hear this year.
Favorite track- "So I Cry Out"
Other standouts- "Animal" "Your Are the Truth" and "Angel"
This big 11 piece orchestral collective out of Portland released their sophomore full length in 2013. A big, bold and joyful effort that juxtaposes singer Kyle Morton's songs about sickness, death and lost childhood.
Favorite track- "Young Fathers"
Other standouts- "Hunger and Thirst" "Common Sentiments" and "Dreams of Cannibalism"
If you know me I'm sure this comes as no surprise at all. I don't hide the fact that The National are my favorite band. As obscure as their lyrics can sometimes be there's always been something that speaks to me in Berninger's anxiety filled stories. As nerve wracking as it can be when a favorite artist releases something new, Trouble Will Find Me did not disappoint in any way shape or form. It's way too early to judge if it's their best album to date, but it does see the group hitting their stride and sounding as confident and tight as ever.
Favorite track- "Don't Swallow the Cap"
Other standouts- "Pink Rabbits" "Heavenfaced" and "I Should Live in Salt"
THE BEST OF THE REST (in alphabetical order):
CAVEMAN- SELF TITLED
CHVRCHES- THE BONES OF WHAT YOU BELIEVE
DAUGHTER- IF YOU LEAVE
FRIGHTENED RABBIT- PEDESTRIAN VERSE
GENERATIONALS- HEZA
HAYDEN- US ALONE
LOCAL NATIVES- HUMMINGBIRD
MODERN KIN- SELF TITLED
PARQUET COURTS- LIGHT UP GOLD
PHOSPHERESCENT- MUCHACHO
PICKWICK- CANT TALK MEDICINE
VAMPIRE WEEKEND- MODERN VAMPIRES OF THE CITY
WATER LIARS- WYOMING
WAXAHATCHEE- CERULEAN SALT
JESSE WOODS- GET YOUR BURDENS LIFTED
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