Friday, December 20, 2013

Burn the Bowery Favorite 20 Albums of 2013


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:

#5 THE DODOS- CARRIER
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"











#4 NIGHT BEDS- COUNTRY SLEEP
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"

 

#3 GAMBLES- TRUST
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"









#2 TYPHOON- WHITE LIGHTER
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"


#1 THE NATIONAL- TROUBLE WILL FIND ME
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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