So to kick things off, here are my ten favorite albums of the year!
10. AMOK by Atoms for Peace
I originally wanted to name this as my album of 2013, but future releases would knock it down this low on the list. I see the ordering in lists as arbitrary, so it being here isn't a bad thing at all. So Atoms for Peace, which is several members of Radiohead and a Radiohead producer, made their debut with this fine album. It contains the minor hit "Default" and my personal favorite "Ingenue". Hope to hear from them again. Until then, will there be a new Radiohead album?
9. Nepenthe by Julianna Barwick
Man, don't you love it when favorite artists make new albums every couple of years? Yeah, I do too. When I heard Barwick was releasing something new in 2013, I was very excited. Of course, she delivered with another excellent, haunting album full of evocative songs. I know people have done this kind of music in the past, but it's nice to see it revived and appreciated in the 21st century. Favorite track: "Pyrrhic".
8. The Worse Things Get, the Harder I Fight, the Harder I Fight, the More I Love You by Neko Case
After falling in love with Middle Cyclone, I eagerly awaited her latest release. It helped that I follow her on Twitter and she talked about the album a ton prior to its release. Once I popped it into iTunes and gave it a listen, I knew that she was someone I can count on to release quality material, even after long breaks between albums and tours. Though I cite "Wild Creatures" as my favorite song, "Nearly Midnight, Honolulu" is quite powerful and haunting in its simplicity. Like Case, I hope this kid will break free from their mother and know that they are loved by those less cruel.
7. Nature Noir by Crystal Stilts
God, I wish this band (like everyone else I like) were more popular. Everyone badly wants another Joy Division. For some reason, The National are cited as the American reincarnation of the iconic band. Ehhh... Crystal Stilts can kindly take that title and run the eff away with it. You see, everyone thinks Joy Division is a lot more grandiose than they really are. They're pure rockers. And at least, Crystal Stilts sticks to that part and do it very well. Their latest is no exception. Favorite track: "Future Folklore".*
6. Ice on the Dune by Empire of the Sun
After hearing the first single "Alive", I got a little worried. While I did like it, it didn't grab me until repeat listens. Nonetheless, I feared the sophomore slump from my favorite Australian dance duo. I took the plunge and bought the album regardless of my fears. I found them to be unfounded. With tracks like "Surround Sound" (I think it's great, shut up) and "Old Flavours", "Alive" was just an outlier in the whole package. I am glad that "DNA", my favorite track, was released as a single. The video, though, left a lot to be desired.
5. and that's your time by THEESatisfaction
I didn't buy this album until early this month, but I badly wanted to count them in this list. Of course, the risk is 'what if the album isn't that good' when doing something like that. Nope, no sophomore slump for these Seattle ladies! I was a bit surprised to see their new album without a label backing (wonder what happened?), but I wanted to support them regardless. Indie acts need the support of their fans more than ever as they journey into self-releasing. I am proud to support them with my patronage and fangirlism. Favorite track: "Queen Country (4 Women)". Close your eyes and get swept away in the beats and rhymes.
4. Heartthrob by Tegan and Sara
I'm no spring chicken with these dynamic ladies, I knew of their existence long before this album. Yet, it took this to get me to finally listen to their music. And I have to say I am not only very impressed, but I look forward to digging into their catalog. I understand that their earlier works aren't as electronic and poppy, but hey, they can go electric and still rule acoustic, right? And it also helped that this album was played over and over at my job. Favorite song: "I'm Not Your Hero".
3. UZU by Yamantaka // Sonic Titan
I forgot who or what introduced me to this band, but whoever it was... thank you. I've been wanting a solid metal group to patronize. This Canadian act mixes heavy metal, prog rock, and noh theater costumes and concepts to create a beautiful blend of artful music that captures the listener and sweeps them away into stories that are gorgeous and horrific. Favorite track: "Hall of Mirrors". Rapping section FTW!
2. We the Common by Thao and the Get Down Stay Down
Again, Bitch Magazine gets the kudos for introducing me to this band via their music reviews. After reading it, I sought out the album as soon as possible. It is such a solid, rocking album with wonderful undertones of country rock and soulful singing done by the band's namesake. Favorite track is "City", though "Holy Roller" will always remind me of walking down the sidewalks of San Francisco.
1. Tie: Aims by Vienna Teng and One Breath by Anna Calvi
As before, women are crowned the music rulers of 2013.
Teng makes her glorious return after taking a few years off to attend grad school and finish with a Masters degree. That, along with the recent sociopolitical environment (which was more prevalent since she moved to Detroit), inspired her to make a passionate plea for various causes: the 99% movement ("In the 99"), wasteful delivery systems ("Landsailor"), and trying to live in a city falling in despair ("Close to Home"). Favorite song: "Level Up". And sadly no, I didn't contribute to her Kickstarter video. I would've, but money was very bad at the time.
As for Calvi, her return is marked with passion, but for different reasons. Mourning the loss of a beloved family member, she takes these emotions and channels them into an album that is not only beautiful but so heartbreaking. It's been a while since I heard an album this intimate. The moment I hit 'play', I knew this wasn't like her first album. And that is a very good thing. Favorite song: "Piece By Piece".
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So there ya go. 2013 was a solid year for music**. Hope 2014 continues that streak (which seems like it so far). Thanks to all the musicians who put something out this year and to the newcomers that took the big leap.
This post was brought to you by my theme song of 2014***:
*Wow, not much of a review and more of a ranty-fest on The National. I don't really dislike the band at all, I think "Anyone's Ghost" and "Conversation 16" are amazing songs. I'm just tired of the myth that Joy Division were proto-emo. They weren't, y'all.
**Though funny enough, some music critics have called 2013 one of the worst years in recent memory. Well, that's what happens when you listen to crappy music stations. You have to look for the good stuff. I hope to prove that it isn't the equivalent of pulling hen's teeth.
***When I said this on Twitter, Vienna Teng favorited it. Needless to say, it made my day.
*meme does not belong to me*
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