70. Colin Stetson- New History Warfare Vol 3: To See More Light
Saxophonist Colin Stetson released his third installment of a trilogy of experimental jazz records. This collection of avant-garde oriented compositions show off an impressive display of sheer technical ability. Gorgeous arpeggios and vast walls of sound make this a can't miss for anyone who loves beautifully performed instrumental music.
Song to know: To See More Light
69. Factory Floor- Factory Floor
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This debut studio album from English recording act Factory floor features some of the better electronic dance music released this year. Drawing influences from post-punk, industrial, techno, and even disco; this record stays cohesive yet varying enough to never get boring.
Song to know: Fall Back
68. Frightened Rabbit- Pedestrian Verse
The second album from this Scottish indie rock band features some very hopeful and personal tunes to make any listener smile ear to ear. These choruses serve as singable anthems that are as accessible as they are intricate and meaningful.
Song to know: Backyard Skulls
67. Volcano Choir- Repave
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Bon Iver's Jusin Vernon teamed up with a group of musicians formerly known as Collections of Colonies of Bees to create this wonderful side project. Unlike Bon Iver, Vernon is not the only one contributing to the songwriting process. However, this record often sounds like another Bon Iver album. I don't think many people really find that a problem at all!
Song to know: Byegone
66. Foxygen- We are the 21st Century Ambassadors of Peace and Magic
This duo from California bring us their third effort containing just over 35 minutes of absolutely charming psychedelic indie pop. These songs seem to draw inspiration from psychedelic acts of the pass, such as Jefferson Airplane, Velvet Underground, and the Grateful Dead, while bringing a fresh renewing of this sound. Cal it modern hippie music if you would like.
Song to know: San Francisco
65. Iceage- You're Nothing
These danish teenagers want to prove that although they are young, they aren't to messed with. This album of post-punk and noise rock is raw, dark, and violent. Ferocious and loud, Iceage captures everything there is to love about hardcore punk.
Song to know: Ecstasy
64. Justin Timberlake- The 20/20 Experience Part 1
Justin Timberlake made a comeback this year with his first studio album in 7 years. This record shows Timberlake going in a more soul-oriented direction compared to his dance-pop sounds of old. Laced with horn sections and slow-downed textures, Justin emulates some of the classics such as Marvin Gaye and Curtis Mayfield. In a mainstream scene that is plagued with copycats, overproduction, and lazy songwriting, JT shows he still holds the formula to creating very respectable pop music.
Song to know: Suit and Tie
63. Lorde- Pure Heroine
This brand new singer from New Zealand has become an overnight superstar. Somehow this artist's minimalistic art-pop has found a way onto top 40 radio and countless iPods. She draws influences from hip-hop and electronica to create some pretty adventurous beats and textures to support her surprisingly mature voice for her age. The overblown and somewhat undeserved hype she has been receiving from college and high-school kids everywhere is pretty annoying (reminiscent of Adele in 2010). However, this album is still full of merit, and at 16, Lorde oozes with potential.
Song to know: Tennis Court
62. Laura Mvula- Sing to the Moon
Laura Mvula is a graduate of the prestigious Birmingham Convervatory of Music. Her classical training can be heard throughout these soul compositions that shine with an overwhelming warmness and beauty. These tracks are well- arranged, often incorporated strings and orchestral instrumentation. This record is rooted in jazz, RnB and gosple music. Laura Mvula has put out one of the most honest records to come out of England this year.
Song to know: That's Alright
61. M.I.A.- Matangi
Known for her unique blend of dance, hip-hop, and world music, M.I.A. looked like one of the mot promising new artists in the mid 2000s. Her first two albums, Arular and Kala were very well received and both stand as influential and enduring records. However, she found some struggles, and in 2010 released her weakest and most critically-divisive record. This year she stormed back with a vengeance. This album full of politically charged dance tunes are ambitious, well-produced, and proof that M.I.A. isn't going anywhere soon.
Song to know: Bring the Noize
60. Drake- Nothing was the Same
With Kanye experimenting with industrial beats and huge arena rock sounds, Kendrick incorporating a darker tone with heavy subject matter, and Eminem and Jay-Z simply sucking; there is a sort of nice and refreshing feel to Drake's laid back and smooth approach. With his relatable lyrics, and his blend of rapping and singing, there is something truly likable about Drake. This is one of the finest commercial hip-hop records this year.
Song to know: Hold On, We're Going Home
59. Daughter- If You Leave
This British indie trio puts their name out their with their debut record. These folk-like tracks are very impressive, incorporate shoegaze and ambient elements for a truly engaging atmosphere. Vocalist Elena Tonra writes some reflective, bone-chilling, poetic lyrics. For example, "If you're still breathing you're the lucky ones. Most of us are heaving through corrupted lungs."
Song to know: Youth
58. Yo La Tengo- Fade
Yo La Tengo is no new kid on the block, and in 2013 they put out their 13th studio album. This New Jersey based band put out a wonderful of collection of laid-back rock tracks. This music is very relaxed and intimate. This is the perfect album looking for something intriguing yet easy to digest.
Song to know: Ohm
57. King Krule- 6 Feet Beneath the Moon
Archy Marshall experiments with different styles and ideas to bring together his own unique sound. King Krule plays his guitar with post-punk like rhythms over jazzy chords, creating a darker and soulful identity. His rough primitive voice adds a mysterious flavor to this music. Add some post-dubstep programming in their and this well-done darkwave experiment is complete.
Song to know: Easy Easy
56. Pusha T- My Name is My Name
Pusha T has quickly rose to fame by providing guess verses on the Cruel Summer project and on other notable recordings through Kanye's GOOD Music label. Now he's ready to put out his own solo record, and it's good. Most notable about this record is Pusha T's highly introspective lyrics dealing with the struggles he faced through his upbringings. Look out for Pusha T, he's about to be huge.
Song to know: Numbers on the Board
55. Oneohtrix Point Never- R Plus Seven
In 2011, Oneohtrix Point Never released Replica to widespread critical acclaim. He's back and trying to raise his potential as an artist. A large variety of samples are pieced together like a puzzle (a technique known as plunderphonics) by Daniel Lopatin to formulate this imaginative electronic ambient work. These soundscapes are dreamy and vast enough to truly immerse the ear in.
Song to know: Chrome Country
54. Earl Sweatshirt- Doris
Earl was a member of the hip-hop collective Odd Future, with other notable acts such as Frank Ocean and Tyler the Creator. This year he gave his first attempt at a solo record. Earl goes for a more underground sounding production here, preferable for those who are tired with over-the-top productions and want more straight to the point gritty hip-hop. The complex rhyme schemes presented here make Doris a very innovative and intriguing hip-hop record.
Song to know: Sunday
53. Jagwar Ma- Howlin
Jagwar Ma is a psychedelic based band from Australia. On their debut studio album, these guys create music that is spacious and dreamy. Jagwar Ma is also very influenced by dance music, and you can find that through the electronic overtones they throw into these trance-setting jams. With irresistible melodies and harmonies coming from the vocal department, Howlin makes for one enjoyable record.
Song to know: The Throw
52. John Grant- Pale Green Ghosts
Recently dealing with a failed relationship, John Grant went into the studio. Often out of heartbreak, good real heart-felt music is birthed. These genuine synth pop tunes carry a heavy emotional backbone to them. Grant's baritone voice is deep, warm, and inviting as he allows himself to be completely vulnerable on this album.
Song to know: GMF
51. Autre Ne Veut- Anxiety
Singer Arthur Ashin released his second studio album full of ambitious RnB music. Arthur experiments with open electronic textures and vocal effects. He brings in everything from metal guitars to choirs, and never settles for the cliche sounds that come from this genre. Arthur sings his heart out with falsettos and impressive runs. This mixed with incredible engineered build-ups makes this album plain epic at moments. Autre Ne Veut is joining a new wave of RnB artists, with Frank Ocean and Janelle Monae, that are pushing the genre to new artistic boundaries, while the unspired and unimaginative mainstream radio RnB acts are simply going nowhere.
Song to know: Play by Play
50. Waxahatchee- Cerulean Salt
Katie Crutchfield, primary writer and performer on this record, recorded this album in her basement. This lo-fi and intimate production allows for an incredibly real presence to shadow over these songs. Katie sings about the loss of innocence to occurs as a child transitions to adulthood. These songs are very stripped down, often with usually just Katie's electric guitar and soft and quiet accompaniment from the bass and drums. This allows for her message to not just be heard, but delivered one-on-one from her to the heart of the listener.
Song to know: Swan Dive
49. Parquet Courts
It seems like their isn't a lot of classing straight punk music anymore. Parquet Courts looks to change that as their debut record is out. This album is often reminiscent of the glory days of punk in the 80s with acts such as Minor Threat, Bad Brains, and Black Flag. With a man of these tracks clocking in at under 2 minutes, these quick, humorous, and energetic jams are sure to get any punk smiling.
Song to know: Stoned and Starving
48. Kacey Musgraves- Same Trailer Different Park
Kacey Musgraves brings a new breath of fresh air to country music. Kacey elects a wonderfully engaging stripped down to the roots approach to her music. Lyrically, she puts herself up on elite status. She has mastered the art of clever word play. When it seems all country singers have to sing about is beer and tractors, Kacey Musgraves brings out deeper truths and realities.
Song to know: Follow Your Arrow
47. Haxan Cloak- Excavation
This album can be absolutely horrifying. This dark ambient music is unrelenting and never quite gives the listener time to settle. Electronic producer Bobby Krlic has artistically tapped into the emotion of fear and suspense into these compositions, making for one incredible listening experience...and that's what this album is, an experience. To get the full effect of this record, listen to it in one sitting from start to finish, at night, with the lights out.
Song to know: The Mirror Reflection (Part 2)
46. DJ Koze- Amyglada
DJ Koze demonstrates high-quality songwriting prowess in his latest studio record. These electronic dance songs are intelligent and mesmerizing. Koze knows the right time to bring in huge walls of sound, and when to bring the music to a more minimalistic state. He brings in perfectly placed vocal samples and effects with deep intellectual intuition to provide a profound and soulful experience.
Song to know: Homesick
45. Mikal Cronin- MCII
Mikal puts out his second album of fuzzy power pop. Behind this soft shadow of noise and feedback, you find a tender and ernest voice from Cronin. The songwriting is superb, finding a perfect blend of power and intensity, with accessibility gentleness. Their is a definite identity of psychedelia in this music, and this adds to this dreamy and bright listening adventure.
Song to know: Weight
44. Forest Swords- Engravings
Forest Swords is an experimental electronic act. On this album Matthew Barnes brine in elements of drone, hip-hop, dub step, and RnB. These tracks have a darker and vast presence to them, bringing in a mysterious presence to them. He throws in bright guitar overtones and glistening soundscapes, finish off an overall package that's easy to get lost in.
Song to know: The Weight of Gold
43. Rhye- Woman
Rhye is a guy. However at first listen, that might not be your first guess. Rhye has a very unique high-registered voice which gorgeously floats over these 10 dream-like tunes. Musically this is down-tempo RnB and soul music. Elements of jazz is felt with saxophones and swung beats and rhythm. He sings about romance with a very honest and soulful vision.
Song to know: Open
42. Neko Case- The Worse Things Get, The Harder I Fight, The Harder I Fight, The More I Love You
On her sixth studio record, Neko Case deals with heavy subject matter, such as depression and neglected children. These songs have enough punch and attitude to support such harsh realities. Neko Case has a real punk rock identity to her, and she lets it roar in this record. Neko Case has been around for a while, and she is finding new ways and to reinvent her sound.
Song to know: Man
41. **** Buttons- Slow Focus
These guys have made a name for themselves the past few years by making some of the most unique and unorthodox electronic music around. They use everything from expensive synthesizers and keyboards, to Fisher Price toys to craft their sound. There is often a fun, party like tone to this record, that seamlessly blends into a harsh and aggressive onslaught. It's really hard to predict where this record is going to go. This duo is continuing to establish themselves as one of the leaders in modern electronic music.
Song to know: The Red Wing
40. Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds
One of Australia's greatest songwriters is back with his fifteenth studio album. He successfully adds to his more than impressive discography dating back to 1979. These slow paced gothic jams are full of emotion and beauty. It's wonderfully orchestrated with deep bass and subtle guitar overtones, aiming for a stripped down texture that is perfect for Cave's vocal delivery. What really sets Nick apart is his heavy storytelling and desire for truth in his lyrics.
Song to know: Jubilee Street
39. Matthew E. White- Big Inner
Matthew E. White is highly influenced by 60s/70s singer-songwriters, most specifically Randy Newman. With these Dylanesque songs, finds a way to capture the soul and nostalgia that those classic records embodied. This album allows you to sit back and reflect as these songs jive and stir your spirit. With a background in jazz arrangement, Matthew incorporates horn orchestrations that perfectly wrap this thing together. So sit back, and be taken back to the good ol days.
Song to know: Big Love
38. Run the Jewels- Run the Jewels
Here we have the first studio album coming from the collaboration of El-P and Killer Mike. This is a very underground oriented hip-hop record, with simpler beats and production designed to shift the focus to the powerful delivery from these two MCs. These tracks show off big bass drops and build-ups creating plenty of epic moments. This album is full of grit and lyrical skill and wisdom, making this one of the top tier rap albums of the year.
Song to know: Banana Clipper
37. These New Puritans- Field of Reeds
This highly anticipated record from British art-rockers does not disappoint. On Field of Reeds, These New Puritans orchestrate an intriguing blend of neoclassical music and post-rock. The band brought in a number of trained classical musicians to record on these beautifully construct compositions, including the Synergy Vocal Ensemble and the Stargaze Ensemble. On this record you'll find many of the most prominent orchestral instruments, as well as the normal modern day rock instrumentation. This isn't the first time classical and contemporary music has been blended together, but that doesn't make this album less remarkable.
Song to know: Organ Eternal
36. Torres- Torres
This independently released record from Mackenzie Scott kind of came out of nowhere. Here we find a lo-fi and intimately recorded gem of an album that is incredibly inviting and human. Scott's vocals are raw, sometimes unpolished, and have a longing sense to them. These lyrics are so real and meaningful as she things about change, loneliness, despair, and life in general. This previously unknown artist has crafted a unbelievably mature and miraculous work of art.
Song to know: November Baby
35. Darkside- Psychic
Here we have a 45 minute experiment with sound and the mind. This cerebral record of downtempo ambient music is challenging and incredibly intricate. Pulsating bass drones and carefully installed melodies define this record. Guitarist Dave Harrington plays very methodically and layered, adding a unique presence to this original and artsy electronic record.
Song to know: Golden Arrow
34. Foals- Holy Fire
Alternative rock band Foals is back with their third studio record. This could possibly be their most ambitious and energetic work yet. Flowing with funk vibes, this seems to be a new direction for the band, and one that is very welcome. With grooving anthems and choruses, and memorable riffs, this is sure to please rock fans anywhere.
Song to know: My Number
33. Youth Lagoon- Wondrous Bughouse
This is the most criminally overlooked and forgotten LP of this year. Trevor Powers creates music with such an overwhelming youthful charm while exemplifying maturity in his writing. His nasally childish voice makes him sound like a little kid, and on these songs dealing metaphorically with innocence and hope, it works perfectly. This is incredibly engaging dream pop with melodies that will provide an earnest, warm, and heartfelt experience.
Song to know: Dropla
32. James Blake- Overgrown
James Blake has risen to a considerable amount of fame among indie music listeners. After winning the Mercury Prize for best British album, he's only set to get bigger. Classically trained pianist, James Blake, puts together a remarkable blend of post-dubstep and soul, as he uses his synthesizers in the most cerebral and articulate way possible. His voice adds a surreal and somber tone to this magnificent sophomore record from James Blake.
Song to know: Retrograde
31. The Knife- Shaking the Habitual
This is probably the weirdest album I've ever heard. That's the point. I would even go as far and say this record is not intended to be enjoyed, but instead to stretch and contest the listeners previous understanding of what music is. This is not the first in a wave of incredibly challenging and uncomfortable records. Last year, we saw Swans release their incredible, "The Seer." It's really hard to label what this record is. There's elements of everything from drone, dark ambient, synth pop, and IDM. To make this album even harder to sit through, they threw in a 30-minute "interlude" of just scathing drones, able to make the feint at heart go mad. The lyrics deal with topics such as feminism and gender roles, nothing new for this duo. I will say, if you're a casual music listener and want something easy to listen, avoid this album at all cost. It will be too difficult for you to process. However, if you're a season listener wanted something that is going to take work to digest and understand, you can't miss this one. The Knife has engineered their boldest artistic statement to date.
Song to know: Full of Fire
30. Haim- Days are Gone
These three sisters bond together to create some of the most complete pop rock music of the year. Haim has a real Fleetwood Mac vibe to them, with a bit of a 90's RnB swing to them. Their melodies are had to ignore and well-crafted. As a band, they sound incredibly tight and polished, and it shines in this well-produced major label debut. Just signed to Roc Nation, the future looks very bright for this group.
Song to know: Falling
29. Kurt Vile- Wakin on a Pretty Daze
Following his very well received Smoke Ring for My Halo in 2011, Kurt Vile returns for his fifth studio album. This time he puts out his strongest set of simple, lo-fi, indie rock songs. Kurt Vile has developed into a major songwriting force. He is patient with his compositions and lets them develop and settle, with many of the tracks ranging from 6-10 minutes long. These songs have loose structures, and don't force the listener to be caught up in a tradition verse-chorus-verse setting. These tracks are intimate, warm, and full of life.
Song to know: Wakin on a Pretty Daze
28. Boards of Canada- Tomorrow's Harvest
Boards of Canada has always pushed the boundaries of electronic music. After eight years since their last record, they are back and pushing that boundary once again. On this record, the Scottish duo go for a more downtempo ambient sound. This record is complex, and demands intentional listen. With it's lavish textures and adventurous soundscapes, Tomorrow's Harvest is a compelling listen.
Song to know: Reach for the Dead
27. Beyonce- Beyonce
Whoah. Surprise. Surprise. Surprise. On December 13, 2013, Beyonce shocked the world when she released a surprise album at midnight without any advertisement or previous announcement. In a commercialized pop world that strives on marketing and promotions, you couldn't take a bigger risk. Beyonce has done some good in the past, with singles like "Crazy in Love" and "Countdown" but nothing as cohesive and bold as this. Beyonce experiments with a darker sound laced with trap beats and the post-dub textures that Frank Ocean pioneered last year. Lyrically, Beyonce deals with a number of more mature themes. We're seeing a completely different Beyonce. Here's the thing, this is an album, and not a couple radio hits surrounded by unlistenable filler that most pop records contain. In an era where mainstream has become a dirty word in music circles, Beyonce looks to change that. Gone is the fluffy pop star that everyone knows. Beyonce is now demanding to be taken serious as an artist.
Song to know: Drunk in Love
26. Queens of the Stone Age-...Like Clockwork
Legendary band Queens of the Stone Age return for their sixth album of hard rock and stoner metal. This however, might be their strongest effort since their classic Songs for the Deaf. This record is more melodically focused, but the same groove and punch is still there. The production of this record is slick, and it just has this lovable vibe to it. It makes you want to crank it up in your car and headband for hours. Queens of the Stone Age is rough, dirty, ferocious, and really don't give a crap about anything. Josh Hommes is experimenting here, and you can tell he's going to do whatever he wants.
Song to Know: I Appear Missing
25. Chance the Rapper- Acid Rap
Drake, Eminem, and Jay-Z all put out huge budget, major label records this year. One of those mentioned was pretty good, the other two not as good. Contrast to that, this new kid who goes by Chance the Rapper, self-released this mixtape on a limited budget and no high level marketing power. He put it out this mixtape himself as a free download for anyone who wants it (seriously, download it here! http://www.datpiff.com/Chance-The-Rapper-Acid-Rap-mixtape.483826.html). Here's the crazy thing, it's better. Chance delivers with a nasally tone with a playful and energetic feel. With psychedelic elements in the production, and clever lyrics and wordplay, there is a real freshness and originality to this guy. Chance, get ready, you're gonna be a household name very soon.
Song to know: Chain Smoker
24. Phosphorescent- Muchacho
There is something deeply poetic and symbolic about these songs. Matthew Houk's songwriting ability allows him to paint vivd and gorgeous pictures, both lyrical, and sonically. This stellar record has everything from instrospective dream pop, to more straightforward rockers, and they all add an important piece to this canvas. What really makes Phosphorescent shine, is the desperate and fragile voice that confronts the listener head on.
Song to know: Song for Zula
23. David Bowie- The Next Day
There is no doubt that David Bowie is one of the most influential artists of all time. He was one of the great heavyweight artists of the 60's, 70's, and even early 80's. However eventually he went out of his prime, and began making very average music, falling into a state of irrelevancy. He seemed to accepted this and in 2003 stopped putting out records. This year he surprised everyone with a new record, that is reminiscent of his glory days. The Next Day is Bowie's best album in a very long time. There seems to be a sense where David Bowie simply made this record for the love of making music, and not wanting to please people. With that attitude in mind, he was able to craft one of his most genuine LPs. At age 67, and on his 23rd album, David Bowie is showing everyone here still has it. Call it one of music's Rocky moments, this is one incredible comeback from an absolute legend.
Song to know: Where Are We Now?
22. Jason Isbell- Southeastern
I can't say enough positives about this guy. It's no secret that country music in general has not been good in awhile. It's a genre that is plagued with cliches and an intellectual black-hole. I'm not afraid to namedrop. With popular artists like Luke Bryan, Florida Georgia Line, Jason Aldean, and countless others putting out nothing but pure garbage, it seems like the genre is hopeless. I would go in detail, but I thought if you had a minute or two, you could watch this humorous video . It sums it up much better than I could in words. Anyway, there is this Jason Isbell guy now, and all I can say is wow. His music is so full of grit, deeply personal, and full of raw feeling. Something you don't find in radio country is real subject matter and passionate lyrical delivery. It defines this album. Jason Isbell's music is pure art. Here you find wonderfully scripted narratives, that explore truth in this world. With Jason Isbell, and the previously mentioned Kacey Musgraves, it seems there is hope for this genre that has been so miserably bad for the last 10 years.
Song to know: Elephant
21. Julianna Barwick- Nepenthe
Julianna Barwick grew up in a church without much access to instruments. They would perform music accapella with the congregation acting as the choir. Through this Julianna fell in love with voices and how they can be layered together. Now in a later part of her life, she has tapped into that skill to perfection. On this record she records multiple samples of her voice and layers them together like a choral piece. There are other instruments occasionally involved, such as percussion and piano, but a major portion of this record is straight voice. She layers these multiple recording of her voice in such a way that it creates vast ambient environment. These lush textures are simply mesmerizing. It is very easy to get lost in the sheer beauty and magnitude of this record.
Song to know: One Half
20. Danny Brown- Old
Danny Brown is one of the wildest and more uncontrolled rapper to come out in recent years. On his latest LP, he may have toned it down a bit, but their is still this crazy, raw, and untamed vibe to his music. Throughout this LP, Brown explores themes of inner conflict. Musically, this album is just so sonically spot on. The production is well textured and full. There is no doubt that when it comes to his rhythmic timing and delivery, Danny Brown is very skilled. All of this often equates to an epic and adventurous musical ride.
Song to know: 25 Bucks
19. Janelle Monae- The Electric Lady
In 2010, Janelle Monae released The Archandroid one of the most adventurous and ambitious records in soul and RnB music that the music world has seen in a long time, maybe all time. This year she looked to follow up to that, and she was successful. The Electric Lady is a careful analysis of society as a whole. Musically, she blends elements of jazz, funk, gosple, RnB, and even rock. There is many instances of wicked electric guitar leads and solos that add a unique and progressive vibe to this LP. This album adds another chapter to her already impressive career.
Song to know: Q.U.E.E.N.
18. Tim Hecker- Virgins
Virgins is the second best example of ambient music in 2013, we'll get to the best in a bit. The Electronic elements are definitely present, but on top of this is a group of orchestral musicians that add layer and force to this music. Tim Hecker's compositions are a bit darker and eerie. However, the tension on this LP adds depth and serenity. These tracks are constantly building and developing, which allows the listener to grow with it. Often ambient music can drag on, but Tim Hecker is very careful to make sure these compositions are varied enough to not be predictable and to retain their interest. This record opens the door to explore a darker tranquility.
Song to know: Virginals II
17. Sigur Ros- Kveikur
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Sigur Ros did their best work in the late 90s and early 2000s. Although they may have decline a bit since than, they never went anywhere and this might be their best return to form in a few years. These kings of post-rock from Iceland have always made a name for themselves with how intricate they develop emotional build-ups and create mesmerizing environments. This time it's no different, except that this time they have reinvented their sound from the ground up. Sigur Ros has gone for a more aggressive, engaging, and darker sound on this one. Instead of lighter and thinner textures like we are used to hearing from them, we find more daring, thicker, and grandiose textures. Although it may be a darker Sigur Ros, their is still the same beauty and passion that defines this band.
16. Jon Hopkins- Immunity
This is the definitive electronic ambient record of 2013. For starters, Jon does not leave a boring and repetitive moment on this album. Each note and beat is carefully placed and engineered. Some of the house elements on this record are so incredibly melodic and engaging. These songs are infectious and demand repetitive listens. The most impressive part of this album is it's understood story. Although very few words are ever spoken on the album, their is a clear stated message and narrative. As the record starts, we are introduced to tense and bass driven IDM dance tracks that signal a sense of lostness and despair. As the album progresses it becomes more and more joyful and gentle. It finally reaches the climax of the record, the title track at the very end. This album ends with an incredibly gorgeous, atmospheric, and warm piano ballad that symbolizes a sense of hope and peace.
Song to know: Open Eye Signal
15. Bill Callahan- Dream River
Bill Callahan's main calling card is his qualitative lyrical ability. On this bare and simple folk album, Bill explores human life, love, and the desire to find identity in this world. There is minimal accompaniment to Bill's voice and lyrics. We should talk about his voice. Bill has such a deep, mature, and distinguished vocal delivery that through it's tone, conveys a presence of wisdom and understanding. Bill Callahan simply is telling us his learned understanding of life and the world around him, in the most earnest and beautiful way possible.
Song to know: Small Plane
14. Savages- Silence Yourself
Here we have a debut album from a English post-punk band known as Savages, and it's a force to be reckoned with. These woman create a sound extremely sinister and primitive. Their is a rare sense of ferocity and confidence in this LP. Lyrically, there is an overarching theme of distraction and noise in the world. The band feels we need to take more time to be quiet and actually immerse ourselves in life, instead of worrying about the busy noise that surrounds our day to day life. What's the best way to get your attention for this message? Be loud. This record doesn't allow you to lose your focus on it for a second. The simple brutality and scathing nature is what makes this album so golden.
Song to know: Shut Up
13. Deerhunter- Monomania
On their sixth studio album, we see this indie rock band going in a new direction. On this record, we see a new form of noise driven garage rock. Sonically, these songs are masked in feedback and fuzzy distortion. With this record, they avoid the issue many bands face in putting out albums to similar to their previous work, that it just sounds familiar and uninteresting. Under these walls of haze, are well written and crafted indie pop tunes. It may not be as accessible as the Deerhunter of old, it's still just as engaging and exciting.
Song to know: Monomania
12. Disclosure- Settle
This might be the most exciting and irresistible collection of electronic house and garage dance music to come out in memory. These two young DJ's produce drops and dane textures that are so undeniably enjoyable. Multiple guests are brought on to provide the vocal framework of this album. Examples would include AlunaGeorge, Sam Smith, Eliza Doolittle, and London Grammar. This allows for each track to have a unique identity while all flowing as a cohesive whole. The majority of these tracks would be the standout song on pretty much any other dance album. Often, if a dance record has lyrics, they would usually just be some form of pumping up a crowd or just trying to get people to have fun. There may be some of that here as well, but for the most part, these songs are incredibly intelligent and academic. This is the funnest and smartest dance record of the year by a landslide.
Song to know: Latch
11. CHVRCHES- The Bones of What You Believe
Here we have the debut album from the synth pop band CHVRCHES, and it's one you can't miss. It all starts with the two guys in the bands, who use their synth-pads as not just a way to add flavor to music, but as a full on instrument, creating incredibly expansive and engaging walls of sound. Over these unbelievable backdrops, we find the voice of Lauren Mayberry. Lauren has a very youthful and untapped energy to her voice. She sings with so much raw passion and emotion, that you can't help but be sold on every word she sings. Everywhere on this LP are enchanting and perfectly executed hooks, that never fail to grab the listener at their core. When these hooks are sung, over these perfectly timed synth builds and climaxes, it is nothing short of magic. The thing about this record is, it doesn't even sound like it's their full potential. I firmly believe that this band is going to put out something very special very soon.
Song to know: The Mother We Share
10. Deafheaven- Sunbather
Black metal for the most part has been an underground form of music since the late 80s, isolated form the rest of the music world. However these guys came along and kind of shook everything up. This may be the most important step in the genre, with a large amount of critical praise, and some actually commercial success. Sunbather differs a bit from most black metal as it draws a considerable amount of influence from post-rock and shoegaze music. The weird thing about this music is that although their screeching growls and scream, back up by aggressive instrumentation, this may be the most uplifting and hopeful sounding LP of the year. It almost doesn't make sense. However, great albums often find a way of pushing music to uncharted and previously unexplored territories. At the end of the day, there is simply so much passion and emotion in these songs that drive it to be one of the most spectacular releases of 2013.
Song to know: Dream House
9. Kanye West- Yeezus
It's been three years since Kanye release his masterpiece My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, easily one of the 5 best albums of the top 21st century, maybe THE best. This time around, he tries to match it. Well, he doesn't really come close, but also far from disappoints. What he has done is craft his most challenging and conflicting works to date. He knows what people like about his music. People love how he draws in samples of joyful soul and motown records to back his music. So he brought in a sample of Strange Fruit, one of the most depressing song of all time, plus layered every track with abrasive industrialized textures. People love how big and adventurous he produces his albums. So on this record he takes sonic minimalism to an extreme. People really enjoy his introspective and reflective lyrics. So on this record he raps aggressively about racism in the media and about materialism. Kanye gets rid of all expectations. The dude didn't even bother to have album art! Kanye further proves that he is one of the most talented producers of all time, by completely changing his approach and executing these dark, and aggressive beats to perfection. His music use to be so innocent and catchy. Now it's unbelievably frightening and controversial. Kanye never stops destroying the boundaries of today's music.
Song to know: Black Skinhead
P.S. I kind of want to make a side note about this record. I've seen a number of major publications putting this as their number one, or even top 3. I don't know how comfortable I am about that. I mean the arguments are there, but I believe people are overeating this one simply because it's a Kanye West album. Yeah it's great, but it definitely has some noticeable flaws.
8. Daft Punk- Random Access Memories
In 2001, Daft Punk released their highly influential record Discovery. However, since than, these front-runners of house and dance music haven't really done anything worth talking about. However, in 2013, they're back and they may have put together their best work yet. It comes with a wild change of direction. The electronic elements are still there, but now they have added a large amount of funk and disco elements to it, a wildly unique combination. It works to perfection. Led by it's hit single "Get Lucky," this album is full of innovation and groove. Electronic music is the future. Funk music is the past. For at least a moment, old and new meet in this soon to be a classic record. For the first time this duo brings in live instrumentation to help craft their sound. Notable guest appearances are utilized extremely well, such as Pharell Williams, Nile Rodgers, Julian Casablancas, and Panda Bear on the more psychedelic oriented "Doin' it Right". This is one of those rare records where you can honestly say when listening "I have never heard anything like this before."
Song to know: Doin' it Right
7. Arctic Monkeys- AM
In 2006, the Arctic Monkeys released their classic debut record, "Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not." However, since than they've been on a steady decline, never really being able to come near what they did on that record. However, this year, they put out their best album since 2006. These garage rock icons shift gears a bit. The band has been heavily influenced by hip-hop and RnB music, and it shows in these headbanging rock jams. These songs feature heavy driving bass lines, over slower and dirtier sounding tracks, much like modern RnB music. In theory, it doesn't seem like something that would work in rock music, but these guys prove that notion completely inaccurate. We'd all like to welcome the Arctic Monkeys back to the top of the music chain.
Song to know: Do I Wanna Know?
6. Laura Marling- Once I Was an Eagle
This is the British singer-songwriter's fourth album, and it's her best yet. She has a resemblance of other well known female songwriters such as PJ Harvey and Joni Mitchell. On these folk rock songs, Marling brings out confrontational lyrics over acoustic guitars, with occasional pianos and cello arrangements. She has a female Bob Dylan thing going ones she sings with a real poetic bluesy tonality. The guitar playing is very captivating, as she used the instrument to bring out beautiful melodic backdrops that not only complement her vocals, but work side to side to convey the intended messages. Laura has this unique way of storytelling, which is just as much a part of what makes this music great, as the sounds themselves.
Song to know: Master Hunter
5. Arcade Fire- Reflektor
Arcade Fire has been on quite a hot streak the past 10 years, putting out three stellar records, Funeral, Neon Bible, and The Suburbs. Now how does a great band stay great? The trick is finding a way to constantly reinvent your sound while retaining your same identity. On this fourth LP, they do exactly that. On this album, they decide to bring in elements of Haitian music and electronic components. This is the most dance oriented record in Arcade Fire's catalogue. All the themes of isolation that marks these bands lyrics are still there, but in a whole new light. This one doesn't quite give you the chills like Funeral, or have the memorability of The Suburbs, but Reflektor is their most calculated artistic risk. You're always taking a chance when releasing a long double album, as you always have to avoid putting in to much filter. On this album, they succeed at that, and even the weakest tracks are in perspective, very strong and well-written, just like anything these guys have ever done. So this band is now batting four-for-four, not bad at all.
Song to know: Reflektor
4. The National- Trouble Will Find Me
When talking about the best artist of the past 10 years, Arcade Fire and Kanye West are the two names that are most likely to come up. However, the National have also been on quite an impressive run. They've always been quieter in the media and under the radar than those two artists, but artistically, they've kept up. This year they beat them both. Matt is one incredible lyrics writer, who writes melancholy poems that deep and open for interpretation. Behind that, this band creates a slight shoegaze atmosphere, driven by delayed guitars and pianos. Notable is Matt's distinguished baritone voice, that gives their music a very aged and mature identity. This album may be their gloomiest and bleakest record to date. The compositions are actually quite simple, but are performed in such a way that they sound incredibly complex and challenging. In 2013, The National are just as powerful and gripping as ever.
Song to know: Pink Rabbits
3. My Bloody Valentine- m b v
Comeback has been a theme in 2013. We've seen it with acts such as Justin Timberlake, Arctic Monkeys, Daft Punk, and David Bowie. However, none of those comebacks are quite like this. It's hard to have a discussion of best albums ever made without having My Bloody Valentine's 1991 class Loveless, being brought up. Since they released that, these shoegaze masters have talked about releasing another album, but nothing has ever come out. In 2007, they claimed the record was 3/4ths done. Twenty-two years after Loveless hit the market, we finally have the follow up we've been waiting for. It's certainly worth the wait. On this record you hear all the fuzzy guitar feedback and noise that we all fell in love with. Behind these extreme shoegaze and noise rock walls, you dig and find amazingly touching and surreal melodies, but you actually have to find them. I think that's what makes My Bloody Valentine so incredible. There music is actually quite accessible and easy to listen to, but it takes effort. The band requires you to make an engaged and focus listen to their music to get a full effect. For those who can let themselves do this, there is a goldmine of lush sound and mesmerizing effects. The real mind-blowing thing about this album, is they very well could of started writing it before I was even born.
Song to know: Only Tomorrow
2. Julia Holter- Loud City Song
This isn't Julia Holter's first album, but man is she going to make a name for herself with this one. This experimental gem draws from a wide variety of musical worlds such as post-rock, jazz, classical, and even electronica. She paints incredibly beautiful and gentle soundscapes that are mesmerizing and sonically executed to perfected. These songs are incredibly airy, without any real backbeat or rhythmic drive. These song structures are very loose as well, with no real choruses or verses, allowing for more flowing listening experience. Julia's singing ability is outstanding enough to send a few goosebumps down your arms and leave you in complete awe. Being released on such a small scale, it doesn't quite have the marketing power that some of the other great albums of 2013 have, but it definitely can't go unnoticed.
Song to know: Hello Stranger
1. Vampire Weekend- Modern Vampires of the City
Vampire Weekend has been enjoying a large amount of popularity lately, and deservedly so. However, it has always seemed liked their best work was yet to come. Now, their best work has arrived. These guys go away from the fun youthful image their music has portrayed and favor a more serious and mature sound on this record. This is lyrically more heavy than we've seen from the band. Themes range from foreign policy, religion, and adulthood. This new rock star growing-up and getting serious thing has been done before by a small sightly successful band known by The Beatles. It sort of paid off for those guys as well. This record just flows so directly and easily. This album is more emotionally stimulating than anything else this year, and it doesn't try to be. They have always been one of the better bands out there, but now Vampire Weekend has put themselves into elite status. I'm excited just to see how influential and impactful this record can turn out to be. I'm fully prepared to crown Modern Vampires of the City as the album of 2013.
Song to know: Step
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