.jpg)
A snapshot of a decade gone, after the break!
2024 Update:
Original Words from December 2013:
My Favorite Albums of 2013
#25 – ‘Paradise Valley’ by John Mayer
The artist who topped our favorite albums of 2012 is kicking off our 2013 countdown with a wildfire. So, what happened?
Nothing really. Still a fantastic record. Most would’ve expected Mr. Mayer’s ‘Paradise Valley’ to place quite high just because the last record was so special to me. Part of me, again just me talking, felt like ‘Paradise’ was the all the b-sides to Born & Raised. Together they are a really amazing package. And tracks like “Waitin’ on the Day”, “Dear Marie”, “Wildfire II”, “Badge & Gun” really do stand out. I’ll listen to them many more times in the future. Just didn’t have the same connection that I did with ‘Born & Raised’. That record changed me forever. Remember? Slim chance that this record would have a big effect.
Can sum up the B&R sequel like this. After losing & finding myself, ‘Paradise Valley’ was the music gift of allowing myself to enjoy everything that I built in 2012 with new friends & adventures. One of the themes in this series that I will touch upon is how much I did evolve over the year. Now when I listen to it…I’m gonna think of me, my friends, and strangers staring at a bonfire on a beach…or field…mountain canyon…bar.
The world is wondrous. Get lost in Paradise Valley.
#24 – ‘Vacation’ by The Blank Tapes
Uh oh. Uh oh. Uh oh. The Blank Tapes became one of my favorite new bands of 2013. Owe a lot to their 2013 simply executed record — ‘Vacation’ — for being one of our first big spotlights. Still remember my smile when I blasted on my couch that Saturday morn. This record became one of the main reasons why I began our very popular Spotlight Saturday blurbs. “Why was I missing such amazingly fresh music?”, I said to myself.
Recommend listening to this record while driving, at the beach, and just having fun with your friends. It’s definitely island in sound, flowing with vintage indie rock vibes that might leave you speechless…much like staring at a double rainbow. The level stays at a nice median allowing you to coast the entire time. Whenever I needed to relax, I put on Vacation and felt like I was miles away from myself.
[2024 edit: Listened to this album back in December 2022 while in Cabo and loved my time with it again. Was such a vibe man. Definitely deserves to rank higher!]
#23 – ‘Off The Beaten Path’ by Justin Moore
These old habits die hard because I love country music. Justin Moore’s ‘Off The Beaten Path’ had all the twang, fiddle, and attitude I needed in my 2013. Wasn’t really a big fan of Moore’s until I lost myself in this record. He’s always been the bad boy of country music with his deep voice & all the chatter of beer, women, travellin’, heartbreak, and fat asses continues to make his legendary a bit more well rounded. Seriously. Track 7 is all about that behind. Kim K references.
There isn’t anything here that I hadn’t heard before from other country artists. Same talking points. Still delivered in amazing twang fashion. His duet with Miranda Lambert is the one track you should listen to. If not that one, his bonus track with Charlie Daniels is devilish.
Justin is a dirt road kid. And this record takes us all down the road less traveled with him.
#22 – ‘Kiss Land’ by The Weeknd
There is something truly haunting about the digital portrait that Abel paints as The Weeknd on his official studio release — ‘Kiss Land’. Always feel like I’m a foreign land when it streams. Living the life of another seeder man with darker ambitions. Words I have expressed before, I know. Still holds true.
Seeing how I have spoken much about this record over 2013…I’m really at a lost for words. What more can I say? It shouldn’t be that hard to come up with a meaningful experience when this LP was present. Mostly listened to ‘Kiss Land’ in the car rides to work or in my room reading. Didn’t share it with any of the hometown friends or lovers. Part of me agrees that half of the record would work better in a love making situations. Thus, I have wasted those tracks on myself. A sort of indirect self-pleasure as I see it.
Abel evolved beautifully between his Mixtape ‘Trilogy’ and arriving in ‘Kiss Land’. He wants to be a electronic dream of Michael Jackson with a very futurist sound. Loved it when I first heard it, love it as bumps in my ears now, and such. “This is the shit that I live for,” sums it up perfectly. The standout musical experience is “Wanderlust”, the precious little diamond of the entirely short album. You’ll hit repeat many times. Maybe even ‘Belong to the World’. It’s a record you wouldn’t probably buy at first glance, but trust me it’s fantastic over you peel back the layers.
#21 – ‘Push The Sky Away’ by Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
Happy Thanksgiving! Here’s not the sort of record you wanna listen to after a family dinner.
Nick Cave is a bad seed through all 9 tracks of his short — ‘Push The Sky Away’. A record that feels like your trapped in a cult tent surrounded by passionate followers, naked, shaking their asses, as Nick stands in front of a intimating rage of flames chanting and raving like a lunatic. By the end you realize you’ve come here by choice as the sinister smile appears on your face. It’s the thrill and chill of love. Classic Nick Cave in every sense.
Have kept this record close to my chest. Not sharing my affection for it all year to you dear reader. You have to realize I have so much music on my radar that one man isn’t enough to play it all for you and I don’t like showing all my sides. That I don’t. Like too keep my secret albums close to my chest.
‘Push The Sky Away’ is Mr. Cave’s 17th studio record that has equaled a iconic career spanning my life span. It’s expert. Drawing the listener back into the sea by a mermaid’s call. Think I’d appreciate this album later on in my life. Part of me feels like I’m too young to understand…yet, I do. The fire, the heartbreak, the mystery, the sadness, the love lost, impending death…all in Mr. Cave’s melancholy haunting low register. I hope you listen. You might discover something about yourself in the drumbeat and wailing guitars.
#20 – ‘True’ by Avicii
You’re really just battling for number two when your EDM album followed the release of Daft Punk’s ‘RAM’ in a highly competitive year. And our nod to that spot went to the underdog Avicii whose ‘True’ is probably more revolutionary as a whole than Random Access Memories’ core. Avicii jumped out of the genre box, grabbed folk-soul-bluegrass…hell, Americana and infused it with his own unique EDM flavor for the first half of the record. It worked didn’t it? Their Aloe Blacc collabo — “Wake Me Up” — is a bonafide smash. The second half showcases how truly amazing EDM is and can be. Flowing organic beats, pounding drums, rhythmic claps, while heavenly computer sirens ease your worries…repeating to you — “All You Need Is Love”. The final message of the record. Sounds familiar?
My favorite track is “Addicted to You”. A James Bond theme song on crack. Says a lot. “Wake Me Up” is probably my favorite single track of 2013 because it makes me so hopeful. I have been trying to find myself for so long too. Nevertheless, still got some growing up to do. That I do. Lessons to take into 2014. Plus…I love to travel.
There is a definite voice throughout, whether spoken or unspoken…I can’t help but feel moved by the music. ‘True’ is true to the EDM genre while allowing some branching out. Shows you how this electronic dance infection will spread into every genre of music. Soon we’ll see major country / folk artists doing what Usher / the R&B genre is doing to keep the spark & innovation moving forward. Remember that this was the blueprint to the original formula.
Overall, ‘True’ gets you dancing. So wake me up…and start moving! Happy Friday!
#19 – ‘Days Are Gone’ by Haim
Another record that was named an album of the week!
Part of me wants to judge Haim. Who the hell are these catchy sisters? Did they know someone in the industry? Why them? There are so many other girl bands currently. Then I listened to their debut LP — ‘Days Are Gone’ — and evidence is there. Este, Danielle, Alana, & Dash have chemistry, putting their heart & soul on this record. Found myself spellbound by every lyric, melody, and even that indescribable weird chant-grunt-shout in-between sentences.
They are a modern day 80s girl band. A bit softer. Not so angry in projection, but in words. Made for nerdy hipsters. Because the sisters all take center stage none of the cuts are boring. Most meet at a nice harmonious moment in the chorus where the speaker switches. No matter the subject matter.
Or dark harmony if you take “My Song 5” where the girls distort their voice & amp up the guitar. Every girl has a bad side. Imagine 3? oooooo chills. My favorite chorus is the sensual ‘Go Slow’.
Didn’t really have a life experience tied to this record. (yet) Just another album I admire for it’s execution, fresh take, and overall package. Not sure how long I’ll follow them because SNL just made them bigger. They killed it. Should be happy. My hipster sensibility is telling me to run. Gonna fight it for now. Take a listen to ‘Days Are Gone’ by Haim. Surely, you’ll dig.
#18 – ‘And So It Goes’ by Clare Teal & Grant Windsor
An expected treat to close out the holiday weekend. I have showcased Clare Teal & Grant Windsor’s two day recording session entitled ‘And So It Goes’ a handful of times over the past year. Probably not the record you’d expect to see on most countdowns, yet still undeniable how much I loved discovering and playing this record. Clare’s tender voice speaking alongside Grant’s keying still leaves me mesmerized & spellbound. Their rendition of “Skylark” & “Black Coffee” fills my mornings with sheer greatness. I can listen to this record front to back, non stop. That’s how much I connect with it.
Albums don’t have to go crazy with gimmicks, guest artists, or tricks. Give me a beautiful singer, classic tunes, and deliver it splendidly. That’s all I ask. A piano and a voice. In perfect melody.
‘And So it Goes’ should be listen to while wrapped up with a loved one by a blazing fire accompanied by glasses of wine. This intimate record deserves a intimate setting to entertain. Part of me wants to play this record while walking around a wintery NYC. Wrapped up in clothes, Christmas decorations everywhere I look, etc.
So, be entertained by two musicians who capture Casablanca on track. Play it again, Sammy.
#17 – ‘Nothing Was The Same’ by Drake
I will always love ‘Take Care’. So, when I tried compared that record to Drake’s 2013 junior effort — ‘Nothing Was The Same’ — I kept coming short. I liked ‘NWTS’ when I first heard it. The transitions within each track made me like portions of songs, but not the entire ones. Cause of It…took me a few months to actually fall in love with the imperfect record. Loved what I didn’t like the first time I heard. Because Drake did his best to change the game, but what really excels is his raps.
This record proves the boy is skilled. They are like razor sharp teeth biting into the weak beats. There isn’t a moment when the raps lacks. Drizzy is quite focus at his subject matter: his enemies, father, city, groupies, etc. No doubts about it.
This record sat in my CD changer since it came out. No matter what record entered my musical thunderdome…NWTS remained in slot 5 this entire time. It gave me a nice break from other rappers, pop icons, jazz fiends, and rock gods. Because the styles & beats are too unique for their own good…helped be a palate cleanser.
This isn’t just a rap album: it’s hip hop, r&b, blues, and variety of different of styles that I dare not to name. What really lies at the heart is Drake’s relationship with his father. Seems his still getting out a bit of frustration and slowly accepting his father’s role in his life. Which isn’t what I expected. Made me think about how special my father is.
Not many special guest, but you do get a few verses from 2 Chainz.
Drake’s life, from this point on, won’t be the same because he changed his future by forgiving past sins. This album isn’t about changing the game…but his life. Just hold on cause Drake is going home.
#16 – ‘The 20/20 Experience: The Complete Experience’ by Justin Timberlake
My feelings for these records rose and fell throughout the year. I didn’t like it, then I loved part 1 when I heard it on vinyl, geeked out as part 2 was announced, hoped, got hyped, then was disappointed once more when iTunes streamed it before it dropped, and now I’m back to stage 2 believing that the complete 21+ track (144:36 min) experience is worth praising.
With 2+ hours of catchy, repetitive, soulful fusion tracks to bump…music fans will find something to love. I love a overloaded record. Prefer it to a 9 track minimalist take. Mr. Timberlake issued a buffet of really unique beats, hooks, clicks, random Timbaland shouts, cheesy high school lyrics, and two of R&B’s catchiest mainstream hits (Mirrors & TKO). Jeez. I prefer the Part 1, but when you finish it you’ll be demanding more. That’s where Part II comes in. Gives you a bit more radio friend pop than soul. Nothing can deny that this record is what Justin Timberlake is as an artist. It’s all pure Timberlake. No pandering. Just every side of the man behind the soulful poppy voice we admire so much.
My biggest problem is the arrangement of the songs. ‘That Girl’ should be track 1 and such on…seeing how the Tennessee Kids aspect deserved a better set up. They are just dabbled in and makes no sense. There isn’t bad tracks on 20/20. Just needed a little more thought in the organization. But when you’re dealing with the kitchen sink sometimes you gotta keep problems at bay. Otherwise you’ll be knocked out when it comes your away.
There is so much shelf life left on this record that we have yet to feel the true potential of JT, Timbo, Jigga, Drizzy, and the TK. You’ll hear much more from 20/20. So get comfy, let the groove get in, and get ready to take back the night in your suit & tie. This is the jam packed 20/20 Experience by Mr. Justin Timberlake. Try to not hate it. If you do…play it for your girlfriend. She’ll dig.
#15 – ‘The Civil Wars’ by The Civil Wars
What more is left me to say about this record that I haven’t said already? (Here & Here to all who didn’t read my past words before). Cheers to all who read those imperfect posts. They were quite popular.
The pleasure of experiencing the first six tracks in the studio, alone, was one of the highlights of my year. Big shout out to my friend Ms. Escobar for hooking me on that short adventure. Drove me to go out & shoot more material for the day job company. I thought after leaving the studio that my life needed more musical experiences like that. Felt like my life could be much more than sitting in a pod dealing with BS on a daily basis that drove me to strange stress levels. I’m very thankful for that experience & hearing this record.
I love ‘The Civil Wars’. Own it on vinyl now. That’s something new. Sounds amazing. That it does. Side A is my favorite because it features the best tracks on the record. “Same Old, Same Old”, “Dust To Dust”, and “Eavesdrop” will leave you crying on a park bench thinking about the one that got away. That it will. Feel your feelings. If side B wasn’t full of remastered tour tracks & Joy Williams solo material maybe it would’ve ranked higher or claimed the top spot that ‘Barton Hallow’ did back in 2011.
Much love to Joy for finalizing and putting the period to their collective journey so far. I will always support Joy & John Paul despite not being together at the moment. I understand. Much like their situation, this album came into my life when I was breaking away from feelings. That was hard. Still regret some of the things I did. But I’ll write more about that shortly (seriously, 2 albums away from that confessional. ugh). It doesn’t get anymore heartbreaking than this. Time to battle with The Civil Wars on their self-titled #1 sophomore effort. It’s a killer.
#14 – ‘A.M.’ by Chris Young
Aw. Naw. We’re buying you a shot. Patron, if you don’t have a preference. Only the good stuff for you babe, (wink!) This party is going to extend into A.M. where you’ll find Chris Young serenading you with some late night anthems on his 2013 effort. Because I loved his last album, NEON, so much…it made B4M’s 2011 top 5 old fans will remember…went into this album with high hopes. Happy to report they were met.
You get sort of the same package of typical country songs: rowdy, beer fueled, and a bit heartbreaking. What makes it difference is Mr. Young’s delivery and the lyrics. Such fantastic lyrics. Sang beautifully in a ruff ‘real man’ sort of way. Not as cold as Aldean nor sweet like a Luke Bryan. Right in the middle. Catchy. Not annoying. How I like it.
Chris Young has tendency to wear his music feelings on his sleeves. When he’s ready to party, he brings the cooler. When he’s sad…he’ll try to make you stay. But the most telling track is “Who I Am With You”. A cut that praises the love of his life.
‘A.M.’ is well rounded. 12 shades of a normal country artist. Always sounds like a good time when I play it. Take a listen for I love this record. Pity 2013 was quite competitive. Didn’t spend much time in the car with it like I did with Neon. On my musical Saturday mornings. Still can’t deny it. That you can’t.
#13 – ‘The Bones of What You Believe’ by CHVRCHES
This record will blow your mind. Seriously. CHVRCHES’ ‘The Bones Of What You Believe’ is one of those amazing debut albums that will severely add major pressure to this fresh import that blew up the indie pop world in 2013. Almost as much as Lorde did, but on a more secret blog level. Our friends over on Picksysticks got me into this electronic trio just by seeing some stunning photos of Lauren at their showcases at SXSW. He has covered them 4 times over the year. I allowed myself one. And CHVRCHES left me speechless. This was before LP dropped when they had a mini EP & a few singles. Crazy. But the hype was true. Then the record followed and now I’m sponsoring them again.
I listened to this album more during my hikes than at home or in the car. Loved running to “Recover”. When that chorus hits, I just want to sprint. Feel like she’s kind of taunting me. Maybe she wants to run with me? Hmm.
Still not sure what I love about them. I keep going back to admiring Lauren’s perfectly pitched voice with the flowery electronic background beats that are more EDM then indie pop. What an out of this world sound. Whether it is fast, slow, or jumbled. It works. Like our music has finally reached that predicted futuristic dreamed sound. She could just babble & I’d buy it. She kind of does.
2013’s breakout artist, in my book, is CHVRCHES. SXSW put them on the map & the rest is history. See what I mean below. You’re in for a treat. Truly.
#12 (Tie!) – ‘My Name Is My Name' by Pusha T & 'Too Weird To Live, Too Rare To Die’ by Panic! At The Disco
No seriously. The problem never worked itself out on paper. Because I was able to put both Pusha T’s ‘My Name Is My Name’ & Panic! At The Disco’s ‘Too Weird…’ on the same disc. They were fantastic together. Played them all over the valley for the past couple months. Kind of symbolizes my musical taste. To have two genre extremes, on the same disc, and never got bored. Started hard with some drums, ended with one silent voice drawing off. You get Pusha T raw, Kanye West produced, ghetto anthems on the other side was the dark turn Panic! took with mysterious pop tracks.
One featured hip hop superstars…Kendrick Lamar, Rick Ross, Jeezy, Chris Brown, 2 Chaniz!, Big Sean, etc. King Push lives up to the name with hell of a record. Like it was the missing pieces of Yeezus. In or bad way. The guests & beats really make this record shine. Made for radio plays. Pusha had great guidance & direction on how to sell this piece of art. Yeezy taught you well.
The second was far more intimate. Just Panic being Panic. On the same level of production value as Fall Out Boy’s ‘Save Rock And Roll’. Pop Punk that showed glimmers of their debut. Couldn’t get over how catchy both albums were.
Whether on I was on my Tom Ford-Ric Flair stuff or dancing in the gospel lights in Vegas. It had everything I wanted from a record. Sometimes you don’t get what you hope for. You get more. The pleasure of making mixes & burnt discs. The thing is this musical chef cooked up one hell of a dish that destroyed all genre. but more so cause I was lazy.
Pusha with a side dish of Panic! available for pick up below! Tell me how it tastes. Dope?
[2024 edit: There shouldn't have been a Tie. Haven't listened to Panic!'s album since 2013/2014. Pusha T's album remains evergreen and should be so much higher! Panic should've moved to the #20 area. Still dig the album.]
#11 – ‘Sempiternal’ by Bring Me The Horizon
For British Metalcore rockers Bring Me The Horizon, they went into the studio to create an everlasting album. That’s the definition of ‘Sempiternal’. And if you listened to this record anytime since April you would concede that the name does personifies the outcome. The only issue you’ll come across is if you actually like or understand the subgenre of Metalcore within heavy metal. It’s bit more radio friendly than pure Heavy Metal. I think of it as Punk translated through headbanging. Or something resembling classic Linkin Park or 30 Seconds To Mars that hasn’t sold out.
What you get in Sempiternal is a new turn for BMTH’s sound. They experimented with a palate of diverse musical styles (electronic, experimental, reggae, pop, film soundtracks, etc.) as you’ll hear throughout the record. It builds such a rich experience that never gets boring throughout the rise & fall. It’s okay to scream along. The group, despite internal issues, feel quite in sync in each rebellious anthem. Just gets your blood boiling. Allow the dark passenger to take over. It’s okay to lose yourself.
At its core this is music for the end of the world. Sad happy in a post-Apocalypse paradise. In age of struggle against fire. If you allow yourself to let this album in you might find an aspect of yourself you’ve never confronted before. ‘Sempiternal’ is forever. And out of all the metal records I heard in 2013, it is the one I crowd king. Now, show me that Horizon...
#10 – ‘Magna Carta Holy Grail’ by Jay Z
Magna Carta…Holy Grail. Only thing it was missing was 2 Chainz. That was joke. This record felt like Jay Z was having a good time trying to make a new blueprint for his art. No longer based in a ghetto sensibility of crack deals or dope dealing. This was high art with rich sensibilities revolving around King Jigga in his kingdom. All hail…Caesar’s home.
I got the sense this is the Jay Z that lives his life nowadays. Rocking Tom Ford, living a extravagant – Great Gatsby lifestyle with Queen & Princess B overseas. It’s the life we all middle class civilians wish for. And he’s talking about how great being materialistic is. Phuck With Me…you know I got it pretty much tells you everything you need to know about Magna Carta. Lifestyle with new rules. One I’ll never achieve in this poor world.
But why did I like it? Phucking Jay Z. Need I say more? Remember laying on my couch on Fourth of July (the day it dropped) and couldn’t stop hitting repeat on Holy Grail. Was going through some stuff at the time & the confidence hitting on each track helped me get out of my slump. Because rapping about the beach because the beach is better turned out to be quite fun. Rick Ross-Timberlake-Frank Ocean hooks, a producer mashup on “BBC” with Timbaland, Swizz, Nas, Dr. Dre, and Rick Rubin, Jay Z talking about Miley Cyrus twerking, and high production all make Magna Carta a purchase.
This is a fun record that doesn’t take itself seriously. He’s having fun doing what he loves to do. Like Michael Jordan in his last year with the Chicago Bulls. So this Jay Z, after the Throne, building some new rules in a rap evolving rap world. Here’s to the start of a new world. Prepare yourself for Magna Carta…Holy Grail.
#9 – ‘The Marshall Mathers LP 2’ by Eminem
2013 had almost every single one of my favorite rap artists duke-ing it out for the top spot. It was fantastic. Rap Gods and kings battling throughout middle earth. Spitting fire. Packing a wallop. Then Eminem brought us back to Marshall Mathers’ old home one last time. I’m still there.
Despite it being in ashes. The rap Elvis is still making an impact, but almost instantly I fell in love with MMLP2. It was like the perfect bride: something new, old, and blue. All very Marshall. Showing us that even at 40…he’s still a dangerous behind the mic. Rick Rubin gave this a distinct voice, allowing himself to hit back at the heart of his twisted art. But I already spoke about that. Pick up the bonus tracks for the extra tracks with Sia, Jamie N Commons, and X Ambassadors. They make the album worth it.
What I am going to speak about is how this record gave me the strength to get back on my feet after saying farewell to a very special friend. Was knocked off my feet. Stumbling. Then I heard this record. And I felt way better. The more I listened, the more I felt like the old me. The one with the big heart. Everything was going to be fine. Made peace and looked forward to the future. It’s really hard to focus with my over thought out head constantly working at a crazy pace. Take these lyrics for example:
“As time passes, things change every day. But wounds, wounds heal, but scars still remaining the same. But tomorrow today’s going down in flames. Throw the match, set the past a blaze. So feel the fire beneath your feet as you barely even perspire. From the heat, exhale deep and breathe a sigh of relief. And as you say goodbye to the grief. It’s like watching the walls melt in your prison cell. But you’ve extinguished this living hell. Still a little piece of you dies as you scream.”
Who says rap can’t be poetic?
One of my favorite moments happened about week after as my friends and I drove up the Cali coast bumping this record for the first time. “Desperation”, one of the bonus tracks, was the anthem. We hit repeat. Over again. Jamie N Commons bringing that country folk twang with Marshall’s vicious rapping teeth sounded great on the highway. We were outlaws in a Prius. Dangerous stuff. We could all relate to the record.
MMLP2 is still being played unlike 90% of the albums in my car. Likely by 2014 it will rank higher in my life…but for right now it breaks the top 10. Rap God is not playing. This is the very personal Marshall Mathers LP 2.
#8 – ‘Modern Vampires of the City’ by Vampire Weekend
Please, let me apologize out the gate for getting real during this blurb. No matter how much I lie to myself…it’s been quite hard for me to listen to ‘Modern Vampires of the City’ since the summer months. Given it has appeared from time to time on hikes or when my iPod has been on shuffled. Then a smile appears on my face.
It’s a fantastic record. Quirky & catchy to say the least. Has broke the major blogs ‘top three of 2013’ lists on several occasions. The more I play it…the better it gets. Actually come to think of it…MVOTC is the one album I have shared with more friends in 2013 than any other record. Everyone I know is a fan. They have all loved it too.
So why the push back on my part? Because whenever ‘Unbelievers’ or ‘Diane Young’ starts…I recall a friend of my mine singing along while driving on a Friday night. It was cute. How couldn’t it be? She even played my favorite song “Everlasting Arms” on the quick ride. Wish I had more musical moments like that.
It’s been hard to suppress the memories of that night as the more I play this record…they all come rushing back like a tidal wave. Not a bad thing. It was fun. That night could’ve ended differently, but not something I regret. (maybe a little) The true blue outcome resulted in sharing this record with someone special. Sure she has shared it with even more cool peeps since. But this record will always been engraved with her fantastic, energetic spirit. Much like the sophisticated clashing sounds. That Young Lion changed my 2013. Hope she knows that. (Very proud & happy for her. =)
After this record and night, I jumped on a bus with some strangers. We climbed mountains, discovered majestic caves, and broke our toes in a cold 10 mile long river. If it wasn’t for the girl…probably would’ve missed it. How tragic. Shows you how choices play an important role in life. Cause one minute your relaxing, having a beer, next your torching a saab like a pile of leaves.
Welcome to the Modern age with modern day vampires. This is Vampire Weekend’s amazing 2013 junior effort that changed my life.
(2024 edit: still rooting for her & my past coworkers from the sidelines. Don't worry. I had my chance to change the story in 2016 but we were different people by then. Such a sad song. oh well!)
#7 – ‘Random Access Memories’ by Daft Punk
If RAM isn’t listed in your top 10 records of 2013 then shame on you. Probably would’ve rank in my top 3 if the next 6 records didn’t have such an impact on my life. Overall probably THE record of 2013. However, most of the times I played Random Access Memories was in my bedroom or on my hikes. Made me strut more then run on the dirt road. Made me strut in the bars and clubs I frequented too. Seeing our generation uncontrollably sway as the mirror ball spun made me smile. Just lose yourself & free your mind. It is all based in a very timeless sound. Hits you with hip, electronic funk.
This wasn’t what I was expecting to tell you the truth. Part of me felt RAM was gonna be very Tron 2.0 Soundtrack. We get that in “Giorgio by Moroder” after Giorgio finishes his speech. That is my favorite song of the year. Recall hearing it for the first time in the car on the way to work. Giorgio’s life story of how birth a new genre of music in his own words shows you how Daft Punk went into this rebirth of their sound. Such a special musical moment for me. Any person can relate to his story. Sleeping in cars, late nights, struggling, hustling. Cause when that electronic beat hits. Phuck me. Shows you the impact his contribution made to the world…and to that track.
Then it all gets quite fun. “Lose Yourself” & “Get Lucky” are catchy anthems that compares to their classics — “Around the World”. Guest appearance from Julian Casablancas, Pharrell, Nile Rodgers, Panda Bear, Paul Williams, & the iconic Giorgio Moroder really does give RAM extra points. Nevertheless, Daft Punks are the stars of the entire record. Helmets and all. Each beat has such unforgettable prowess. Computers falling in love and this is what it sounds like.
You’ve probably heard it, own it, danced to it…if you haven’t here is another chance to lose yourself to dance. But really do buy it. Please. For music’s sake.
#6 – ‘Crash My Party & Spring Break…Here To Party’ by Luke Bryan
Partying will be had, Luke Bryan commands it.
What started with “Buzzkill” lead me to my favorite country record(s) of 2013. Both records did equal damage to my eardrums on my concrete road diaries I have written about since January. ‘Spring Break…’ in the spring then ‘Crash My Party’ in the fall kept the country flowing out my speakers. I do like the later more. The production value & personal tracks make for a more well rounded experience. Intimate. Retrospective. Lovely.
Like when the party is over & you’re with that special someone as the fire dies down. All I can say is a track like “Dirt Road Diaries” was my soundtrack for many weeks. *click* Repeat. *click* Repeat. Wanted to learn all the words. And I know I’ll find myself playing “Drink a Beer” when my life goes awry in the near future. Right now the song is making me think of the my friend who got me into Mr. Bryan. All I can say to that is: Cheers! I’m drinking a cold one. Have a gluten free one for me. (hehe, okay I’ll stop.)
…and there isn’t a better country love song to play while your driving than “Roller Coaster”. I can recall the many sunsets after work, riding down the 170, staring at the road, just losing myself. Moments like that is when my life feels close to cinema. Seriously.
I see Spring Break more like a B-Side or Mixtape than a legit LP. And really gave these two a solid spot at #6. There is an easy way to separate, for both are equally great on their own right. You’ll hear music made for Crazy Summertime Spring Breakers. For the times you’re hoisting those red solo cups in the air & wooing. On ‘Spring Break…’, Luke Bryan is having fun with the boys: Rocking. Rolling. Keeping a buzz. Singing to ladies & partying with his friends. Expect to hear a good time. You should be having one too. That’s the whole point.
Together they make for some of the best hour & half of country music you’ll hear. Let me crash your party one…last…time. We’re headed downtown then Suntan City. Grab a beer and hit play party animal.
#5 – ‘Born Sinner’ by J. Cole
My brother, Chris, texted me asking why Eminem’s #MMLP2 only made #9 on my countdown. ‘Born Sinner’ is the one of reasons. The #5 reason. Because if he hasn’t forgotten this album was our anthem for the spring/summer trips to the driving range. I didn’t expect that Lion & his brother Spook would dig J. Cole’s dark, very personal, sophomore LP as much as they did. Going up against 'Yeezus' was very big of the rap sophomore and many expected that the rap god would massacre this “David”. That didn’t happen. In fact…J. Cole sold more. He trended on twitter. And what we got was my favorite Rap album of 2013. I don’t consider ‘Yeezus’ just rap. It was more than that. Wait…woah, blurb coming in a few days (#spoilers).
Rants be damned. J. Cole’s ‘Born Sinner’ is a rap album. In the classic sense. Bass bumping beats, King Kendrick-TLC-Miguel hooks, Mike Epps interludes, heavenly choirs, and J. Cole admitting his flaws with very poetic-romantic lyrics. Mother phucker gets deep man. Something I can relate to. It would’ve killed on Def Poetry Jam back in the day. Pay attention. There isn’t many rap albums where I recommend the lyrics over the beats. Don’t even need a music video. The stories are better in my head. Such a wonderful experience. Front to the back.
Only thing I can compare this album to is going to church. The gospel chants on “Villuminati”, “Trouble”, and “Born Sinner” send chills down my spine. I side with the later more than any other rap song this year. The realist ninja did write it. A car can be a church too. Confessional on the streets. That’s how I feel about “Land of Snakes”. I can image J. Cole riding in whip, rapping, watching the world pass him by. Something to think about.
Powerful tracks allows me to think of my life, my hanging with my friends, my goals, the lovely opposite sex, and my family. How I would do anything for them. And I’m not gonna change. Stick it out for them all. Don’t worry about me. Everything I’m doing is for me & you. Trust me.
Here’s an amazing dark, personal confessional from Pastor Jermaine Cole. Sinners rejoice.
#4 – ‘Vessel’ by Twenty One Pilots
Found the cover intriguing. Knew nothing of Tyler Joseph and Josh Dun (or their grandfathers who grace the cover above) before I had listened to their third LP – ‘Vessel’. I burned the album, popped it into my car stereo for the first new album of 2013, and fell instantly in love with Twenty One Pilots’ sound. “This was gonna be on a special record”, I said to myself. Just two guys…Black Keys reference here…making rap pop poetry to eccentric clashing beats that evolve into bittersweet melodies. A perfect fusion & not what I expected.
For some bizarre reason every time I was at the airport in 2013 you could find me sitting in front of the terminal nodding my head to Vessel. What? It sounds fantastic while people watching after the TSA take pictures of your junk. Especially after their SXSW showcase was the highlight of Austin. I rocked so hard that the web stream director asked his adviser to quit bobbing my head. You can see it on the YouTube stream. Probably my third favorite showcase of 2013.
I love this album. It’s different. And different is always embraced here.
#3 – ‘The Blessed Unrest’ by Sara Bareilles
Gonna lose much street cred by announcing that Sara Bareilles’ ‘The Blessed Unrest’ is my third favorite album of 2013.
(2024 edit: no you didn't!)
However, long time readers know that I have seen Miss Sara B three times and I consider her voice to catchy, beautiful, and ever so haunting. Like a full moon covered by misty clouds on a cold December night. The sexy, stripped down, siren always draws this wanderer in. And Sara gets unbelievable deep on the blue LP that is focused on a major breakup, leaving Los Angeles for NYC, and starting her life in a new light. And at the time, I was making steps too. That’s why I connected with it as much as I did. Not something to be ashamed of. For I love heartbreaking album.
Each track is infused with heartache, indifference, & pain as she is trying to come to terms with what has been lost. The author seems to blame herself on tracks like “Satellite Call” & “1000 Times”. Even crying on others as she says goodbye to “Manhattan” or pushing the world away on “island”. It’s all quite “Woody Allen Black & White”. There is one exception. That is “I Choose You” which is her attempt to make her fans happy by writing a song made for weddings. Really relieves the brutal beating you go through for 50 minutes. The girls will like “Brave” & “Little Black Dress”. I’m certainly not the core audience for those female anthems. However, you should all pick up the enlightening moving “Chasing The Sun” that will make you want to travel instantly.
This came into my life when I just wanted to run – from my job, the fam, past illusions, myself, and especially her. I felt lost & the constant driving took it’s toll. Funny. Spent most of 2013 behind my wheel. (Only now starting to appreciate a beautiful sunset out my window.) Still listening to amazing music. And when it was super late, and I was alone, with just two lights leading me home…I was fantasizing about being on island-sitting at a piano bar-listening to an acoustic artist. That way I wouldn’t hurt. And I think I have done damage to myself over the past 29 years. I deserve to smile.
And by the time you reach the final track — “December” — a small smile does appear on the author’s face as she belts out the addicting chorus ever so slowly. She is welcoming the upcoming change. For a new year is considered to be a new start. Isn’t that what we all want, really? A clean slate. We welcome it. Just gotta get through the winter of our discontent.
Ah, The Blessed Unrest. You were my darken state, which gave me unbelievable luck when I listened to you. Praying you dear reader share the same luck. Our next two records have more edge. Don’t hold this against me.
#2 – ‘Yeezus’ by Kanye West
Whew. Sure I’m not with the majority of the normal musical people, but us bloggers loved…phucking loved…Yeezus. This was like Sunday breakfast, “simply delicious” from front to back. Intricate, complex, layered, fresh, bit classic, futurist, genre melting, eclectic, grandiose, gangsta, mind blowing, and every other word that describe true blue art. If Watch The Throne was marking the Renaissance of new rap — Yeezus brought us the post modern age to music. Not a little rock thrown in a big ocean…but if a plane fell out of the sky & crashed into the Atlantic (Amelia Earhart) that’s the impact Kanye West began with Yeezus.
It’s far from perfect…incredibility short…sexist…blasphemous…and full of big headed egotism…but I can’t stop listening. phucks up my whole afternoon. Every time I think I’m past my love, I hear “Blood on the Leaves” or “Black Skinhead” then I’m stuck playing the short track list for the rest of the day. Two A++ singles with batch of A- / B+ that are equally crazy on their own. “Give me the screams of the demon king,” I say. The one who is fighting with himself throughout the album. Whose Angel choir, Justin Vernon, is from a Holocene world.
My favorite section is “Hold My Liquor” Thru “Send It Up” where the world is dark, sexual, & twisted. Like your trapped in mansion watching The Demon King of Screams doing unspeakable things through the glass. You can’t do anything as he takes it to too far. Being lead by the drums. And it just gets louder. Till you fall to the ground holding your head.
Yeezus is a fun album. Shocking I know. Expect to be challenged by a sophisticated sound that continues to evolve through hard beats, autotune, and screams. I really wish there was more, but it is Kanye’s best album overall record. And it’s sounds nothing like Kanye.
#1 – ‘Save Rock And Roll’ by Fall Out Boy
We made it. #1. Fall Out Boy’s ‘Save Rock And Roll’. And like ‘Born & Raised’ last year…knew instantly that this record would be an important aspect of my musical life in 2013. From April to August this was the first album in my Car CD changer. I played it for my friends, my family, to random strangers who were lucky enough to pull alongside me. Cause you could find me singing this on the road. Or at Vice Bar / The Wiltern when I saw them over the summer.
All I can repeat to myself is, “Man, what a fun pop punk record”. The listener can tell that during their 3+ year break were soaking in the recovering. What came out of the the hiatus was 10 tracks that come at you full speed. Unrelenting. Unbreakable. And heaps of fun. People talk about music that is all “rise”. This record personifies it. Not trying to be artsy. Conceptual. Or a let down to fans who misses the old, non-drama, fueled FOB.
If this record was gonna be anything…it was gonna be rock & roll in a very Fall Out Boy kind of way. Sure it’s not dark “Queens of the Stone Age” rock or Nick Cave creepy rock. Not serious. A pleasant escape from my serious life which at the time left me frustrated & bitter. And I needed to have fun. And during my 40 minute listening sessions…because I can listen to the entire record on one trip to the office…I could escape all the drama. Maybe be alone together? Staying young forever? Just one more…yesterday?
Words that fail to be created when I think back on 2013. A year where my personal life felt a little more like Bourdain. Met so many cool people. Mostly because my Gemini, Libra, & two Leo friends invited me into their exciting worlds. I read comics, listened to stories, drank beer, saw flicks, cried laughing, and ate my fair share of wings as we grew / evolved together. It was our year. Our time. And I got to share it with amazing people. Life is short. But moments that we had made this year stretch out just a few days more.
As my page turns to the 30th year of my extraordinary life, I’m proud of everything I have done for the past 29. The places still outweigh what I’ve done. Maybe I got more the devil the phuck out of me. Who knows? My granny would be happy. That she would. The strangest feeling is that I feel like I’m starting my life over. My illusionary plate is clean. The amount of new paths laying in front of me reminds me of when I was 16. My life can be anything I want it to be. Just have to keep making decisions worthy of a fantastic future being carved out through my actions & such. I know I’m ranting…but that’s what I do.
SR&R personifies my life in the year 2013: full of energy, romantic, burning for change, and really didn’t make any sense. The beats were pumping & the lyrics poetic. This is me of the modern age on 10 tracks. So, light it up.