This was an interesting year in music. It was great to see so many young indie bands blowing up the radio. I can't remember a better year for smaller bands in over a decade. From Capital Cities to Chvrches, the folk explosion made some room for the indie electronica wave. What a crazy year? Hearing Ben Nicols from Lucero singing the song for the Governor montage on The Walking Dead and Bastille's "Pompeii" being used in the Mr. Peabody & Sherman trailer.
Anyhow, let's get to some music. It's been a hit or miss year but definitely some great standouts that I think will withstand the test of time. Here's a list of albums that you should definitely put in your collection to bookmark 2013. Going to try to start from the beginning of 2013 to the most recent releases. I don't believe anyone should quantify music in ranking. Other than sales, can we really judge how good art is? Even in the court of opinion, it's damn lame.
Here's the first 5 albums of 2013 people should be talking about. We got a nice journey to take. This is just the start, folks.
Band: Sing Fang
Album: Flowers
I think you realize how good an album really is by the lasting impression it has. When you get the craving to listen to it 10 months later, it definitely has staying power. Sing Fang created a fantastic debut with his album Flowers. I still play this album that was released back in February quite a bit. It's extremely puzzling how this album didn't get any recognition or more mentions. The layered melodies and the perfectly flowing vocals make this one of the most easy to listen to albums of the year. Music ready made for commercials and film trailers.
Band: Parenthetical Girls
Album: Privilaged
The lack of play on YouTube and their insane below radar level puzzles me about Parenthetical Girls. They have a similar sound and vibe to Of Montreal but might even be more experimental and interesting. This is a band that needs support because of their insane potential. My personal favorite song from their album is "A Note To Self." Love where this song goes and how it ends. Epic stuff.
Band: SPC ECO
Album: Sirens & Satellites
If you haven't heard this album, think SPC ECO as Portishead but with less jazz vibes more noise. I can not get enough of this album and how well it's produced from top to bottom. Again, I'm just puzzled in what people hype in magazines and airwaves. They belong in any year end list of best electronica. Just check out the song "Fallen Stars" and if you're not sold then I can't help you man.
Band: Everything Everything
Album: Arc
I talked about this album in early 2013 and I'm going to say this album is still rocking 11 months later. This album falls somewhere between the sound of Alt-J and Foals. Arc has a lot of standout singles like "Kemosabe" and "Cough Cough" but I have to say my favorite from this album was "Duet." Everything Everything create a lush musical landscape on Arc no track on this album showcases it more than "Duet."
Band: Free Energy
Album: Electric Fever
The most fun I had listening to an album front to back in 2013 was during "Electric Fever" by Free Energy. There's nothing pretentious or hard to get on this album. It's just rock for the sake of rock. The songs are short and sweet with perfectly crafted melodies. Where's all the love for this album? I hope these guys continue to make this unfiltered fun American rock. I missed them when they were the resident band at The Echo in Los Angeles.
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