Having recently made the decision to inaugurate a new blog for my personal thoughts and such, I christen this new site with my list of favorite albums of 2013. I realize we're almost February now, but hey, better late than never, right?
I'm not going to bother much with lengthy reviews of these stellar albums, but instead give you, for each, a brief line or two about why I enjoy the work, an occasional quote from one of my favorite songs from the record, and a video of a song I would absolutely love for you to check out.
Close calls which almost made the list at the bottom!
You guys are the best, whether you read on or not. :)
Without further ado:
1) Vampire Weekend - Modern Vampires of the City
VW is all grown out of their Cape Cod ways and all obsessed with songs about God, life, and death. There was not a more finely crafted album released this year. I don't think there's a single throw-away line on the entire record.
"Hudson died in Hudson Bay; the water took its victim's name. The river's rise told Riverside to change their names again. A stranger walked in through the door, said, 'All apartments are pre-war.' We laughed and asked him for his name; he stayed until the end." - Hudson
2) Lorde - Pure Heroine
This girl is seventeen and she writes better than most artists twenty years older. Healthiest example for girls (and guys) to follow in years. Pure Heroine, as a record, is one of the most important artistic statements yet on the state of her generation, the generation before it, and the way we've been molded by the media.
3) Daft Punk - Random Access Memories
Two decades into their career these French robots are still surprising people with their choices.
4) Coheed & Cambria - The Afterman: Descension
The second half of a double album story arc and probably the best technical work of their career thus far.
5) Arcade Fire - Reflektor
A dance-y rock record with Haitian influences which draws inspiration from Kierkegaard, our internet culture, and Black Orpheus? Yeah, I know. But they've got so much groove.
6) Fall Out Boy - Save Rock and Roll
"Letting people down is my thing, baby. Find yourself a new gig; this town ain't big enough for two of us. I don't have the right name, or the right looks, but I have twice the heart." - Just One Yesterday (and probably, in the eyes of some, summing up FOB's career)
7) Haim - Days Are Gone
Three sisters from California rock these pop songs like it's the 80s. Doesn't get much better.
8) Chvrches - The Bones of What You Believe
Super intelligent, sexy, synth-y pop rock from these Scottish lads and lass. Can't get enough of it.
"Never took your side, never cursed your name. I keep my lips shut tight, until you go." - The Mother We Share
9) The Head and The Heart - Let's Be Still
So much soul in these hipsters.
10) Childish Gambino - because the internet
Truth be told, I still don't have much use for Donald Glover's previous music, but this concept album on the most important social phenomenon of the past thirty years is crazy well put together.
Close calls:
The Naked and Famous - In Rolling Waves
Justin Timberlake - The 20/20 Experience
She & Him - Volume 3
Jay-Z - Magna Carta Holy Grail
Drake - Nothing Was the Same
