I listen to a lot of music. These are my top 25 of 2013. Genres are all over the place, just like my musical taste. There is definitely something for everyone on this list. I included videos or audio links for each album so you could get a taste of why it was included. I didn't want to agonize over placement, so I just went alphabetical.
1. Amon Amarth - Deceiver of the Gods
Even fans of this Viking metal band from Sweden are divided on this album, but I'm into it. A very consistent album equally riffy and breakdowny. Death metal fans will bang their head solidly through this one.
2. Anneke Van Giersbergen - Drive
Her unique and powerful vocals made The Gathering a cult hit. Anneke's new solo album may be her most accessible work to date, but that doesn't diminish the artistry evident on Drive. The beautiful melodies highlight her vocals without being bogged down by overly complicated song structures. I could listen to her forever.
Her unique and powerful vocals made The Gathering a cult hit. Anneke's new solo album may be her most accessible work to date, but that doesn't diminish the artistry evident on Drive. The beautiful melodies highlight her vocals without being bogged down by overly complicated song structures. I could listen to her forever.
3. Ashley Monroe - Like a Rose
Fans of "real" country music bemoan the safe and poppy direction most country has taken these days. Redneck rich studio musicians don't know anything about the lifestyles they glorify in their songs. Ashley Monroe has crafted a genuine, heartfelt "real" country album that is as melancholy and haunting as it is boot stompin' and ass-kickin'.
Fans of "real" country music bemoan the safe and poppy direction most country has taken these days. Redneck rich studio musicians don't know anything about the lifestyles they glorify in their songs. Ashley Monroe has crafted a genuine, heartfelt "real" country album that is as melancholy and haunting as it is boot stompin' and ass-kickin'.
4. Clutch - Earth Rocker
Clutch is one of those bands I've seen a dozen times or more, but I still feel compelled to check them out when they come to town because their live shows are so energetic. While their last couple albums have been somewhat of a departure, Earth Rocker is a return to form. Straightforward stoner rock by one of the most solid touring bands out there.
Clutch is one of those bands I've seen a dozen times or more, but I still feel compelled to check them out when they come to town because their live shows are so energetic. While their last couple albums have been somewhat of a departure, Earth Rocker is a return to form. Straightforward stoner rock by one of the most solid touring bands out there.
5. Cult of Luna - Vertikal
In those years between Neurosis releases, Cult of Luna fills the void for drone-y post-metal walls of noise. And just as Neurosis continues to refine their sound with each album, so does Cult of Luna. Vertikal was influenced by Fritz Lang's Metropolis, which is evidenced by the feeling the listener gets of being drug through a bleak factory and bombarded by a combination of tinny noise and industrial pounding.
In those years between Neurosis releases, Cult of Luna fills the void for drone-y post-metal walls of noise. And just as Neurosis continues to refine their sound with each album, so does Cult of Luna. Vertikal was influenced by Fritz Lang's Metropolis, which is evidenced by the feeling the listener gets of being drug through a bleak factory and bombarded by a combination of tinny noise and industrial pounding.
6. Darling Parade - Battle Scars and
Broken Hearts
I didn't watch much of MTV's O awards, but I tuned in just in time to catch a spirited performance by Darling Parade, for whom I used all my votes, and who went on to win the "Make a Band Famous" award. It seems disparaging to label Battle Scars an "alt-rock" album, but Darling Parade have been able to breathe new life into a genre that has been going stale for a decade. It's easy to single out the vocals of Kristin Kearns, but the rest of the band is tight and melodic and the four piece is very well balanced act.
I didn't watch much of MTV's O awards, but I tuned in just in time to catch a spirited performance by Darling Parade, for whom I used all my votes, and who went on to win the "Make a Band Famous" award. It seems disparaging to label Battle Scars an "alt-rock" album, but Darling Parade have been able to breathe new life into a genre that has been going stale for a decade. It's easy to single out the vocals of Kristin Kearns, but the rest of the band is tight and melodic and the four piece is very well balanced act.
7. Deafheaven - Sunbather
Shoegazer black metal? That would never work. On paper it seems like a terrible idea, but it worked out awesomely on Sunbather. I know a lot of *troo metal fans hate on Deafheaven and dismiss them hipster metal, but the album is so good that anyone taking the Pepsi challenge could easily put this into the same category as any church-burning black metal band from Scandinavia.
Shoegazer black metal? That would never work. On paper it seems like a terrible idea, but it worked out awesomely on Sunbather. I know a lot of *troo metal fans hate on Deafheaven and dismiss them hipster metal, but the album is so good that anyone taking the Pepsi challenge could easily put this into the same category as any church-burning black metal band from Scandinavia.
8. The Devil Makes Three - I'm a
Stranger Here
I'm a Stranger Here square dances through bluegrass, jazz, country, rock and more in a fun and seamless way. This grassroots Americana outfit could be in a jukebox in an ol' timey honkytonk or a dirty punk bar.
I'm a Stranger Here square dances through bluegrass, jazz, country, rock and more in a fun and seamless way. This grassroots Americana outfit could be in a jukebox in an ol' timey honkytonk or a dirty punk bar.
9. Dreadnought - Lifewoven
Prog metal didn't always sound like Dream Theater. It used to sound like Yes, but Lifewoven isn't just a prog metal album. It's prog without pretentiousness plus death metal mixed with drone. Kelly Schilling is equally adept at clean and harsh vocals, and there's flutes and mandolins in there. It won't be everyone's cup of tea, but I'm drinking it, and it's delicious.
http://dreadnoughtdenver.bandcamp.com/album/lifewoven
Prog metal didn't always sound like Dream Theater. It used to sound like Yes, but Lifewoven isn't just a prog metal album. It's prog without pretentiousness plus death metal mixed with drone. Kelly Schilling is equally adept at clean and harsh vocals, and there's flutes and mandolins in there. It won't be everyone's cup of tea, but I'm drinking it, and it's delicious.
http://dreadnoughtdenver.bandcamp.com/album/lifewoven
10. Eminem - The Marshall Mathers LP 2
Some of his detractors seem to forget he's playing a character and refuse to acknowledge his talent as a rapper. Eminem has graduated from an angry (and arguably psychotic) rap star to a grumpy old nouveau riche suburbanite. The Marshall Mathers LP 2 uses a lot of true crime motifs and horror soundbytes, and it combines those with Eminem's brilliant and unmatched rhyming and lyrical abilities.
11. Ghost B.C. - Infestissumam
The easiest way to describe Ghost is Satanic carnival music with vocals akin to an operatic Simon Le Bon. The imposing figure of dark pope Papa Emeritus II fronting a band of faceless ghouls is an incredible sight to witness live, and their second album captures some of that unique vibe.
The easiest way to describe Ghost is Satanic carnival music with vocals akin to an operatic Simon Le Bon. The imposing figure of dark pope Papa Emeritus II fronting a band of faceless ghouls is an incredible sight to witness live, and their second album captures some of that unique vibe.
12. Ghostface Killah - Twelve Reasons
to Die
Not every release from a Wu Tang Clan alumni is a slam-dunk. Well, all of the ones from GZA are, but Ghostface has put out an impressive concept album that is focused, entertaining, and lyrically complex.
Not every release from a Wu Tang Clan alumni is a slam-dunk. Well, all of the ones from GZA are, but Ghostface has put out an impressive concept album that is focused, entertaining, and lyrically complex.
13. Gorguts - Colored Sands
It's the first album from Gorguts in over 10 years, and it is a powerful and brutal album that can serve as a template for all death metal albums to come. Colored Sands is truly the future of death metal.
It's the first album from Gorguts in over 10 years, and it is a powerful and brutal album that can serve as a template for all death metal albums to come. Colored Sands is truly the future of death metal.
14. Gwar - Battle Maximus
Everybody knows they are an incredible live act that every metal fan should see at least once, but people may not be aware of how incredibly their musicianship has been improving over the years. Battle Maximus is overall one of their most consitent and polished records to date.
15. Haim - Days Are Gone
Three sisters from southern California fronting a rock band that has vocals and licks reminiscent of The Pretenders, melodies and electronics hearkening Talking Heads, and some psychedelic throwbacks that remind me of Fleetwood Mac. What's not to like. The album is great, but live is where Haim really shines. The eldest sister, Este, makes some of the most awesome faces I've ever seen as she's slappin the bass.
16. Hela - Broken Cross
Broken Cross is a record of doomy stoner rock with crooning female vocals. Super catchy riffs and solid songwriting.
Everybody knows they are an incredible live act that every metal fan should see at least once, but people may not be aware of how incredibly their musicianship has been improving over the years. Battle Maximus is overall one of their most consitent and polished records to date.
15. Haim - Days Are Gone
Three sisters from southern California fronting a rock band that has vocals and licks reminiscent of The Pretenders, melodies and electronics hearkening Talking Heads, and some psychedelic throwbacks that remind me of Fleetwood Mac. What's not to like. The album is great, but live is where Haim really shines. The eldest sister, Este, makes some of the most awesome faces I've ever seen as she's slappin the bass.
16. Hela - Broken Cross
Broken Cross is a record of doomy stoner rock with crooning female vocals. Super catchy riffs and solid songwriting.
17. Jason Isbell - Southeastern
I still love Drive-By Truckers, but Jason Isbell had some great contributions to the albums he wrote with them. His newest solo album showcases his talent as a storyteller, and it goes to some dark places that only someone who'd experienced them firsthand could write about so deftly. However dark the themes of Southeastern, there is always hope, and Isbell's own personal triumphs resonate with the album.
I still love Drive-By Truckers, but Jason Isbell had some great contributions to the albums he wrote with them. His newest solo album showcases his talent as a storyteller, and it goes to some dark places that only someone who'd experienced them firsthand could write about so deftly. However dark the themes of Southeastern, there is always hope, and Isbell's own personal triumphs resonate with the album.
18. Kacey Musgraves - Same Trailer, Different Park
Awesome vocals, incredible songwriting, catchy melodies, and lyrics that run the emotional gamut. A great album from start to finish.
19. Katy Perry - Prism
This is a great new direction for an incredibly talented artists who finally seems to have found herself. Considering I am kind of in love with hern, it would be easy to simply gold-stamp anything she does, but there are some really great songs on this record. I don't automatically dislike something just because it's popular, and sometimes there are sound legitimate reasons for an artist's wild commercial success. They're just that good.
This is a great new direction for an incredibly talented artists who finally seems to have found herself. Considering I am kind of in love with hern, it would be easy to simply gold-stamp anything she does, but there are some really great songs on this record. I don't automatically dislike something just because it's popular, and sometimes there are sound legitimate reasons for an artist's wild commercial success. They're just that good.
20. Kylesa - Ultraviolet
Kylesa are probably one of the strongest and most consistent sludge bands around, and they keep getting better with every album. Ultraviolet is a layered and melodic release that has been in heavy rotation in my library.
Kylesa are probably one of the strongest and most consistent sludge bands around, and they keep getting better with every album. Ultraviolet is a layered and melodic release that has been in heavy rotation in my library.
21. Lorde - Pure Heroine
This list is heavy on female artists because it was a hugely strong year for female singer-songwriters. The 16 year-old, talented way beyond her years Lorde is worthy of inclusion on almost anyone's "best of" list. Her voice, both in the literal and literary sense, is brilliant and breathtaking, and Pure Heroione is an honest and personal album.
22. Neko Case - The Worse Things Get, The Harder I Fight, The Harder I Fight, The More I Love You
Every song on this album is incredible. The vocals showcase Neko's incredible range and power, and the songwriting illustrates her prowess for catchy melodies and strong choruses, but also her willingness to forgo traditional song structure in favor of a more artistic interpretation of material.
23. Nine Inch Nails - Hesitation Marks
I was heartbroken when Trent announced he was shelving Nine Inch Nails five years ago. I've looked forward to new releases and performances of this band for 20 years, and even though part of me was happy they were going out on top, I was still bummed. I had mixed feeling when Hesitation Marks was announced. I was worried it was going to be a disappointment. I know I wasn't the only one. I am happy to report that it is a true return to form for the one-man band. It may be a bit slicker than prior albums, but is has all the elements to make it a classic NIN release.
I was heartbroken when Trent announced he was shelving Nine Inch Nails five years ago. I've looked forward to new releases and performances of this band for 20 years, and even though part of me was happy they were going out on top, I was still bummed. I had mixed feeling when Hesitation Marks was announced. I was worried it was going to be a disappointment. I know I wasn't the only one. I am happy to report that it is a true return to form for the one-man band. It may be a bit slicker than prior albums, but is has all the elements to make it a classic NIN release.
24. The Ocean - Pelagial
I don't want to play favorites, but gun to my head this is probably my favorite album of the year. A concept album that plunges through each level of the ocean, getting more somber, dark, and bizarre as it diver deeper. From start to finish it is an incredible leviathan of an album that may never get the credit it deserves, but is worthy of every praise it receives.
25. Russian Circles - Memorial
An immersive post-rock release from a band that puts out strong and consistent albums.
I don't want to play favorites, but gun to my head this is probably my favorite album of the year. A concept album that plunges through each level of the ocean, getting more somber, dark, and bizarre as it diver deeper. From start to finish it is an incredible leviathan of an album that may never get the credit it deserves, but is worthy of every praise it receives.
25. Russian Circles - Memorial
An immersive post-rock release from a band that puts out strong and consistent albums.
26. Subrosa - More Constant Than the
Gods
No one else is making music like this. Doom folk with alternating male and female clean and harsh vocals. It's an incredibly complex and rewarding album, and I can't get enough of it.
No one else is making music like this. Doom folk with alternating male and female clean and harsh vocals. It's an incredibly complex and rewarding album, and I can't get enough of it.
27. Waxahatchee - Cerulean Salt
Is it 1995 again? I mean that in a good way. Think about all the awesome folky alt-rock groups that dominated the music scene back then. Almost all of them are gone, but Waxahatchee have given us a brilliantly intimate collection of songs that reminds us what was awesome about music back then.
Is it 1995 again? I mean that in a good way. Think about all the awesome folky alt-rock groups that dominated the music scene back then. Almost all of them are gone, but Waxahatchee have given us a brilliantly intimate collection of songs that reminds us what was awesome about music back then.
28. Windhand - Soma
Alright, I said this was a top 25 but apparently I'm a liar. I couldn't cut any of these releases, least of all this droney doom album that is one of the best new bands I've heard in a long time. There are glimpses of Sleep's seminal Dopesmoker in this album, which is always a check in the plus column, but Windhand have also manages to distance themselves just enough from the stoner doom genre that they could get an even larger following from general metal audiences.
29. Blood Ceremony - The Eldritch Dark
You had me at Eldritch and flutes.
Alright, I said this was a top 25 but apparently I'm a liar. I couldn't cut any of these releases, least of all this droney doom album that is one of the best new bands I've heard in a long time. There are glimpses of Sleep's seminal Dopesmoker in this album, which is always a check in the plus column, but Windhand have also manages to distance themselves just enough from the stoner doom genre that they could get an even larger following from general metal audiences.
29. Blood Ceremony - The Eldritch Dark
You had me at Eldritch and flutes.
