Here are my top 10 records for 2013:
Random Access Memories by Daft Punk
This is a record I was very hesitant to buy, it seemed like there was too much hype for this to be anywhere near good. I was wrong. An excellent record that was the hit of the summer. How could you not start moving as soon as you hear "Get Lucky" one of the several dance hits on this record. Sometimes great music can be marketed well.
Trouble Will Find Me is a great follow up to one of my favorite records of 2010: High Violet, maybe because it is not a million miles away artistically. Mat Berninger has an amazing voice that draws you in and fills you with sadness in the best way. For extra credit check out the documentary Mistaken For Strangers.
This record is tied for my record of the year. London based producer James Blake hits it out of the park with his sophomore record, the follow up to his excellent 2011 self-titled release. Also, my vote for song of the year is "Retrograde." An amazing song with so many layers that builds and builds, feels like you hear something new every time you listen to it.
This is my other choice for record of the year. Jason Isbell, formerly of Drive-by-Truckers, has released several records, so I am a little embarrassed to say this is the first one that has stuck with me. Isbell is a recovering alcoholic, who has put together a treasure trove of songs about the pain of living. "Cover Me Up" and "Elephant" are tied for runner up song of year.
This may seem like an overly obvious choice, as it was a critics favorite as well as a huge seller, but I think this band just keeps getting better. Some have called this a quieter or smaller record that the first two offerings, but it still feels powerful to me.
If you are feeling like there are too many well known choices so far, maybe this is one you have not heard of yet. I was listening to All Songs Considered and Robin Hilton told the story of a band he had just heard who had made a small name for themselves busking in the NY subway. They played the first track "Number 9" and I was instantly dancing. I'd love to see these guys live.
We didn't get a new Bon Iver record this year, so here is your security blanket: Repave by Volcano Choir. Started before Bon Iver was releasing solo records, Volcano Choir is a collaboration between Justin Veronon (Bon Iver) and members of Collections of Colonies of Bees. This is a beautiful follow up to their critically acclaimed first record Unmap.
Yeezus by Kanye West
Why do I keep buying and loving Kanye West records? They are like crack, you know he's bad for you, but you hear that damn song on the radio and suddenly you are sucked in, cruising iTunes, promising yourself you won't do it again, but then before you know it, you've downloaded the new Kanye record and you're yelling along to "Black Skinhead" or "Blood on the Leaves."
Woman by Rhye
Rhye is a collaboration between producers Mike Milosh and Robin Hannibal. I am probably saying the same thing everyone else is saying about this record, but you won't believe the lead singer is a man, but he is, and these are some amazingly beautiful songs.
Love in the Future by John LegendWhat can I say, I am a John Legend fan. I was excited to see this new record out after five years, and it was worth the wait. If you are a fan, you'll love this record. If you don't know John Legend, go to iTunes and prepare to spend $40 to download all his records.
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