Top 13 Concerts of 2013

I am blessed to be able to see a lot of bands each year.  Checking out new music is one of my favorite hobbies.  This year's "Best Concerts" lists showcases 13 acts (for 2013)- several of which I've seen before, and several of which are bands I've seen for the first time.  All of the shows have previously been reviewed on this blog- along with pics and video links.  Below is a synopsis of my favorite performances.

All photos compliments of "Gigshots by Stephen Bloch" unless otherwise noted.

13.  Fort Frances- Club Garibaldi, 11/2/13
Fort Frances is a band on the rise, and their mixture of  indie pop/rock and Americana made for an evening of fun music at Club G's.  A trio of proficient musicians, Fort Frances delivered a riveting set of tunes drawing heavily from their 2013 EP's Habour and Breaking Room.  Lead vocalist David McMillin's story-telling style of vocals works well with the music of this band.  These guys are great-fun live, and are about the nicest folks you'd want to meet in the music biz too.  As an aside, introducing this act was a real pleasure as well.  I look forward to seeing what Fort Frances comes up with in 2014 as their music seems to be continually progressing forward.

photo by Will Piper

12. Valerie June- Club Garibaldi, 12/14/13
Valerie June might be one of the hottest younger acts of 2013, and her soulfully intimate performance at Club Garibaldi was a special night of music.  Aside from physical looks and charm, June can deliver a stand-out performance with great guitar work, and a southern vocal that filled the small room.  I was amazed with how tight her back up band was and what a truly personal performance this was.

11.  The Shouting Matches- Turner Hall Ballroom, 8/1/13
Justin Vernon's blues-rock trio, "The Shouting Matches" proved to be about as entertaining a blues-rock act as I've ever seen.  Great musicians produce great music, and while Vernon's album is solid, yet not exceptional on its own, the live renditions of numbers were exceptional.  You can't ask for more energy and enthusiasm for blues-rock than you got from the Shouting Matches.  Their performance rivaled seeing the Wallflowers or Big Head Todd in their heyday.

10.  Charles Bradley- Turner Hall, 5/3/13
The "Screaming Eagle of Soul" is an entertainer's entertainer if there ever was one.  While I have to say that his 2012 performance was a bit better, he put on another top-quality, soulful show at Turner Hall.  I credit Bradley's music for my renewed interest in soul music.  Bradley's sophomore release A Victim of Love featured brighter tracks that translated well with his audience.  His backup band, "The Extrodinaries" have come into their own as a great rhythm and blues unit as well.



9.  Grizzly Bear- Pabst Theater,  4/2/13
Grizzly Bear falls into the same category of acts like Portugal, the Man, and The National, who made a big leap forward in terms of their live performance in 2013.  Last year's Shields was on the top of many music critic's lists, including mine.  Live, the tracks from Shields came across even better than on the album. Grizzly Bear does a fantastic job harmonizing among its vocalists, and a much improved light show aided to the overall entertainment value of this top-tier indie rock act.

8.  Pickwick (opening for Black Joe Lewis)- Turner Hall Ballroom, 9/30/13
In what will go down as the best surprise of the year, Seattle's Pickwick performed a knock-out set opening for Black Joe Lewis.  Pickwick's soulful, bluesy sound, catchy melodies, tight rhythms and powerful vocals got the crowd rocking at Turner Hall, and frankly, upstaged a very good performance by Black Joe Lewis.  Pickwick's debut album, "Can't Talk Medicine" also appears on my best albums list.  This is definitely an act to watch in the years to come.



7.  The Violent Femmes/The Avett Brothers/Edward Sharpe & Magnetic Zeroes
- Marcus Amphitheater, 6/26/13
The eclectic conglomeration of a hometown-hero alt-rock pioneer band, the hottest American Americana act on the road today, and a virtual traveling circus proved to be the right combination to make for a memorable summer's evening at the Marcus Amphitheater.  Top performances from each act, made this triple-bill one of the best Summerfest shows I've seen.  When I was there, I did not think that I would be witnessing what could be the last show featuring all of the original members of the Violent Femmes (until the next time they choose to reunite).  However, while solid, the Femmes were upstaged by perhaps the most consistent act out there today, the Avett Brothers, who put on an energetic show once again from start-to-finish.  Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeroes opened the show with good vibes and sing-a-long anthems.  What more could you wish for from a Summerfest show?



6. Jim James- Pabst Theater, 4/19/13
The events that occurred after the Jim James show (an unfortunate slip on my daughter's "Friday Folder" which sent me down my basement stairs with the granddaddy of all messed-up arm injuries) does not overshadow the fact that Jim James delivered a riveting performance at the Pabst earlier that evening.  Jim James' solo material from Regions of Light and Sound of God is both similar and different to the cannon of material we've become used to from the My Morning Jacket front man.  James' solo material contains a lot of almost hypnotic jamming when performed live.  Some tunes that were only 4 minutes on the album were doubled or sometimes tripled in length when performed live.  James is an extraordinary song-smith and was a very engaging performer with his solo backing band.



5.  Portugal, The Man- Pabst Theater, 
In my humble opinion, no band made a bigger jump up the indie rock radar in 2013 for fans and critics than Portugal. The Man.  While these guys have been putting out solid psychedelic-folk-rock-blues with catchy pop hooks for several years, working with Danger Mouse on Evil Friends elevated this band to the next level in terms of accessibility.  Moreover, their live performance, which was already stellar, took a step up with an unbelievable set that featured a myriad of lights and a female vocalist who enhanced the band's sound.



4.  Tame Impala- Turner Hall Ballroom 3/3/13
For a young Australian band with only two full-length albums out, Tame Impala sure came across as a polished live act, delivering an engaging set of tightly played psychedelic rock.  There were solid jams that made this show flow from start to finish, anchored by tracks from two very strong records, Lonerism and InnerSpeaker, along with other numbers from their EPs.  Tame Imapala reminds me a bit of a younger My Morning Jacket with more of an edge towards rock.  Their sound continues to progress, making them an act to continue to follow into the new year.

Photo by Will Piper

3.  Father John Misty- Turner Hall Ballroom 5/20/13
While there is no denying Fear Fun was one of 2012's best albums (and in retrospect, the album I have most enjoyed from last year), hearing J. Tillman on record does no justice to seeing the man perform.  Father John Misty was perhaps the most over-the-top showman I've seen all year. And despite the theatrics and silly dancing, the man can sing like none-other, making this Turner Hall performance a truly special evening that surpassed my already high expectations.

2. The Black Crowes- Riverside Theater 11/8/13
It had been way too long since I had seen The Black Crowes live... almost ten years I would guess had passed since I last watched them perform at Summerfest.  A resurgent interest in their catalog (thanks mostly to one of my music partners-in-crime, Stephen Bloch) peaked for this show.  Whatever the Crowes are doing these days, they're doing it right, as their performance was more spirited and energetic than when I saw them in 1995 at the height of their commercial stardom headlining H.O.R.D.E. Fest (with a little known band from Illinois named Wilco joining them onstage for a Little Feat cover). This show was about as rock 'n roll as they come!

1. The National- Riverside Theater 8/5/13
This was a "no contest" for show of the year as it was truly an exceptional endeavor, and one of those concerts that allows the Pabst/Riverside/Turner Hall group to use the tag-line "legendary venues: legendary performances" for good reason. I had previously seen the National a few times... at the Pabst Theater on the tour for their acclaimed record, The Boxer, at the Riverside supporting High Violet and opening in Chicago for Arcade Fire, and was very familiar with their material and act.  However, while the band has always been good, during this tour their confidence, playing and showmanship got ratcheted up a notch, moving them to the "next level" of indie rock bands.  Touring in support of one of the most acclaimed records of the year, Trouble Will Find Me, certainly didn't hurt either.

Valerie June- Club Garibaldi, December 14, 2013

What's not to like about Valerie June?  She is an extraordinary guitarist, passionate lyricist, and is one of the most humble performers I've ever met.  Her Tennessee roots and southern charm were evident the moment she entered the "full-to-the-gills" Club Garibaldi.  Looks and charm aside, as soon as she began playing the guitar, she engaged the crowd with her tremendous talent.

Opening with some slower tracks, Valerie June held a normally noisy venue in the palm of her hand, with the audience quietly hanging on every note from he guitar and every word of her stage banter.   As expected her set drew from her debut record, Pushing Against A Stone, a critically acclaimed record which ranks among my favorite releases of 2013.   

Valerie June blends together southern rock, folk, gospel and blues into her songs.  Pushing Against A Stone, was another album produced this year by Black Keys' front man, Dan Auerbach, and the pop blues style of the Black Keys can be seen in some of Valerie June's work.  While many tracks on Pushing Against A Stone feature large ensembles of instruments (horns, keyboards, etc.) June's backing band was a simple arrangement of drummer and bass player.  This intimate arrangement allowed for a more "stripped down" feel to many of June's tunes.  Notable highlights included "Working Woman Blues" and "You Can't Be Told," the breakthrough hit off of Pushing Against A Stone.  

Valerie June is a white hot act whose musical stock continues to rise.  Recently, she was booked to open for Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings on her tour.  This will bring more attention to a great up-and-coming act who hopefully will be making more stops in the Brew City in the years to come.

Grade: A

Will's Top 13 Best Albums of '13:

Ah, like the Lexus December to Remember Sales Event commercials where people surprise their significant others with fancy cars donned in big red bows, so 'tis the season for "Best of Albums" lists. Like 2012, 2013 for me was a year of a lot of "good" albums, but not really any albums that I would deem as mind-blowing.  That said, the field of "good" albums was very strong this year.  Since it's 2013, I offer you my top 13 picks of the year.

13. Thao and the Get Down Stay Down- We The Common
Thao Nguyen and her bandmates could make an argument for being a "house band" in Wisconsin this year, with a headlining gig at Turner Hall this past spring, a headlining gig at Lebowski Fest this summer, and opening spots for Neko Case at the Riverside and The Head and the Heart at the Orpheum in Madison this fall.  We The Common is a catchy, upbeat collection of narrative songs which resonate even better live than they do on the album.



12. Valerie June- Pushing Against A Stone
Memphis singer-songwriter Valerie June exploded on the scene in 2013, fueled by her 88.9 Radio Milwaukee hit, "You Can't Be Told," and a very solid album of blues-infused folk-gospel-soul-rock. Dan Auerbach of the Black Keys produced this record, and his catchy-bluesy influence can be felt on many of the tracks. There is a soulfulness found on this record that resonates well with the listener and keeps you engaged from start to finish.



11. Vampire Weekend- Modern Vampires in the City
Vampire Weekend perhaps embodies the musical spirit of Paul Simon's classic album Graceland more than any other active band today.  In fact, one could argue that Simon himself could sing lead on Modern Vampires in the City and would fit in just fine.  While my interest in this band has waned a bit since seeing their debut show at Turner Hall in 2008, there is no denying that this is an excellent record that showcases the most mature and sophisticated songwriting from Vampire Weekend yet.  I think it is just a matter of time before these guys elevate themselves to the level of a top tier act.  Look out Marcus Amphitheater... these guys might be coming your way.



10. Yo La Tengo- Fade
I must confess that I was late to the party with Yo La Tengo.  While I've heard of them and even had several of their albums in my collection over the past decade, it took a contagiously jamming track, "Ohm" (the first cut off of Fade) to get me to really take notice of this band and give them a serious listen.  There is no doubt about it- Yo La Tengo is a founding father of what is often considered the modern "indie rock" sound these days.  That said, Yo La Tengo continue to crank out great albums, and even though this disc dropped at the beginning of 2013, it has resonated throughout the year.  Start to finish, Fade stacks up well with several of Yo La Tengo's classic records.


 9.  Volcano Choir- Repave
Justin Vernon showcased his musical diversity in 2013.  He cut a great blues-rock record with Shouting Matches and a more atmospheric, low-fi album with Volcano Choir.  Repave combines creative instrumentation (thanks much to Vernon's collaborators, "Collections of Colonies of Bees") along with sweeping melodies and catchy hooks.  If I learned anything about Justin Vernon in 2013, it was that he is one heck of a talented dude.  The progressive haunting soundscapes created by Volcano Choir showcases how Vernon is not afraid to branch out to hone his craft.


 8. Okkervil River- The Silver Gymnasium
Will Sheff continues to be one of my top songwriters, and for good reason.  While my favorite Okkervil River record remains 2007's The Stage Names (my favorite album of that year, I might add), The Silver Gymnasium is the best collection of songs that Sheff and his bandmates has released since.  The Silver Gymnasium finds Sheff crafting complex narrative vocals to accompany the layers of multi-instrumental music on his tracks. One could argue that this is also Okkervil River's most accessible album since The Stage Names, and it is a fun and uplifting listen from start to finish.




 7. Pickwick- Can't Talk Medicine
Pickwick stole the show when they opened for Black Joe Lewis at Turner Hall this fall, and after having their outstanding debut record, Can't Talk Medicine, on regular rotation throughout the season, I have to think that it is just a matter of time before this soulful indie rock band breaks into the mainstream. This is feel-good music with reflective lyrics that, at its best, defies traditional classification. Part neo-soul, part narrative singer-songwriter and part garage rock, Pickwick is accessible and appealing to a diverse audience. While "Hacienda Motel" might be their best known track, "Lady Luck," a composition featuring Sharon Van Etten, is the standout on Can't Talk Medicine.  I look forward to great things to come from Pickwick in the future.

 6. Phosphorescent- Muchacho
Phosphorescent, the monkier of singer-songwriter Matthew Houck, became a household name in the indie-rock/singer-songwriter circles in 2013 with a terrific, progressive, and even at times psychedelic indie folk album.  Moving past straight guitar and vocal arrangements to more intricate instrumentation, Muchacho offers its listeners Houck's most ambitious songwriting yet.  Tracks like "Song for Zula" and "The Quotidian Beasts" remind me of Bob Dylan vintage "Rolling Thunder Review" era, but with a more modern touch.  Again, I am a sucker for narrative songwriting, and Muchacho delivers well in this respect.  This album has been in my regular rotation throughout the year, and I hope to catch Phosphorescent live sometime soon in 2014.



 5.  The Avett Brothers- Magpie and the Dandelion
Americana has certainly made its way into the mainstream in recent years.  I recall watching the Avett Brothers in 2010 sell out their show at Turner Hall, have it moved to the Pabst Theater, have it sell out the Pabst Theater, and finally have it moved to the Riverside Theater, and sell that venue out. Relentless touring has helped propel the Avett Brothers into an act that co-headlined the Marcus Amphitheater with the Violent Femmes this summer, and who consistently releases quality albums.  While I must admit that last year's The Carpenter didn't resonate with me as much as other material, this year's Magpie and the Dandelion makes up for that.  Track for track, this is about as fine of an Avett Brothers release as you're likely to find, showcasing the band's talented songwriting and diverse instrumentation. While perhaps not at the same level of catchiness as their classic albums I and Love and You and Emotionalism, there is no denying that Magpie and the Dandelion is a very solid release from one of the best touring acts out there today.



 4.  Arcade Fire- Reflektor
As a teacher, I should have been able to spot the foreshadowing in 2005 when I saw U2 at the Bradley Center, and the "biggest band on Earth" took the stage to Arcade Fire's "Wake Up" (off of their debut Funeral album).  Fast forward ten years, and Arcade Fire has emerged as one of the world's top acts. Like U2, their forthcoming tour hits only major cities and gigantic arenas.  Are Arcade Fire that good? Short answer, "yes!"

Reflector is an ambitious album to say the least- two discs that showcase the band in an experimental fashion.  Produced by James Murphy of LCD Soundsystem fame, the band pushes their sound in a more electronic direction.  As a huge fan of Funeral and The Suburbs this shift took a few listens to digest, but after getting over the greater influence in beats and synthesizers, I quickly realized that this is one heck of a fine record.  The title track, "Reflektor" is about as catchy a song as they come, and "Afterlife," a track found late on the second disc is about as fine a song as Win Butler has ever penned, and arguably the best song written in 2013.



 3. Portugal, The Man- Evil Friends
Alaska via Portland psychedelic rockers, Portugal. The Man, have been producing solid records for years, but this year's Evil Friends frames the band in a new light and is their finest release to date.  Working with famous producer Danger Mouse on Evil Friends helped elevate this band to the next level in terms of song craftsmanship, instrumentation, and creating catchy, unique melodies.  From start to finish, this is a fantastic record, that makes Portugal, The Man, stand out with more of a modern psychedelic sound rather than an act with more of a throw-back 1970's feel.   The addition of female vocalist Zoe Manville also was a large benefit to the band, both on the album as well as in the band's live show.

2. The National- Trouble Will Find Me
2013 may be the year of The National.  As a long-time fan of the band, I have watched them rise to stardom by putting out consistently solid releases.  Trouble Will Find Me showcases Matt Beringer and company maturing as artists adding more depth and layers to their brooding rock sound.  Narrative songwriting with pouring emotion has made Berringer a poster boy for midde-aged men, and college hispsters alike.  Tracks like "Demons," "Don't Swallow the Cap," "This is the Last Time," and "Sea of Love" resonate quickly as mainstream tracks, holding up with any of their previously excellent material. This is a band at the hight of their craft and who has earned the right to be a top tier indie rock mainstay.

1. Junip- Junip
Jose Gonzales, and his Swedish psychedelic folk-rock band Junip, produced their sophomore self-titled release which ranks at the top of my list for 2013.  It was hard for me to choose a #1, especially as Portugal, The Man, The National, and Junip all have been regular mainstays on my iPod since their releases last spring.  However, what separates Junip a bit from the others, albeit a small bit, is how it encapsulates the sound that I've grown to love this year.  Layered textures of instruments coupled with creative percussion, haunting keyboards, and reflective vocals make this a stand-out album.  The whole record flows from start to finish as a reflective piece about aging and maturing.  Simply but, there is a simplicity and beauty in this album.  Stand out tracks include the contemplative opener, "Line of Fire" (the album highlight), the driving rhythmic "Your Life Your Call," the meandering percussive track "Walking Lightly," and the soulful, climatic chorus of "Beginnings."  My only regret about Junip is that I did not go to see them at Lincoln Hall in Chicago this spring.  This is an enormously talented  band with a bring future in rock.