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.
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