In random order once again, here is the best music we heard in the past year. Most, but not all, was also released in 2013.
Wavves, “Afraid of Heights” (2013) – Like Surfer Blood, the glossiness and production has helped WAVVES instead of taking away their grit. I mean, they’re still really rough around the edges (the dude is pitcher than I am at times, somehow), but that extra studio wizardry helps beef up their sound. The thin crunchy punk vibe is cool, but I’m still a sucker for pop. When the bigger guitar sound happens in “Demon to Lean On” and then gets even BIGGER during the chorus, I go, “Yeessssssssss!” -Cory
Justin Timberlake, “The 20/20 Experience” (2013) – I have to admit that I haven’t listened much to the second installment of the 20/20 Experience that came out last fall; I think I am still digesting the first installment. Even the songs that are stupid (“Spaceship Coup”) are still very much worth listening to, and while this album isn’t as consistently solid as “FutureSex/LoveSounds” or even “Justified,” it’s got a lot of depth (like I said, still processing), and I think “Mirrors” is the best song he’s ever released. -Cory
Snowden, “No One In Control” (2013) – Surprise follow-up to 2006’s stellar Anti-Anti not only delivers, but might be better. Always, always “Anemone Arms.” -h
Jessie Ware, “Devotion” (2013) – Sophisticated chart pop with killer songs, fascinating production, and that voice, palpably holding itself back verse after verse until it can’t hold her need back for another second. -h
Elder, “Dead Roots Stirring” (2011) – In my head, it’s always time for these guys’ churning, doomy psych. I wake up singing the title track most mornings these days, and that’s a great thing. Ignore my sub-genre signifiers, especially if you don’t think this is for you, and just check it out. -h
Jim James, “Regions of Light and Sound of God” (2013) – Jim James may be my spirit animal; he is a beautiful, charismatic man who has graced us with a soulful, softly banging record. -h
Blue Scholars, “Cinemetropolis” (2011) – This is a group that’s been recommended to me over and over and over by friends who really know their hip-hop. I think I was afraid to finally listen to them, because if they were even sort of stupid, I’d be really bummed. But then my friend Corbin showed me the video for “Slick Watts” and I’ve been bumping this record since. -Cory
Surfer Blood, “Pythons” (2013) – I loved Astro Coast, and Tarot Classics was even better, so I was nervous for Surfer Blood’s major-label LP debut to fall short. In this class, the glossiness help. This album is somehow more infectious than everything they’ve done before, and still retains their grunge vibe. Saw them in Lincoln last summer, and it was one of the best shows I’ve ever seen. This is the album I wish I wrote. -Cory
Captain Beyond, “Captain Beyond” (1972) – Thanks, Drew, for putting this on my vinyl list. Thanks, Cowtown Mallroom dealer guy, for having it in stock. Thanks, drugs, science fiction, and loud amps, for inspiring these dudes. -h
Queens of the Stone Age, “…Like Clockwork” (2013) – Josh & Co. hit every mark for a Huge Rock LP with style, sleaze, and moderate hallucinogens. Deadly desert grooves like “Smooth Sailing” are expected, but hit all the harder for it; heart-wrenching slow jams like the title track, less so. -h
Vhol, “Vhol” (2013) – Perfect metal; blackened old-school Maiden gallop that transcends all sub-genre and influence descriptors. Blast it forever! -h
Depeche Mode, “Delta Machine” (2013) – At first I really only liked “Angel” and “Heaven.” Then “Should Be Higher” grew on me. Then “Alone.” And after their set in Chicago in August, the whole record became my soundtrack for several weeks after. -h
Vampire Weekend, “Modern Vampires of the City” (2013) – When bands mature, they usually lose what I loved about them in the first place. I loved their self-titled record for how absolutely hook-laden and minimal it was. I know Howie was impressed with “Contra” for proving that VW weren’t just a gimmick; they were the real deal with real-deal songs. Modern Vampires of the City carries that even further. “Unbelievers” is impossible not to like. -Cory
Honorable mention:
The National, “Trouble Will Find Me” (2013)
Uncle Acid & the Deadbeats, “Mind Control” (2013)
My Bloody Valentine, “m b v” (2013)
Arcade Fire, “Reflektor” (2013)
Eccentric Soul: The Forte Label (2013 reissue)
Doomriders, “Grand Blood” (2013)
Atoms for Peace, “Amok” (2013)
The Stooges, “The Stooges” (1969) and “Fun House” (1970) (I’m still coming to terms with “Raw Power” -h)
Paul McCartney, “Ram” (1971)
High on Fire, “Snakes For The Divine” (2010)
