2013 albums part two

Here's part one


Category 4:

Quality recordings, just not a whole lot of memorable staying power:

The Spinto Band - Cool Cocoon

The record is a solid record, while mostly unmemorable. Outside of the excellent 'She Don't Want Me' which is so catchy it's sick. It's really repetitive, which adds to the catchy aspect, but it's got a great declining sound along side. It's all I can think of when I think of this band at this point, which is good for them to be memorable, bad that the rest of it is apparently out of my mind.

L. Pierre - The Island Come True

This album is an instrumental record, firstly. It also has a bit of a creepy air to it, if you understand what I mean there. It doesn't quite sound like Halloween, but I can certainly see listening to it in the background at a party of similar nature. 'Sad Laugh' and 'Exits' stand out. But not a record I would just listen to for a pep me up. The album has red herring cover art. There is no island about this. That being said, it's still good.

Local Natives - Hummingbird

Opening track 'You & I' starts with some of the most compelling vocals of 2013. It just demands that you listen to it. Local Natives build on the song adding in the chorus with a great falsetto and harmonies. I can't speak much about this record as a whole, but 'You & I' is certainly a song that stands out from the past year's recorded music. The rest of the record is fairly unmemorable outside of 'Three Months' in which the Local Natives really strip it down to let the vocal power the entire track, a bit of a piano, a little bit of drum and guitar, but the vocal just soars. Two songs that really shine through all the noise of 2013.

Eisley - Currents

The DuPree family that makes up Eisley have all (except one) entered parenthood between The Valley and Currents. Currents is full of, surprise, water themes, and leaves the listener wanting more. Perhaps due to a whole lot less angst. A LOT less angst than on The Valley. Another record that you can listen to, and it's suddenly over, and you remember little to nothing. "Wicked Child" is a highlight, which features even MORE DuPrees than normal, kid sister's band Merriment joins in on this track.

Bored Nothing - Bored Nothing

Opening song "Shit for Brains" is awesome. It is, however, the only song that has stuck with me from this album after a few listens. A beautiful twee little song. And we all probably do have shit for brains. 

Cold War Kids - Dear Miss Lonelyhearts

I have this theory, the even number releases by Cold War Kids are let downs, odd number records are highlights. Dunno. Love their debut and 2010's Mine is Yours. 2013's Dear Miss Lonelyhearts was forgettable at best. "Tuxedos," the album single, is the track that has easily the best build, and appeal.

Dr. Dog - B-Room

Regrettable how forgettable this Dr. Dog album is. Their previous three records are all so impeccable. Perhaps that's part of the dilemma. B-Room is so mellow you can listen to the whole record without realizing you have. Nothing stands above the masses. Easily the biggest disappointment of 2013. There were some great bands putting our records in 2013, Dr. Dog amongst them, and this is sad.

Category 3

Really, really good records

This is where the disparity starts. And the hard times between category 3 and 2 came into play

Yo La Tengo - Fade

From the beginning Fade grabs your attention. Opening track 'Ohm' is perfectly titled. It has a sound that could easily be found in Buddhist temple, if they were having a party. The vocals are low in the mix, but it works well, the balance of beating tempo and falsetto lead to a capturing listen. Yo La Tengo are masters for a reason, they turn around and track to 'Is That Enough' is so sweetly twee it hurts. It's a great record to do homework to, surprisingly. It's a great soundtrack record, there are few moments where you will perk up and have to pay attention. Most notably the back to back tracks of 'I'll Be Around' and 'Cornelia and Jane.' The former is the opposite of the opening track. Mellow vocals, as always, but the acoustic guitar and low key, even airy sound of the rest of the track just begs for you to pay attention. On the later track, 'Cornelia and Jane' and features the female half of the Kaplan marriage that makes up two thirds of the band. Softly sung, but a fuller sound than her husband. Yo La Tengo has been a band for longer than this reviewer has been alive (the band turns 30 in 2014), and this is just a 13th record that proves why.

Vampire Weekend - Modern Vampires of the City

Modern Vampires of the City won the Grammy for best alternative record of the year. While it was great to see the band and the Grammys acknowledge Vampire Weekend's work, I am not entirely sold on this record. Their two previous records are still what I will think of, and what I go to, when I have a need to listen to this style of indie-rock. There are some great songs on this record, however, obviously as I've listed it on my year end list. Ha. Another record I feel is a bit top heavy. The three back to back to back tracks of "Unbelievers," "Step," and "Diane Young" are easily the best of the album, and they're tracks 2-4. "Step" is highly memorable, there's a great beat, and honest lyrics and vocal delivery. The chorus is infectious. There's something about the way he sings the word "bones," it resonates, well, in your bones. It's an extremely well crafted song. "Diane Young" breaks apart from even Vampire Weekend's 'usual' and is a must listen track. I don't think I could do it justice to even attempt to describe. Excellent use of voice manipulation, and dynamics.  

Tegan & Sara - Heartthrob

 This is pure-pop out of Tegan & Sara. It's certainly not a bad record at all, however, it's certainly not Tegan & Sara's best work, either. Though, if this is the route pop-radio decides to go, maybe I'll go back to listening? 'Closer' and 'Drove Me Wild' are so infectious, overall a fun listen. 'Love They Say' is so sweet you'll probably have to go to the dentist. Then they follow it up with the heartbreaking 'Now I'm All Messed Up,' a good rinse after all that sweetness. 

Sara Bareilles - The Blessed Unrest

Debatable the most "popular" record on my list. I was very pleased to see The Blessed Unrest nominated for album of the year by the Grammys. It's the only album out of those five that made my list. Opening track "Brave" has been used everywhere in commercials, oddly with those windows tablets. Anyway, the song is actually a quite powerful song. Sara has been around the pop princess world, but if you stop and listen to what she's singing about, she's got a great deal with her label, or something. Because girl tackles much tougher topics than the typical. "Brave" is a song about helping a friend come out of the closet. Despite being everywhere, it still is quite a moving song. Props there. AND did you see the duet with Carole King on the Grammys? Holy Hell!! Other major points in the Sara Bareilles book, she writes both the music and the lyrics to nearly every song in her repertoire. I have been re-converted. I enjoyed her before "Love Song" became the smash hit, and then drifted, then she showed back up in my music world with her Ben Folds produced EP a few years back, and for shame for ever leaving. She's got hit after hit on this album. "Little Black Dress" has a great thumping beat, great use of her range, and a neat horn line. "Islands" and "1000 Times" also highlight Sara's incredible voice. Even if you're not big into that pop world, this is an album worth checking out. Roman Candle - Debris It's been a while since Oh Tall Tree in the Ear. Debris is a great follow up, that I feel like I've been waiting for, for years. Because I have been. Debris pushes Roman Candle further than they have gone before, integrating more sounds, more themes, and different vocal styles. Highlights include; "Small Time," "Not Strangers Anymore," and "I Drank Bourbon After I Brushed My Teeth Last Night." Let's talk about that last track there. On top of having such a quality song title, the story is well stated, honest lyrics, great use of reverb, and pushes Skip's voice to ranges he doesn't usually attempt. Despite all that title track "Debris" might be the best of them all. Starts out with a great guitar, slowly adding in more and more sounds from the percussion and other guitars, and keys. Then the vocals start out so low in the mix you can barely make out what Skip is singing. Sounds like a great piece to have in the background of a pivotal point in a storyline. Fits perfectly as the middle track on the record, and the title track. The slow burn to get to the main riff of the song pays off. There's expert use of reverb, and loving slow jam feel. And then, then they throw you spoken word on top? Well done. I guess it's okay you took so long.   Paul McCartney - NEW Paul McCartney put out a new record. It's been FIFTY years since The Beatles came to America for the first time. Sir Paul has still got it. New is such an honest record from the living legend. "Early Days" is insight into what it was like to be a Beatle, to be one of those amazing four men. The lyrics are honest, they are remorseful, they are sad, and wonderful all at once. What it was like to try and get a gig before they were big, such a retrospective view that so few people can honestly sing about. Paul gives us such an honest opinion, and it's wonderful to see. It starts out as just a guitar and Paul's voice "they can't take it from me, if they try, I lived through those early days, so many times I had to change the pain to laughter, just to keep from getting crazed." Who can't relate to some of those feelings. The song gives me shivers, the relationship between Paul and John was strained at the end, but this is a song that really tells you how much he misses his friend. Other supreme highlight is "Road," which is much more of a modern sounding rock song, and has anthem-ability. "The road to somewhere stretches through the night/ we follow blindly, headed for the light/ I can't see anymore / the blinding light." It's got a great bass piano line. It's got clapping, thumping beat, understated vocals, I hope that things are going right in the McCartney camp. New certainly is.  Maria Taylor - Something About Knowing Maria Taylor, one half of the vocal stylings of Azure Ray, strikes out on her own on this lovely solo record Something About Knowing. Her voice is as gorgeous as always, and her album artwork is beautiful. If opening track "Folk Song Melody"doesn't sell you, well I don't know what else to do. Her super sweet voice, and the way she sings is just unique. It feels just like that beach on the artwork. Something you can sway and sit in the sun to. Lazy day music, lazy day music with a touch of sadness sometimes. "Tunnel Vision" has the drum beat of a U2 or Coldplay song, but then the dreamy vocals of Maria Taylor, it's certainly a welcome addition to her discography. Highlights include: "Tunnel Vision," "Folk Song Melody," and "A Lullaby for You."  Mandolin Orange -  This Side of Jordan This album is as close to true bluegrass as you're going to find on this list. Mandolin Orange from North Carolina is staying true to their genre. This Side of Jordan is their first record on Yep Roc, a personal favorite record label. The supreme track "Waltz About Whiskey," is everything this album is rolled up into one. Steel guitar, great lyrics, great harmonies, a nice little piano line and guitar. For fans still missing Nickel Creek or The Civil Wars. Their blend of Americana Bluegrass with a bit of gospel, makes you feel like you're in those North Carolina hills. Also, check out "Until the Last Light Fades." The Joy Formidable - Wolf's Law Wolf's Law is a great continuation of The Joy Formidable's career, I enjoy it more and more each listen, the real question is its longevity in my listening patterns. I am reminded by how good it is every time I listen to it, and there are many great songs on the record, but it doesn't stick in my memory like other records on the list. 'Cholla' is a great song, recommended if you've hopped on the HAIM train this past year. James Blake - Overgrown Overgrown won record of the year in the UK. It's great to see something worth noting winning such a title. The record is a great continuation on Blake's previous selftitled album. It's a blend of beautiful vocals, with a great reverb throughout the record. He also is comfortable not really sticking within one specific genre. The beat in the background most of the time is verging on something you could hear in a club, but he keeps it in the pocket to maintain a sentimental vibe.  Highlights; "Our Love Comes Back," "DLM," and THE song on the album "Retrograde." "Retrograde" is so catchy it probably needs a surgeon general's warning. It's a perfect blend of near hip-hop and electronica. Not sure how he does it. But he does it, and he does it well. Iron & Wine - Ghost on Ghost Sam Beam. Always out to impress. This album is a great blend of where he went on Kiss Each Other Clean and his previous more acoustic records. Opening track "Caught in the Briars" starts out with horns and those great Sam Beam vocals, and great back up vocals, it's toe tapping good. This is a record that took a bit to grow on me, however. Kiss Each Other Clean the love was instant. Ghost on Ghost took some more time.  I even liked the album artwork less (actually, it's my least favorite album artwork in all of the Iron & Wine discography). "The Desert Babbler" uses Sam's voice in an ideal situation. The falsetto is phenomenal here. Later in the album "Winter Prayers" is a call back to older Iron & Wine records. It's got so much space with a sparse amount of sound, mainly piano and some percussion, understated vocals, make for a haunting song. Slow tempo, Sam Beam really makes you sit and listen, three fourths of a way through a higher paced record. If it doesn't perk your ears, you're too busy doing something else. It's sometimes it's great to just sit and listen. (And I'm not just saying this cause he name drops my home town; "Milwaukee's a deaf ear for winter prayers/there's no night/there's no day/ with only hope in your pocket/ and hell to pay.") Hugh Laurie - Didn't it Rain  Here's my major detriment of the record; Hugh Laurie barely opens his mouth. It's a disappointment after his stellar Let them Talk. Songs like 'Careless Love' are reminiscent of his first blues record, and it is as wonderful as you'd expect. There's also the aspect that these records of his are all covers. That always takes a few points off the overall record in comparison to completely contained artist records. The Head and the Heart - Let's Be Still Speaking candidly, this is a let down record. The Head and the Heart's selftitled debut is a hard act to follow, however. Let's Be Still is still a quality recording. It's just going to be impossible to follow up such and impeccable record. This is a record that actually feels a bit bottom heavy. Opening track "Homecoming Heros" gets close to remind you what The Head and The Heart is, but just falls short of the mark (though, the chorus is still ace). "Cruel" is a highlight halfway through the record. Starts with just a piano and drums, then the vocals come in. Lower in the usual vocal range, but Josiah, Jonathan and Charity come together in a great vocal blend on this song. When the three of them sing together is when this band works best. "10,000 Weight in Gold" is also a wonderful track, it's got a great string and piano line. Not to mention Charity's harmonies. It's also the track with the most space, something that is notably missing on this sophomore release from the debut. Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. - The Speed of Things A quality follow up to Dale Earnhardt Jr Jr's debut. From the opening track this band from Detroit lulls you into listening. "Beautiful Dream" starts with a great harmonies before any drums are added to the mix. This band is easily one of my favorite electric bands. Despite a high level of computerized elements in this band, the guys still know how to craft a musically sound song. The album is a bit top heavy. Stellar tracks "Beautiful Dream," "Dream," "I Can't Help It," and "If You Didn't See Me (Then You Weren't on the Dance Floor)." The Avett Brothers - Magpie and The Dandelion IF I was giving these records numbers, it would be painful to see how low Magpie and the Dandelion was on my list. Part of The Avett struggle here is that they have been putting out such high quality records for over a decade. Magpie follows 2013's excellent The Carpenter so quickly, and it doesn't QUITE raise to the occasion. The songs on Magpie are excellent, as always. However, there are some bizarre choices throughout. The live version of "Souls Like the Wheels" for example. It's reportedly perhaps the ONLY time the song has been played live as a Seth solo. The band is currently playing a high gear electric version on tour. For those not in the know, "Souls" is on beautiful highly recommended The Second Gleam EP. It makes little sense to have a live track in the middle of your studio album, especially when there's a beautiful studio recording already out there. The electric version that you're playing live? Studio cut that and throw it on the record, you would still loose points, but not nearly as many. It's jarring on the record too, for the most part this is an easy listening Avett experience, outside of "Vanity" the album doesn't have too many high gear tracks. The album flows from one track to another, and then you get crowd noise. It's a bit too much. That all being said, there are some great Avett works on the record. "Vanity" is perhaps a bit too short, but it's a great lyrical piece, then there's this great break down about 1:30 into the track, which, I appreciate more of the grungey atmosphere breaking back into The Avett Brothers. Sure it's a bit more polished (hello, they finally have money) than yesteryear, but it's wonderful to watch. "Another is Waiting" is a great take on the fashion industry, the video is a must watch. "She's a rose/ she's a queen/ but she's staring at a magazine/ in the dark/ on that path/ where they doctor every photograph/ another is waiting/ she isn't saying anything." This track is supported by a great banjo line, some great back and forth vocals between Seth and Scott. "It's a fake/it's a con/ the nature of the road you're on/let's me see your skeleton/ well before your life is done." Other highlights on the record include "Bring Your Love to Me," "Morning Song," and "Open Ended Life." Brendan Benson - You Were Right Can we talk about how captivating Brendan Benson's voice is? It always demands so much attention without being overpowering. Stand out track "I Don't Wanna See You Anymore" embodies this entirely. On You Were Right Benson is just building on his great repertoire, each listen to this record proves to find a few more gems. "I'll Never Tell" has a great muted start and then kicks it into high gear, such a masterful use of dynamics. Well done. Bombadil - Metrics of Affection A surprise recommendation from Spotify itself. This is an interesting blend of genres, while mostly in the folk realm of things, Bombadil doesn't shy away from pushing the envelope. Opening track "Angeline" is a great way to get someone's attention right off the bat. Catchy as all get out. A little organ, a surprise female back up vocal pops in almost halfway through the track. The song is instantly toe-tapping. On a more acoustic level, "When We Were Both Cats" is a great sentimental song. Sounds like a song someone would sing in a bar to a woman across the darkness. "Isn't it Funny" has an Irish shanty sound to it, but then, at the end? There's a rap bit? Surprise! What a great, surprising, blend of genres. Standout, heart breaker, is "What Does it Mean" a song that uses a simple piano and a powerful vocal to propel the song. There's a bit of anger in the vocal, that is incredibly welcome. Some great lyrics in here as well; "what does it mean/when you cry/when i describe how your root beer eyes stab me with little tiny knives of longing in my mind/it seems there could be two explanations/they could be joyful tears/ or they could employ your fears/of facing the shame of saying you'd rather he be here/together baby you were meant for me/ maybe i act differently from how you expected me to be" What a hidden gem in the world of 2013 albums.