Mayer’s Picks: Best Albums of 2013

This has been a great year in music, a feast for the ears but a challenge when it comes to picking my favorite albums for the year. A good problem to have, I suppose. Without further ado….

#1. JASON ISBELL, Southeastern

The demons in these songs are no match for a songwriter of Isbell’s talent. These are songs that live and breathe, filled with characters as honest as they are flawed.

Additional Twangville coverage of Jason Isbell: Jason Isbell’s “Southeastern” – The Twangville Team Take and Monday Morning Video: Jason Isbell’s “Elephant”

#2. TODD MAY, Rickenbacker Girls

Whether channeling Hank Williams (“Left To Your Own Devices”) or classic Tom Petty (“Gadflies and Magpies”), May fills his songs with a spirit that is both authentic and sincere.

Additional Twangville coverage of Todd May: Mayer’s Playlist for February 2013, Part 1

#3. MIA DYSON, The Moment

This is blistering rock album with a heavy blues current, made all the more powerful by the intensity of Dyson’s vocals.

Additional Twangville coverage of Mia Dyson: Mayer’s Playlist for Fall 2013, Part 3

#4. GUY CLARK, My Favorite Picture of You

A lesson in songwriting from a folk legend.

Additional Twangville coverage of Guy Clark: Mayer’s Playlist for July/August 2013, Part 2 and Guy Clark – My Favorite Picture of You.

#5. JOSH RITTER, Beast In Its Tracks

An uplifting album about a failed relationship? Only Ritter could succeed with a song cycle of healing and renewal.

Additional Twangville coverage of Josh Ritter: Mayer’s Playlist for March/April 2013, Part 1; Josh Ritter is Boston Strong and Josh Ritter – Beast In Its Tracks

#6. PATTY GRIFFIN, American Kid

Griffin’s first full album of all originals (save a lone Lefty Frizzell cover) in over five years is a glorious reminder of why she is revered as a singer and songwriter.

Additional Twangville coverage of Patty Griffin: Mayer’s Playlist for May/June 2013, Part 2; Patty Griffin – American Kid and Monday Morning Video: Patty Griffin and Robert Plant.

#7. STEVE EARLE, The Low Highway

These are more than songs, they are thoughtful reflections on topics personal (“Remember Me” for his young son) and social (“Invisible” on homelessness in America).

Additional Twangville coverage of Steve Earle: Mayer’s Playlist for May/June 2013, Part 1 and SXSW 2013: The Sounds, Part 2.

#8. TWO COW GARAGE, The Death of the Self-Preservation Society

The Columbus, Ohio-based trio have had their foot on the rock and roll pedal for more than ten years. Fortunate for those of us along for the ride, they show no signs of letting up.

Additional Twangville coverage of Two Cow Garage: Mayer’s Playlist for Fall 2013, Part 2.

#9. SHOOTER JENNINGS, The Other Life

This is how country, certainly of the outlaw variety, is supposed to sound. From a guy who has the credibility and songwriting chops to deliver it.

Additional Twangville coverage of Shooter Jennings: Mayer’s Playlist for March/April 2013, Part 2 and Shooter Jennings – The Other Life.

#10. FRANK TURNER, Tape Deck Heart

This one is a slow burn of the best kind, an album that sounds better and better with each subsequent listen.

Additional Twangville coverage of Frank Turner: Ducktape Saves Lives – Frank Turner’s Recovery.

Click here for more Twangville Best of 2013 coverage.

About the author: Mild-mannered corporate executive by day, excitable Twangville denizen by night.