Twangville

A music blog featuring Alt-Country, Americana, Indie, Rock, Folk & Blues. Est. 2005.

Mayer’s Picks: Best Albums of 2013, Boston Edition

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This has been a great year for music in and around Boston. I hesitate to break these out into a separate regional list as they would all feature prominently on my overall Best of 2013. That said, taken together they make a great statement on the vibrancy of the Boston music scene.

KINGSLEY FLOOD, Battles

Kingsley Flood unleash a sound that is bigger and more rocking that their earlier releases, without losing any of the intelligence and edge that makes their music special.

Additional Twangville coverage of Kingsley Flood: Mayer’s Playlist for January 2013, Monday Morning Video: Kingsley Flood and Monday Morning Video: Boston Music Awards Winners.

TODD THIBAUD, Waterfall

This is simply a great rock and roll record from start to finish, filled with songs of personal struggle that are delivered as rousing classic rock anthems.

Additional Twangville coverage of Todd Thibaud: With the Radio On: A Special Boston Playlist.

JESSE DEE, On My Mind/In My Heart

Dee serves up some of the finest old school rhythm and blues that you’ll here anywhere, proving that you don’t need to be from Memphis or Muscle Shoals to have soul coursing through your veins.

Additional Twangville coverage of Jesse Dee: Mayer’s Playlist for February 2013, Part 2.

THE SILKS, Last American Band

This is an in-your-face blast of blues-based rock and roll. Sure, they’re from Providence, RI. Having seen them melt faces in Boston on several occasions, however, we’re gonna stake our claim. Home away from home, right gents?

Additional Twangville coverage of The Silks: Listen Up: Nicki Bluhm and the Gramblers, Toy Soldiers and the Silks

BARRENCE WHITFIELD AND THE SAVAGES, Dig Thy Savage Soul

Barrence is a bit of a legend around these parts, a soul shouter who is as comfortable singing country as he is R&B. The reunited Savages serve up a healthy dose of the latter, a collection of songs that rock as well as they roll.

Additional Twangville coverage of Barrence Whitfield and the Savages: Mayer’s Playlist for July and August 2013, Part 2

Click here for more Twangville Best of 2013 coverage.

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