A little more rockier than most twangers, but here’s what’s been lighting up my ears for the past year. Happy New Year!
1. Jason Isbell – Southeastern – Just damn fine songwriting with minimal production shows a sober, reflecting Isbell at his best.
2. BRMC- Specter at the Feast – This band keeps getting better and spilling out some of the best true rock and roll being made.
3. The Flaming Lips – The Terror – A bit harsh upon the first few listens, but after the initial jarring of the tinny guitars, it feels just like home.
4. Daft Punk – Random Access Memories – Every other year or so one of “these type†records seep into my brain. My friend Kyle turned me on to this one and it had some of the best hooks of 2013.
5. The Olms – The Olms – Pete Yorn shines on this homage to the Zombies while singable melodies abound.
6. Mark Kozelek &Jimmy LaVelle – Perils From The Sea / Mark Kozelek & Desertshort– Mark Kozelek & Desertshort – These two were probably my most streamed albums of 2013 on Spotify in a playlist with other Sun Kil Moon releases (including the excellent 2012 release Autumn Leaves). Kozelek tells it like he sees it (or feels it) without pulling any punches.
7. Sigur Ros – Kevikur – A luscious soundscape of goodies equals a mix of Pink Floyd with Flaming Lips.
8. Kasey Musgraves – Same Trailer Different Park – Good country.
9. The Shouting Matches – Grownass Man – A hell of a lot better than Bon Iver in my opinon and definitely a lot more fun.
10. Butch Walker – Peachtree Battle EP – A tribute to his dying father, Butch plays 3 chords, sings the truth, and adds sugary sweet production.
11. Slaid Cleaves – Still Fighting the War – His unique voice and straight-up songwriting get it done once again.
12. Frank Turner – Tape Deck Heart – While I wasn’t a fan of side B of this record, side A is classic Turner with more one-liners than you can shake a stick at.
13. Phosporescent – Muchado – Haunting and beautiful.
About the author: Producer, Engineer, Musician and all around music enthusiast.