Two things changed the way I listened to music in 2013. Spotify & Vinyl. Almost every album that I listened to this year was through Spotify first. I did not make a single purchase without first testing the album out for free. I love Spotify. This year also ushered in the return of the turntable into the Hamilton house. It’s been over two decades since I last had a record player. But the boy came home from school one day wanting to get into vinyl (he’s a third grader). So we did. I love that it’s turned music back into a physical experience for me. From the crackles and pops to having to turn the album over, it’s made music fun.
Previous Years
This Years Honorable Mentions (Good, but not quite good enough)
- Sleeping at Last - Atlas
- Local Natives - Hummingbird
- The Naked and the Famous - In Rolling Waves
- Lucius - Wildewoman
- Chvrches - The Bones of What You Believe
- Volcano Choir - Repave
- Sigur Ros - Kveikur
- The Strokes - Comedown Machine (This was a tough choice…it could have easily made my Top 5. It’s a very good album.)
The Top Five
I’ve put these five albums in a Spotify playlist for your listening pleasure: Listen
5. The Head and the Heart - Let’s Be Still
This sophomore album is really good. Looking back, their first album (self-titled) should have been included in my Honorable Mentions for 2011. This album is more grown-up, more emotional, and the harmonies are even better than they were in their first album.
Best Song: Gone
4. The National - Trouble Will Find Me
The National never seem to disappoint. While this album is not as good as their High Violet album from 2010, it still delivers. You’ll notice two things on this album: Matt Berninger’s vocals & Bryan Devendorf’s drums. This album is just as melancholy as previous albums, maybe even more so. But it will hook you.
Best Song: Hard to Find. Demons is a close second.
3. Arcade Fire - Reflektor
Reflektor is a very good album, but not the best the band has ever produced. It will be hard for Arcade Fire to top Suburbs from 2010. This album is a different sound for Arcade Fire. It reminds me a little of when U2 changed things up with Pop. You know it’s them, but it doesn’t exactly sound like them. Still, it’s a very enjoyable album.
Best Song: Here Comes the Night Time
2. Cold War Kids - Dear Miss Lonelyhearts
In 2011 my number one album for the year was Elbow’s Build a Rocket Boys!. I remarked then that I was shocked that it wasn’t included on any official top album lists for that year. This year I have the same shock that Dear Miss Lonelyhearts is no where to be found. It didn’t even make Rolling Stone’s Top 50 for the year. Utterly confusing. The first song, Miracle Mile, hooks you and it doesn’t let go. This is foot-tapping, dancing in the living room good.
Best Song: Tuxedos
1. Vampire Weekend - Modern Vampires of the City
I really don’t now how to start other than saying…this album is amazing. It’s dark, deep, and spiritual. I have a tendency to be drawn to the spiritual implications in lyrics and this album is rich with them. I won’t bore you with listing them out, or try to interpret them. This album covers youth, wisdom that comes with age, fear of getting older, and questioning God, but I never felt preached at. I ended up singing along, nodding in agreement. Every song is excellent. In fact, it’s extremely difficult to pick my favorite…but if I were forced I’d have to go with Unvbelievers, the second song on the album. Here are the lyrics:
Got a little soul
The world is a cold, cold place to be
Want a little warmth
But who’s gonna save a little warmth for me?We know the fire awaits unbelievers
All of the sinners the same
Girl, you and I will die unbelievers
Bound to the tracks of the trainIf I’m born again I know that the world will disagree
Want a little grace but who’s gonna say a little grace for me?We know the fire awaits unbelievers
All of the sinners the same
Girl, you and I will die unbelievers
Bound to the tracks of the trainI’m not excited, but should I be?
Is this the fate that half of the world has planned for me?I know I love you
And you love the sea
But what holy water contains a little drop, little drop for me?See the sun go down
It’s going on down, and the night is deep
Want a little light
But who’s gonna save a little light for me?We know the fire awaits unbelievers
All of the sinners the same
Girl, you and I will die unbelievers
Bound to the tracks of the trainI’m not excited, but should I be?
Is this the fate that half of the world has planned for me?I know I love you
And you love the sea
But what holy water contains a little drop, little drop for me?I’m not excited, but should I be?
Is this the fate that half of the world has planned for me?I know I love you
And you love the sea
But what holy water contains a little drop, little drop for me?