These are my favorite records from 2013, in some particular order..
GUNK - Gradual Shove: Gradual Shove does what any debut album is supposed to do, and that is to define the band’s sound. “Titan” and “You Spent” may evoke the Buzzcocks; and “I Can’t,” “Photograph,” and “Terrified” definitely have an early Modest Mouse or Built to Spill vibe. But “Just a Man” and “Kill em All” are the best tracks on the album, and are more difficult to compare to other bands. On those tracks, the band best combines their noisy and aggressive brand of rock with their ability to pull off catchy and big choruses. GUNK’s drummer Dan told me that the band recorded the songs almost immediately after they were written. I believe that this quick turnover of material is what gives Gradual Shove the energetic feel that carries the entire album. GUNK is on the top of my list of bands I want to see in 2014, and I’ll have my chance January 11th in Philadelphia. Buy this album from Ranch Records
GUNK - Gradual Shove: Gradual Shove does what any debut album is supposed to do, and that is to define the band’s sound. “Titan” and “You Spent” may evoke the Buzzcocks; and “I Can’t,” “Photograph,” and “Terrified” definitely have an early Modest Mouse or Built to Spill vibe. But “Just a Man” and “Kill em All” are the best tracks on the album, and are more difficult to compare to other bands. On those tracks, the band best combines their noisy and aggressive brand of rock with their ability to pull off catchy and big choruses. GUNK’s drummer Dan told me that the band recorded the songs almost immediately after they were written. I believe that this quick turnover of material is what gives Gradual Shove the energetic feel that carries the entire album. GUNK is on the top of my list of bands I want to see in 2014, and I’ll have my chance January 11th in Philadelphia. Buy this album from Ranch Records
PURLING HISS – Water on Mars: Purling Hiss put on the best live show I saw
in 2013, so it’s understandable why I’d be so into this album, the first
Purling Hiss record to feature a full band. Water
on Mars features Mike Polizze’s most accessible songwriting to date, and
left me impressed with how strong and dynamic his vocals can be; which was an aspect that
definitely was not showcased on Purling Hiss’s previous, extremely lo-fi
releases. But like the band's previous releases, Water on Mar’s true star is Polizze’s guitar playing. The new
lineup fits into the power trio archetype in the best way possible, with a
driving rhythmic section that allows Polizze’s sometimes screeching, sometimes spacey guitar thrive. I was drawn most to the
more poppy songs on the album, particularly “Mary Bumble Bee” “Rat Race” and
the suitably relaxing “She Calms Me Down” Buy this album from Drag City Records
PORCHES – Slow Dance in the Cosmos: On first
listen, this album reminded a lot of the indie rock coming from the Midwest
about ten years ago, mostly notably that of Cursive, Bright Eyes, and Joan of
Arc. So it’s not surprising to hear a tag like ‘Bummer Pop’ frequently applied
to this album. While PORCHES may sound like they could have come out of Omaha, this album is lush and warm with a surrealist and sometimes silly tone, which
separates it from the more emo aspects of that Midwestern movement. I don’t
want to downplay this album as a downer though, because it definitely is. The lyrics paint
portraits of isolation, desperation, and a strung-out confusion. But PORCHES’ unique electronic
folk rock manages to lift this depression into something charming, and even inviting.
Favorite tracks include “Jesus Universe” and “Fog Dog.” PORCHES is playing with GUNK in Philadelphia Jan 11th. http://porchesmusic.bandcamp.com/
DRAKE- Nothing Was the Same: When I heard
the first single, “Just Hold On, We’re Going Home” I was a little worried that
Drake finally made the full on R&B record that he claimed Take Care would be while that album was
in pre-production. While I do like “Just Hold On...” I was happy that this record continued to push
the boundaries of the radio friendly hip hop / dark and experimental R&B blend that Drake
and producer 40 did so well on his the record. That being said, Nothing does sound a lot like Take Care part two, but that’s hardly a
negative.
KANYE WEST- Yeezus: This purposefully anti-pop
record is West’s boldest and most compelling yet. I found out that I listened to this more than any
other new record in 2013. Too many people tend to write West off, mostly because of his massive fame and ego. But what West has to say about race, consumerism, and America should not be written off, as Yeezus goes way deeper than the maniacal celebrity people try to confine him to.
YO LA TENGO – Fade: Less eclectic than their more
recent releases, Fade sounds like it
could been released between their I Can Hear the Heart Beating as One and Summer Sun. Classic Yo La Tengo sound,
which I love.
JIM JAMES – Regions of Light and Sound: A loose
and soulful pop record from one rock’s most compelling lead man may seem like a
step in the wrong direction, but Regions is
a fun record that flirts with spirituality without being bogged down by it.
DR. DOG- B-Room: Another solid effort by
these guys. Really liked “Broken Heart,” “Long Way Down,” and the Motown
inspired “The Truth” https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/b-room-deluxe-edition/id673428192
PISSED JEANS – Honeys: Not something that I’d be normally
be drawn to, I first was first introduced to this album after seeing one the band's music videos that was directed by Joe Stakun. Honeys
is a fun, old school hardcore record that is catchy enough to drive repeat
listens. http://www.subpop.com/artists/pissed_jeans
KURT VILE – Wakin on a Pretty Daze: Continuing
with my bias towards Philly acts… I liked this record a lot. Although at 70
minutes in length, the record does seem to drag at times. http://kurtvile.merchtable.com/music;41/wakin-on-a-pretty-daze-vinyl-2xlp
.....................
Thanks for reading my first ever post. I'm not sure how often I'll put something up on here, but writing this one was pretty fun, so we'll see.
Bye, thanks for stopping by.
.....................
Thanks for reading my first ever post. I'm not sure how often I'll put something up on here, but writing this one was pretty fun, so we'll see.
Bye, thanks for stopping by.
