st. tropez Albums of the Year 2013

These days I know I don't make it around as much as I once did. Work keeps me pretty busy, but I still manage to check the site and read the posts from time to time, even if I am unable to contribute on the message boards or in the updating of new posts. However, as has become customary over the last few years, I still compile a EOTY list of my favorite albums. Being the member of n-a-r that has quite an eclectic taste in music, mostly stuff few people have heard of, I look forward to sharing with you yearly. Below you will find my top 20, with a more detailed message for the top 10. Enjoy.

EPs of the year: American Authors S/T EP, Magic Man You Are Here EP, Sir Sly Gold EP, Bear's Den Without/Within EP, Smallpools S/T EP, and Little Children Falling EP.

20. James Blake "Overgrown" (electronic downtempo singer)
19. Jason Isbell "Southeastern" (blues americana, former lead singer of drive-by truckers)
18. CHVRCHES "Bones of What You Believe" (electropop from Ireland)
17. Tunde Baiyewu "Diamond in a Rock" (singer/songwriter adult alternative from England. Imagine Aloe Blacc meets Tracy Chapman)
16. Air Review "Low Wishes" (indie rock)
15. Bastille "Bad Blood" (alternative/indie rock)
14. Andrew Belle "Black Bear" (singer/songwriter with moments of intertwined electronic sounds)
13. Justin Timberlake "The 20/20 Experience" (mainly part I)
12. Sleeping at Last "Atlas" (indie singer/songwriter)
11. Kacey Musgraves "Same Trailer Different Park (country/grammy winner)

10. Penny & Sparrow "Tenboom"

Easy listening folk duo from Texas. Reminds me of The Swell Season minus the accent, but deep, honest, and hurting lyrics. Great listen, and a band that is on the rise within the industry. 

9. Green River Ordinance "Chasing Down the Wind"

Americana, almost borderline country with some of their tunes, GRO is a band i've been fans of for some time, and as their sound keeps evolving, I continue to be infatuated with their sound. Nothing amazing about this album, just very well written and an album I can turn on during most any mood and connect with. 

8. John Mayer "Paradise Valley"

Mayer is Mayer. I love everything he puts out, and while i'm still waiting for another album to hold a light to the powers of Continuum, I welcome the grassroots change he's brought about. You look at musicians he admires like Clapton, and you see the growth and change during their career, and Mayer is experiencing that now. Before long, I think we all will get a revisit from the Mayer that made him great. 

7. J. Cole "Born Sinner"

I never claim to be a rap connoisseur, but I can usually listen to a rap album and tell if it's good or not in the context of flow/lyrics/etc. Born Sinner blew me away, mainly with the first track "Villuminati". All around, I thought this was the best rap album of the year.

6. Vampire Weekend "Modern Vampires of the City"

This album got a ton of love this year from everyone, and I agree with the love. I never touted myself as a VW fan, not really understanding the hype of the first albums, but I understood it with this. Infectious indie pop rock with hooks that are just great. Enjoyable album, and I think I am buying into the bands hype now. 

5. There Will Be Fireworks "The Dark, Dark Bright"

The bands first album was a top 10 album for me a few years back, and the sophomore album did not disappoint. From the second I heard the song/saw the video for "Youngblood", I knew this album was going to hit me just as well as the first album.

4. Gabrielle Aplin "English Rain"

Again, nothing special here. English singer/songwriter who broke out this year, touring with John Mayer and the likes . Infectious songwriter with crazy well written pop songs. This album came along to me at the right time and at the right place. Can't argue with fate. 

3. Volcano Choir "Repave"

I never really was a huge Bon Iver fan, but I enjoyed the first VC album. Not enough to become a huge fan, but enough to be excited about Repave. My excitement was blown away by this album, and I personally think it's better than anything Bon Iver ever released. Call me a cynic, or just call me someone who thinks Justin Vernon is great at his craft, but better when I can actually understand what the hell he is singing and saying.

New band on the block

2. The 1975 "S/T"

New band on the block, and I was absolutely blown away by the album. I'd been following their progression from EP to EP, but put them all together with a more polished sound and you hit a wonderfully mastered disc. "Success is brittle." Wise words spoken from a young man who, at the age of 18, was addicted to cocaine. The battle of life, love, drugs, rock & roll, and teenage angst shine through in the bands debut S/T, the band was given tour dates with Bastille and were even hand-selected to open some dates for The Rolling Stones. For a group of youngsters, that is a huge thing -- and for their overly enjoyable brand of pop rock, it's something that will take them a long way. 

1. Foy Vance "Joy of Nothing"

I realized this year that I pretty much love everything Glassnote Records puts out. From Mumford and Phoenix, to Two Door Cinema Club and CHRVCHES. Foy is another. Irish singer/songwriter just hit it out of the park in my opinion with this release. I caught wind of the first single, "Joy of Nothing" probably in March, and since that day I became obsessed with it. Once the album as a whole was released, I realized how much heart and soul this album had. Lots of outlets have been getting behind Foy and pushing him as the next big thing, with iTunes declaiming him of the best albums of the year for his genre, to websites saying he is a "must watch" in 2014. The album didn't really take off upon release, but thanks to songs appearing in movies and TV shows (namely "Feel for Me"), he continues to slowly climb the charts. Eerily similar to the road that The Fray took when they first launched their major label debut, and how it wasn't until 4-5 months after the release that they just blew up everywhere. 

That is all for now. I hope you enjoyed this little rundown, and I hope you check out some new music. Best to you all in 2014.

Albums of the year 2013, part II

Let's move on to the second and final part of this list.

#10 AM
Arctic Monkeys

Long gone are the southern-ish experiments of Humbug, Arctic Monkeys are now striving to become everyone's favourite rock'n'roll band. While Suck It And See saw the band stranded somewhere in between, AM seems to be the album to get them all the way there. I have to admit this is the most enjoyable Monkeys' record in a while, and Knee Socks is one of the most fun tracks of the year.

#9 Trouble Will Find Me
The National

You should already know what to expect from The National come their sixth studio album, and you should also know they will take your breath away regardless of what you expect. Trouble Will Find Me is deeply atmospheric, painfully beautiful and seductive, expanding upon their past efforts in every way.

#8 Waking On a Pretty Daze
Kurt Ville

The feel-good album of the year. The semi-title track almost hits the ten minute mark, but don't let it discourage you, it's an absolute joy all the way through. Luckily enough, the rest of the record doesn't fall behind, and the word "mellow" gets a whole new meaning in its context.

#7 Damage
Jimmy Eat World

Constantly releasing good albums is a nice habit. And no one does it better than Jim Adkins & Co., bringing joy to all the emo souls out there for a good two decades. Saying that this was the most anticipated release of 2013 for me would be an understatement, but Jimmy Eat World proved times and times again they have little difficulty living up to the challenge. Damage is sort of a return to roots for the band, who tossed away the glitz of modern day studio production and took a surprisingly raw approach. The result is an album that could go down in history as one of their career highlights. Just wait till you see those songs played live.

#6 Opposites
Biffy Clyro

If Biffy wanted to step up from their previous effort, Only Revolution, releasing a double album was the only logical way. It was a bold move, but it proved to be the right one. Bigger in every sense, Opposites keeps rushing forward, never losing itself in meaningless self-indulgence, making up for those four years without any new material. Oh, and the songs make for a killer live show, too. Overall, Biffy Clyro are easily one of the best rock bands in the world today. (My review)

#5  Reflektor
Arcade Fire

Released to huge expectations by the end of October, Reflektor still leaves me puzzled two months later. It is perhaps due to the dancier nature that I haven't been able to connect with it on the same level as with the more guitar-driven Suburbs three years ago. However, it's definitely a grower, and it has its stellar moments, especially in the second half, that can compare with the band's most glorious achievements (Hey Orpheus, Afterlife).

#4 Rewind the Film
Manic Street Preachers

They may get older, but their music doesn't, and it certainly doesn't lose its punch, even in its mellow and quiet form. Or is it just a calm before the storm? (My review)

#3  Heartthrob
Tegan and Sara

In January, Tegan and Sara released their first full-on pop record, but to this day, many people still haven't come to terms with the change of style. Personally, I couldn't get enough of it. I was saying it then and I'm still saying it, this is the best album the twins have ever made.

#2 Bloodsports
Suede

Suede, one of those bands I always knew I should check out but never really got to it, until their first album in eleven years offered an opportunity I couldn't pass. I'm always eager for some good britpop, and, well, it doesn't get much better than this. It's the first three tracks that really shine, but fortunately, the rest of the album doesn't lag far behind. Suede manage to sell it with confidence, elagance and energy that bands half their age could envy.

#1 Random Access Memories
Daft Punk

Ever since RAM was released, I kinda knew it would end up seizing the top spot. For me, this album will probably symbolize "the perfect record" in the years to come. Perfected to the point of near absurdity, encompassing four decades of popular music while also looking forward, overflowing with ideas and compelling details, this is the closest albums come to being timeless. Get Lucky might be one of the biggest singles of the year, but the greatest accomplishment of RAM lies in utilizing the album format to its full potential, in a contrast to the single-oriented music world. It may seem cold on surface, but there's a warm, beating heart underneath. (My review)

Honorary mention: Conventional Weapons
My Chemical Romance

Though not a proper album, it's a rewarding parting gift and the last goodbye from a band that used to mean a great deal to me. (My lament)

Albums of the year 2013, part I

First of all, happy new year to everyone!

Since every respectable magazine has already revealed its end of the year lists long ago, it's my turn now. Looking at the last year's list, it got me thinking, which albums of those twenty stood the best the test of time? Which ones did I come back to this year? Well, as far as can I remember, I did spin Lonerism and Battle Born a couple times, but due to the sheer quantity and quality of the new releases, and due to my ongoing obsession with the 1960s, I haven't had the time nor the opportunity to go back to any other older albums. But I'm not complaining.

This year turned out to be very competitive, many great bands graced us with many fanstastic records. I guess it goes without saying that I haven't heard nearly as many of them as I would like to, and I haven't spent enough time with those that deserved it. Hopefully, there are still many waiting for me to discover. For example, I haven't listened to Donald Glover's or Chvrches' new albums yet...

Without further ado, here's the first part of my albums-of-the-year list, I hope You'll enjoy reading it and that You'll find it at least somewhat relevant, despite the fact that *SPOILERS* neither Beyoncé nor Kanye made the cut.

#40 Burials AFI
#39 Loud Like Love Placebo
#38 Comedown Machine The Strokes
#37 BE Beady Eye
#36 Sequel to the Prequel Babyshambles
#35 Real to Reel Sound City
#34 Anthems Pure Love
#33 Pythons Surfer Blood
#32 Static Cults
#31 Dear Miss Lonelyhearts Cold War Kids
#30 Conduit Funeral for a Friend
#29 Sempitermal Bring Me the Horizon
#28 Right Thoughts, Right Words, Right Action Franz Ferdinand
#27 MGMT MGMT
#26 Volume 3 She and Him
#25 Days Are Gone HAIM
#24 Desire Lines Camera Obscura
#23 New Paul McCartney
#22 Where You Stand Travis
#21 The Next Day David Bowie

#20 MCII
Mikal Cronin

These are some catchy tunes. Mikal Cronin churns out pretty melodies and heavily distorted riffs, creating an irresistible wall of sound on an album, that is over too soon and leaves you craving for more.

#19 Lysandre
Christopher Owens

I was spinning this album non-stop for a good few weeks during February and March. Running just shy of 30 minutes, it is the shortest concept album I might've ever heard. Powered by a beautiful central melody, it could just as well be a soundtrack to any Wes Anderson movie. (My review)

#18 Junip
Junip

This swedish band was completely unbeknownst to me prior to the release of their sophomore album. Then I heard the song Line of Fire, and today, they are one of those few psychedelic indie rockers I will keep a close eye on in the years to come. The self-titled album is a rewarding listen, refreshing in its subtlety, with songs that take time to truly unfold.

#17 Bankrupt!
Phoenix

To be honest, Phoenix's follow-up to the highly succesful Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix wasn't among my anticipated albums and it left me quite cold upon its release. The first time I got into it was after watching Now You See Me, which had the leading single Entertainment featured in its closing credits. I loved the movie and fell in love with the song as well, and it eventually made me appreciate the whole album. What a ride.

#16 ...Like Clockwork
Queens of the Stone Age

You know it's been a competetive year when QotSA are all the way down at #16. I always had an ambivalent relationship with the band's music. While I loved half of their songs, the other half was just "meh", and the albums as a whole were therefore pretty much disqualified from repeated listens. ...Like Clockwork is not the case, though. For me, it works on every level, it's their first record I like front to back.

#15 Modern Vampires of the City
Vampire Weekend

All these years, I had no idea what the fuss over Vampire Weekend was all about. Then the band released their newest record and it finally hit me. This was the kind of revelation Some Nights had been a year ago. It's pure pop, but it's not dull. It actually couldn't be further from that. And it's really fun.

#14 Holy Fire
Foals

Yeah, I didn't understand the appeal of Foals either until their latest album dropped on the shelves. Thankfully, they finally ditched that math-rock thing and moved to a more accessible sound, while still managing to maintain their indie credibility. Anyway, just listen to Inhaler, that song alone should win the album a spot on any list this year.

#13 Kveikur
Sigur Rós

...and I could say pretty much the same thing about Sigur Rós. Compared to their previous efforts, Kveikur is a lot less ambient, a lot more melodic, and an open arms invitation for any new fan who couldn't get involved the last time around (or the last six times for that matter).

#12 Tape Deck Heart
Frank Turner

Fantastic album. My favourite music to mow the lawn to. I know that doesn't say much, but it's kind of a big deal for me.

#11 We Are the 21st Century Ambassadors of Peace & Magic
Foxygen

Every year, there's at least a handfull of bands trying to win the Beatles comparisons. This year, none has been more succesfull at that than Foxygen. Of course, it would be useless if the songs themselves weren't any good. Which, luckily, they are. If you're not sure enough whether to check them out, just start with the incredibly addictive San Francisco. If that doesn't win you over, than I don't know what will.

Albums of the Year

After coming up with this list, I realized that I didn't listen to as much new music as I thought I had.  The few new albums that I did listen to were some pretty solid albums.  Like every year, there were those disappointments, a new face, and those that always release a decent album.  In my opinion, this year was the most unpredictable.  The bands that surprised me the most were Swedish House Mafia and Keane.  Two bands that I was always aware of, but never gave a proper listen to.  Had I made my list longer, Swedish House Mafia would be ranked a#11.  

And here we go...

Albums of the year 2012, part II

Without further ado, here comes the final part of my list.

#10 Django Django
Django Django

Having received rave reviews from just about everyone, this album became increasingly harder to avoid. Needless to say, when I finally gave in, I didn't regret it one bit. There's always something fascinating and refreshing about debuting indie bands, and Django Django certainly made quite an entrance.

#9 Born and Raised
John Mayer

When you rate Born and Raised, it all comes down to whether you like folk music or not. Thus, it's gonna be either your most favourite Mayer's album or the least. Considering it's in my top ten, it must be clear where I stand on this. (My review)

#8 Blunderbuss
Jack White

After an admirable 22-year-long career in music, dozens of projects and collaborations, everyone's favourite guitarist finally set off to release his solo debut. And its outstanding moments by far outweigh the few flaws. One of the bussiest and most prolific men in the bussiness hardly ever lets his fans down, even though it may have taken some time for people like me to appreciate the record. I'm only wondering if Jack White will ever run out of the tricks up his sleeve.

#7 Come of Age
The Vaccines

The Vaccines delivered again. Come of Age is arguably and quite surprisingly an even better album than their massively hyped debut. (My review)

#6 Handwritten
The Gaslight Anthem

Despite the lack of progress, this is still a rather fantastic output. It's been always very exciting for me to witness the band's continual rise to fame, and frankly, I hope it won't stop anytime soon. (My review)

#5 Lonerism
Tame Impala

A fantastic psychedelic album, that grabs you and doesn't let go. Expect no stoner music, though, this is a very focused and elaborate set of songs. It was yet another big surprise for me and will be an important entry in every respectable magazine's guide to 2012's essential albums. (My Review)

#4 Celebration Rock
Japandroids

It's hard to resist the raw energy of this album. I may be overly enthusiastic, but it is thanks to bands like Japandroids, that rock'n'roll will never die. (My review)

#3 Given to the Wild
The Maccabees

Compelling third studio album from the UK indie rockers, that clearly shows their musical maturity and a great deal of ambition, which don't go unfulfilled. (My review)

#2 Some Nights
fun.

It's increasingly difficult to avoid cheap puns, but the band's name really says it all. For me, this has been the feel-good album of 2012. I would always come back to it and be amazed by the sheer talent on display. Despite a few missteps along the way, it's simply a great record and I'm glad fun.'s singles dominated the airwaves this year. (My review)

#1 Battle Born
The Killers

Ever since the release, there was little doubt this mammoth of an album would eventually end up seizing the top spot of my list. Considering the long break, we might have doubted whether The Killers still got what it takes to dominate the world. Thankfully, the answer to that is a resounding "yes". Great hooks, grand statements, perfect execution... An instant classic. (My review)

Albums of the year 2012, part I

Another year, another list. Still feels like yesterday when I was writing the last one, and even though I'm twelve months older now, nothing has really changed in my taste in music. For one thing, I haven't heard nearly as many albums as I would like to. I was stuck in the sixties for the bigger part of the year, spinning Beatles' and Byrds' records more often than it would be healthy. Nevertheless, here I am, presenting my end-of-the-year list, I hope you'll enjoy it and will agree with me about at least some of my choices.

For starters, let's begin with a few honorary mentions, albums, that didn't eventually make the cut for one reason or another. First of all, I couldn't but enjoy the usual mayhem of yet another Enter Shikari's album, the genuinely ambitous and ultimately accomplished A Flesh Flood of Colour, or the recommended Angels And Enemies, the sophomore record of the extraordinarily talented Liverpool quintet Sound of Guns. Another notable releases include Young Guns' second studio album, Bones, Yellowcard's Southern Air, perhaps their finest work to date, or the Mercury Prize winning, yet polarizing, An Awesome Wave from the debuting UK art-rockers Alt-J.

Furthermore, US indie rockers The Shins made their long-awaited comeback with the generally well-received Port of Morrow (which, in fact, ended up just one spot shy of my top 20) and Linkin Park reminded us of their existence with Living Things, a much better album, than everyone had anticipated. We also witnessed amazing new releases from rock's greatest legends, such as Bob Dylan (Tempest), Bruce Springsteen (Wrecking Ball), Soundgarden (King Animal) and, of course, Tenacious D (Rize of the Phoenix).

So finally, here comes the top 20:

#20 The 2nd Law

Muse
Let's kick off with what's possibly the most divisive and polarizing album of the year. The least I can say is that most of the negative response Muse did receive after the release was really undeserved. It surely isn't their greatest triumph, but in the end, when you give The 2nd Law enough time and let it sink in, it's well worth the while and almost as much fun as their older work.

#19 Shields
Grizzly Bear

Shields showed us Grizzly Bear's more raw and upbeat side than the largely experimental Veckatimest. However, if it hadn't been for its forth track, the dazzling Yet Again, I probably wouldn't pay much interest either. But this is actually an all-around great record. As it turned out, all I needed was just to spend a little more time with it.

#18 In the Belly of the Brazen Bull

The Cribs

When I finally yielded to all the rave reviews of The Cribs' latest output, I wasn't very impressed at first. But later on, I gave the album a second chance, and it eventually turned out to be quite a grower. It's my yearly dose of distorted guitars and lo-fi indie goodness. For fans of Pavement and early Weezer.

#17 Fragrant World

Yeasayer

While it may have not reached the heights set by their previous album, Odd Blood, it is a very enjoyable listen nonetheless.

#16 Generation Freakshow
Feeder

Good old Feeder, once again making the best use of their biggest assets. If you loved them once, you probably will again. (My review)

#15 The Stars Are Indifferent to Astronomy
Nada Surf

No surprises here. With their seventh studio album, Nada Surf unwaveringly continue to amaze me. I want a new one ASAP, please. (My review)

#14 Vital
Anberlin

Ten years into their career, Anberlin have released their heaviest album to date, and, according to many of their fans, also their best. Vital is definitely a step up from the problematic and slightly repetetive Dark Is the Way..., but personally, I'd still choose "Friendship" or Cities over it any time. Nevertheless, it's always good to see your favourite band going back to their roots and rocking hard.

#13 Strangeland
Keane
A return to form we all had been anxiously waiting for. Keane are back! (My review)

#12 There's No Leaving Now
The Tallest Man On Earth

With Bob Dylan having released 35th studio album after fifty years since his eponymous debut, it's truly remarkable how his legacy continues to inspire musicians all around the globe till this day. As is the case with Kristian Matsson, the Swedish export who performs under the stage name The Tallest Man On Earth. His third studio album has been one hell of a grower for me and with each subsequent listen I cherished it more and more, up to the point when I became pretty much addicted to it.

#11 Jake Bugg
Jake Bugg

Speaking about Dylan... He's one of several people Jake Bugg lists among his influences, along with The Beatles or Oasis. With that being said, it's actually not that surprising Bugg's music sounds like he fell right out of the middle of British invasion. My impressions of the album are still very fresh as I hadn't even heard of it until NME announced their end-of-the-year list about a week ago, but it's been on my playlist constantly ever since. And what an outstanding album it is. Jake Bugg's feat is all the more impressive when you consider he's only eighteen.

Well, that's about it for now. As always, expect the final part to be posted in a week or so. In the meantime, feel free to express your thoughts in the comments.