Monday, December 30, 2013

Julia's Top Ten (13) of 2013

2013 year was a great year in music. While compiling my list of favorite albums released in 2013, I noticed one predominant trend: women! Talented, dynamic, incredible women. I have decided to dedicate my best of list to honor the women who sang in frequent rotation at our house this year.



1. Arcade Fire, Reflektor

Régine and band mates created a masterpiece this year. Drawing from her Haitian roots, the band incorporated Caribbean rhythms, mysticism, and rock and roll. All this while being a new mom. I love this album. (see previous post).

Here Comes the Night Time:



2. Laura Marling, Once I Was An Eagle

Beautiful. Perhaps the most listened to album this year. It sends me to that reflective, peaceful, Joni Mitchel kind of place. (see previous post)

I Was An Eagle:


3. Thao & the Get Down Stay Down, We The Common

I Shazamed Thao & the Get Down Stay Down about 5 different times this year from my smart phone for a few different songs played on 89.3 The Current. I was about to do it one more time when I realized, I know this band! Funky! Unique, thoughtful, funky songs. I am SO sad I missed them when they played with the Head and the Heart this year at First Avenue.

We The Common (For Valerie Bolden):



4. Neko Case, The Worse Things Get, The Harder I Fight, The Harder I Fight, The More I Love You

There was much anticipation for this album this year.  One of the few albums that I was counting down the days until the release date (this and Arcade Fire). It did NOT disappoint! Neko Case is a folk power house. Her songs are so relate-able, but in the majestic, I can't really relate kind of way. This album feels more like graceful rock and roll more than folk. I love it.

Man:


5. Valerie June, Pushin' Against A Stone

So. much. talent. Valerie June has it all; blues, americana, soul, all in a beautiful, talented package. This album has the Dan Auerbach production rhythmic finger print on it, but her own, unique, musical talent shines through.

Workin' Woman's Blues:



6. Lucy Michelle, Attack of the Heart

Attack of the Heart is a piece of home for me. Familiar, kind, pretty music. I listened to this a lot this year. (see previous post)

Somebody New:


7. Caroline Smith, Half About Being a Woman

I have enjoyed Caroline Smith's music in the past, and was pleasantly surprised to see the direction her new album took. This year Caroline Smith transformed from a sweet, young folk singer to a mature R&B musician, but staying true to her folk roots. It feels a littler early in her career to label her style, as it seems great things will continue to come from this Minnesota song writer.

Magazine:



8. Wild Belle, Isles

I immediately fell in love with the song 'It's Too Late' (see previous post), and not long after was streaming the rest of the album non stop (thanks, Spotify). I was fortunate to see their sold out show at the Triple Rock Social Club this year, which helped bump my girl crush on Natalie Bergman into full fledged infatuation with this band. With a rock steady back bone, and pop friendly dancing beats, this is a wonderful album, all the way through.

Keep You:


9. Janelle Monae, The Electric Lady

This album is just fun. It feels good to listen to. And of course, Prince as your mentor? Golden.

Givin' Em What They Love (feat. Prince):



10. M.I.A., Matangi

There is definitely a special time and a place to listen to M.I.A., loudly. I love this woman.

Y.A.L.A.:



Bonus 'Men-Singing-About-Woman' Section:

11. Devandra Banhart, Mala

A contemporary Venezuelan-American songwriter singing about an 12th century German nun? It makes perfect sense to me. While this album is much more stream lined than other Devendra works, it's beauty is in its simplicity.

Für Hildegard von Bingen





12. ALT-J, An Awesome Wave

Technically a 2012 release, I bought the album in 2013. I've listened to it, a lot in our house, my car, on the radio... Something about it's pulsing, hypnotic, mood altering broodiness struck a chord with me. Listening to this album helps me understand the draw heroine has for people without having to try it. An Awesome Wave was my drug of the year.

Matilda:


13. Daft Punk, Random Access Memories

Who knew 'song of the summer' was a thing? Thank you Daft Punk for giving us a sound track to dance to this year. Bonus: my husband and I are still rocking this as a ring tone for each other. It is an extra special event when he calls me. We will not let this song die with the summer.

Get Lucky:

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