(Some of) The Best of 2013 Music

After a lackluster (in my opinion) 2012 in music, 2013 swooped in and brought a ton of incredible tracks and albums.  It was the year I resolved to see at least 42 bands in 365 days and exceeded that quickly because too many awesome folks came through town.

Music is very much song-driven now and sometimes it's hard to come across a completely solid album. Again, though, 2013 really stood out and here are a few of my favorite albums:

1.)  Trouble Will Find Me, The National
No surprise here.  It's my favorite band.  I have listened to this album over and over and over (and then some more.)  I love how songs come together--audio engineering is a dream job--and I hear so much of the head and the heart of this album with every listen.

This was also hands-down the best show I saw in 2013.  It's been a while since I've been that engaged with the musicians and the crowd. The National interacted with the audience so much.  I got there early enough to get to the very front, had Matt Berninger go through the crowd right by me, held his hand while he climbed the security gate, and had the best time with strangers who were momentarily friends.  Incredible memories.

2.)  MCII, Mikal Cronin

This album needs more attention.  I ran like heck in 105 degree weather to see them play an in-store and get my album signed.  Great people and addicting album.  Listen to "Piano Mantra" en route to home from a long trip or at the end of a long day. Trust me.  

3.)  Pushin' Against a Stone, Valerie June

Strong and sexy album.  Different than your "usual" kind of voice and album but give this one an honest chance.  Get to know Valerie June.  I think she'll be around for a while.

4.)  Love's Crushing Diamond, Mutual Benefit

Listen to this album in order in its entirety.  It starts with a song titled "Strong River" and ends with one titled 'Strong Swimmer".  Storytelling.  

5.)  Modern Vampires of the City, Vampire Weekend

My least favorite review intro by a music critic ever was about this album: "I didn't want to like an album by Vampire Weekend but…" What? Stop the pretentious; this is an excellent album and Vampire Weekend deserves high reviews for it. And Ezra Koenig won social media with his Twitter and Instagram feeds.  

My favorite song of the album is a love song about…music:

Honorable Mentions:

1.  From the Sea to the Land Beyond, British Sea Power

2.  Days are Gone, Haim

3.  Cerulean Salt, Waxahatchee

What were some of your favorite 2013 albums?