Top Ten 2013

Kanye West - Yeezus

A RIDICULOUS album from a RIDICULOUS man who makes RIDICULOUS music.  This is (another) absolute masterpiece from the most important talent in music in 2013.  He is a God.

Listen: 'Blood On The Leaves'

David Bowie - The Next Day

There can't be much that hasn't already be written about David Bowie; this was a pleasant surprise from an artist that everyone thought had retired to the moon.  Or something like that.

Listen:  'Dirty Boys'

Arcade Fire - Reflektor

Other than being a tad long (there are 9 (nine!) songs over 5 minutes), Arcade Fire's new one lived up to high expectations.  James Murphy (LCD Soundsystem) as producer injected some much needed dirt.

Listen:  'Normal Person'  

Jonny Fritz - Dad Country

Thoroughly enjoyable and thoroughly tongue-in-cheek, Dad Country is my hidden gem of 2013.  More please Jonny.

Listen:  'Holy Water'

Haim - Days Are Gone

Unashamedly 1970s soft rock and none-the-worse for it, Days Are Gone, is best listened to while driving through the Nevada desert at 80mph.  (I did that).

Listen:  'The Wire'

Drenge - Drenge

Drenge came from nowhere and will probably disappear just as quickly as they arrived.  This will be a decent legacy - it's a bare knuckle brawl of an album.

Listen:  'People In Love Make Me Feel Yuck'   

Atoms For Peace - Amok

Although this is billed as a Thom Yorke/Flea double act, it has Mr Yorke's fingerprints all over it.  Check out 'Ingenue', as performed on the Jonathan Ross Show earlier this year...

Listen:  'Ingenue'

The National - Trouble Will Find Me

Track 7 - This Is The Last Time - propels this into this list on its own.  The National do the beautiful sound of sadness like no-one else.

Listen: 'This Is The Last Time'

Frightened Rabbit - Pedestrian Verse

When I first heard this I was a little underwhelmed; I thought it strayed dangerously close to Snow Patrol territory in places.  However, I realised I was being an idiot.  Another lyrical triumph.

Listen:  'Late March, Death March'

Young Fathers - Tape Two

Saw these guys supporting Chvrches at the beginning of the year; to be honest, it should've been the other way round.  This record is enchanting.

Listen:  'I Heard'