1. Daft Punk Random Access Memories
The kings of EDM do a complete turnaround by tapping into the past and making it sound fresh. The opening track, “Give Life Back To Music”, would fit nicely on a Chic album circa 1978. The French duo compiled a variety of artists including Nile Rodgers, Pharrell Williams, Giorgio Moroder, Julian Casablancas, Panda Bear, and ’70s icon Paul Williams. Unlike their previous albums, they avoided the use of samples and employed session musicians to record live instrumentation. Groundbreaking indeed.
2. Queens Of The Stone Age …Like Clockwork
On their sixth studio album, Josh Homme and company incorporate stoner rock accompanied by twists and turns that make for some compelling songwriting. While the hooks are appealing and accessible, there is a darkness that lingers throughout. It has all the grittiness and edge of a classic modern rock album. The record is chock-full of special guests which include Dave Grohl, Mark Lanegan, Trent Reznor, Jake Shears (Scissor Sisters), Alex Turner (Arctic Monkeys) & Elton John.
3. Arctic Monkeys AM
The Monkeys explore some new territory on their fifth album. Taking inspiration from various musical genres, including psychedelic rock, blues, hard rock, heavy metal, R&B, hip hop, and soul. The slick production only enhances these melodious tunes.
4. Low The Invisible Way
Low celebrated their 20th anniversary as a band this past year. On their 10th record, not much has changed and that’s a good thing. Jeff Tweedy produced the album, keeping it simple and sparse and letting the songs shine. Drummer Mimi Parker is more of an equal on this release, singing lead on five songs which she handles with both grace and charm.
5. Johnny Marr The Messenger
Marr has been involved with a variety of bands over the years: The Smiths, Electronic, Modest Mouse, and The The to name just a few. The guitarist finally released his first solo album and it’s definitely worth the wait. The album incorporates bits and pieces from his musical history, with the focal point being his stellar guitar playing. He crafts some catchy melodies that conjure the past, yet manages to make it sound current.
6. The National Trouble Will Find Me
The band continues in the same vein as their previous release: Subtle, moody, and sullen. Even on the more upbeat songs, a shroud of melancholy lingers in the airy compositions. Gorgeous arrangements like “I Need My Girl” are haunting perfection.
7. Mikal Cronin MCII
Soaring melodies over jangly guitar riffs, this album sounds effortless, yet complex. It’s jangle pop at it’s best.
8. Arcade Fire Reflektor
The Suburbs, Arcade Fire’s well-received album from 2010, marked a high point for the band. It was a tough act to follow, but they delivered. The band manages to push itself, mixing sounds and beats with the help of producer James Murphy from LCD Soundsystem. All the while, retaining the integrity that made them a great band in the first place. However, the album could have benefited from a little editing, trimming it down to a single album.
9. Laura Marling Once I Was An Eagle
Four albums into her career, The 23-year-old Marling continues to push the boundaries of contemporary songwriting. The first 4 songs of the album blend seamlessly into one another, setting the scene for some formidable storytelling. She certainly earns the Joni Mitchell comparisons and is destined to be the new queen of Avant folk.
10. Elton John The Diving Board
The queen is back. Reunited with Bernie Taupin on lyrics and T-Bone Burnett producing, Burnett lets him shine by stripping down the production to the piano, bass, and drums. By doing so, Elton finds his way back to his roots. It’s emotional and somber, with enough pops of radiance to balance it out. Some of these songs would sound right at home on some of his early recordings. All hail the queen!
11. Savages Silence Yourself
This all-female band from London certainly knows how to rock. They combine the intensity of Siouxsie And The Banshees, with the melancholy of Joy Division, to make some dismal rock and roll with much urgency. Be sure to check out their live show, you will not be disappointed.
12. Vampire Weekend Modern Vampires Of The City
In 2008, I ranked their self-titled debut at #6 on my list. In 2010, I picked Contra as the most over-rated album of the year. Needless to say, I was a little tentative going into the new record. It took me a while to listen, but once I did, I realized what a gem it is. I’m happy to be proved wrong.
13. Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds Push The Sky Away
Nick Cave continues to inspire on his 15th album. According to Cave, the songs illustrate how the internet has influenced “significant events, momentary fads and mystically-tinged absurdities”. The music is desolate and lush, combined with lyrics teeming with an ambiguity that read like poetry.
14. Jagwar Ma Howlin
These lads from Down Under made a splash with their brand of psychedelic dance music. Fun, groovy & bright. This is the album MGMT should have made.
15. Foxygen We Are The 21st Century Ambassadors Of Peace & Magic
This album wears its musical influences on its sleeve. ’60s garage rock, psychedelic, hippie rock, and soul make up the musical terrain. It all blends together nicely, creating something new from something familiar.
16. Midlake Antiphon
During the recording of this album, Tim Smith (founding member, vocalist, guitarist, and primary songwriter) left the band. I expected something to be missing, but the band managed to forge ahead with ease. Guitarist Eric Pulido took over singing duties and is certainly up for the challenge. Their loss is our gain.
17. The Thermals Desperate Ground
The band from Portland OR released their first record back in 2003, although I just recently discovered them (thanks Barb). I love their intensity and blend of lo-fi, power pop and punk rock. Clocking in at only 27 minutes, it’s an album that you can easily put on repeat.
18. Atlas Genius When It Was Now
It was a good year for the Aussies. The debut from this trio has a little bit of everything: rock, pop, dance, and hipster appeal.
19. Deerhunter Monomania
Weird. Complex. Accessible. Distorted. Diverse. All good things.
20. Franz Ferdinand Right Thoughts, Right Words, Right Action
I didn’t realize how I missed them until I heard the new record. They don’t sound much different than they did back in 2004 when they released their first record. A welcome return.
Honorable Mentions
Iron & Wine Ghost On Ghost
Junip Junip
Natalie Maines Mother
Pearl Jam Lightning Bolt
Wavves Afraid Of Heights
Overrated Album Of 2013
Chvrches The Bones Of What You Believe
Overlooked Albums Of 2012
Tame Impala Lonerism
The xx Coexist
Lavender Diamond Incorruptible Hear