Guest List 2013

To me, music is often best when shared with friends, so I've asked some people to share their favorites from 2013. Happy New Year!

Albums 2013

Again, I could've easily included about thirty albums on this list, but I wanted to keep it short. If you liked/hated my songs list, you'll probably loathe/love this one too. Thanks for reading!

Songs 2013

I bumped my typical list from 25 to 40 because there was just so much good music this year that I wanted to include. You can listen to most of the songs here. My favorite albums will follow soon as well as a guest-list from some well respected friends. Thanks for reading!

Burial - Rival Dealer

Last week, the elusive Burial dropped Rival Dealer, his brilliant new EP (which is not only the best EP of the year but also possibly his best work to date) via Hyperdub. Today, it's available in physical formats and over the weekend, Burial shared this message:

"I put my heart into the new EP, I hope someone likes it. I wanted the tunes to be anti-bullying tunes that could maybe help someone to believe in themselves, to not be afraid, and to not give up, and to know that someone out there care and is looking out for them. So it's like an angel's spell to protect them against the unkind people, the dark times, and the self-doubts."

Below, stream the phenomenal Rival Dealer via Youtube.

Mikal Cronin played Webster Hall

Following years of life on the sidelines as Ty Segall's bass player, 2013 proved to be an exceptional breakout year for Mikal Cronin. His stellar sophomore record, MCII, has gained a mass of critical reception and has established him as an excellent songwriter and guitar player on his own terms. The laid back California-cool vibes of Cronin and his merry band of long-haired rockers came across with scorching swells of fuzzed out guitar bliss. Power-pop hooks and garage-punk riffs were married in an all out dazzling fashion as the band blazed through their set all the while looking at total ease. Mikal stayed in firm control of the band, taking the reins and keeping the others from going into overdrive on some extend jams and cemented his ability as not only a solid guitar player, but also a fantastic front-man as well. Shout along choruses filled the room as hair went flying onstage and guitars melted into feedback before bursting into dizzying solos that would make their San Francisco elders proud. It's easy to picture these dudes cruising around town, sunglasses firmly in place, catching rays, and partying on into the sunset while these killer tunes blast through the speakers. And tonight, for just a moment, they were able to carry the crowd out of a fierce New York winter and transplant them directly into the sunlight.

Swervedriver - "Deep Wound"

The shoegaze revival continues! Following new releases this year from My Bloody Valentine and Medicine, Swervedriver have returned with "Deep Wound", their first new single in 15 years.

Mogwai - "The Lord is Out of Control"

Mogwai are set to follow their epically titled Hardcore Will Never Die, But You Will this coming January with a new album, Rave Tapes. They've already shared "Remurdered" and now they've released a video for the album's closer, "The Lord is Out of Control".