That's so good - that should have been mine: Music that moved me in 2013

At the request of good friend Michelle Matthews, I present a few thoughts as to what music did it for me in 2013.

This year Pop music fought back. I'm not talking that shite that pollutes American radio waves, I am referring to the good stuff. Not bad considering this is a year that Phoenix came up short creatively.

Speaking of coming up short, Kanye decided to toss off some rhymes at the last minute which cheapened a record that went places musically - into NIN territory. Thankfully for all concerned, Trent Reznor returned to remind us all that there is a right way to grow old gracefully. If only Jay-Z had taken notes...

So on to the albums that I listened to (a lot) this year:

Vaudeville Smash - Dancing For The Girl

Funky Australian outfit that has some big cajones and bravado. Don't believe me?




The 1975 - The 1975

They breed them well up in Manchester. Their debut album is full of killer singles. Here is one of them.




St Lucia - When The Night

Anthem for the Summer (and the following one as well). I assume Peter Cetera's lawyers are filing papers as we speak.




City and Colour  - The Hurry And The Harm

Four albums in and not a dud amongst them. Continuing to explore new sonic territories, Dallas Green now serves only one master - himself.



Jen Cloher - In Blood Memory

Full disclosure: I contributed to her Pozible campaign to complete and release this album. Of course that doesn't guarantee a successful product. Jen's third album is her most complete and her most ambitious. At only 7 tracks, she says what other bands take a double album to do.




The National - Trouble Will Find Me

Sure they are a bunch of miserable bastards, but damn it they give good music and lyrics:

"When I walk into a room
I do not light it up.
Fuck."

Haim - Days Are Gone

Not only is this the best pop album this year, it is the best album this year full stop. Haters can take their Wilson Phillips comparisons and shove it.

And we'll both be safe 'til St. Patrick's Day

The third in my monthly review of musical purchases and downloads for 2009. My look at February can be found here.

As if in response to my slow start (musically) for 2009, I am now receiving emails from long forgotten mailing lists touting the return of bands who have remained on my radar. It seems the next few months will see me parting my hard earned for new material by the Dave Matthews Band, Manic Street Preachers, Jen Cloher and so on.

Before that, here is what March threw up.

Albums

Robert Palmer - At His Very Best

Whilst I didn't acquire his entire back catalogue as I threatened last month, I did wisely pick up the best of the smooth Mr Palmer. I was never one for the 'Addicted To Love' and 'Simply Irresistible' side though. For the gold stuff, crank up 'Johnny & Mary' or 'Looking For Clues'.

Mary Gauthier - Mercy Now / Between Daylight And Dark

Being on the Lost Highway label (Ryan Adams, Donavon Frankenreiter) I should have picked up on Mary Gauthier much earlier than this. Her songwriting is her greatest asset (though she is no slouch on vocals) as she relays tales of woe that come from a troubled life she has already lived through. Martha Wainwright could learn a lot from her.

Grifters Inc. - A Creature Of The Night

Aussie Hip-Hop is an acquired taste, especially for those who don't reside on the Island. These days I much prefer to hear my fellow countrymen rap than Lil' fucking Wayne. Grifters Inc. may be indie but the production and rhyming on 'A Creature Of The Night' is just as good as their bigger label brethren.

Keep an eye on these lads.

Singles/EP's

The Strokes - Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)

After hearing once again Robert Palmer's version of the Marvin Gaye classic, I decided to search out other renditions and came across this one from a few years ago. Eddie Vedder turns in a great guest performance as well.

The Lemonheads - Luka

I must have been on a cover versions trip because I also dug out this great take of the Suzanne Vega hit. Mind you, Evan Dando could sing the 'terms and conditions' section on an entry form and I would still rate it as brilliant.