Max Blau’s favorite albums of 2013
2013’s great records were found just outside the non-musical headlines
Compared to recent years, musicians grabbed headlines in 2013 with controversial moments more than songs, records, or live performances. Kanye West’s ego overshadowed his actual record. Thom Yorke’s Spotify remarks loomed larger than his Atoms for Peace debut. And then your usual cast of pop artists drew attention in other ways not worth mentioning.
The year’s great records fell just beyond those non-musical headlines. Bill Callahan stunned with his 15th record and My Bloody Valentine returned after more than two decades. Plenty of great local records were made back in Atlanta. Bradford Cox and company returned with one of their finest records to date, Janelle Monae solidified her pop-star status without compromising her eclectic ways, and Dog Bite emerged as band worth watching.
Here are my 10 favorite records and five local releases that I particularly loved in 2013.
Favorite albums of 2013
Honorable mentions: Charles Bradley - Victim of Love, Caitlin Rose - The Stand-In, Torres - Torres, Kurt Vile - Wakin on a Pretty Daze, Waxahatchee - Cerulean Salt
10. Deerhunter - Monomania
9. Unknown Mortal Orchestra - II
8. Phosphorescent - Muchacho
7. William Tyler - Impossible Truth
6. Neko Case - The Worse Things Get, The Harder I Fight, The Harder I Fight, The More I Love You
5. Califone - Stitches
4. My Bloody Valentine - mbv
3. Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds - Push the Sky Away
2. Eleanor Friedberger - Personal Record
1. Bill Callahan - Dream River
Favorite local releases of 2013
5. Dog Bite - Velvet Change
4. Run The Jewels - Run the Jewels
3. Little Tybee - For Distant Viewing
2. Janelle Monae - The Electric Lady
1. Deerhunter - Monomania