Favourite Songs of 2013
A$AP Ferg "Shabba"
Not necessarily for the song itself, but the ad-libs and extra sounds that lurk beneath the surface.
Beliefs "Catch My Breath"
I love the transitional feedback and how the chorus elevates itself above all the noise.
Billy Bragg "Handyman Blues"
A love song for men who don’t feel like they fit within the stereotypes of masculinity.
Danny Brown "Side B (Dope Song)"
Credit to Danny Brown for trying some different styles and lyrical topics on Side A of his latest album, but I still prefer that old Danny Brown. Fortunately the beginning of Side B demonstrates all the best aspects of what made him famous.
Eleanor Friedberger "When I Knew"
Friedberger continually demonstrates her mastery of detailed storytelling and highly observational lyrics. Really great guitar playing all over this track too!
Elephant Stone "Love The Sinner, Hate The Sin"
A perfect summer song.
Field Assembly "Gold Coast" / "Foreign Homes"
My two favourite selections from the most recent album by Field Assembly. I’ve had access to these songs for a number of years now and I continue to come back to them.
Hausu "Gardenia"
Like Archers Of Loaf in their prime.
Javelins "Airfield"
Like the Eleanor Friedberger song above, I love the mental images associated with the lyrics. The lyrical themes are also reminiscent of The Talking Heads., which can only be a good thing
Jay Arner "Don't Remind Me"
The perfect chorus. Stay for the false ending.
Mark Kozelek & Desertshore "Sometimes I Can't Stop"
R.I.P. Jason Molina
Mark Kozelek & Jimmy LaValle "Gustavo"
Mark Kozelek plays the curmudgeon so well in his songs. The lyrics are equally sad and humorous as we learn that good home renovation help is hard to find. Also, never ask Kozelek to borrow money.
Night Sides "Dream" and Rebekah Higgs "Dream"
Who would have guessed that two Canadian musicians would each cover this song originally popularized by The Everly Brothers? Each interpretation is great in its own way.
Retribution Gospel Choir "Seven"
This song is an event. Similar to the full version of “The Diamond Sea” by Sonic Youth, the best way to enjoy this song is to set aside 28 minutes of your day and listen to it from beginning to end.
So Young "Call The Office"
The lyrics are perfectly succinct and I can't resist turning up the volume as song builds with subtle intensity. Speaking of being succinct, Chris Martin kills the guitar solo (as he does with many songs on the album).
Tim Hecker "Prism"
Overwhelming. I find myself sitting on the floor in front of my speakers with the volume turned up incredibly loud and letting the intensity of this song dominate my senses.
Tough Age "Sea Of White"
I often wake up in the morning with the main guitar riff from this song stuck in my head. Love the rest of their album, but the first single remains the highlight.
Woodpigeon "Hermit"
Every new Woodpigeon album is sure to include one or more songs that will be candidates for a 'best of the year' list. The quiet/loud/quiet dynamics cause chills with every listen.
