Year in review: Music of 2013
Alright. I must say that 2013 was a really enjoyable year in music for me. With each new year, one of my first thoughts are what new artists, albums, and songs I will come across and -- most importantly -- what new concerts I will experience. 2013 was definitely the year where a lot of my music dreams came true. From coming across albums that have definitely impacted my life forever to the incredible concert experiences that would make many envious (I'm just sayin'), just the music part of my life in 2013 made it the best year yet. Here are some miscellaneous picks/highlights at the top of my head relating to music this year.
Favorite albums of 2013
1. Queens of the Stone Age - ...Like Clockwork: Honestly, masterpiece of the year. Words cannot describe how blown away I was and still am that Josh Homme and crew created each song on the album. I've been a fan of QOTSA before, but this really solidified it for me. From the imagery to the lyrics, ...Like Clockwork really soundtracked my 2013 quite well.
2. FIDLAR - FIDLAR: LA at its best. Listening to FIDLAR reminds me of home, despite my not being nearly as skate punk as they are. Behind all of the fun in their sound, there is something real about the struggles of being young coming through in their lyrics. Nonetheless, FIDLAR makes me want to embrace being young and restless even more.
3. Arctic Monkeys - AM: As a huge Arctic Monkeys fan, I am always pleasantly surprised with each album. The evolution of AM as a band always keeps fans on their toes. The boys from Sheffield have now solidified their identity as free-wheeling yet sleek LA transplants (a.k.a. my dream come true).
4. Depeche Mode - Delta Machine: It was a about a year ago when I really began getting into Depeche Mode so this album came at a perfect time to further fuel my love for them. From frontman Dave Gahan's signature baritone voice to guitarist Martin L. Gore's songwriting magic, Depeche Mode is one of those bands that can outlast the test of time with both parents and their kids enjoying them then and now.
5. Chelsea Wolfe - Pain is Beauty: I'm absolutely intrigued with the masterpiece the drone-metal-art-folk goddess has created. Chelsea Wolfe possesses the ability of creating strong imagery within her music that really does transport listeners to another world. Otherworldly and beautiful, I am now in love with Ms. Wolfe. (p.s. Please check out the rest of her albums because they're brilliant as well!)
6. CHVRCHES - The Bones of What You Believe: Admittedly, I was late to jump on the CHVRCHES bandwagon because of this notion that they were just another band riding the "indie synthpop" wave. Sure, it's synthpop at its finest, but it's damn brilliant in every way. There are moments when I feel that CHVRCHES are what Depeche Mode would've been if fronted by a female but then there are also moments when I feel that CHVRCHES really are distinct from the rest of the synthpop crowd. 2013 was truly their year to shine.
7. Disclosure - Settle: I'm usually not too into electronic albums, but this one takes the cake for me this year (sorry, Daft Punk). From music that would be perfect to walk the runway to the feel good sounds of "White Noise," Disclosure diversified electronic music much more than many other electronic artists even tried to.
8. Kanye West - Yeezus: Love him or hate him, Kanye only advanced his persona further with an album whose title is a conversation starter in itself. While many were quick to dismiss the album as trash compared to Ye's previous work, oddly enough I grew to take a liking to it. It does appeal to the more "alternative" crowds more than the traditional hip-hop crowd, though, but Kanye is no stranger to crossing over through his music (someone's been listening to a lot of Nine Inch Nails lately, huh?).
9. The National - Trouble Will Find Me: If you have any sort of real emotions, this is the album for you. The National delivers once again as frontman Matt Berninger croons over tunes that hit straight in the feels (that's right, FEELS).
10. Pissed Jeans - Honeys: Thanks, Pissed Jeans, for getting me when I'm angry. Take note: hardcore punk is here to stay.
11. Rilo Kiley - RKives: Although I'm still torn over Rilo Kiley apparently still split up, there is still hope with this collection of b-sides and rarities earlier this year. "Let Me Back In" is a perfect ode to LA and a song that gets me every time I get homesick for my hometown. Jenny Lewis is also perfect in every way thank-you-very-much. Rilo Kiley is one of my favorite bands ever and I'm still hoping deep down inside that they will reunite, record, and perform again someday.
12. Savages - Silence Yourself: Savages really embody why I still fantasize over how cool the London music scene seems to be. Post-punk at its best.
13. Sky Ferreira - Night Time, My Time: My former classmate from Culver City Middle School delivered with her debut album. It was a long time coming, but I'm so happy to see that Sky put out an album she felt was finally her and not a concoction of what the music industry demands. That being said, Sky branding herself into the anti-pop pop star has even led her to being intertwined with the high fashion world. There is something remotely sad about Sky's music, yet that's also an indication that even with a glamorous facade Sky gives off, she is far from perfect. Whether you like her image or not, I applaud Sky for being daring in that sense. Thanks for keeping it real, homegirl.
14. Wild Belle - Isles: Another fine pop gem. With ska, soul and reggae influences, Wild Belle put out a nice, clean pop record showing their potential for future releases.
15. Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Mosquito: They're back at it again and it feels so good. Escaping to New Orleans this time instead of their usual NYC stomping grounds, YYY's diversified their discography further with their fourth album.
Songs of the year
1. "Do I Wanna Know?" by Arctic Monkeys: One word: sexy. Really though. I'm pretty speechless over how perfect this song is. Alex Turner continues to steal my heart time and again.
2. "Right Action" by Franz Ferdinand: FUN FUN FUN
3. "Bitter Rivals" by Sleigh Bells: Alexis Krauss, you goddess. Keep doing your thing!
4. "Diane Young" by Vampire Weekend: This reminds me of the end of sophomore year in college. It's lighthearted and witty: exactly how I like Vampire Weekend to be.
5. "Sacrilege" by Yeah Yeah Yeahs: Karen O. ENOUGH SAID.
6. "Get Lucky" by Daft Punk: Infectious and feel-good. Don't care how annoying it got at some point. IT'S GREAT.
7. "Cheap Beer" by FIDLAR: Anthem of many young 20-somethings, amirite?
8. "Black Skinhead" by Kanye West: It's Depeche Mode -- no, it's Nine Inch Nails -- wait what the fuck, it's Kanye?!
9. "The Mother We Share" by CHVRCHES: Addicting, hypnotic, perfect.
10. Every song off of Queens of the Stone Age's ...Like Clockwork: It's too hard to choose just one song off this album. Like I said before, it's a masterpiece! All hail Josh Homme.
11. "Should Be Higher" by Depeche Mode: Devastatingly beautiful dark synthpop done by the kings of synthpop themselves.
12. "I Hope You Suffer" by AFI: Who hurt you, Davey Havok?! Who dares mess with such a beautiful being?! Glad you're back, AFI.
Best concerts (many to choose from, but here are my top 4)
1. Muse at United Center, Chicago 3/4/13 (third time seeing my favorite band!)
2. Queens of the Stone Age at the Metro 8/1/13 - I was so lucky to see QOTSA in such an intimate venue. Also, that was hands down the best concert crowd I've ever been in. I still suffer post-concert depression from this.
3. Postal Service at the Metro 8/4/13 - How was I lucky enough to see The Postal Service's last concert ever?! Still don't believe that was real life.
4. Depeche Mode at First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre 8/25/13 - Although I was at the back section, I couldn't take my eyes off of the stage the entire time.
Best festival
This year, I fested myself out by going to the three major music festivals Chicago has to offer: Pitchfork, Lollapalooza and Riot Fest. There are many great highlights I experienced at each of them and there's really no clear cut favorite in my book. But if I have to choose, I loved the size and selection of Pitchfork this year.
Most epic concert moments
1. TOUCHING MATT BELLAMY OF MUSE'S (aka GOD'S) HAND (my life is forever changed, REALLY THOUGH)
2. Catching Jenny Lewis' light-up wand at The Postal Service's (last-ever) show at The Metro (she's my idol so of course I'm never going to get over this)
3. Sky Ferreira and I casually catching up right after her set at Pitchfork (it was truly a scene out of a movie)
4. Stage diving and singing onstage at FIDLAR's concert at The Subterranean (punk rawk lives!)
5. The entire Queens of the Stone Age concert at The Metro (I told you that I never got over my post-concert depression)
Guilty pleasure songs I can't get out of my head
1. "I Love It" by Icona Pop - I did love it at first, but now I really hate it
2. "Clarity" by Zedd - I actually do like this song a lot, not going to lie
3. "Royals" by Lorde - I like this one a lot too actually
4. "Wrecking Ball" by Miley Cyrus - UGH WHY
5. "Blurred Lines" by Robin Thicke (-_______________________-)
Most overrated band
Both HAIM and Mumford and Sons come to mind immediately. Mumford and Sons takes the cake though. Too damn tired of this indie folk rock trend. SO OVER IT.
Best concert crowd
Queens of the Stone Age at The Metro - It was an older crowd, and they were really respectful. I was definitely the youngest person there (it was a couple days short of my 20th birthday) but people thought it was cool I showed up by myself. They even let me go to the front so I could see better since I'm short. If only all concert crowds could be like this!
Worst concert crowd
Surprisingly, Arctic Monkeys at The Riv was really bad but Fall Out Boy at The Riv definitely was the absolute worst to the point where I don't want to talk about it EVER (-___________-)
Indications that punk really isn't dead (and won't die)
DIY house shows filled with bands who love playing music just because
Weirdest music trend
Country-influenced EDM? (e.g. "Wake Me Up" by Avicii)
Best band merch I own
Queens of the Stone Age's snarkily inappropriate special edition holiday shirt (I really couldn't help myself with this one)
Albums not released in 2013 but impacted me nonetheless
1. AFI - Sing the Sorrow
2. All albums by The Blood Brothers
3. Blur - Parklife
4. Brand New - The Devil and God are Raging Inside Me
5. Ceremony - Violence Violence
6. Dead Sara - Dead Sara
7. Gorillaz - Plastic Beach
8. Kasabian - The West Rider Pauper Lunatic Asylum
9. Kendrick Lamar - good kid, M.A.A.D City
10. La Dispute - Somewhere at the Bottom of the River Between Vega and Altair
11. Little Boots - Hands
12. White Lung - Sorry