This isn't a definitive list, and I may definitely have forgotten some tracks; but here are 30 favourites of mine from the last twelve months. You can find the Youtube playlist here. The Spotify playlist is here.
1) CONNAN MOCKASIN- I'm The Man That Will Find You.
There is something so listenable and appealing about Connan's style and delivery, yet one cannot put a finger on why. The most unique sounding performer of 2013? Quite possibly.
2) SARAH BLASKO- God-Fearing
This track waltzed into my ears earlier in the year, and hasn't really escaped since. The chords throughout; in addition to Sarah's vocals, are a total joy.
3) VILLAGERS- Nothing Arrived
A day in the life of Terrence Bliss. Lead singer Conor O'Brien's vocal style works so well here. A 'goosebumps-inducing' song which builds to the looping, haunting lyric "I guess I was busy". It is unforgettable.
Antiphon has such a wonderfully deep and melancholy sound. May require a few listens, but is quite remarkable.
5) ANNA CALVI- Eliza
There was a period of time over the Summer months, where I could not escape the song. Every time I turned the radio or television on; Eliza would be leaping out at me. There is so much power, so much oomph, and I may be biased fan, yet is is superb.
6) HAIM- Don't Save Me
There's something magical about Haim. I don't know what it is. The magical formula might be that musically they're so tight as a band of Sisters, all in harmony here. Don't Save Me is a real grower. Try listening three times, and you'll love tuning in.
7) EFTERKLANG- The Ghost
I was captivated earlier in the year at their live show by The Ghost from Efterklang. There is something about how this develops which is enchanting. Just hear the way that this builds. Totally eye-catching in a live setting.
8) WHITE LIES- Big TV
Every single one of White Lies' records has been so epic. Listen once and you'll remember the rise and falls instantly. Then proceed to sing loudly whilst lead singer Harry McVeigh belts this out at the live show.
9) GRIZZLY BEAR- Gun Shy
This is a work of art; like most songs that Grizzly Bear produce. Builds relatively slowly to a waltzing layered finale. The two sets of lyrics rolled above one another is an enchanting masterpiece. "The sky keeps staring at me"...
10) LADY LAMB THE BEEKEEPER- The Nothing (Part II)
By chance, I saw Lady Lamb play a support set for Sarah Blasko at the Barbican Theatre. I went and bought her album (Ripely Pine) from the little merchandise stall outside the arena, and my purchase subsequently became my favourite record of the year. The Nothing Part II is a stand out tune.
11) SAVAGES- I am Here
Quite possibly the most powerful track of the year. If you want to forget the world or any troubles, press play on I Am Here by Savages. N.b It must be played loud.
12) QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE- My God Is The Sun
Doing it once again. Josh Homme and his boys hit the marks with their stand out record.
13) MADNESS- Misery
Continually bringing out the goods. Now they are older and wiser, the lyrics follow suit.
14) CAT POWER- Bully
Purely chosen following her performance on Later With Jools Holland earlier in May 2013. The Jools' clip is taken in a single shot. The performance has so much meaning; so much depth. I had such an emotional reaction after seeing and hearing this.
15) BOMBAY BICYCLE CLUB- Carry Me
Fairly new stuff from Bombay Bicycle Club; which sounds pretty good to me. Am going to have to see these live in 2014.
16) DUTCH UNCLES- Fester
I saw these supporting Everything Everything earlier in the year; this track was so hypnotic. Much more will be seen and heard of these in 2014.
17) STEALING SHEEP- Rearrange
Really ace little ditty. Not sure of the specific genre of the group; but is incredibly enjoyable to listen to.
18) DAUGHTER- Still
The most delicate sound. The most delicate of vocals.
19) MAJOR LAZER (FEATURING EZRA KOENIG)- Jessica
Something deeply unnevering about listening to this, yet at the same time utterly compelling.
20) EVERYTHING EVERYTHING- Don't Try
Simply a glorious tune, which rises and falls and in the live show is somewhat of a climax. "Cos it'll have you in the end! Whoah!"
21) POLICA- Chain My Name
Cannot put my finger on why I enjoy playing Chain My Name by Polica. The sign of a good record, perhaps?
22) ST VINCENT- Birth In Reverse
There's new St Vincent material in 2014; something which I cannot wait for. If this is anything to go by; we should be in for a treat!
23) THE STAVES- Facing West
Watford's finest siblings; this makes the hairs on the back of your neck stand on end. Not many songs make you want to hug the radio during playing. The harmonies here sound effortless; and it is audibly quite beautiful.
24) METRONOMY- I'm Aquarius
OK, it's only just squeezed out at the back end of 2013. So exciting a sound. Metronomy return in 2014 with a new record and a tour; and I cannot really wait. Matching the heights of Night's Out and English Riviera is going to be difficult. The first offering of any new material from Devonshire's finest.
25) JAMES BLAKE- Retrograde
The last three tracks have included many "oohs" and "aahs". The song lends itself to Blake's vocal. I am transported to a different place. Quite rightly the winner of the Mercury Prize. The album hasn't been far from my record player.
26) WILD BEASTS- Wanderlust
The first new offering from Wild Beasts since the Smother album in 2011. The sound is so rich, so deep and has such depths. The amount of work to get this sound so right is amazing. I cannot wait to hear more from the Beasts.
27) WARPAINT- Love Is To Die
I had the bars and guitar swirls drifting around my subconscious via continuous rotations on the radio throughout the latter part of the year. Warpaint have that organic ingredient that all bands should have; and that is that they are really, really good.
28) CATE LE BON- I Can't Help You
A track that found itself in my ears via radio play. I had to find out who this was by. I couldn't. Then I found who: Cate Le Bon.
29) LORDE- Royals
Possibly the only song on the list which is a "pop phenomenon". Don't go searching to any remixes or alternative versions; the original is the best.
30) DAVID BYRNE AND ST VINCENT (LOVE THIS GIANT)- I should Watch TV
A musical dream team, if you like. I saw their live show earlier in the year, and it was the happiest concert that I have ever been to. I Should Watch TV is taken from the collaboration album Love This Giant; which is well worth a listen.
What were your favourites? Have I missed any that really ought to feature here?
(This list was created purely for my own memories of 2013.)
