Top 50 Albums of 2013

albums banner 2013 procMaking our year-end list of Top Albums is never something we take lightly.  We realize that it’s rather arbitrary in the grand scheme of things, but we realize that our role is to at least toss out our opinion, however meaningless it may be. In the long run, we had to take the tastes of several people, and whittle it into a list of 50 great albums that we think are vital to your listening experience.  We know it’s a matter of personal tastes, but the records below are reflective of our tastes and our site, so don’t get mad, they’re just opinions. But, feel free to tell us where we went wrong, or what we might have missed.  If you click on the album titles, you can also read our full reviews of each album, save the ones that we didn’t get to in time. Sorry we don’t like Kanye.

50 – WampireCuriosity
49 – Dot DashHalf Remembered Dream
48 – Mantles  – Long Enough to Leave
47 – The Appleseed CastIllumination Ritual
46 – Bad SportsBras
45 – Part TimePDA
44 – Dick DiverCalendar Days
43 – Math and Physics ClubOur Hearts Beat Loud
42 – Veronica FallsWaiting for Something to Happen
41 – Eat Skull – III
40 – The Lonely WildThe Sun as It Comes
39 – The Love LanguageRuby Red
38 – Gun OutfitHard Coming Down
37 – Cate Le BonMug Museum
36 – Daughn GibsonMe Moan
35 – Andre ObinThe Arsonist
34 – ArpMore
33 – Gap DreamShine Your Light
32 – The Black WatchThe End of When
31 – Ty SegallSleeper
30 – The StevensA History of Hygeine
29 – Of MontrealLousy with Sylvianbriar
28 – Mirror TravelMexico
27 – Local NativesHummingbird
26 – Girls NamesThe New Life
25 – GRMLNEmpire
24 – Small BlackLimits of Desire
23 – AudacityButter Knife
22 – Mikal CroninMCII
21 – Chelsea WolfePain is Beauty
20 – FoalsHoly Fire
19 – Radical FaceFamily Tree: The Branches
18 – Youth LagoonWondrous Bughouse
17 – Terry MaltsNobody Realizes This is Nowhere
16 – Shout Out LoudsOptica
15 – Kurt VileWaking on a Pretty Daze
14 –  BraidsFlourish//Perish
13 – Crystal AntlersNothing is Real
12 – TyphoonWhite Lighter
11 – Ski LodgeBig Heart

10 – GamblesTrust

Admittedly, this album makes nods to folk troubadours of Christmas’ past, but what grabbed me from the moment I heard this record was the sincerity in what’s being created.  In leaving us with a stripped down listen of folk tunes and incredible poetry, we’re asked to look into the history of American songwriting tradition; it’s been awhile since it was executed so well.

9 – The GrowlersHung at Heart

I’d put this album on any list for one song alone, “Someday.”  But, it just so happens that the rest of the album maintains the sensation that’s established on the opening track.  I’ve heard it referenced as a surf-psych opus, but what’s been assured in my mine is what an incredible listen we’re all be treating to when we put Hung at Heart on our record players.

8 – Wax IdolsDiscipline & Desire

Hether Fortune seems to scare people.  Her work is in your face, never making an excuse for who she is or what she believes.  That attitude carries on into her music, allowing listeners to experience a musical world void of any pretense.  The songs on this album are angular, dark and abrasive; the vocals have Hether dominating the scene of modern lady rock warriors.  If you don’t dig it, she doesn’t care, but I do because this record rules.

7 – Parenthetical GirlsPrivilege

While many of the songs on this effort leaked out before under various EPs, the whole masterpiece exists in the way it was tied together as a complete work.  It’s operatic and grand at every corner, but it’s also undeniably a pop record.  The emphasis might revolve around the more artful spectrum of pop music, but this is an album you can play for everyone in your family, and they’ll all find themselves swept up in the wonderment of Privilege.

6 – The NationalTrouble Will Find Me

What else really needs to be said about The National.  They consistently make great albums that are lauded then often overlooked, but we didn’t want to do that to one of our favorite acts.  I mean, if they played 8 shows in 8 days, we’d be at every one, and the DJ set after party.  Their accolades and recognition are warranted, and it’s especially clear on this, their latest release.

5 – LegsPass the Ringo

When listening to Pass the Ringo, I thought of one thing: this is the sort of record that makes a small label, like Loglady Records, a household name. It’s spun around garage rock and psych rock structures, whilst still maintaining an accessibility that few people working in that genre achieve.  Some albums can play in the background of your house, and might be happy to do so, but Legs created something that made me stop and listen at every turn; I’m thankful for that.

4 – Warm SodaSomeone for You

Someone For You came our way in January.  On my record player, it hasn’t left since.  This is one of the most rewarding power-pop records I’ve gotten my hands on, and trust me, I’ve gotten my hands on a lot of great records. Each song is filled with innate hooks and garage rock grit, encouraging you to tap your toes for the entirety of the record.  You’d think after a full year our interest would have waned, but with time we’ve only grown to appreciate the record even more.

3 – Coma CinemaPosthumous Release

At the moment, there’s not too many people releasing music that’s the quality of Mathew Cothran and Coma Cinema. There are elements of the bizarre, similar to the work of early Elf Power, yet there’s this intimacy that artists like Eliott Smith were able to create with their listeners.  You wrap that up and put it in a package of pop sensibility, and you have an album that can’t be ignored.

2 – Bubblegum LemonadeSome Like it Pop

In today’s musical climate, we buy into the fact that artists have to be doing something strange, or something that’s vastly different from their peers.  But, in the grand scheme of things, we often forget what it’s like to take enjoyment out of the music.  This album was one of the many reminders that music, when it’s good, can be quite special.  Every song here is a single, and worth your time; it’s the best thing Laz has done, and I feel like he’s just really getting started.

1 – Magical CloudzImpersonator

This album is about Devon Welsh.  From the first instant I heard his voice, it took hold of me. Throughout the year, Impersonator, consistently played on my radio. His voice was mesmerizing, captivating audiences on several occasions in Austin, convincing us to be as quiet as a mouse, so as to hear every note.  The unique quality of the album will reward listeners for years to follow.  It made us believe in great music again.

 

The Districts Get Remastered + Sign to Fat Possum

districtsIf you’ve had a chance to browse through the extensive list of incredible acts coming to Austin for SXSW, then perhaps you noticed, or even looked into, the Districts.  If not, that’s okay, but you’ll get a chance below to see if they even catch your eye.  The group has remastered a few old tracks, plus added a few new ones for their upcoming self-titled EP, which is going to be released on the band’s new label, Fat Possum.  It starts off as a bit of wandering Americana, but there’s a rough finish, which has me excited for both the EP, and their live show. You can grab the EP on January 28th, and catch the band touring with White Denim before they arrive at SXSW.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/123093622″ params=”color=ff6600&auto_play=false&show_artwork=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Synth-Laden Pop from Pillar Point

pillarpointI was a pretty big fan of Throw Me the Statue, so I’m really happy to hear that Scott Reitherman has a new project to work on: Pillar Point.  The act previewed a track the other day, and I figured I’d jump on the fanatic bandwagon.  The tune starts off with this stuttering synth beat, pushing your arms and feet in a swinging motion, but as you move forward, a softer side of the track begins to reveal itself; it kicks in at the 1.23 minute mark, and it’s my favorite moment of the song. If you dig it, you can grab the band’s eponymous LP from Polyvinyl Records on February 25th.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/120009975″ params=”color=ff6600&auto_play=false&show_artwork=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

American Icon Christmas Bizarre @ Hotel Vegas (12.7)

americaniconsmall-640x800There’s a great local event going on this Saturday evening in Austin: American Icon Christmas Bizarre at Hotel Vegas.  What is it, and how does it fit into the ATH music coverage? Well, for starters it’s like a Farmer’s Market for what’s cool. There’s 13 vendors selling vintage clothes, jewelry, records and more; so you can get your Christmas shopping done before things turn crazy.  But, accompanying the weekend sale are killer bands that you know we love such as Pharaohs, Grape St., Loteria and more! You get to shop, you get to drink, you get to see great bands, which pretty much means that this is a dream come true.  Entrance is $7, and that money goes to help the bands live and breathe; it’s worth every penny.  See ya’ll there!

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Pharaohs-Babes-Booze-Bam-Bam-Baby-01-Prettiest-Girl.mp3]

Download: Pharaohs – Prettiest Girl [MP3]

Have Fun with Netherfriends

netherfriendsI love when you open an email to a track that you immediately find a place for in your daily rotation.  That’s just what happened to me when I tossed on this new track from Netherfriends.  There’s this upbeat quality to the song that’s pure fun, but the lyrics and the gruff quality of the vocals seem to indicate something entirely different from the music of Shawn Rosenblatt. It’s a track that begs you to play it again, whether you’re there for the emotional appeal or to dig deeper into the meaning.  More importantly, Shawn will be offering up his debut LP, P3ACE, for free on March 3rd.  If it’s got more tracks like this you can bet your bottom dollar I’ll be there to jam it out.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/121420974″ params=”color=ff6600&auto_play=false&show_artwork=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Austin Spotlight: The Roosevelts

1401137_608671852502320_1973374008_oSure, I like the heavier side of Austin’s musical world, but that doesn’t mean I’ll turn a cheek when faced with the poppier side of things, which is why I wanted to give a shout out to The Roosevelts.  They’ve released Cold Sheets, their new EP, which offers listeners a glimpse at the band’s blend of Americana and modern pop music; it’s the kind of music that’s capable of crossing musical borders and uniting listeners from all walks of life.  The band will be playing a release show at the Empire Control Room this Saturday, so if your ears are digging what you hear, then I think its best you make it out…assuming your not frozen!

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/03-Everybody-Knows-Lossless.mp3]

 

New Music from Tropic of Pisces

tropicofpiscesIt’s odd how music can affect the temperature, at least mentally.  That’s what’s sure to happen when you throw on this new tune from Tropic of Pisces, which is slated to fit into their Symmetry EP, which is scheduled for a February 25th release date.  The song opens with this great little tropicalia influenced tune, but then it folds into itself with more of a funky groove that holds the song together for the rest of the track.  It’s a refreshing tune, and it’s quite uplifting, even when it pushes into slight realms of ready-made dance floor stylings. You’re not going to find a track more varied and more worthy of your time today, so get on it.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/123222313″ params=”color=ff6600&auto_play=false&show_artwork=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

ATH Records Holiday Sale!

athrecordsIn case you didn’t know, we have a small little label here at the site.  We’ve put out two great releases, and we have another in the works (featuring our first non-Austin band). Since it’s the holiday season, I figured I’d offer up a sweet deal to you folks. I’m calling this the ATH Records Holiday Pack, meaning you get the Grape St. A Date with You LP and the Literature Arab Spring LP together for $15.  Basically that’s like buying one record, and getting another for 75% (plus S&H), or think of it as two great LPs for the price of one!  You want your friends to have better tastes? Maybe your parents? Get them the Holiday Pack. I’ll take it down on the December 20th, but for now you can order HERE.  You can have the songs below for free; it’s not about the money, it’s about the good music getting into your ears.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/A-Date-With-You.mp3]

Download: Grape Street – A Date With You [MP3]

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/06-GRIFTED.mp3]

Download: Literature – Grifted [MP3]

Catchy New Music from Tacocat

tacosI first heard of Tacocat via Finest Kiss, which helps us keep an eye on the good things in Seattle (and beyond), so I was excited when the group signed with Hardly Art.  The foursome offer upbeat pop that’s easy to absorb, using infectious melodies and steady drum work to make the masses take notice. Clearly though, they’re not settled in Seattle, at least not in the Winter, which seems to be the focus of this tune, though it’s relatable to anyone that abhors the cold weather.  You can grab the band’s new LP, NVM on February 25th. FYI…Tacocat is a palindrome, so that’s cool too.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Tacocat_BridgeToHawaii.mp3]

Download: Tacocat – Bridge to Hawaii

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