Friday, December 13, 2013

Musicology NYC Best of 2013 (1-13) List by Nick Greto

You've been waiting all week for this moment.  The top 13 of 2013 is coming up.  And what a year this was.  Any of these albums in my top 13 could very well be number one in my eyes.  A wonderful year in music is coming to an end.  If you haven't heard these you probably should.

The rest of our list is here and here.  But if you aren't concerned with the albums we ranked at 14-50 just read below.



13) Pusha T - My Name is My Name:  Sleeper for me.  Didn't love it at first but it grew on me.  This is a solid straight hip hop LP.  King Push.
12) Justin Timberlake - The 20/20 Experience (1 of 2):  Why, oh, why did JT have to put out that second album this year.  This one was perfect pop.
11) GrouperThe Man Who Died in His Boat:  Devastatingly gorgeous.
10) Janelle MonaeThe Electric Lady:  If my lady had her pick this would be number one. Solid RnB with some great featured artists. How is JM not a bigger star?
9) My Bloody Valentine - mbv:  Their return LP didn't miss a beat.  It is sort of like it's the 90s all over again.  But this time I got to see them live.
8) Daft PunkRandom Access Memories:  It really is unbelievable that a funk album that is this good only sits at number 8.  It is the reason that I am digging through the catalogue of a 70's funk/ disco band called Chic.  And both Chic and this album are awesome.
7) Hiatus Kaiyote - Tawk Tomahawk:  This album has some Dilla in it and some soulful folk rock.  Huh?  Exactly.
6) James Blake - Overgrown:  A great electronic artist that is also a performer.  James Blake also writes amazing music that makes up near perfect albums.
5) Rhye - Woman:  This album was also a shock.  For different reasons though...who would have thought that the chick that sings for this group is a dude.  That said, this is a great sexy time LP with some great songwriting.  It is worth noting that the album at number 50 is this band's singer's solo work.
4) The National - Trouble Will Find Me:  They somehow get better and better.  I am amazed at the craftsmanship that this band is still bringing.
3) Vampire WeekendModern Vampires of the City:  A completely different sound for them with some incredible songwriting.  A lot of this album's focus is around death and growing older.  But it is also very fun.  As it should be.
2) Darkside - Psychic:  Nicolas Jaar is my hero.  What a great minimalist sort of electronic rock album.  Put this on at any time of day, in any sort of mood and you would have picked the right album.  Not an easy accomplishment.
1) Kanye West - Yeezus: No one is making albums this good/creative/unique six albums into their career.  And most people aren't on their first either. I have never given Kanye a number one slot.  He earned it on Yeezus.

If you want a taste from all of our faves you can play the mix below.  It includes a song from just about every album on this list plus a few additional.

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