David's Favorite Albums of 2013

10.) Nathaniel Rateliff- Falling Faster Than You Can Run

The number 10 on my list may be unheard of by some people, but that should be changed. Nathaniel Rateliff’s album, Falling Faster Than You Can Run, is a brilliant folk album, although 2013 may not have had as many big folk acts as 2012(The Lumineers, Of Monsters and Men, Mumford & Sons). Nathaniel Rateliff has opened for many popular folk acts, such as The Lumineers. Wonderfully sculpted songwriting is wound by the ringing of his acoustic guitar and dynamic voice. Nathaniel’s impressive and powerful lyricism make for an emotional masterpiece, which makes it hard to believe that he isn’t being recognized on a larger scale. Nevertheless, Falling Faster than You Can Run remained in my head throughout the year, especially the fantastic opening track, “Still Trying”.

Favorite Tracks: “Still Trying”, “Don’t Get Too Close”, and “Falling Faster Than You Can Run”

9.) Tyler, The Creator- Wolf

I suppose that Odd Future Rapper, Tyler the Creator, is an acquired taste of rap/hip-hop, but his raw talent and style is just so intriguing to me that I can’t help but love it. Releasing his third album at the young age of 22, Tyler has given listeners another piece of the mystery. All of Tyler’s albums seem to feature various “characters” that are interwoven by a vague storyline full of hate, love, violence, and depression. Wolf is a very youthful point in the timeline of Tyler’s series, per se. This album is incredibly dark and features some more personal tracks such as “Colossus” and “Lone”, with many references to the death of his grandmother. The album may feature youthful themes, but it shows Tyler’s maturity as an artist, further adding more detail to his interesting discography.

Favorite Tracks: “Domo23”, “Colossus”, and “Lone”

8.) The National-Trouble Will Find Me

The masters of melancholy are at it again. Trouble Will Find Me definitely keeps a special place on this list. Prior to this album, I must admit I wasn’t too familiar with The National. After hearing the song “Graceless”, I picked up Trouble Will Find Me and then was also on my way to listening to their previous albums. Matt Berninger’s voice is the polar opposite of the majority of today’s music. His baritone vocals only channel the sadness even further. A plethora of powerful and emotional songs on this record, including “Demons”, “Graceless”, and “This is the Last Time”.

Favorite Tracks: “I Should Live in Salt”, “Graceless”, and “Demons”

7.) Daft Punk- Random Access Memories

Who couldn’t love this album? In a time where there are hundreds of thousands of dance tracks being pumped out, Daft Punk came in and took the show by storm. This album is so much more than the smash hit “Get Lucky”. Random Access Memories is a masterpiece by the French, helmet wearing duo. Daft Punk knows exactly how to make such pleasing sounds using the synthesizer. Every track on here is brilliant. The groovy vibes on this record, particularly “Touch”, send you back to the 60’s, 70s, and early 80s; an era of innovative dance music being represented so authentically years later.

Favorite Tracks: “Give Life Back to Music”, “Instant Crush”, and “Touch”

6.) Iron & Wine-Ghost on Ghost

Every time there is a new Iron & Wine record in the works, I can’t help but get excited. After Kiss Each Other Clean was released, my love for this band extended even further, and Ghost on Ghost is no disappointment. Every record Sam Beam creates becomes bigger and bolder. As his albums go on, Sam Beam has trailed far from the singer with an acoustic guitar that he used to be. He adds more and more instruments, and in this record there is a 20’s jazz vibe, with tracks like “Low Light Buddy of Mine” sounding like they came right out of the basement of a speakeasy. The horns are even more prominent on this record than the last, and it proves that Sam Beam isn’t swaying to any current trends, but rather the passion for music from his own soul. I’ve always been drawn to Beam’s vivid lyricism, like “No one knew the arm was broken, although everybody signed the cast”. Yet another magnificent and truly beautiful record by Iron & Wine.

Favorite Tracks: “Low Light Buddy of Mine”, “New Mexico’s No Breeze”, and “Lover’s Revolution”

5.) Jake Bugg- Jake Bugg

2013 was the year of the young, with so many young artists making fantastic records. Jake Bugg released his self titled record at the young age of 19. Listening to this record and knowing how young he is still baffles me. This is one of the most perfect debut albums that I have heard in a long time. Jake Bugg’s Self-Titled is a record that combines the folk and rock sounds that resemble the 60’s and 70’s. Jake has an extensive amount of songwriting talent, as well as vocal and stunning guitar talent. Bugg gives listeners everything from heavy hitters (“Lightning Bolt”) to youthful anthems (“Two Fingers”) to deep emotional cuts (“Broken”). This kid has been turning heads all year and I am looking forward to him continuing to do so in the future.

Favorite Tracks: “Two Fingers”, “Seen it All”, and “Broken”

4.) Chance The Rapper-Acid Rap

Speaking of young talents, Chicago rapper, Chance The Rapper, released a free mixtape, titled Acid Rap, that was a hip-hop masterpiece, and he is only 20 years old. With a title like Acid Rap it is expected that the album has a lingering psychedelic entity to it, while intertwining jazzy elements with hip-hop. His somewhat whiny voice is so unique for a rapper that it catches your ears, and gets your attention.  The young rapper from Chicago depicts his life on the streets of Chicago in songs like “Pusha Man”, with lines like “Down here it’s easier to find a gun, than it is to find a fuckin’ parkin’ spot”. This is one of those albums that I kept coming back to all year and it never lost its luster for me. A truly great album, start to finish.

Favorite Tracks: “Cocoa Butter Kisses”, “Chain Smoker”, and “Favorite Song”

3.) Local Natives- Hummingbird

Hummingbird is a sophomore victory by Local Natives. After such an incredible album like Gorilla Manor, Local Natives stepped up their sound even further expanding their vast harmonies with even more powerful lyrics than their debut. Starting with such a steady paced opener like “You and I” was absolutely genius, as Local Natives brings so many beautiful sounds to the table. There are slower songs on this record in comparison to Gorilla Manor, but Local Natives executes them in such a natural, fluid manner that delights the ears and satisfies the musical pallet. The harmonies are profound, as usual, further extending the talent of Local Natives.

Favorite Tracks: “Heavy Feet”, “Breakers”, and “Columbia”

2.) Volcano Choir- Repave

Every since I heard Justin Vernon in Bon Iver, I have been so intrigued by his musical styles and talent. It’s astonishing to believe how much work Justin Vernon can put out in such little time, dipping his toes in any genre he could get his hands on. Just in 2013 alone, Justin Vernon has released an album with The Shouting Matches, collaborated on numerous tracks off of Kanye West’s Yeezus, and even produced the latest Blind Boys of Alabama record. Aside from those projects he also released the second Volcano Choir album, Repave.  Repave is a more structured record than their first, Unmap. This album bridges the gap for Bon Iver fans, like myself, into a new part of Justin Vernon’s impeccable career. Themes of a lingering self-reflection stain this record, as well as underlying theme of having to move on (hence ‘Repave’). Taking the acoustic bits of For Emma, Forever Ago and mashing them with the intensity of Bon Iver, Bon Iver creates Repave. With just a short 8 tracks, Volcano Choir amazed me and made one of my favorite records this year.

Favorite Tracks: “Byegone”, “Dancepack”, and “Acetate”

1.) Kanye West- Yeezus

Kanye West’s Yeezus is my favorite album of 2013. I knew as soon as I heard the bass heavy synth intro of “On Sight” (courtesy of Daft Punk) that I was going to love this album. As Kanye’s career progresses he does one thing that is better than every other rapper; He changes and experiments with his sound. Yeezus sounds like a combination of house and industrial music mixed into a rap album. “On Sight” starts the album on such an intense level, and it continues onto “Black Skinhead” with tribal drums and primal screeches. This isn’t a rap album featuring basic drum tracks and snare-rolls. There is clearly the egomaniac that we know present, but that is Kanye’s thing. “As soon as they like you/make ‘em unlike you/ cause kissin’ peoples ass is so unlike you”. This line from “I Am A God” describes him perfectly. He does things that will offend people, and upset them; all while making great music.

Unlike other rap albums, including previous Kanye records, Yeezus offers so much passion, power, and intensity unlike anything I have heard in a rap album. He does something fascinating during quite a few songs, including the power driven ones like “On Sight” and “New Slaves”. During these intense tracks, there will be a breakdown where Kanye adds a sample or a slowed down auto-tuned solo. Kanye isn’t afraid to push the limits and break down the barriers that revolve around the Hip-Hop industry. This well-crafted, Rick Rubin produced record is pure genius. Even the Yeezus Tour was an entire production and not just your average concert.

I believe this record will change the way rappers start to make their albums, with so many other artists being inspired by this record. Even Bruce Springsteen and Trent Reznor approve of Yeezus, giving it such a wide range of respect throughout the music industry. Don’t let Kanye’s personal life and antics get in the way of what is most important: The Music.

Favorite Tracks: “I’m in It”, “Hold My Liquor”, and “New Slaves”

Tyler's Favorite Tracks of 2013

1.       Lorde – Royals

This song. It seems like every year there’s a song by a female pop artist that really clicks with me. Last year “Lights” by Ellie Goulding, and this year its “Royals by Lorde. This is another song that blew up and is played on every radio station constantly, but I really have a hard time getting sick of it. Another aspect of this song that really pulls me in and never let’s go is her harmonies. I’m a sucker for vocal harmonies and this song is FULL OF THEM. Holy cannoli. Her harmonies are mesmerizing and it really made me realize how talented Lorde is. I actually went out and bought this fantastic record after hearing this song so many times. That’s how much I liked it. This song isn’t just about drugs, bitches and parties. It actually has meaning to it, which is another added bonus for me. This is by far my favorite song of the year and I can’t think of another song that came close in the running. I would say to listen to it if you haven’t, but you have.  

2.       Queens of the Stone Age – I Sat By The Ocean

Queens of the Stone Age is one of my favorite bands of all time, so maybe this is a bias position on my part, but I don’t care what you think. The catchy bass line, harmonized lead guitars and Josh Homme’s falsetto vocals are what compel me to listen to this song constantly. It’s probably unhealthy how often I listen to it, but whatever. It’s amazing and you should too. It’s a genuine rock song, and there’s not too much of that around nowadays. Plus there’s an odd time signature thrown in there, and my love for prog-rock and prog-metal really had a great time with that.

3.       Daft Punk – Get Lucky

Funk. Like I’ve said, I have a soft spot for funk music, and that’s why this song really resonated with me. Pharrell’s vocals, Nile Rogers funk guitar and the genius Daft Punk production really made this song a huge hit. This was another song that really blew up, but did for good reason. It’s beyond catchy and so much fun to listen to. I can talk about this song for hours, but everyone and their dog knows this song, so I won’t bore you with a long description of why I love this song.

4.       Imagine Dragons – Radioactive

Even though Night Visions was released in 2012, “Radioactive” didn’t get nearly as much air play in 2012 as it did in 2013. That’s why I decided to put it on my list for favorite songs of 2013. This is the song that really put Imagine Dragons on the map, and it did for good reason. This song was more of an indie/alternative rock song, however it was everywhere. It had the bassy pop elements, and the catchy chorus that really connected with the radio friendly pop listeners. That’s why this song was everywhere. Even though this song was everywhere and was on every radio station, I have yet to get sick of it and that’s why it’s #4 on my list.

5.       Nine Inch Nails – All Time Low

This song isn’t one that many people have probably heard, however I have a soft spot for it for one reason. Funk. This song is incredibly funky and I can’t help but listen to it over and over again. I think it should have been the single for the album, but that obviously isn’t my choice to make. The falsetto vocals, the slow pace and the funky-ass guitar are what really put this song on the radar for me.

6.       Jay-Z Featuring Justin Timberlake

While this is another typical pop song with a catchy sung chorus and rap during the verses, which I just bashed, but I can’t help but love this song. It probably has something to do with my “man crush” on Justin Timberlake. He’s a great singer and he really compliments the song. I also love the homage/tribute to “Smells Like Teen Spirit” that they threw in.

7.       Kanye West – Black Skinhead

This isn’t your typical radio friendly rap single that Kanye, and the rest of the pop community, is used to putting out. That’s what drew me to this song and the album so much. It’s different. It’s dark, it’s ominous, full of ambience which is truly a game changer. I can’t wait till 2014 when everyone cites Kanye as an influence in their music and why they changed their direction. If you’re looking to listen to another pop song with a catchy, unoriginal chorus, this isn’t the song for you. However, if you’re looking to listen to the future of rap and pop music, this is a great example.

8.       Protest the Hero - Clarity

This song is so powerful. It starts off so fast, like most PtH songs, and it’s an amazing intro to the album, which they’re great at doing. Full of fast riffs, lead guitars, odd time signatures, and guest vocals from Jadea Kelley, which are always an added bonus. This song really gave me the excitement and drive to listen to this album with an open mind, since I wasn’t too thrilled with Scurrilous.  

9.       The Dear Hunter – Shame

This song is amazing. It starts off slow, and it is a decently slow song, but it definitely picks up to an extent at the end. Casey is an amazing song writer, and he knows exactly what will fit in the song. The aspect of this song that drew me to it is the chorus’. It starts an octave lower, then the second time he does it an octave higher but in falsetto, then finally at the end of the song, he belts the chorus. That really brings the song full circle and it’s a characteristic of great song writing.

10.   Iron & Wine – Grace For The Saints And Ramblers

Starting off the list is “Grace For The Saints and Ramblers” by Iron & Wine. This track is upbeat, catchy, and fun. It has all of the new quintessential Iron & Wine elements; horns, big band style music and fun female backing vocals. It was my immediate favorite when listening to the album and I find myself listening to it before I go back and listen to the whole album all the way through. 

David's Favorite Tracks of 2013

Every year there are albums that trump the others, but often times there are songs that we embraced that may have not even appeared on any of our favorite albums. Nevertheless, we find ourselves infatuated with them for quite some time. Here are my Top 10 favorite tracks of 2013:

1.       Lorde- Royals
 First time I heard it I didn’t like the song, nor did I want to. Now I will go ahead and say that this is my favorite song of 2013. It isn’t often that a big radio hit doesn’t get old for me and stay on my not-sick-of-it list, but this pop song disses other pop/ hip-hop songs and is surrounded by impeccable harmonies that are hard not to love. Lorde’s voice during those verses is incredibly sexy, and then you have to step back and remember that she is only 17 years old (16 when Pure Heroine was released). This is one catchiest songs I have heard in a long time. Lorde is a brilliant young artist who is turning heads (and ears) in whatever direction “Royals” happens to be playing. She’s “in love with being queen” and she should be, because she made one of the best songs of 2013.

2.       Phosphorescent- Song For Zula
This track made its way on to many lists of top tracks this year. “Song For Zula” submerges you into heartbreak, using some of Johnny Cash’s famous lyrics, “Some say love is a burnin’ thing/ and it makes a fiery ring”. Phosphorescent used this song to trace out the tragedy that can be brought out with love and heart break. A song that remains somewhat musically simple builds throughout its six minutes of playing time. The singer’s heart pours out more and more as the song progresses and the instruments have this sensational build, filling our ears with a song that could not be forgotten.  Instrumentally and lyrically this song is one of the most beautiful tracks of 2013.

3.       Kanye West- I’m in it
Kanye West and Justin Vernon started working together on My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy and obviously I was sold. Being such a fan of both artists I couldn’t help but add this one to my list. As the song starts you know that this is going to be one of the most badass tracks off an already badass album. Kanye’s first verse is backed up by a deep and dark Odd Future- esqe voice.  Justin Vernon’s contribution comes as a call-and-response fashion with Kanye West, giving an interesting edge to the track. Aside from it being two artists I admire, “I’m in it” is a favorite of mine, because it is such a powerhouse on Yeezus.

*Unfortunately there isn't a good YouTube video for this one*

4.       San Cisco- Beach
San Cisco’s album came out late 2012, but I am adding it to this list because it came to me late in 2013. When I first heard the cut from San Cisco’s self titled album I couldn’t get it out of my head. A beautiful euphoric track about the in and outs of a relationship, embedded in beautifully meshed male and female vocals, while floating in lush synth leads. Lead vocalist, Jordi Davieson, describes the song as a “beginning, middle, and an end” to a teenage relationship. This is definitely a track that I will love forever.

5.       Rhye- Open
The first thing that shocked me when I heard this track, as I’m sure it did everyone else, was the fact that the singer was a male. “Open” is an undeniably beautiful and passionate cut from Rhye’s album Woman. A relaxing and sensual song that makes you sway your head to the snaps and horns. The beautiful lyricism in this song made it unforgettable and heartfelt.

6.       Volcano Choir- Byegone
Since Bon Iver formed, flourished, and faded away, I have been an adamant admirer of Justin Vernon’s work. Justin had a busy year with The Shouting Matches, helping with Yeezus, and producing a Blind Boys of Alabama record, but he also released one of my favorite records of the year. When the track “Byegone” was released as the first single for sophomore album, Repave, I knew I would be in for something special that could give tastes of Bon Iver, yet forming something new and spectacular. Veering away from the signature falsetto, so potent in Bon Iver, this was the perfect track to be the first single of a very new path for Justin Vernon’s project, Volcano Choir. “Byegone” adds more rock elements and electrifying guitar leads that set sail for another work of art from the highly talented Wisconsin musician.

7.       Jay-Z- Holy Grail
I will admit, I really didn’t want this song to be on my list, but I kept coming back to it. Jay-Z, to me, made an album that was quite a letdown. However, if there is one track that will be remembered it is the first track, “Holy Grail”. Justin Timberlake’s voice in the hook is absolutely what seals the deal on this song. I must also mention the “Smells like Teen Spirit” line, which was a nice touch. Aside from Magna Carta…Holy Grail being one of the least favorites of mine this year, Jay-Z sure did make a good single.

8.       Daft Punk- Lose Yourself to Dance
Daft Punk made arguably one of the best albums of 2013 and although “Get Lucky” was the smash hit that soared through the airwaves, for me, “Lose Yourself to Dance” was even better. Pharrell did a fantastic job collaborating with Daft Punk on this record and you can’t help but move when this track comes on. With so much electronic-based dance music it’s a breath of fresh air to hear such a clean balance of synth combined with good old fashioned funky guitar strumming from Nile Rogers.

9.       D.A.- Glowing
The song began as quite a mystery when, to my surprise, rapper, Tyler, The Creator, had directed a music video for an anonymous artist until it was discovered that it was D.A. Wallach of the indie band, Chester French. The song gives a brilliant Beatles vibe with a tale of true love in the middle of a world that is falling apart. While the world is crumbling the couple will “still be glowing/ smiling like we didn’t give a damn”. Not only is the song so beautiful and moving, but the video as well. Tyler, The Creator portrayed the decay of the earth while the love of the couple continued to prosper over the years.

10.   Nathaniel Rateliff- Still Trying
After 2012, when The Lumineers, Of Monsters and Men, and Mumford & Sons were taking the airwaves by storm, 2013 came along with a bit less folk music. Nathaniel Rateliff went relatively unknown, on a large scale basis, in 2013. However, he put out one of my favorite records of the year and the first track, “Still Trying”, was one of my absolute favorites. He may shout out the words “I don’t know a goddamn thing” but he sure knows how to make beautiful music. 

Tyler's Favorite Openers/Closers 2013

Openers

Protest the Hero - Clarity

Jay-Z Featuring Justin Timberlake - Holy Grail

Kanye West - On Sight

Iron & Wine - Caught in the Briars (Couldn't find the album version)

Queens of the Stone Age - Keep Your Eyes Peeled

Closers

Nine Inch Nails -While I'm Still Here/Black Noise

Kanye West - Bound 2

Queens of the Stone Age - ...Like Clockwork

Iron & Wine - Baby Center Stage

Protest the Hero - Skies

Here's a link to a preview. I couldn't find a YouTube video, sadly.

http://www.last.fm/music/Protest+the+Hero/_/Skies

David's Favorite Openers/Closers of 2013

I think Tyler and I have the same opinion on the fact that we prefer a great opener to an album over a great closer. Don’t get me wrong, closers are still important too, but I am a sucker for a good opening track. Here are my Top 5 Openers and Top 5 Closers of 2013:

Openers

1.) Kanye West-On Sight

2.) Nathaniel Rateliff- Still Trying

3.) Daft Punk- Give Life Back to Music

4.) Chance the Rapper- Good Ass Intro

5.) The National- I Should Live In Salt

Closers

1.) Iron & Wine- Baby Center Stage

2.) Kanye West- Bound 2

3.) Volcano Choir-Almanac

4.) Childish Gambino- III. Life: the biggest troll

5.) The Head and The Heart- Gone

A little bit about us!

I think a good way to start would be just some short bios about us:

My name is David Savage. I am a 19 year old college student living in the South Suburbs of Chicago, studying Management with a minor in Journalism (for now). I have loved music all my life. I have been playing guitar and singing for years now and recently began to learn to play piano. Some of my favorite artists are: Bon Iver, Iron & Wine, Death Cab for Cutie, anything Jack White, Kanye West, Bob Marley, Bob Dylan and many others. I listen to just about any genre and am always open to new artists and new music. That being said, I cannot wait to listen to more music and dabble into music that I haven't listened to before.

Hello, my name is Tyler Flynn. I’m a recent college graduate from Illinois State University. The reason I wanted to do this blog was to expand my musical horizon. With music being one of the most important aspects of my life, I’m always trying to expand and dive into different genres. This is a great way to sort of force myself to listen to new music with a purpose. The majority of music that I listen to falls into the rock, alternative, and metal genres, but lately I’ve been listening to some indie music, and rap music as well. Progressive metal and alternative rock are probably my favorite genres of all time. I play guitar as often as I can and I also try to experiment with other instruments as well. My top 5 favorite bands are: Tool, Between the Buried and Me, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Mastodon, and Queens of the Stone Age.

Welcome to Bear Reviews!

Welcome everyone! My name is David Savage. My friend, Tyler Flynn, and I have been talking for quite some time about creating a blog so we can review music and write about music. Music is a strong passion of both of ours and we can’t wait to get started with our new blog, Bear Reviews. We will begin our blog with our favorites from 2013.