So we've got a few days left of 2013 and since I have no life outside being a music nerd, I figured I'd be a music nerd. I also noticed Joe already did one of these, but Joe is both short and stupid so fuck him. Now these aren't ALL albums that came out in 2013, but my favorite albums I heard this year. It took me long enough to think up 5 albums and I contemplated actually putting them in order for once, but it took up too much time that I don't (I totally do) have.
Ghost- Infestissumam
This would probably take the number one slot. I feel like every single entry I start off by saying these aren't in order and within the first sentence of the first photo I explain how it's number one. I'm full of shit. Stop reading this now. I know I'm a bit of a late comer to these guys, but I really fell in love within the first track of this album. I'm not really so much of a metal guy so I wasn't too interested at first. Foolish move by me! This is the grooviest, darkest and amazing sounding record I've heard in a really long time. The entire album has a very dark and evil sound to it that not many albums can do without being as catchy as this material. Basically the first time I heard this record my dick shit out piss.
This would probably take the number one slot. I feel like every single entry I start off by saying these aren't in order and within the first sentence of the first photo I explain how it's number one. I'm full of shit. Stop reading this now. I know I'm a bit of a late comer to these guys, but I really fell in love within the first track of this album. I'm not really so much of a metal guy so I wasn't too interested at first. Foolish move by me! This is the grooviest, darkest and amazing sounding record I've heard in a really long time. The entire album has a very dark and evil sound to it that not many albums can do without being as catchy as this material. Basically the first time I heard this record my dick shit out piss.
I feel like too many people get into this band for their looks and because they "hail satan." I love bands with stories, or in this case a complete lack of story I guess. There have been rumors of members in the band, but nothing has been confirmed. I like that they focus strictly on writing bad ass music and putting on amazing shows rather than getting too stuck on names or egos. Now yes, nu-metal bands have been "mysterious" years ago with face paint or masks, but they were still fucking nu-metal bands! Who gives a fuck who plays in those bands? I wish I wasn't so fucking stubborn and would've listened to these guys before they played House of Blues this year because their live shows are insane!
Chris Bishop
Here's a local hero of mine, Chris Bishop! This was actually one of the secret projects of mine that I've been working on for a few months now, but I can't make a top 5 list of this year without mentioning how much I love this material! Without spoiling too much of the record's sound, this music is everything I love exploring about music. Simple and catchy with enough layers and characteristics to each instrument to make you want to listen to it again and again.
Here's a local hero of mine, Chris Bishop! This was actually one of the secret projects of mine that I've been working on for a few months now, but I can't make a top 5 list of this year without mentioning how much I love this material! Without spoiling too much of the record's sound, this music is everything I love exploring about music. Simple and catchy with enough layers and characteristics to each instrument to make you want to listen to it again and again.
Chris and I both recently fell into some hard times financially, yet we both still made the drive a few times a week to write and record some awesome music at my studio, which to me couldn't define any clearer what I fucking love and respect about musicians. Chris is one of the few musicians both locally and nationally that is true bad ass, writing tasty and sexy jams. Two thumbs way up to this man!
Queens of the Stone Age- ...Like Clockwork
This album actually took a few listens to for me to really enjoy. I remember getting the record a month or so before it came out from a friend in the Queens family while I was visiting Los Angeles. The first track I fell in love with was "Fairweather Friends" because quite honestly I was severely depressed at the time and let down by everyone around me, excluding a very select few. The lyrics really kicked my ass in a positive way.
This album actually took a few listens to for me to really enjoy. I remember getting the record a month or so before it came out from a friend in the Queens family while I was visiting Los Angeles. The first track I fell in love with was "Fairweather Friends" because quite honestly I was severely depressed at the time and let down by everyone around me, excluding a very select few. The lyrics really kicked my ass in a positive way.
This album may very well be sonically my favorite Queens record. Their first record will forever be my favorite record from front to back, but this album has some serious tones to it. The bass tone in "My God is the Sun" is AMAZING! It's punch and clear, yet still a little blown out and dirty sounding. Generally speaking, a well written record with exceptionally amazing production.
David Bowie- The Next Day
This was an instant candidate for this list. I actually just wrote a bit about this record in my most recent post and why it was an important release. Basically I was being a pussy and this album had a few songs that I related to lyrically. This is by no means my favorite Bowie album, but definitely an important release. If you haven't heard it you should probably put a cucumber in your ass and jump into traffic.
This was an instant candidate for this list. I actually just wrote a bit about this record in my most recent post and why it was an important release. Basically I was being a pussy and this album had a few songs that I related to lyrically. This is by no means my favorite Bowie album, but definitely an important release. If you haven't heard it you should probably put a cucumber in your ass and jump into traffic.
I found it interesting that he hasn't done one single interview since the release of this album. In fact, when it came out (on his 60th birthday) there wasn't a "single" or any indication that any new material was even being thought up let alone released! I love the surprise in big names. Working with several bands myself, it's hard to maintain a secret project or idea when those secret projects or ideas involve the same friends you're trying to be secretive to, you know? I've always admired the attitude of just fucking doing something. Don't talk in the press about how great an album you haven't even started writing is going to sound, just write it.
Dr. John- Gris Gris
This is probably the newest old records I've gotten into in a long time. Chris actually showed me this psycho during one of our late night sessions. Take a look at that cover. This isn't some Lady Gaga radio pop bullshit. This guy is the real deal. A collage of psychedelic rock n' roll and what I would call old school funk, this mother fucker does not disappoint. He's got a catalog of music thicker than bigfoots dick and sexier than.. bigfoots dick. Check him out!
This is probably the newest old records I've gotten into in a long time. Chris actually showed me this psycho during one of our late night sessions. Take a look at that cover. This isn't some Lady Gaga radio pop bullshit. This guy is the real deal. A collage of psychedelic rock n' roll and what I would call old school funk, this mother fucker does not disappoint. He's got a catalog of music thicker than bigfoots dick and sexier than.. bigfoots dick. Check him out!
-Novak