Top 100 Tracks of 2013 Part I

As with most others talking music, I´ve also decided to sit back and reflect on the 100 best tracks of 2013. And as expected it is harder putting up an order than just finding the various tracks. Still I decided to make an order and many other great tracks fell under the restriction of only 100 tracks. What remains now is to point out that I only counted one track per artist (otherwise it would have been really easy and monotonous) and hope you enjoy this. Added up this amounts to nearly nine hours of great and mind blowing music, at least for me.

 

 

100. Skizzy Mars - "Insomniac" (from Phases)

Being the third track I heard from Skizzy Mars overall, I was in very high hopes over his mixtape. In the end, Insomniac is one of the clear standouts with it´s laid-back pacing and great, 16-bit infused clashes with electronica beats. His Phrases mixtape is still worth checking out (all it costs is your mail ad) So give it a try.



 

99. The Lone Bellow - "Bleeding Out" (from Self-Titled)

For me The Lone Bellow came out of nowhere with their self-titled debut and it´s this kind of honest folk / country jangle that just catches your heart. "Bleeding Out" is a good sum of this and a good starting point for getting deeper into them. Also a great song to be graced with a shouted delivery when you´re home alone.


The Lone Bellow - Bleeding Out from Eric Ryan Anderson on Vimeo.
  

98. Prurient - "You Show Great Spirit" (from Through The Window)


Dominick Fernow was back early this year with his release of Through The Window on Blackest Ever Black. This one sees him going all out goth-rave without the chunks of usual noise or screaming. Really great and "You Show Great Spirit" just feels like being caught up in some underground rave with everyone being throwed to the fullest.




97. Audio Push - "Turn Down" (from Come As You Are)


Audio Push came to fame through an simplistic party track. Thus I didn´t hear much good about them until Come As You Are. And their mixtape didn´t disappoint one bit. While they surely can deliver something for lighter musical demands, lyrical ability doesn´t fall short either way.
"Turn Down" might be a play on a more or less dumb phrase and the songs meaning nearly is destroyed by the last words spoken but it definitely does what it ascribes itself to do and has some truthful lines.

Get their Mixtape here:
http://www.datpiff.com/Audio-Push-Come-As-You-Are-mixtape.529033.html





96. Kvelertak - "Kvelertak" (from Meir)

To be honest, I only checked out Kvelertak knowing that the artwork for their albums was made by John Baizley from Baroness. I´m glad I did because they do deliver some great straight-forward rock music that doesn´t seem to break out of it´s own circles often anymore. Their self-titled track (Kvelertak apparently means "chokehold") serves as a great closer to their 2nd album and is pure energy condensed.





95. Koreless  - "Never" (from Yugen)


Releasing his first EP on Young Turks this year, Koreless delivered what I might call artful space-music. His approach differs from many producers and electronic artists standing in the limelight right now as it remains mostly beatless and very much in it´s own headspace altogether.
"Never" is most interesting in this as it marries something like the melody of a musical clock with synths constituting a feeling of sadness and reflection.

Right now Koreless is recording his debut and I see great things ahead.




94. YG - "My Nigga" (from Boss Yo Life Up Gang)

My introduction to YG´s "My Nigga" was in snippets lasting seconds on various Vines using it as a hilarious cue for brotherliness among blacks. And until hearing the full song, I thought this was some kind of gimmick sample. But the refrain and the beat really stuck to my head - just what trapish rap tends to do with the minds of the young and pristine.

93. Foals - "Out Of The Woods" (from Holy Fire)

Holy Fire took the longest until it stuck. But with tracks like "Out Of The Woods" Foals for the third time proof that they bring something fresh and distinct to the world of indie music every time they step up.



92. Pelican - "Perpetual Dawn" (from Forever Becoming)

While I somehow get the notion that many post-rock acts are more or less changing drastically or disappearing in the abyss completely, it´s good to hear Pelican as powerful as ever bringing some loud and raw energy with them. "Perpetual Dawn" combines this with some great delicacy and ends in pure grandeur. Instrumental Rock at it´s finest in 2013.

 

91.  Hucci - "Mafia" (Rose Gold)

While this might be considered your usual trap influenced beat, the arabic sounding vocal sample kicking in around the two minute mark show that Hucci is developing his craft with every release.

90. Nails - "Wide Open Wound" (from Abandon All Life)

17 minutes and 21 seconds is the length of Nails´s second studio album. Being short, after experiencing this you most likely won´t feel the need for any second more. Their energy and density is mind-boggling and "Wide Open Wound" being one of the longer tracks on this record, you will definitely get your fair share of gradual hear impairment for today.



89. M.I.A - "Exodus" (from Matangi)

Maybe it´s just the Weeknd sample on this one, but while Matanagi sees M.I.A. in old strength through the whole album, I constantly return to "Exodus". The vocal delivery, the fast paced rhythm, the usual world music undertones - just wonderful.



88. Mark Kozelek & Jimmy LaValle - "Caroline" (from Perils From The Sea)

The pairing of Kozelek and LaValle was as great as I expected. Those songs of loss and nostalgia work very well under an electronic canvas and "Caroline" is one of the best examples for this.



87. Cassie - "Numb" feat. Rick Ross (from Rocka Bye Baby)

Although I couldn´t care less for the Maybach intrusions and even more for the Rick Ross verse, Cassie resurfacing after her long absence wasn´t a disappointment and "Numb" links her voice perfectly with the spacious beat.



86. Joey Bada$$ - "Reign" (from Summer Knights)

Summer Knights showed us that Joey wasn´t going to change anything about himself or his sound in the light of his growing success. And "Reign" is the best example for him not resting on his ultra-revival state of mind either. Chuck Strangers beats has enough old-school and the right amount of bass needed for anyone who wouldn´t touch anything remotely sounding non-trap. I can see ProEra being a force to be reckoned with in the near future, even with just the releases of mixtapes and raps in their own microcosm.



85. This Is Your Captain Speaking - "Ascendans" (from Arc)

Hearing that This Is Your Captain Speaking were to release a new album this year was pleasant news. Listening to Arc was even more elevating. Especially "Ascendans" captures what TIYCS have grown to be over the last releases and it never fails to transport your spirit.



84. The Dream - "Equestrian" (IV Play)

This album took forever to be released. With many announcements and nothing happening on the release date, when it finally arrived, I didn´t even notice until weeks later. But gladly nothing on here felt old, rushed or lifeless. The Dream is a genius when it comes to production and he packs the nastiest shit to sound as sweet talk. "Equestrian" just sticks to you and has Nash at it´s best.

(The video is more of a soft-porn though)
The-Dream #GIMMESOMEIVPLAY - "Equestrian" from Def Jam Recordings on Vimeo.


83. Forest Swords - "Gathering" (from Engravings)

Tri Angle records is the label for forward-thinking electronic music. "Gathering" with it´s greatly utilized vocal snippets and sparse but perfect keys is aural candy.



82. Puscifer - "Dear Brother" (from Donkey Punch The Night)

Puscifer for me is not the greatest project by Maynard James Keenan and I guess I´m not alone on this one. But his EP this years was pretty decent with his "Bohemian Rhapsody" showing his vocal capabilities and "Dear Brother" giving us the more melancholic and thought provoking MJK.
And even though the Donkey Punch is as usual a stupid reference, the term "donkey punching the night away" has something to it.



81. The World Is A Beautiful Place & I´m No Longer Afraid To Die - "Getting Sodas" (from Whenever, If Ever)

This album was my first exposure to TWIABP... and it evoked many great memories of heartfelt (emo) rock. They know what they´re doing and their post-rockish playing paired with the epic build and group vocals on "Getting Sodas" has it´s sublime moments.




80. Caspian - "CMF" (from Hymn For The Greatest Generation)

In August the bass player, Chris Friedrich unexpectedly passed away. It is sad to see a young and gifted man go too soon. "CMF" is Caspian´s way of saying goodbye. Join them.



79. Waxahatchee - "Peace And Quiet" (from Cerulean Salt)

I don´t know much about Waxahatchee, but Cerulean Salt flows well and her voice fits perfect with the stripped down guitar and overall instrumentation.



78. Russian Circles - "Deficit" (from Memorial)

Memorial was one of the best post-metal albums this year. "Deficit" hits hard and unforgiving. Keeping the scene alive!



77. Ashley Monroe - "Used" (from Like A Rose)

Thank you NPR for introducing me to Ashley Monroe. I don´t really listen to many country singers, but Ashley Monroe does have a very fresh approach. Even though "Weed Instead of Roses" was the most fun track, I opted for "Used" and it´s appliance of what I´d call country imagery and bitter-sweet tenor.



76. N.G. + - "Shipwrecked" (from Mitsuda)

This tracks appears on the tribute to game music composer Yasunori Mitsuda by Lefse Records. While there isn´t much else that´s as great as bit music to induce nostalgia for me, the artists on here flip the original samples in a great way and like "Shipwrecked" make something akin to ambient trap out of them.

Get the album as a name your price over at Lefse´s bandcamp.



75. Deptford Goth - "Union" (from Life After Defo)

The amount of electronic singer-songwriters is steadily growing and many of them sound as cut copies of the one before. But Deptford Goth is able to convey emotion and his twinkly sounds hit the spot.



74. Run The Jewels - "Banana Clipper" feat. Big Boi (from Run The Jewels)

What is there to say then El-P & Killer Mike getting together and spitting gold better then many others this year. While everyone was loosing their minds over Kendrick and his verse on "Control" they decided to grace the world with one free mixtape of skills showing that there isn´t a single fuck given.



Get Run The Jewels for free below:

 

73. Phosphorescent - "Song for Zula" (from Muchacho)

Phosphorescent has been at it for some time and only with Muchacho I became aware of him. "Song for Zula" being the first one, still is the best with it´s beautiful string arrangement and slappy bass serving as a wonderful layer for the yearning vocals.



72. Friendzone - "Customer I+II" (from DX)

Most people might have heard of Friendzone through their production for ASAP Rocky´s "Fashion Killa" or on work they did for other rappers like Deniro Farrar. But their material can stand very much on their own and "Customer" is one of the best examples with its blend of r´n´b and electronica.



71. Jesu - "The Great Leveller" (from Everyday I Get Closer to the Light from Which I Came)

I´ve been praying for a new Jesu album having longer compositions and this year Justin K. Broadrick answered me. "The Great Leveller" might not be as great as Heartache or Infinity but it has everything that makes Jesu who he is: Great keys, his reverb-soaked vocals and heavy sludgy riffs.



70. Closer - "Beam Me Up" (from Getting Closer)

I´m not too found of pure dance tracks or anything that might be considered house music, but the production Closer applies is a high craft with much attention to detail. "Beam Me Up" doesn´t play as a linear dance track and works best on headphones; especially for the gorgeous bassline.



69. Asap Ferg - "Fergivicious" (from Trap Lord)

Trap Lord was the second real full length outing by the ASAP Mob and while not disappointing, it can be considered their first great move on capitalizing on their name alone. It could have been a great mixtape introducing the world to Ferg and not a supposedly full fledged studio album. Still "Fergivicious" has Ferg spitting under the best conditions possible: Not saying much, having a great hook and backed by a monster bass heavy beat.



68. JK Flesh - "Fear of Fear" (from Worship Is The Cleansing Of The Imagination)

Justin K. Broadrick strikes again. This time under his newest moniker and for the great cause of bidding farewell to Hydra Head Records. While his split partner Prurient was representing the noise heavy ambient side of things with titles like "I Understand You", "Fear of Fear" is the dark, guttural metal half of what was one of the greatest label for experimental music.



67. The Uncluded - "Delicate Cycle" (from Hokey Fright)

The Uncluded was the most surprising project of this year. Kimya Dawson was present on Aesop Rock´s 2012 "Skelethon" but who´d have thought that a whole contribution between these very different artist would come together. Above all hearing Rock rap over the somewhat kindergarten instrumentation of "Delicate Cycle" shows his great scale of ability. To top that of, the topic of the fragility of human existence deserves praise.


The Uncluded - Delicate Cycle from Ben Fee on Vimeo.

66. Andy Stott - "Anytime Soon" (from Adult Swim Single Series 2013)

Andy Stott´s Luxury Problems was one of the most outstanding pieces of music I heared in 2012 and probably my whole life. "Anytime Soon" follows the sound of it with it´s abstruse beat and ghostly female vocals.



65. Jhene Aiko - Bed Peace feat. Childish Gambino (from Sail Out)

I´m happy Jhene Aiko finally released something this year. "Bed Peace" has her honey vocals advocating peace through burning up and Gambino contributing some lines of loss and love.



64. Moving Mountains - "Hands" (from Self-Titled)

After some Ep´s Moving Mountains returned with their softest project yet. The harsh post-rock edges have almost vanished for some delicate hand-picking and the overall sound is serene and mature in a way. "Hands" especially has a dreamy and uplifting air around it and reminds me of what Caspian did on Waking Season, vocals included.

Moving Mountains "Hands" [Telegraph Sessions] from Triple Crown Records on Vimeo.


63. Frightened Rabbit - "Holy" (from Pedestrian Verse)

I love the Scottish accent and Frightened Rabbit have a great drive in their playing. Just what indie rock should be.



62. Laurel Halo - "Thrax" (from Chance Of Rain)

On Chance of Rain Laurel Halo is yet again on some abstract shit and the vocals from previous effort Quarantine have been discarded. "Thrax" is great EDM per definition and a fun listen for the sheer density and progression of ideas.



61. Jessie Ware - "Imagine It Was Us" (from Devotion Gold Edition)

Last years Devotion was one of my favorite releases and I admire Jessie Ware for her vocal ability and songwriting. "Imagine It Was Us" has a strong disco feel to it but still from the state of mind of Ware with heartfelt lyrics and a expansive blend of genre.

Jessie Ware - Imagine It Was Us from JESSA FLYNN on Vimeo.

60. Mono - Kanata

For My Parents was my number one release last year and finally seeing Mono live the undisputed best experience this year. "Kanata" serves as a soundtrack for a Japanese mini-series and it´s great that someone finally embraces the emotional prowess of Mono for visual works. The mournful guitar just tears my heart a little bit every time.



59. Bodega Bamz - "Mi Casa" (might appear on Dear Non Believers)

Bamz is just likable as hell. And he can spit with confidence and skill too. "Mi Casa" has a great intersection from a electronic trap beat with angelic voices to old school boom-bap with organic drums that stood out as one of the most interesting examples of production this year.



58. Maldonado - "Drug Fuelled" (from Project Maldonado)

Maldonado (or Project Maldonado if you don´t want to have a boring read about some race car driver) is a art project with videos, artwork and story snippets complementing the music. Some may find this music to be "post-Weeknd" downer R´n´B, but they bring their own set of moods and metaphors with them. 

You can download the full ep on their soundcloud site.


57. King Krule - "Foreign 2" (from 6 Feet Beneath The Moon)

Archie Marshall´s voice is one of the most unique things of the last years and his crooning under this kind of atmospheric instrumentation is one of the high points of his debut 6 Feet Beneath The Moon.



56. Kings Of Leon - "Temple" (from Mechanical Bull)

Consistency is the greatest strength of Kings of Leon. Not one record disappointed after my personal favorite Because of the Times. "Temple" reminds me the most of summers listening to their music and breathing their lite-heartiness chord by chord.



55. Rhye - "Open" (from Woman)

Rhye´s music is best described as fragile and tender. A album about love with "Open" being the sensual overture.

Rhye - Open from Rhye on Vimeo.


54. Mount Kimbie - "Slow" (from Cold Spring Fault Less Youth)

Mount Kimbie excel at making interesting electronic music. Mostly because the always try to push the boundaries of what this genre should be. "Slow" might not be the most experimental but a fun listen for bobbing your head and three minutes of unreflected happiness.



53. Fakear - "Morning In Japan" (from Morning In Japan)

Fakear is an relatively unknown and I guess still very young producer. Nonetheless his two EP´s released this year are a great mixture of various vocal samples and textured beats. "Morning in Japan" seems like something Susumu Yokata would have done as it is debonair beauty in itself.



52. Depeche Mode - "Soft Touch/Raw Nerve" (from Delta Machine)

Every new Depeche Mode album has me excited and even though I can understand the voices saying that the days of Violator and such are never to be reached again, there isn´t any disappointment in their newest brainchild. Especially "Soft Touch/Raw Nerve" has me experiencing the dancy and fast-paced side of Depeche Mode which usually wouldn´t be favored over the more melancholic and gloomy tracks. The version of the studio sessions has the guitar at such a bristle level that let´s the heavy synths of the original pale in comparison.



51. The Underachievers - "Herb Shuttles" (from Indigoism)

My first outing to The Underachievers and after more then a year still a great banger. Their approach of spiritualism and weed smoking might put some people off, but their lyrical creativity on this topic remains untouched.

Get Indigoism for free: http://www.datpiff.com/The-Underachievers-Indigoism-mixtape.449545.html



50. Nils Frahm - "For - Peter- Toilet Brushes - More" (from Spaces)

When I heard the first clapping on Spaces I was thinking they edited it in for some reason beyond me. But Frahms newest effort is actually a live album sounding better then many studio albums. This track goes from a wonderful ambient opening (not in the video below) to Frahms hammering with toilet brushes on the strings of his piano segueing into his home turf of transporting the sublime with his hands on the actual keys.

Nils Frahm – Toilet Brushes – More (Live in London) from Erased Tapes on Vimeo.

And now let us thank the internet for so many great tracks being free at your disposable. For part II (tracks 49 to 21) click here.