Well, the year is drawing to a close, and it's time once again for my annual "favorite songs of the year" list. This was a good year for some of my favorite bands. New albums from Jimmy Eat World, Vampire Weekend, Cold War Kids, The Fratellis and The National were highlights. And bands I had never heard before like Phosphorescent, Catfish and The Bottlemen and Cayucas turned out to be pleasant surprises. I don't even know how long I've been doing this list. I think this is the fifth year, but I'm not sure. I really like lists. This year was the most difficult, I think. A good mix of new friends and old faithfuls made 2013 my favorite year of doing this so far. I really believe that any of the top 7 could have been number one, depending on what day it is and what mood I'm in. But there has to be a number one, and I had to roll with my choice. I don't regret it at all. So let's get into the countdown, shall we?
25. "Waves" - Sleeper Agent
First of all, let me say that this was a late addition to the list. I'm sure if it had come out a couple months earlier, it would have been in the top ten. Why? Because I do happen to love Sleeper Agent. "Celebrasion" is one of my favorite albums of 2011, and I'm sure the new one is going to top it. Their music is a lot of fun and they have a ton of energy. I feel like I wear that phrasing out. Sorry in advance. Worth a listen. Plus, they're one of those bands that have both a female and male vocalist, so they've got that going for them.
24. "Broken Heart" - Dr. Dog
I don’t know a durn thing about Dr. Dog, except I really like their sound. A friend of mine (we’ll call him “Nathan Kelly”) got me listening to them sometime back. I wouldn’t call myself a huge fan, but I definitely find them easy to listen to and really, really bluesy and smooth. And this song is as catchy as any of theirs. Well done by the good doctor.
23. "Sonsick" - San Fermin
Another band I know nothing about. I feel like I should do my research more into bands, but the problem with that is I really don’t care. There is so much music out there that no one can listen to everything. I love to get new music suggestions, but I do catch myself narrowing my field sometimes before giving newbies a real chance to break through. Glad I listened to this song a few times, because once I realized it wasn’t Lana Del Rey, I really liked it. I keed. I just like picking at Lana Del Rey fans. Also, I don’t know anything about Lana Del Rey.
22. "Demon Dance" - Surfer Blood
I feel like Surfer Blood is one of those bands I really take for granted. I don’t listen to them nearly as often as I should, but every time I do, I end up listening to them for hours and hours without stopping. They put out a new album this year and I bought it and listened to it once. I’ve listened to it more since then, but can’t for the life of me figure out why I don’t listen to them more often. Like I said earlier, there is so much music out there you just can’t listen to it all. Even the stuff you like.
21. "Ohm" - Yo La Tengo
I had no idea Yo La Tengo has been around for twenty plus years. I had never listened to anything they did (really) until this past year. I just love this song. It opens with the line “sometimes the bad guys come out on top . . . sometimes the good guys lose.” You can’t beat that, at least in my book. And I love the general rhythm of the song itself. Another band I should listen to more often.
20. "The Wire" - Haim
You can imagine my disappointment when I realized this wasn’t a Corey Haim tribute band. It’s a group of girls that sound like they listened to a lot of the Bangles in the 80s. I like their sound, I guess, but this is really the only song of theirs I’ve listened closely to. I’ve heard they’re really good live and they have gained a lot of notoriety this year, so I should probably check out the album. I’ll get right on that. And yes, I'm aware they pronounce it "HIGHm." Again, I just don't care.
19. "Best of Friends" - Palma Violets
Another band I know nothing about, but am working into the rotation. Ima be honest, I accidentally came across this song and hated it at first. But I had already downloaded it and put it on a playlist, so I kept hearing it when I didn’t want to. The next thing I know, I’m singing it as I’m driving or whatever. And then, I just caved and liked it. iTunes thinks I’m really going to like this group based on what I’ve purchased so far. Good enough for me.
18. "Bagboy" - The Pixies
Because it’s the Pixies and Frank Black could do just about anything and I’d buy it. They’re coming to Houston in February, and this time I am not going to miss them. Of course, they kicked Kelly Deal out a long time ago and replaced her with some other girl they also booted. Or was that Kim Deal? I can never remember the deal with the Deals. But back to Frank Black. He’s one of those guys that I would pretty much buy anything he puts out. Jack White would be the other. In fact, I have often thought that Frank Black and Jack White should make an album together and do a tour. They could call it the . . . something . . . Frank and Jack Tour? Meh, I’m sure they could think of something catchy.
17. "Dark Again" - Gold Fields
Good grief, there are a lot of newbies on this countdown. What was I doing this year? I never have this many new artists, especially in a year when everyone I have loved came out with a new record. This is one of those songs that gets stuck in your head and you can’t get it out. I decided to forgo therapy and just admit that I liked the song. But come on, Gold Fields? You couldn’t come up with something better than that? You’re on a list with a band what calls themselves Catfish and The Bottlemen and you can’t come up with something better than Gold Fields. And that’s why you’re number 17.
16. "Get Me Golden" - Terraplane Sun
I don’t know any of their other stuff. But this song reminds me a lot of something you might hear from Foster The People. Maybe. I’m listening to it right now, and I’m trying to figure out what to compare it to. I like it a lot and I hope to hear more from them soon so I can tell whether or not they have staying power. Again though, Terraplane Sun? Yawn. What about Buzzkill Biscuit? Or Chasing Chuck Norris? Or Rush? Something jazzy. We need better marketing people doing these band names.
15. "Heavy Bells" - J. Roddy Walston and The Business
Now that’s a band name I can get into. Also, this song rocks my stupid face off. I love how Mr. Walston gets a little screamy with the chorus. And the rocking guitar and heavy drum beat. These guys have something going here. It almost sounds like they stepped out of a classic rock radio station and told everyone, “Hey, let us remind you guys what rock is.” And then they played this song and everyone was reminded. And they all lived happily ever after. The End.
14. "Land of Gathering" - The Ceremonies
I can see this being one of those one-hit wonder deals. I don’t want to judge anyone too prematurely or harshly, but they are pretty much worthless after this. Nowhere to go but down. Actually, I keed. But as much as I like this song, I haven’t listened to anything else they’ve done. I accidentally heard this song one morning on the way to work, and it’s been in the rotation since like September or something. Really fun song to sing along to.
13. "Ready To Go" - Guards
I saw this song on a commercial. I can’t remember what commercial, but I heard this song on the radio one morning, and I am pretty sure I saw a family running on a cruise ship and laughing. Call me crazy, but if this song isn’t on a cruise line commercial, someone is missing out on an opportunity. This actually sounds like one of those songs where they got together and said, “Ok, guys. We need some money and Carnival needs a song. Let’s get this done.” And they did. And I like it. Makes me wish I knew someone who plays the bells, because the drum part is super easy.
12. "Demon To Lean On" - Wavves
There's a trend developing in the "biz" in which a guy comes up with a great band name and can't find anyone to be in his band, so he goes solo and keeps the band name. I think it's deceptive. I already have trust issues, people. I don't need this kind of pressure. But I do like this song.
11. "Cayucos" - Cayucas
I saw this song on some Windows commercial, which knocked it out of the top ten. Not because anyone is selling out, but because I hate Windows. I keed. But for serious, if Beck and The Beach Boys had a baby, it would be this guy. This is apparently another one of those "bands" that is really one guy. I'm guessing his name is like Mike Cayucas or something. Perhaps Brian?
10. "Rango" - Catfish and The Bottlemen
If I had two more weeks to do this list, I'm certain this song would make it into the top five. I don't know much about these guys except I think they're British and they kind of sound like The Kooks. Also, there is a rumor that they will be touring with The Fratellis when they come to Houston. Actually, I just made that up. But it's now officially a rumor.
9. "Diana" - One Direction
First of all, I apologize for nothing. I cannot explain it. I stopped trying to. I like One Direction. I like this song. I am neither ashamed nor proud, but it is what it is. I learned to not care what people think about my musical choices from my friend Ed. If a song is good, don't apologize for liking it. So there. I don't care what you guys think. It's not like I'm a huge fan and know anything about them. But seriously . . . what's up with Harry's fro? Run a comb through it, son.
8. "Safe and Sound" - Capital Cities
Bought the whole album based on this one song. What can I say? I'm a wild man. I also live my life with a great deal of regret. This is one of those times. I keed. I just don't feel like this song is a good representative of the entirety of the album. In other words, ladies and gentlemen, meet your 2013 version of Foster The People. Good song though.
7. "Sugar Dyed Honey Pants" - St. Paul and the Broken Bones
This was a strong candidate for the top spot for a long time. That lets you know how much I like these guys. Oh, and the lead singer with those killer pipes looks like a 12 year old. I think they're going places. I will buy all their stuff. I could listen to this song all day and never get tired of it.
6. "Diane Young" - Vampire Weekend
I know this is easy. But this is my favorite song on the new album. Vampire Weekend is always going to be in my top 12 favorite bands. And this song just gets me dancing, much to the delight of the car next to me at the stop light. And in keeping with the rest of their material, I have no idea what they're talking about during any of it.
5. "Song For Zula" - Phosphorescent
Probably the most beautifully written song of the countdown. Another one of those guys using a last name as a band name. Pretty sure his last name is VAN Phosphorescent though. Guess he didn't want to get confused with Van Morrison or . . . Fleetwood Mac or whatever. There's one line in here that I believe goes, "You see the cage, it called. I said "Come on in." I will not open myself up this way again." And I just want to say, "Clifford Van Phosphorescent . . . who hurt you?"
4. "Damage" - Jimmy Eat World
Favorite band with favorite album of 2013 and favorite song off that album. I waited so patiently for a new album and they did not disappoint. Seriously, if you've ever been dumped and you're not listening to Jimmy Eat World, you are missing out on some very reasonably-priced therapy. Some bands just know how to put complete songs together: catchy melodies, tasty hooks, deep lyrics and all of it brought together through Jim Adkins' powerful, emotional voice. Seriously . . . I should have put this at number one.
3. "Sea of Love" - The National
I only started listening to The National a couple years ago when my friends Kevin Norwood and Sam Greer got me hooked. "Bloodbuzz Ohio" was number 7 on this list that year (2010). Matt Berninger may have my current favorite voice in music. Not many rock and rollers out there with a baritone on lead vocals. This song makes me all melancholy and such. And that's not a bad thing necessarily. There is seriously no difference in the top five songs. Any of them could be, and have been, number one on other days. The point is, they're all good, and The National is another band that I'm late to the party for, but enjoying the leftover hors 'derves. That's stupid. Sorry. Let's move on.
2. "This Old Ghost Town" - The Fratellis
I dare you to listen to this song and not dance. I am 99% certain it cannot be done. Comparisons have been made to “Brown Eyed Girl.” Sorry, but I don’t hear it. Ok, that’s a lie. I just don’t care. This song is so much fun, as is all of The Fratellis stuff. And on that note, Fratellis, please come to Houston so I can go to your show and apologize for the “Brown Eyed Girl” people. Their new album is my favorite of 2013.
1. "Miracle Mile" - Cold War Kids
“Dear Miss Lonelyhearts” is my favorite album of 2013. I have always loved CWK, but they took it to a new level this year. Seriously, this was the year of Cold War Kids for me. For one, I got to see them live after failing three other times. Worth the drive to Dallas, mainly because Matt drove, but also because it was an awesome show. If I sat around long enough, I could make a case for several other songs (including “Tuxedos” and “Bottled Affection”) being my favorite off the new album. But this is the first song I heard off the new record, and I fell in love. And I just absolutely love Nathan Willett’s voice. So powerful and soulful. And when he belts out “I’d be alright if I could just see you” it almost brings tears to my eyes. He makes every song seem personal for me. And, as Matt pointed out, I’ve never seen a front man wear a polo at a concert. So there’s that.
Anyway, that’s the list. As always, I hope you enjoy it and make your own list. And if you have some new music you’re crazy about, I’d love to hear about it and take a listen. Merry Christmas, errbody.
