Chris' Recs: Best of 2013 (So Far)

By: Chris Dobstaff, Editorial Director

I’m just going to admit it: 2012 was kind of a “meh” year for music. Don’t get me wrong, there were some damn good albums that came out last year. But it’s undeniable that there were some months where I felt as if there was a lull in interesting music.

Thus far, 2013 has been an entirely different story. Only a few months in and I have already listened to quite a few albums that are contenders for my year-end list, with many more on the way. With that in mind, let’s talk about some of my favorite songs that have come out in what could perhaps be one of the best music years in recent memory.

1. Foxygen – "Shuggie"

This band came out of nowhere for me. With the release of its sophomore album, We Are the 21st Century Ambassadors of Peace & Magic (which was released just six months after the band's debut), Foxygen captured my ears with a sound that was familiar, yet new. "Shuggie" is a perfect demonstration of the '60s acid-inspired sound you'll get from this San Francisco group. Just wait until the funky middle eight, and you'll jump right on this bandwagon, too.

2. The Strokes – "Slow Animals"

If you want the old Strokes, turn away. While we can all agree that Angles was a poor effort on nearly all accounts, the band's fifth album, Comedown Machine, is filled with gems such as "Slow Animals," which makes no apologies for the new '80s direction of the band. Minimalism is gone. This song sparkles in all the right ways, using guitars sparingly until the chorus kicks in. But the real treat is the song's bridge, which is catchier than the chorus. What you're getting here is a completely different band, but it's still one hell of a track.

3. Vampire Weekend – "Diane Young"

Everyone's favorite Ivy Leaguers are back! Vampire Weekend's sophomore effort was hit and miss at best, causing me to think that maybe they were a one-album wonder. "Diane Young" gives us all some hope that this isn't the case. The song has that same Vampire Weekend playfulness we've all come to love, but it's much more intense. With jaw-dropping drumming and the vocal distortions of Ezra Koenig, this one's already a lock for one of my top songs of the year.

4. Unknown Mortal Orchestra – "Swim and Sleep (Like a Shark)"

Honestly, the guitar work in this song is better than anything I've heard so far this year. Just listen to that riff. It's so mellow, and yet it still floors me every time I hear it.

5. Mount Moriah – "Younger Days"

Mount Moriah's second album kicks off with "Younger Days," a song that highlights the gorgeous, Americana vocals of singer Heather McEntire. "August is over, / So when are coming back?" she sings at the chorus. On this song, McEntire is giving Neko Case a run for her money. Watch out for this band in the next couple of years.