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Emeritus
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| Daveyboy's Top 40 Albums Of 2013
Remember 2013? Nah, me neither. It seems I'm getting later & later with this list, even if it was finalized quite a few weeks back. Due to the reduction in my reviewing output, I actually listened to - and rated - more current year albums than usual in 2013... I think it was around 200 releases all up, if you include EPs. Everything you see on this page, I rated a 3.8 or higher. And no, #16 is not a misprint... It just wouldn't be a Davey list had I not included something like that LP. | | 1 |  | Conditions
Full of War
Recalling heavier Anberlin, under-rated Virginian band Conditions step up on their 2nd LP 'Full of War'. Losing nothing for guitarist Jason Marshall's departure, the quartet deliver more explosive & passionate rock that contains impressive vocals & relatable lyrics. Hard-hitting drums & soaring guitar lines punctuate consistently anthemic choruses, and while some excursions into mainstream-rock need work, they are still strong & add variety. Considering that Conditions raised funds to have this LP released, one can only hope that 'Full of War' solidifies the band's future. Recommended Tracks: Skeleton, Love Elusive, Every Day Is a New Life, Descent of Man & Walking Separate Ways. | | 2 |  | Captain, We're Sinking
The Future Is Cancelled
The biggest surprise of 2013 comes in the form of 'The Future Is Cancelled'; the 2nd LP from Pennsylvanian quartet Captain, We're Sinking. Best described as punk with flourishes of emo & post-hardcore, the technically accomplished music is not only intense & emotional, but deceptively melodic. This is despite the captivating lyrics which contain lashings of melancholy, as delivered by the dual vocal attack of Bob Barnett & Leo Vergnetti. Containing no filler, this powerful album not only builds well to individual climaxes, but progresses cohesively as a whole. Recommended Tracks: A Bitter Divorce, Annina We Will Miss You, You Have Flaws, Here's To Forever & Brother. | | 3 |  | Local Natives
Hummingbird
Following their superb critically acclaimed debut, LA indie-rockers Local Natives do not disappoint on 2nd LP 'Hummingbird'. Produced by The National's Aaron Dessner, this album is less vivacious & immediate than its predecessor, instead choosing to be introspective & emotional. While the dynamic instrumentation returns, it's performed in a deft & subtle manner that compels & rewards further listening. Furthermore, the dual vocal harmonies of Kelcey Ayer & Taylor Rice take a step up here, providing a handful of spine-chilling moments that are worth the price of admission alone. Recommended Tracks: Breakers, Black Balloons, Wooly Mammoth, You & I and Heavy Feet. | | 4 |  | K Sera
Collisions and Near Misses
Following 3 impressive EPs, Sacramento rockers K Sera further evolve on their debut LP 'Collisions and Near Misses'. Expertly produced by The Dear Hunter's Casey Crescenzo, this meticulously crafted record is both immediate & a grower. Epic & ambitious - yet refined & controlled - this theatrical album is delivered so cohesively that it's difficult not to fall engrossed. Guitars, piano & a dynamic rhythm section coalesce with Mike Caswell's strong vocals to result in a melodically hooky mix of indie & progressive rock. K Sera could very well be as big as Muse one day! Recommended Tracks: Dream Like I Do, Near Misses, Ambien, St. Peter & True Enough To Be Interesting. | | 5 |  | Streetlight Manifesto
The Hands That Thieve
'The Hands That Thieve', the much-anticipated - & delayed - new LP from New Jersey ska punk ensemble Streetlight Manifesto is thankfully worth the wait. The septet don't mess with their winning formula, only subtly adding extra influences & slowing down tempos. While 2 or 3 tunes seem composed for nothing but a sing-along (both a pro & a con), the mid-section highlights are worth the price of admission alone. It may well be the least effective of the band's 3 LPs of original material, but that's not a slight for this talented & consistent outfit. Recommended Tracks: The Littlest Things, If Only For Memories, With Any Sort of Certainty, The Three of Us & Your Day Will Come. | | 6 |  | Hands Like Houses
Unimagine
Just 16 months after their debut LP, Aussie post-hardcore act Hands Like Houses step up on 'Unimagine'. Showcasing greater diversity, this James Paul Wisner produced album is consistent & contains no filler. Trenton Woodley's soaring vocals return, as do the subtle electronics, hooky guitar melodies & catchy choruses. Musically, the sextet are undoubtedly tighter, even if the intricacy of their playing has been toned down a little. Pleasingly, Hands Like Houses have successfully evolved by refining their weaknesses, while maintaining their strengths. Recommended Tracks: Shapeshifters, A Tale of Outer Suburbia, Introduced Species, A Fire on a Hill & No Parallels. | | 7 |  | The Wonder Years
The Greatest Generation
Any doubts concerning The Wonder Years are laid to rest on their 4th LP 'The Greatest Generation'. Improving every aspect of their craft, the Philadelphian sextet mature to be a force as a rock band, without losing any of their efficacious pop-punk attributes. Containing many lyrical nuggets, Dan Campbell's poignant & passionate vocals deliver personal themes that many will relate to. Excellently produced by Steve Evetts, The Wonder Years' songwriting continues to evolve for the better, with more detail & diversity than ever before. Recommended Tracks: I Just Want to Sell Out My Funeral, Passing Through a Screen Door, We Could Die Like This & Dismantling Summer. | | 8 |  | London Grammar
If You Wait
'If You Wait', the debut LP from English trio London Grammar, is a captivating album that stops you in your tracks. Predominantly down-tempo, the masterfully restrained sparse instrumentation is well-layered & has a knack for melody that not only enhances accessibility, but also replay value. This provides a fitting back-drop for the timeless, sophisticated & spine-tingling vocals of 23 year old Hannah Reid, whose range is as adept at tackling lows as it is highs. As cohesive as it is consistent, this engaging LP not only promises future greatness & influence, but is a tremendous listen itself. Recommended Tracks: Metal & Dust, Hey Now, Wasting My Young Years & Strong. | | 9 |  | Alter Bridge
Fortress
Against the trend, Alter Bridge get slightly heavier on their Michael Baskette produced 4th LP 'Fortress'. Bordering on metal, the modern hard-rock on show here is a nice combination of aggressive, progressive & melodic. Technically accomplished, tight & cohesive musicianship holds the album together, with Mark Tremonti's adventurous & blistering guitar-work continuing to grow in versatility. Containing epic book-ends, 'Fortress' may not quite match up to 'Blackbird', but will not disappoint fans & includes enough quality song-writing to look past the overlong 63 minute duration. Recommended Tracks: Cry of Achilles, Calm the Fire, Addicted to Pain & Cry a River. | | 10 |  | State Champs
The Finer Things
Of all the strong 2013 pop-punk releases, Albany quintet State Champs achieve the best combination of pop & punk on their debut LP 'The Finer Things'. Produced by New Found Glory's Steve Klein, this up-tempo album sees tight musicianship & memorable melodies fuse to result in a barrage of infectious hooks. Derek DiScanio's passionate vocals deliver numerous sing-along refrains & above-average lyrics, while propulsive drumming & melodic guitar-leads capture attention. It's not ground-breaking by any means, but this consistent LP displays a well-crafted song-writing nous that is sure to please. Recommended Tracks: Remedy, Elevated, Over the Line & Critical. | | 11 |  | Farewell Fighter
Challenges
Following an excellent EP, Nashville rockers Farewell Fighter continue to impress on debut LP 'Challenges'. While it helps that 6 EP tracks re-appear here, this is still a cohesive album which displays the quartet's mature song-writing. Strong vocals are backed by tremendous - extremely relatable - lyrics, while there is an occasional foray into pop-punk, both musically & via gang vocals. Deceptive depth to the musicianship exists, with the melodic guitar lines especially impressing. Energetic, containing hooks galore 7 with little filler, 'Challenges' deserves to break Farewell Fighter big time. Recommended Tracks: Golden, The Bend, Growing Pains & Where I Belong. | | 12 |  | Los Campesinos!
No Blues
With their 5th LP in 6 years, prolific Welsh indie pop-rockers Los Campesinos! deliver their best album yet in 'No Blues'. Maturing in all the right ways, this is the now sextet's most focused - & consistent - release to date. The wry, witty lyrics return better than ever, as do the lively melodies which brilliantly coalesce with the often dark subject matter. Apart from the ever-improving vocals, the prevailing upgrade here comes in the form of the expansive sonic textures. So much so, that Arcade Fire is now more of a comparison than any underdog British band! Recommended Tracks: What Death Leaves Behind, Avocado Baby, Cemetery Gaits & For Flotsam. | | 13 |  | Biffy Clyro
Opposites
Scottish rockers Biffy Clyro go large on their Garth Richardson produced 6th LP 'Opposites'. A conceptual double album filled with anthemic sing-alongs, this release is flawed but ultimately satisfying. Simon Neil's brogue & wacky lyrics return; riffs move from crunchy to angular; the rhythm section from funky to hard-hitting & there's many a twist thrown in. It's overlong at 78 minutes, but there's surprisingly little filler here. While their discography suggests they are capable of more technicality, this LP still proves that the trio are quirkier & more dynamic than their peers. Recommended Tracks: Sounds Like Balloons, Biblical, Stingin' Belle & Spanish Radio. | | 14 |  | Justin Timberlake
The 20/20 Experience
Almost 7 years after his previous release, Grammy award winning singer Justin Timberlake returns with his 3rd LP 'The 20/20 Experience'. Meticulously produced by Timbaland, JT himself & J-Roc, this audacious album can be broadly classified as neo-soul. The lyrics are predictable & the sprawling length (10 tracks at 70 minutes) recalls early 90s extended mixes, but it's hard not to be won over by the lavishness & charisma on show here. As modern as it is retro, as intimate as it is busy & as cohesive as it is varied, this admittedly flawed LP is undoubtedly captivating & ultimately rewarding. Recommended Tracks: Mirrors, Tunnel Vision, Don't Hold the Wall & That Girl. | | 15 |  | I The Mighty
Satori
Unwilling to stagnate, San Franciscan quartet I The Mighty add some post-hardcore to their already interesting mix of alternative & progressive rock on 2nd LP 'Satori'. Again looking to find that difficult balance of accessibility & technicality, the musicianship & production here is accomplished, with Blake Dahlinger's explosive drumming deserving of special praise. Meanwhile, out front, engaging lyrics serve to emphasize Brent Walsh's versatile vocal range. At 13 tracks & 51 minutes, it's a tad overlong & could do with a home run hit, but otherwise this consistent LP is quite the achievement. Recommended Tracks: Failures, Between the Lines, Four Letter Words & Ivy. | | 16 |  | Black Veil Brides
Wretched And Divine: The Story Of The Wild Ones
The ever-divisive Black Veil Brides get ambitious with a concept album on their John Feldmann produced 3rd LP 'Wretched And Divine: The Story Of The Wild Ones'. The flamboyant & bombastic quintet surge ever closer to mainstream hard-rock here, with one huge anthemic sing-along after another. The predictable narrative keeps the band focused & naturally adds a symphonic element, even if Wil Francis' 'F.E.A.R Transmission' interludes are very cheesy. It's cliched, 1-2 tracks overlong & not quite 'The Black Parade', but BVB know their target audience & deliver a fun & gratifying release. Recommended Tracks: I Am Bulletproof, New Year's Day, In the End & We Don't Belong. | | 17 |  | Bastille
Bad Blood
Fusing pop, indie & electro, English quartet Bastille impress on their debut LP 'Bad Blood'. There is an understated diversity to many of these tracks, with the musical intricacies - both programmed & organic - shining amongst the hooky choruses. Fantastic percussion & rhythms add an uplifting vibe, despite the often dark tone of the simple - yet incisive - lyrics. Effectively backed by choral harmonies, lead singer Dan Smith not only has a way with words, but distinctively restrained vocals which enthrall. Accessible & grand, yet somehow intimate, more pop music should be like this! Recommended Tracks: Pompeii, Laura Palmer, Flaws & Things We Lost in the Fire. | | 18 |  | Foals
Holy Fire
Logically refining the style which made predecessor 'Total Life Forever' an album of 2010 contender, English indie-rockers Foals continue to mature on 3rd LP 'Holy Fire'. From the surprisingly effective aggression of 'Inhaler' to the catchiness of 'My Number', this may be the quintet's most diverse - yet cohesive - set of songs. Occasionally funky, regularly poppy, often tense & almost always satisfyingly rhythmic, 'Holy Fire' is meticulously crafted & expansive in scope. So while it doesn't top 'TLF' (not everything works & it's rather front-loaded), it comes mighty close. Recommended Tracks: Inhaler, My Number, Bad Habit & Late Night. | | 19 | | Stone Sour
House of Gold & Bones Part 2
As promised, Iowan alt-metal outfit Stone Sour return to complete the 2nd half of their ambitious double concept album 'House of Gold and Bones'. Effectively recycling some snippets from 'Part 1', the entire band continue to evolve; adding a foreboding atmosphere on top of their ever-growing versatility. Melodic & hard-hitting, the balance between accessibility & aggression here is masterfully achieved. Nothing is as good as 'Absolute Zero' & it might not be as immediate as its predecessor, but 'Part 2' retains more interest to the very end, ultimately making it the superior LP. Recommended Tracks: The House of Gold & Bones, Sadist, Stalemate & The Conflagration. | | 20 |  | Mallory Knox
Signals
Following in the footsteps of Young Guns, We Are the Ocean & Deaf Havana, English rockers Mallory Knox put their hands up for Lostprophets' crown on their debut LP 'Signals'. As with the aforementioned bands, this quintet don't exactly innovate, but provide satisfyingly catchy sing-along anthems on a consistent basis. Infusing their brand of accessible melodic rock with a tinge of energetic post-hardcore, each member contributes passionate vocals to the mix, resulting in an interesting & diverse dynamic. At the very least, there is a lot to work with moving forward for this promising young band. Recommended Tracks: Wake Up, Lighthouse, Signals & 1949. | | 21 |  | The Story So Far
What You Don't See
On their ultra-consistent 2nd LP 'What You Don't See', California's The Story So Far don't deviate too much from the formula which made their debut such a hit. Every track is a short, passionate & relentlessy energetic tune containing fantastic drumming, dual guitars & a shout-along chorus. The refined production - courtesy of New Found Glory's Steve Klein - effectively highlights the quintet's musical intricacies & hooky vocal melodies. So while they keep within their comfort zone over these 30 minutes, The Story So Far take another step towards the top of the pop-punk pack. Recommended Tracks: Small Talk, The Glass, Right Here & Playing the Victim. | | 22 |  | Vampire Weekend
Modern Vampires of the City
Predominantly forgoing their globetrotting influences, NYC indie-rockers Vampire Weekend find their natural sound on 3rd LP 'Modern Vampires of the City'. Despite a jarring opener, this is easily their most cohesive & consistent record, with the band getting the balance of old & new just right. Furthermore, the way in which the quartet deftly juxtapose quirky & vibrant melodies with thoughtful lyrics concerning serious subject matter is expertly handled. Pianos, organs, harpsichords & strings are all used well on this elegant LP which suggests that Vampire Weekend are anything but a flash in the pan. Recommended Tracks: Step, Unbelievers, Finger Back & Don't Lie. | | 23 |  | The 1975
The 1975
Following 4 EPs, the wait for the self-titled debut LP of hyped English quartet The 1975 was well worth it. Displaying a wide array of influences, the album is synth-heavy, but has plenty of funky guitar. The atmospherics of many EP tracks have been dialed down here in favor of massive pop hooks that produce some of the catchiest singles of the year. Mike Crossey's slick production & Matthew Healy's distinctive vocals will prove divisive, while the LP does get a little repetitive over its 51 minutes. Ultimately, however, this is a dazzling & surprisingly cohesive debut that bodes well for the future. Recommended Tracks: The City, Chocolate, Sex & Girls. | | 24 |  | Cinema Sleep
Truth For The Seeker
Following the excellent 'Make Your Way' EP, Ohio rockers Cinema Sleep return a year later with their debut LP 'Truth For The Seeker'. Looking to create something distinctive within well-worn genres, the quintet's sound takes in post-hardcore, alt-metal & radio-rock. Passionate vocalist Brady Reis has a diverse range, and while there are still some awkward transitions, the musicianship is impressive - especially the propulsive drumming & melodic guitar leads. 1 or 2 tracks fall a little short, but ultimately this is an exciting debut LP from a talented band. Recommended Tracks: Judging Glances, Inside My Hands, Empty Words & Collapse. | | 25 |  | Janelle Monae
The Electric Lady
Comprising the 4th & 5th suites of her audacious 7 part conceptual series, 'The Electric Lady' is another dazzling display of talent from Janelle Monae. While more focused than its predecessor, this album still genre hops between soul, r&b, funk, pop & hip-hop. Recalling Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson & Prince, the latter is even included as one of a number of value-adding guest vocal spots. There's a few too many ballads & it's over-long at 67 minutes, but Monae is as creative & versatile as ever here, with the attention to detail very high. Hell, even the skits are worth a listen! Recommended Tracks: Ghetto Woman, Electric Lady, Q.U.E.E.N. & Dorothy Dandridge Eyes. | | 26 |  | My Chemical Romance
Conventional Weapons
Initially released as 5 separate 2 track EPs, 'Conventional Weapons' compiles all 10 songs into what is essentially My Chemical Romance's 5th (even if it was recorded before their 4th) studio LP. Surprisingly cohesive considering those circumstances, this so-called scrapped album was far too good not to see the light of day. Containing the energy of 'Three Cheers...', dramatics of 'The Black Parade' & fun of 'Danger Days...', this is an intriguing listen which fans will undoubtedly enjoy. And yes, the scrapped LP is better than the officially released one! Recommended Tracks: Boy Division, The World Is Ugly, The Light Behind Your Eyes & Ambulance. | | 27 |  | Arcane Roots
Blood & Chemistry
Following raw mini-album 'Left Fire', progressive Brits Arcane Roots return with debut LP 'Blood & Chemistry'. Polishing up their alt-rock/post-hardcore sound, the trio lose none of their raucousness, nor any of their tempo-switching dynamics. Andrew Groves' versatile vocals continue to improve, while some atmosphere is added musically to make this a real grower. Their ambition does get the better of them, with many tunes containing too many ideas & 58 minutes being overlong, but if Arcane Roots can hone their pop sensibilities, then they could equal the success of Biffy Clyro & Muse one day! Recommended Tracks: Belief, Triptych, You Keep Me Here & Sacred Shapes. | | 28 |  | Arctic Monkeys
AM
Prolific indie-rockers Arctic Monkeys evolve naturally & return to somewhere near their best on their James Ford produced 5th LP 'AM'. As instrumentally tight as ever, the English quartet place more reliance on rhythms, although some terrific riffs still exist. Witty, compelling & rather seductive, Alex Turner's vocals sound assured, the usual lyrical nuggets are abundant & harmonies are enhanced by falsetto backing vocals. The enhanced diversity does have a flip-side & there are some track ordering issues, but 'AM' is ultimately a satisfying combination of old & new. Recommended Tracks: Do I Wanna Know?, R U Mine?, Snap Out of It & Why'd You Only Call Me When You're High? | | 29 |  | Super Water Sympathy
Hydrogen Child
Self-labeled as "water pop", female-led pop-rock act Super Water Sympathy impress on their 2nd LP 'Hydrogen Child'. Delivering quirkiness, power & range, lead vocalist Ansley Hughes gives the Louisianan quintet a true point of difference. With proficiently textured & diverse musicianship, as well as beguiling, image-rich lyrics, the group's sound is accessible, yet far from cookie-cutter; and familiar, yet difficult to pinpoint comparisons. It ultimately casts Super Water Sympathy as a rare beast: a unique, creative & consistent band with genuine pop smarts & mainstream potential. Recommended Tracks: Uh Oh!, Pipe Dream, Avalon & Sunday School Dress. | | 30 |  | Lorde
Pure Heroine
While listening to Lorde's debut LP 'Pure Heroine', it's almost impossible to ignore that New Zealand singer/songwriter Ella Yelich-O'Connor is just 16 years of age. Co-writing all 10 tracks with producer Joel Little, the young kiwi matches her alluring voice with a sparse & restrained style of pop. The barometer will be her lyrics, which are a teenager's satirical thoughts on pop culture. While surprisngly cohesive, not every tune here is memorable, but the highlights are superb... And that's enough to make 'Pure Heroine' a very exciting debut from a talent that should be around for quite a while yet. Recommended Tracks: Tennis Court, Royals, Team & A World Alone. | | 31 |  | Deaf Havana
Old Souls
Having already made a significant stylistic change from albums 1 to 2, English rockers Deaf Havana do so again on 3rd LP 'Old Souls'. Now a sextet, an Americana style often shines through, with Springsteen & Gaslight Anthem influences apparent. A wide array of instrumentation brings greater diversity, although it is still front-man James Veck-Gilodi who stands out; both with his enthralling vocals & emotionally honest lyrics. The change of direction is initially jarring & it may lack a home run hit, but the song-writing on this admirably ambitious LP is simply too exceptional too ignore. Recommended Tracks: Everybody's Dancing..., Speeding Cars, Boston Square & Caro Padre. | | 32 |  | Arcade Fire
Reflektor
There's no quelling Arcade Fire's ambition, with the Grammy award winners' 4th LP 'Reflektor' aiming higher than ever. Co-produced with James Murphy & Markus Dravs, this sprawling 76 minute double album continues the sextet's evolution & is packed with intriguing diversity. More danceable than prior releases, the insistent rhythms & melodies re-appear, but are more complex than usual. It's grand, lush sound sees it reach many heights, yet it's ultimately front-loaded & over-long, with the more solemn & experimental 2nd disc being hit & miss. Their worst LP is still captivating! Recommended Tracks: Reflektor, Normal Person, Here Comes the Night Time & You Already Know. | | 33 |  | We Still Dream
Something to Smile About
Under-rated pop-punk act We Still Dream take an admirable step forward on their catchy & consistent 2nd LP 'Something to Smile About'. Overcoming predictable nostalgic themes by adding satisfying twists, the quintet utilize a proficient use of dual, backing & gang vocals. Extremely comfortable - & more suited - to performing short, sharp & heavy tunes, the Jacksonville band bravely integrate a more pronounced alt-rock aesthetic on the album's 2nd half. It is this willingness to mature, without sacrificing what got them to the big dance in the 1st place, which makes this LP a resounding success. Recommended Tracks: So Much Worse, Dissipate, Back To Then & Tendencies. | | 34 |  | The Dangerous Summer
Golden Record
Despite a couple of line-up changes, Maryland natives The Dangerous Summer don't stray too far from their trademark sound on 3rd LP 'Golden Record'. If anything, this album is a little darker & less immediate than its predecessors, with AJ Perdomo's distinctively passionate rasp being more emotional & aggressive than ever. Another consistent release, lack of diversity is unfortunately once more an issue, with the quartet too unwilling to go outside of their comfort zone. Thankfully, Perdomo's always relatable lyrics do return, which still makes 'Golden Record' a captivating listen. Recommended Tracks: Miles Apart, Knives, Honesty & Drowning. | | 35 |  | City and Colour
The Hurry And The Harm
Under the City and Colour moniker, Canadian singer-songwriter Dallas Green just keeps on keeping on with 'The Hurry and the Harm'. While continuing with a full band sound, Green pulls it back a little here, allowing his dreamy, majestic voice to take center stage. There are some lovely melodies on this consistent album, but it's the interesting lyrics evident within the vividly involving storytelling that is its true strength. A touch overlong at 51 minutes, a case could be made that this is the worst of the act's 4 LPs, but that's not all that denigrating an argument! Recommended Tracks: The Lonely Life, The Hurry and the Harm, The Golden State & Commentators. | | 36 |  | Dead Letter Circus
The Catalyst Fire
Following a couple of line-up changes, Australian alt-rockers Dead Letter Circus refine - rather than reinvent - their atmospheric sound on 2nd LP 'The Catalyst Fire'. With textured electronic flourishes being much subtler this time around, this is a progressive - yet accessible - album which has been slickly produced. The soaring vocal melodies of Kim Benzie once more captivate, as does Luke Williams' thumping drums. It may not reach the individual heights of its predecessor, but 'The Catalyst Fire' is another satisfying grower that should contain something for everyone. Recommended Tracks: Alone Awake, The Cure, Insider & Lodestar. | | 37 |  | Mayday Parade
Monsters In The Closet
Floridian rockers Mayday Parade settle into a comfortable sweet spot on their 4th LP 'Monsters In The Closet'. Simply refining the dramatic style which the quintet showcased on their self-titled predecessor, this consistent & cohesive album could sound a little too familiar for some. The gimmicks are actually pared down here, yet it remains likeable & engaging for the most part, with the emotionally vulnerable vocals of Derek Sanders being nicely backed up by dual vocal spots & many catchy sing-alongs. And boy, do Mayday Parade know their way around a lovelorn ballad. Recommended Tracks: Angels, The Torment of Existence..., Even Robots Need Blankets & Ghosts. | | 38 |  | The Darien Venture
A Kite, A Key and A Storm
They may not be prolific, but Scottish rockers The Darien Venture continue to improve on their 3rd release 'A Kite, A Key and A Storm'. Delivering more tempo-switching math-rock, the angular dual guitar work is once more a strength on this 7 track, 26 minute release. Pleasingly, the quartet strike a balance between their raw past work & a new streamlined approach which does away with filler. The biggest upgrade comes with the vocals, as all 4 members provide surprisingly memorable harmonies & backing chants on an album which deserves to see The Darien Venture receive more exposure. Recommended Tracks: Ho! Criminal Face, 1.21 Gigawatts, Bones & Catapult. | | 39 |  | Miles Kane
Don't Forget Who You Are
Liverpudlian Miles Kane aims his retro 60s influences more towards rock than pop on his 2nd LP 'Don't Forget Who You Are'. Urgently produced by Ian Broudie, this lean & very consistent 33 minutes worth almost sounds like a live recording, with its relentless intensity shining through the often familiar material. It's simplistic & fairly derivative stuff which also has its fair share of lazy lyrics, but with next to no filler & a likable energy evident throughout, 'Don?t Forget Who You Are' is a genuinely fun experience. Recommended Tracks: Give Up, Taking Over, Darkness In Our Hearts & Don't Forget Who You Are. | | 40 |  | Off With Their Heads
Home
Hard-working punk rockers Off With Their Heads succeed again on their 3rd LP 'Home'. Having perfected their balance of melody & aggression, the reliable quartet look to grow, with Bill Stevenson's production seeing them take a sonic step up. The song-writing also shows greater diversity, with a few mid-tempo numbers allowing the passionately raspy Ryan Young some room for versatility. All of the bands strengths return; blazing guitars, tight rhythm section, self-deprecating lyrics & shout-along refrains. Basically, it's another excellent 30 minutes of gimmick-free punk. Recommended Tracks: Nightlife, Shirts, Janie & Take Me Out. | |
DaveyBoy
01.24.14 | Finally! And almost got 40/40 with the artwork. It's all Corey Taylor's fault. | PunchforPunch
01.24.14 | any bands that sounds like the jezabels davey? | DaveyBoy
01.24.14 | Not really, but are there any bands that sound like The Jezabels full stop? The Joy Formidable kind of do, but they didn't make this list as I rated their 2013 LP a 3.6.
And no, I have yet to hear their newie, which gets released in Oz next week. | mryrtmrnfoxxxy
01.24.14 | 34 rules pos | ShitsofRain
01.24.14 | sexy list davey | DaveyBoy
01.24.14 | It's sexy only because of the artwork, right? Nothing to do with those crap albums I've put on there. | AmericanFlagAsh
01.24.14 | I'm glad somebody gives Local Natives some love on here | DaveyBoy
01.24.14 | Awesome band. Actually, 'Hummingbird' was unlucky to only just miss out on the Staff Top 50. | RadicalEd
01.24.14 | 16 omg. Otherwise great list. | ShitsofRain
01.24.14 | check out kathleen mae's debut from this year | mryrtmrnfoxxxy
01.24.14 | o yea agreed with shits | ShitsofRain
01.24.14 | i'm sure he digs it | DaveyBoy
01.24.14 | Never heard of her, but it's now on the list of 2014 albums to listen to. | ShitsofRain
01.24.14 | but before that you should listen to strawberry girls' french ghetto | DaveyBoy
01.24.14 | I saw that LP make a few 2013 lists elsewhere, but didn't know about it until after the fact. | ShitsofRain
01.24.14 | and PVRIS' EP | ShitsofRain
01.24.14 | jom will there be a users ep list? | DaveyBoy
01.24.14 | Thanks Jom. Let no-one ever tell us that we are both not interesting. | dmp3131
01.24.14 | Great list! Of what Ive listened to on this list i love them | DaveyBoy
01.24.14 | I've entered Bizarro World... Way too much positive feedback thus far. | Crawl
01.24.14 | things just have to change | Gyromania
01.24.14 | good stuff, davey. how'v you been? | Kalopsia
01.24.14 | awesome list as usual Davey. i'm excited to listen to the albums on here i haven't heard yet (except for Stone Sour, I fuggin hate that band) | DominionMM1
01.24.14 | rip british bulldog | BigPleb
01.24.14 | Mostly bad albums, must be a Davey list! | NightProwler
01.24.14 | Some pretty sweet albums on here that I have on my own list, but also many surprises. But indeed, a Davey list | theacademy
01.24.14 | bless your soul sweet child. have a feature | Cygnatti
01.24.14 | Jam strawberry ghetto pls | silentstar
01.24.14 | definitely checking out some albums from this list
I just gave 38 a listen and it's real good | silentstar
01.24.14 | Local Natives sound awesome too, sweet | Yuli
01.24.14 | happy feature, man! Agree about Holy Fire. | theacademy
01.24.14 | wow it took a while for my feature to go through | klap
01.24.14 | i feel like you're getting more and more indie this...pleases me | mryrtmrnfoxxxy
01.24.14 | check out okkervil river - the silver gymnasium davey | AtomicWaste
01.24.14 | Good to see you were into 38! One of the year's better releases in my book.
Too bad it seems like they broke up. | greg84
01.24.14 | I dig Janelle, Alter Bridge and Los Camp out of these. Great write-ups. | Snake.
01.24.14 | Cheers for putting 10 on this. | DaveyBoy
01.24.14 | Good thanks gyro. Busy, busy, busy. But got a bit of time now, so may crank out a few reviews (& this list).
Kalopsia, since the artwork didn't work, I think I might drop Stone Sour down a few spots. ;-)
Typical Pleb. One day we will see eye to eye and the world will explode.
Night Prowler, I think we need a separate section of this site, headed "Davey Lists". It wouldn't just be lists by me, but would have to have some "interesting" selections. | DaveyBoy
01.24.14 | Cyg, I prefer Raspberry penthouses.
Good to hear SilentStar. If you liked #38, then also check out #27, if you have yet to... & also #15.
Slowly Rudy... But it's usually the poppier indie.
Don't think they're for me foxxxxxxxxxxy. See above comment.
AW, sad to hear they broke up. Even worse, my #1 broke up. I probably cursed them.
Thanks Greg. Have a look at those 3 acts you mention. Aren't you getting diverse!
No probs Squaids. It seems the main lists they are on are mine & Metacritic. LOL. | NordicMindset
01.24.14 | ew 16
| dmp3131
01.24.14 | I need to get off my lazy ass and actually listen to all of the ones I haven't listened to. Especially 1 and 17. | tommygun
01.24.14 | davey lives! | NordicMindset
01.24.14 | Nice to see some love for 9,13,17,20,35 | greg84
01.24.14 | Haha. I've always been diverse. | DaveyBoy
01.24.14 | GLM, I can see our taste in music crossing over frequently with those LPs you listed. But there will always be our #16s. Haha.
I live Tommy, I live. Was just hibernating. The hot weather woke me up.
BTW Greg, Future of the Left just missed out this year. | greg84
01.24.14 | I'm a sucker for FotL. I just love them... even though objectively QotSA released the best album last year. | NordicMindset
01.24.14 | Davey, Yellowcard and Anberlin.
That's all I have to say | Snake.
01.24.14 | Because they definitely released albums this year. | NordicMindset
01.24.14 | no Squaids I was responding to his "I can see our taste in music crossing over frequently with those LPs you listed." comment | Myrkur
01.24.14 | Terrible list | DaveyBoy
01.24.14 | Yes GLM. You would have liked my list last year.
Thanks Myrkur. That's more like it. | Fugue
01.25.14 | the fuq is this? | DaveyBoy
01.25.14 | "the fuq is this?"
The same reaction I have when I look at the English Premier League standings. | Fugue
01.25.14 | No qotsa ain't worth my time | Fugue
01.25.14 | Nice list very midtable | DaveyBoy
01.25.14 | To Greg & Rosco, I did listen tot he QOTSA album, but I find them easier to admire than enjoy.
Mid-table is where it's never boring. | impoppy
01.25.14 | You know #1 broke up right? | DaveyBoy
01.25.14 | Yeah. Damn shame too. The blurb was written months ago. | Itwasthatwas
01.25.14 | Cool list, I'm going to check a few of these out. I just don't get #2 though, it does nothing for me | GreyShadow
01.25.14 | Glad you enjoyed 6, I feel like that hasn't been getting much praise lol. I still think it wasn't as good as their debut though. | DaveyBoy
01.25.14 | Thanks IWTW. Really, I loved it. It's very rare that albums like that are as consistent, accessible & melodic as they are, which is the main reason why it appeals to me.
Yeah Shadow, I think it may be cool not to like HLH or something. But I definitely disagree about their 2 LPs matched up against each other. I think this is a significant step up. | GreyShadow
01.25.14 | I can agree that it was a step up, but I think my favorites on Ground Dweller outweigh my favorites on this LP | DaveyBoy
01.25.14 | Fair call. They can sometimes be 2 separate things. | itsalltherage
01.25.14 | 10 & 21 = m/ | DaveyBoy
01.26.14 | And don't forget 16. ;-) | Fugue
01.26.14 | So my brother listens to Captain, We're Sinking a fair bit. Guess I should have a look. Pretty sure you rec'd it me not long ago anyway... | anarchistfish
01.26.14 | hooray for 8, 17 and 27 | DaveyBoy
01.26.14 | Your bro must be into music more than you Rosco. It's not as if they're a well-known band.
fishy sharing the pop with me. Someone has to. | Fugue
01.26.14 | It may have been another band... but I don't think so. I guess he has his sources. Album seems pretty tight. | DaveyBoy
01.26.14 | Yeah, it's a good 'un. | wanderlust
01.26.14 | 35 & 16 is terrible. Lots of mainstream stuff here lol. 3/5 | DaveyBoy
01.26.14 | The 1st & last time Dallas Green will ever be lumped with Black Veil Brides.
That's me; Mainstream Davey. | johnnyblaze
01.27.14 | yay for 12. album needs more love. | DaveyBoy
01.27.14 | Probably the album that surprised me the most Johnny. I mean, LosCamp have always been good to one degree or another, but I just felt they had a ceiling. This album was above the ceiling. | johnnyblaze
01.27.14 | I really didn't know what to expect after Hello Sadness, but like you said - the album is ridiculously consistent. I've been playing it way too often and its only grown on me. glad to see it get some recognition. | DaveyBoy
01.27.14 | I may have even passed on listening to it had John Hanson not reviewed it. So kudos to him for that. BUT too bad he didn't turn up to vote for it in the Staff year-end list, coz it might have snuck into the Top 50 had he done so. | Metalstyles
01.27.14 | I'll be stalking you hard this year so I could find that one album that we could both rave over.
I have #7 sitting around somewhere so if I turn out liking it I'll let you know as fast as I can. | DaveyBoy
01.27.14 | Jom & I will be eagerly awaiting your thoughts Magnus.
And you better have a bloody long telescope to be stalking me considering where we both are in the world! Haha. | mryrtmrnfoxxxy
01.27.14 | 'Don't think they're for me foxxxxxxxxxxy. See above comment.'
silver gymnasium is for you i promise | Metalstyles
01.27.14 | Three words: surveillance from space | unaMUSEd
01.27.14 | 16 wot da fuq.
| wanderlust
01.27.14 | Holy shit #1 is awesome. Totally digging the vibe. | DaveyBoy
01.28.14 | Alright foxxxy, I'll give it a go... But don't go making broken promises.
Don't be silly Magnus, technology is for the future. The next thing you'll be telling me is that we'll be wearing glasses with in-built computers.
Still not enough "wot da fuq's" about 16.
Great to hear wanderlust. I can still pop that album on at any time & just rock away. | Metalstyles
01.28.14 | Plan B is to move to Australia for a year. I'm taking an academic break anyway so you never know, an unknown pasty white guy might just suddently appear in your neighborhood. | DaveyBoy
01.28.14 | Speaking of, another weather update for you all. It's a scorching 39C in Melbourne today. That's 102F for you stubborn people. Off you go to New Zealand Magnus. | Rowan5215
01.28.14 | straya!
God I'm glad I don't live in Melbourne | Metalstyles
01.28.14 | Tbh Davey, New Zealand has always been more alluring to me than Australia, so I'm ok with that proposal ;) | FadedSun
01.28.14 | Checking Captain, We're Sinking, because it seems they're from Boston and I have to see what my city is pumping out.
Turns out they're not. I don't know why Boston is tagged on their Bandcamp. Oh well. This is sounding really good
regardless. | DaveyBoy
01.28.14 | "straya" can only be used on Australia day Rowan.
So you like the sheep Magnus?
FadedSun, I even wrote in the blurb that their Pennsylvanian. Oh well, look at it this way. Some Australians think the entire North-East of America is one big state. | Rowan5215
01.28.14 | I don't know about you, but I use straya every day. EVERY DAY | Metalstyles
01.28.14 | I want to go there in order to check out the nature, mostly, but I'm amicable to wild sheep accompanying me on my journeys. Also, calling it a day for today. Damn the time difference! | unaMUSEd
01.28.14 | Seriously though, 16 isn't that bad. It's a 2.5 or so but 16th best album of the year? List needs Chvrches. | mryrtmrnfoxxxy
01.28.14 | Ty let me kno what ya think | DaveyBoy
01.28.14 | Chvrches only just missed this list. 'Recover' is one of my favourite songs for the year. | NorwichScene
01.28.14 | Mallory Knox yay | DaveyBoy
01.28.14 | Kudos for letting me know about them NS. I'm really looking forward to what they give us in the future. | VheissuCrisis
01.28.14 | Enjoy a lot of these here, so I'll check out some others. | DaveyBoy
01.28.14 | The great - & surprising - thing is that we're almost at the end of January & I've yet to find a 2013 LP that I missed which should be here.
Of course, that might be because I'm intentionally avoiding contenders. | mryrtmrnfoxxxy
01.28.14 | okkervil river | silentstar
01.29.14 | yo Davey, you should try this band - they're called Owel and released their debut in 2013. I tried sifting through your ratings to see if you listen to Mae/Copeland/Lydia but it seems you don't - you do have a good ear for melody though, so it might turn out to be a fun listen
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iLsatUAAK8o | DaveyBoy
01.29.14 | These lists are always great for receiving recos. Thanks guys. | unaMUSEd
01.29.14 | If you haven't heard (e)vening by Mae you have not lived. | NordicMindset
01.29.14 | (M)orning? | unaMUSEd
01.29.14 | (e)vening is far superior, but (m)orning is pretty great as well. just avoid (a)fternoon. | DaveyBoy
01.29.14 | I recall being reco'd those Mae releases about 3 years ago by Knott & Co. It seems I have been ultra stubborn. They broke up, yeah? | unaMUSEd
01.29.14 | Yeah those were their last releases before they broke up around 2 years ago. | DaveyBoy
01.29.14 | Too many great bands breaking up lately. | silentstar
01.29.14 | They did perform a tour for Destination Beautiful last year though (it was the album's tenth anniversary). The vocalist also released a solo album under the moniker Schematic, which has some really good songs but some really dull songs as well. Had it been an EP (with tracks 6,7,10,11 and maybe one of 1-3-5), it would be nearly as good as Mae's stronger releases. | mryrtmrnfoxxxy
01.29.14 | let me know when you jam okkervil ill wait | DaveyBoy
01.30.14 | I hope you're a patient fox. | Acanthus
01.31.14 | Great list, even if they don't really strike my fancy (love the diversity from the other top-list fair). | mryrtmrnfoxxxy
01.31.14 | youre gonna feel so stupid for ever doubting me omg i cant wait | DaveyBoy
02.01.14 | Thanks Acanthus. Imagine if staff was full of Davey clones! | DaveyBoy
04.18.14 | Well, 4 months on, I think I've only discovered 2 albums that should have been on this list had I heard them earlier:
Life on Repeat - Blacklisted: Either #10 or 11
The Weeknd - Kiss Land: Either #22 or 23 | silentstar
04.18.14 | you have missed out on so many releases!!
for example, 1) Banks - London, 2) Everything Everything - Arc, 3) Haim - Days Are Gone, 4) Polyenso - One Big Particular Loop, 5) Republic of Wolves - No Matter How Narrow and many more | DaveyBoy
04.18.14 | Haim just missed this list. From memory, it was #43. I never got around to Everything Everything. The others I've hardly heard of. | silentstar
04.18.14 | are you sure it was not #44 ... ?
and gogogo! the reason I rec'd those is probably because you'd like them - Banks sounds a lot like a more accessible The Weeknd (especially his older, House of Balloons style), Everything Everything is indie-pop bliss, Polyenso has a Radiohead-vibe going and Republic of Wolves just sounds good, haha | DaveyBoy
04.19.14 | I thought The Weeknd's LP was criticised because it sounded like a more accessible The Weeknd. | silentstar
04.19.14 | really? I thought it had more to do with him watering-down the sound (which I see as different than accessible) | DaveyBoy
04.19.14 | Interesting discussion point. Never really thought about any difference. It's almost taken fro granted that if you water down a sound, style, etc... it's for accessibility reasons. | silentstar
04.19.14 | I personally see "accessible" as meaning something that takes a few listens to catch onto but since the spectrum of accessibility itself is large enough to not boil down to a certain type of song, accessible shouldn't lend itself to negative connotations (add on the fact that almost any genre can be accessible, while watered-down generally implies major pop sensibilities). I mean, I could look through my playlist right now and find tons of songs that I now consider accessible that I wouldn't have thought accessible a few years back.
on the other hand, "watered-down" would be the bottom-tier, as in, its primary goal is achieving commercial success/gaining a bigger audience. the thing is, you wouldn't pin down a popstar (and I'm talking about the real bad ones, not Taylor Swift obvs) for watered-down music since that is what they do but when someone like The Weeknd, who has shown that he can do much more, trivializes his music for the sake of popularity, it lends itself to the fact that it he screwed up (ie. there is justification for calling him out on it) | DaveyBoy
04.19.14 | "I personally see "accessible" as meaning something that takes a few listens to catch onto"
Definition: easy to approach, reach, enter, speak with, or use.
I don't see how "taking a few listens to catch onto" would fall into this definition.
I'll give you an example: Billy Talent. Catchy as all hell. But they take a few listens to catch onto. Personally, I don't think they are accessible though. Definitely not immediately so, that's for sure. | silentstar
04.19.14 | haha, sure
I used the term "few listens" to simply set up a maximum, as in, within 1-4 listens, it should make sense.
and that's interesting: while I wouldn't see Billy Talent as a band selling out arenas, I do think they are accessible on a certain level (especially their singles)
I'm curious: do you have a separate (personal) definition for accessible and watered-down? | DaveyBoy
04.19.14 | I've never really thought about it tbh. I'm sure they can be mutually exclusive (EG: From a Black Metal band), but I'm struggling to think of a more mainstream example.
And to just to clarify, something can obviously be accessible without being watered down. It's the other way around examples I'm trying to think of. Something which has been intentionally watered down NOT for the sake of accessibility. | silentstar
04.19.14 | well, let me know if you come around to finding one! I think I'd be really interested in understanding why an artist would bother doing that if not for the sake of accessibility, as you mentioned | DaveyBoy
04.19.14 | That was my point to begin with... I think. :-) | silentstar
04.19.14 | hahaha, you're right! I feel so bad now D:
I initially thought you were saying that the implications go both way, meaning that watered-down => accessible and accessible => watered-down | DaveyBoy
04.19.14 | Nah, definitely not. | Faraudo
04.19.14 | No love for Jon Hopkins? :( | DaveyBoy
04.19.14 | Didn't hear it. Down-tempo electronica isn't my thing. | Gavininseawater13
05.01.14 | Cut Copy's album was too fun not to be on this list | DaveyBoy
05.02.14 | Call me UnAustralian, but I unfortunately never got around to it. | Gavininseawater13
05.14.14 | You're unaustralian |
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