Year-End Critics' Polls 2013

oh yeah, loved the tale of us ones too - both "another earth" and their mano le tough remix

galcher lustwerk was boring though and "hackney parrot" was so dry

my lists: http://alexmacpherson.tumblr.com/post/70898726825/end-of-year-lists-2013

Love that remix of its only but had no idea it was a big track this year

Craig Hayes' Top 10 in Last Rites:
http://lastrit.es/articles/665/craig-hayess-top-10-of-2013

More albums:
http://www.popmatters.com/column/176883-ragnaroek-2013-gloomy-awards//

Full list:

1. Oranssi Pazuzu—Valonielu
2. Locrian—Return To Annihilation
3. Agrimonia—Rites Of Separation
4. Aosoth—IV: Arrow In Heart
5. Thrall – Aokigahara Jukai
6. Lycus – Tempest
7. Beyond – Fatal Power of Death
8. Ulcerate – Vermis
9. Tribulation – The Formulas of Death
10. Lake of Blood – Omnipotens Tyrannus
11. Sacriphyx – The Western Front
12. Inquisition – Obscure Verses for the Multiverse
13. Bolzer— Aura
14. Church of Misery – Thy Kingdom Scum
15. Sub Rosa – More Constant Than The Gods
16. Merkstave - Merkstave
17. Grave Miasma – Odori Sepulcrorum
18. Darkthrone— Underground Reistence
19. Power Trip – Manifest Decimation
20. Atlantean Kodex- The White Goddess
21. Lantern – Below
22. Altar of Plagues – Teethed Glory and Injury
23. Rotting Christ – Katá ton Daímona Eaf̱toú
24. VHÖL - VHÖL
25. In Solitude – Sister
26. Fell Voices – Regnum Saturni
27. Clutch – Earth Rocker
28. Enforcer – Death by Fire
29. Hessian – Manégarmr
30. Sinistrous Diabolus – Total Doom//Desecration
31. Magister Templi – Lucifer Leviathan Logos
32. Seidr – Ginnungagap
33. Shooting Guns – Brotherhood of the Ram
34. Earthless – From the Ages
35. Nails – Abandon all life
36. Beastwars – Blood Becomes Fire
37. Bone Sickness – Alone in the Grave
38. Magic Circle – Magic Circle
39. Shallow Grave – Shallow Grave
40. Dressed in Streams – Dressed in Streams
41. Cult of Fire – Ascetic Meditation of Death
42. Torture Chain – Mutilating Astral Entities
43. Ramlord – Crippled Minds, Sundered Wisdom
44. True Widow – Circumambulation
45. Jucifer - За Волгой для нас земли нет

http://www.metacritic.com/feature/best-albums-of-2013

Deafheaven has the best-reviewed major album of 2013While Kanye West's Yeezus 84 has been dominating critics' year-end top 10 lists, a slightly more under the radar release has quietly maintained its lead as 2013's highest-scoring album, where it has stood since midyear. And with that stellar 92 score, Sunbather—the second LP from San Francisco's Deafheaven—is now officially our best-reviewed album of the year.

It's the first time a metal album has occupied the #1 slot in our year-end rankings. In fact, out of albums with 15 more more reviews (excluding EPs and reissues), Sunbather is now the 7th-highest scoring album in our database, which includes releases dating back to 1999.

Pretty cool.

The Lowest-Scoring Albums of 2013 (Min. 7 Reviews) Album Label Metascore Users
1 Super Collider by Megadeth UMD
2 What The... by Black Flag SST
3 Authentic by LL Cool J 429 Records
4 In a Perfect World by Kodaline RCA
5 I Love You by The Neighbourhood Columbia
6 Moon Landing by James Blunt Atlantic
7 Borrell 1 by Johnny Borrell Universal
8 #willpower by will.i.am Interscope
9 Hotel California by Tyga Republic
10 What About Now by Bon Jovi Island

A worthy winner here too lol

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SyQz4cAF4iE&list=UUt7fwAhXDy3oNFTAzF2o8Pw

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yYEZK6_MlDw&list=UUt7fwAhXDy3oNFTAzF2o8Pw

Some interesting choices by Fontano.

that guy rly annoys me for some reason

lol list trolls

"No Chance the Rapper, Disclosure, or Danny Brown is a bit surprising. And Miley Cyrus, what's that about?? Maybe had a couple good singles, but top 10 album of the year? No way. Seen way better lists."

Tom Keifer from Cinderella just posted this on facebook. So maybe something from his solo album (which I like) is on here somewhere. (I quit looking after the first few songs.)

http://hardrockdaddy.wordpress.com/2013/12/23/top-52-hard-rock-songs-of-2013/

Well, that had songs I liked by Black Veil Brides and Within Temptation, at least.

http://www.mtviggy.com/lists/tina-2013-10-burners-from-new-afropops-magic-year/

"Pata Pata," "Khona" and more African dance pop

my lists: http://alexmacpherson.tumblr.com/post/70898726825/end-of-year-lists-2013

― lex pretend, Monday, December 23, 2013 6:09 PM (Yesterday) Bookmark Flag Post Permalink

Thanks for this. Benn listening to your YouTube playlist for the last 2 hours :)

*Been*

http://zakhor-online.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/Gottfried-Benn3.gif

was it's only (DJ koze remix) on a mix this year? really familiar w/it but doesn't seem to be on spotify, which is where I do all my listening

it's on spotify - http://open.spotify.com/track/0X4zAiCYr2TaiGg8htsqf5

http://www.afropop.org/wp/16106/banning-eyres-top-ten-for-2013/

Lala Njava, Malagasy Blues Song (Riverboad Records): Mesmerizing songs from a deep-voiced siren of Madagascar. It’s a spectacular voice—craggy, earthy and real—mostly backed by acoustic guitar and light percussion. Despite the overworked “blues” reference in the title, this is a great album.

The Creole Choir of Cuba, Santiman (RealWorld): Christian vocal music, Haitian folk songs, and deep voudou ceremony come together in this gorgeous choral set, much advanced since the group’s 2010 debut. Tasteful instrumental backing lifts these tracks, but fabulous, passionate voices are the show.

Houria Aicha, Renyate (Accords Croises): This grand dame of Algerian song makes a “journey into heritage” here, interpreting the work of 10 female singers of Algeria’s past. Her sources are not well known, but her refined, soulful renditions of women’s popular song and folklore dignifies their memory, and makes for one of the most satisfying discs I’ve heard out of North Africa this year.

The Pedrito Martinez Group, The Pedrito Martinez Group (Motema): Cuban music doesn’t get any hotter than this. The group is small—just four—but the sound is enormous! Singer and percussion genius Pedrito has been a beloved secret for New Yorker music mavens for yearss. Now, the world can share in this expansive set of songs ranging from Santeria roots to a Robert Johnson cover.

Mamadou Kelly, Adibar (Clermont Music): Of all this year’s great releases from the north of Mali and neighboring Niger, this is my favorite. Song after song, singer/guitarist Kelly’s group seduces with crisp grooves, brilliant playing and arranging, and a vibe that just won’t let go.

Bombino, Nomad (Nonesuch): The Tuareg singer/guitarist from Agadez, Niger, gets a stylish, but restrained, makeover from Grammy-winning guitarist/producer of the Black Keys, Dan Aurbach. Robust guitar sounds and tasteful additions, like pedal steel guitar, enhance rather than compromise Bombino’s rootsy folk-rock appeal.

Tal National, Kaani (FatCat Records): Not a new band, but a discovery for many of us this year, Tal National are a multi-ethnic electric guitar boogie band from Niamey, Niger, led by a local judge! What animates these tracks is the polish and drive that comes only from playing long gigs before adoring dance audiences five nights a week. Too rare these days!

Bassekou Kouyate & Ngoni Ba, Jama Ko (out here records): Ngoni pioneer Basssekou Kouyate’s third album was recorded amid the troubles in Mali in 2012, and the musicians’ love and hope for their nation comes through on every track. Not a lot of new ground here, but powerhouse acoustic grooves, joyous riffing by a team of ngoni aces, some choice guest spots, and the sublime voice of Ami Sacko are quite enough.

Rokia Traore, Beautiful Africa (Nonesuch): Too much Mali, I know. But there’s no way to ignore new work by one of this hyper-musical nation’s most innovative singer/songwriters. Finding new colors in her voice, new themes, even humor, in her songs, and continuing her fascination with classic guitar sounds, Rokia has taken 5 years to make this album, and the care and attention to detail show. Like Bombino, she is working with a rock producer (John Parish), and like Bassekou, she made this record amid the 2012 crisis in Mali. For all that, it’s 100% Rokia, and brilliant.

Kobo Town, Jumbie in the Box (Stonetree Records/Cumbancha): This disc is guaranteed to put a smile on your face. Though based in Toronto and multi-national, this group delivers the classic sound of Trinidadian calypso. Smart, witty lyrics delivered with a wink and a nod; strong, spare grooves that will make you want to dance like it’s 1966; understated passion in every track—what’s not to love?

I was just thinking about Houria Aicha this week, wondering if she was still active. I saw her once in an intimate setting (The Painted Bride, in Philadelphia). I wonder how much she tours. I haven't noticed her name in a while, but I also don't read the world music press much these days.

She's an incredible singer, or was when I saw her, accompanied by someone playing wood flutes he had made himself, as well as frame drums.

It's on Spotify and sounds good 35 seconds in.

The Kobo Town album is very good.

was it's only (DJ koze remix) on a mix this year? really familiar w/it but doesn't seem to be on spotify, which is where I do all my listening

― =(3 Ɛ)= (cozen), Tuesday, December 24, 2013 7:09 PM (Yesterday) Bookmark Flag Post Permalink

it was on michael mayers RA mix last year, thats where i heard it

http://youtu.be/Qh9wC72TMAI

prefer this one myself

The Volna / Afisha top 30. It's the closest thing Russia has to P4k.

30. RP Boo - Legacy
29. Matana Roberts - Mississippi Moonchile
28. DJ Koze - Amygdala
27. Huerco S - Colonial Patterns
26. Fire! Orchestra - Exit
25. Danny Brown - Old
24. Holden - The Inheritors
23. DJ Rashad - Double Cup
22. Jessy Lanza - Pull My Hair Back
21. Kozalek / LaValle - Perils From The Sea
20. Machinedrum - Vapor City
19. James Ferraro - NYC Hell 3:00 am
18. After Dark 2
17. Bill Callahan - Dream River
16. Fedorov I Kruzenshtern - Bit' Vezde
15. Ducktails - The Flower Lane
14. Oneohtrix Point Never - R Plus 7
13. Sonic Death - Home Punk
12. Rhye - Woman
11. Jon Hopkins - Immunity
10. Darkside - Psychic
9. Death Grips - Government Plates
8. Nick Cave - Push The Sky Away
7. Dean Blunt - The Redeemer
6. Lemondey - Favorit
5. Omar Souleyman - Wenu Wenu
4. King Krule - 6ft Beneath The Moon
3. Justin Timberlake - 20/20 Experience
2. James Blake - Overgrown
1. Kanye West - Yeezus

And of course the first two user comments are:

'a как же The National?'

and

'a как же Arcade Fire?

haha!

lmaoo

http://www.hipstersdontdance.com/2013/12/hdds-top-20-tunes-of-2013/

HDD trax of the year

Rizzla & Blk Adonis Batty Jack
O Money Pull Up
Bunji Garlin Differentology
Burna Boy Yawa Dey
Mavado March Out
Red Fox Hot Like Fiyah
Tarrus Riley To The Limit
Ice Prince feat Burna Boy, Yung L & Olamide Gimme Dat
Wiz Kid Jaiye Jaiye
French Montana feat Nicki Minaj Freaks
Mafikizolo feat Uhuru Khona
Specialist & Ishawna Do For Love
Charly Black & J Capri Whine & Kotch
Macka Diamond Dye Dye
Vybz Kartel School
Dubbel Dutch Dip So
Drake feat Majid Jordan Hold On We’re Going Home
Beyonce Partition
Aidonia Tip Pon Yuh Toe

SDC feat Poe & Boj Feel Alright
Popcaan Everything Nice
Popcaan Whine & Stop
Lady Saw Heels On
Gappy Ranks & K Dot Salute

Fuse ODG Antenna
DeeWunn & Marcy Chin Bunx Up
Farmer Nappy Stranger
Kari Jess Like A Genie
Tifa Tiki Tiki

awesome list, but then I probably heard a third of those through HDD and that looks a lot like what my tracks ballot will look like. The Large's "Gas Pedal Mix" is fantastic and has a bunch of those tracks on it: http://soundcloud.com/the_large/gas-pedal-mix

http://latinmusic.about.com/od/playlists/tp/Best-Latin-Songs-of-2013.htm?nl=1

Marc Anthony , La Santa Cecilia, and more

http://thefieldreporter.wordpress.com/2014/01/01/2013-in-retrospective-the-lists-347/

in case you need more than one recording of white noise / ambient environmental sounds / hushed electroacoustic whatever etc. this year

I do!

http://www.freejazzblog.org/2014/01/happy-new-ears.html

stef et al's readers' votes for most innovative listening experience of 2013

Barry Guy - Mad Dogs 20%
Fire Orchestra - Exit! 17%
Matana Roberts - Coin Coin Chapter Two: Mississippi Moonchile 11%
Mikołaj Trzaska - Gra Różę 10%
Keefe Jackson's Likely So - A Round Goal 8%
Mary Halvorson Septet - Illusionary Sea 8%
Black Host - Life in the Sugar Candle Mines 5%
Ellery Eskelin/Susan Alcorn/Michael Formanek - Mirage 3%
John Butcher, Thomas Lehn & John Tilbury - Exta 3%
SPUNK - Das Wohltemperierte SPUNK 2%
Okkyung Lee - Ghil 2%
Tomas Challenger & Kit Downes - Wedding Music 2%
Axel Dörner & Mark Sanders - Stonecipher 1%
John Edwards & Okkyung Lee - White Cable, Black Wires 1%
Looper - Matter 1%

the winner sounds bonkers

http://www.freejazzblog.org/2013/05/barry-guy-new-orchestra-small.html

good f--g bye, 2013.

http://thefieldreporter.wordpress.com/2014/01/01/2013-in-retrospective-the-lists-347/

in case you need more than one recording of white noise / ambient environmental sounds / hushed electroacoustic whatever etc. this year

― j., Wednesday, January 1, 2014 2:56 PM (5 hours ago) Bookmark Flag Post Permalink

YES PLZ

Uk's bestselling singles
http://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/the-official-top-40-biggest-singles-of-2013-2709/

And albums
http://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/the-official-top-40-biggest-artist-albums-of-2013-2708/

posted my top 100:

http://1000timesyes.tumblr.com/post/71988429324/cleaning-out-my-closet-the-top-100-records-of-2013

great list bro

thank u

nice to see the Blaak Heat Shuja and Dillinger Escape Plan on your list. reminds me i still need to hear that Whores record.

eminem in top 10 whiney u so crazy

No sightings, Whiney?

Really enjoyed this EOY writeup; seems ILXish and links to Brad's excellent 1975/Haim piece:
http://cancatervation.tumblr.com/post/72156453997/playing-high-fidelity-2013-edition

omg that IS very ilm

Lol, that's me

nice, I like your take on Laura Marling. I'm surprised her record hasn't gotten more mileage on ILM. Probably my AOTY.