- PREMIERE: Eloah Jones – “Under the Bridge” - November 18, 2021
- PREMIERE: Highbeams – “Campfires” - November 10, 2021
- Tali Azerad Shines on New Album - November 5, 2021
2013 was an excellent year for music. We saw brilliant releases by veteran bands & rappers, surprising new directions from some, and as always–some promising new musicians emerging onto the scene. The GS staff took some time and selected their favorite song, video, and album of 2013 along with their choice for ‘Artist of the Year.’
Jon Berrien
Favorite Song: The Neighbourhood – “Sweater Weather”
Favorite Video: Kitten – “Like A Stranger”
Shot in black in white – I really enjoyed the retro feel of early 90’s in this video. From the models to the panther it felt chic and timeless. I thoroughly enjoyed this video and track.
Favorite Album: Fitz & The Tantrums – More Than Just A Dream
Fitz and Noelle Scaggs outdid themselves! I Had this on repeat for quite some time! Every track flowed smoothly to the next without missing a beat. Couldn’t help but smile, dance, and feel good vibes every time this played.
Artist of the Year: Capital Cities
Favorite Video: Sir Sly – “Gold”
Favorite Album: The 1975 – The 1975
Favorite Video: Mayer Hawthorne – “Her Favorite Song”
Favorite Album: Justin Timberlake – 20/20 Experience
Favorite Video: Jamie Lidell – “Big Love”
I posted about this video on GroundSounds a few months ago and it is still one of my favorite music videos of the year, not only because it was shot in my beautiful home state of Ohio, but because of how creative the concept was. The fact that Jamie Lidell wanted to go to Cincinnati, OH and shoot a young girls dancing squad doing a routine to his funky song is just brilliant. The video is just overall really inspiring, showing shots of a boxer training and the girls training to dance and their overall lifestyle.
Favorite Album: Daft Punk – Random Access Memories
Ummm, DAFT PUNK! My favorite artist of my existence thus far, Daft Punk, made a timeless, funky, soulful, disco-oriented album. Then they got the most talented producers, musicians, and songwriters of our time to throw down, making this album relevant and familiar. No doubt, my favorite of the year.
Artist of the Year: Lorde
I remember when I first heard ‘Royals’ and I thought, “Holy shit! This is like pop, but hip-hop, but also electronic and melodic!” It had so many different elements, but it was also lyrically stimulating and relevant. After hearing her debut album and then seeing her perform at the Belasco Theatre in Downtown LA, there was no doubt in my mind that she was going to have a long, fruitful career in the music industry. It’s not even a matter of how old she is, that is awesome, but that doesn’t matter. I don’t care if she’s 7, 17, or 70, she rocks and for me, she is my favorite artist of the year.
Emily Vargas
Favorite Song: Fitz & The Tantrums – “Out Of My League”
I had the pleasure of seeing Fitz and the Tantrums at Weenie Roast back in May. Watching their set was just one giant dance party. During their closing number “Out of My League” there was so much charisma and rawness in just them and their instruments and not relying on extra sound engineering and effects. And still no matter when I hear this song it brings me back to the memory of that dance party and I never get tired of hearing it.
Favorite Video: Mumford & Sons – “Hopeless Wanderer”
This video shows that Mumford and Sons are very self aware of how ridiculous they may look to the outsider looking in, but they embrace it. Jason Bateman, Jason Sudekis, Will Forte, and Ed Helms make cameos as the members of Mumford and Sons. As the song progresses the scenarios become more and more outrageous, eventually leading to a banjo chorus line with the guys dressed as vaudeville actors. It’s a fun music video that is a reminder of how music videos are not a dead art form.
Favorite Album: Tegan and Sara – Heartthrob
Heartthrob is Tegan and Sara’s 7th album. The 10 song album makes the listener feel up beat and energetic on of songs about passion and love as well as longing and heartbreak. Heartthrob proves with each album the Quin sisters put out they bring a new evolution to their music while still capturing their essence and staying true to the style their fans, including myself fell in love with.
Artist of the Year: Imagine Dragons
With a world tour and their debut album, Night Visions going platinum Imagine Dragons are definitely the breakout band of 2013. Even though Night Visions came out late 2012 they have really gained exposure this year and with chart toppers like “Radioactive,” “It’s Time,” and “Demons,” Imagine Dragons are putting Alternative Rock back on top.
Tim Gadient
Favorite Song: James Blake feat. RZA – “Take A Fall For Me”
Old school meets new school in this track off of JB’s Overgrown. James Blake lays down a hauntingly dope instrumental, while RZA drops some dark rhymes. The track plays out like a love letter written too late. Hoping to see James do some more of these type of collabs in 2014.
Favorite Video: Pretty Lights – “Around The Block”
Real creative visuals to go along with Pretty Lights’s dope production. It’s gets especially rad during the breakdown after Talib Kweli spits his verse. The NYC streets serve as the backdrop, and PL uses his music to control and distort the city through his music.
Favorite Album: Ghostface Killah and Adrian Younge – 12 Reasons To Die
This album tells the story of an ambitious gangster on the rise, played by Tony Starks (Ghostface). As he begins to ascend the ranks within his crime family, his own crew turns on him. He is murdered and his remains are burned and melted into 12 vinyls, that when played back resurrect him as the Ghostface Killah. He then goes on the attack, seeking violent revenge on his former crime associates. How dope a concept is that? Close your eyes and listen to this album, it plays out like a short film. Ghost delivers his razor sharp and visceral storytelling skills, and Adrain Younge provides the soundtrack: a 1960’s Italian-noir crime score. This album is too dope and was also mad slept on, so do yourself a favor and give this a listen.
Artist of the Year: Kendrick Lamar
Still riding off the success of his 2012 release, and destroying every track he was guest featured on, Kendrick wins my pick for artist of the year. Kendrick outshines just about every rapper that he collabs with. His verse on Big Sean’s “Control” was one of the greatest things to happen to hip-hop in a long time. He created a worldwide rush to the lab, calling out every relevant rapper and demanding that they step up their game. Kendrick is one of the dopest and most disciplined rappers in the game right now, and I’m guessing he’s got some major bombs to drop on us in 2014.
Tessie Navarro
Favorite Song: The Ceremonies – “Land of Gathering”
This is a little difficult…far too many songs to just pick one! So I’ll pick a favorite from some LA locals. If you like beautiful harmonies and a chorus that will make you want to sing along, this one’s for you.
Favorite Video: Paramore – “Still Into You”
I’m a sucker for a good pop song. What’s even better is a sweet video to compliment said pop song. With such gorgeous set design, the video looks like something straight out of a dream. What? You’ve never dreamt about waking up in a room full of cake or sitting in a row boat in a sea of balloons? Is that just me? Hayley Williams’ improvised dancing amidst a group of ballerinas has also gotta be the cutest damn thing I’ve ever seen. Just watch the video and try not to smile, I dare ya.
Favorite Album: Twenty One Pilots – “Vessel”
This was a tough one for me. 2013 was a great year for music and I had to think back on releases past the recent months. An early 2013 Fueled By Ramen release, Twenty One Pilots’ “Vessel,” settled it for me. Many of the tracks on the album tackle issues of depression and suicide with rather dark lyrical content throughout, containing a –well, to quote vocalist Tyler Joseph — “hopeful undertone.” I think what makes me love this release so much is the fact that it goes beyond my listening comfort zone. I’ll admit, initially, I wasn’t sold on the duo’s fusion of rap and synthy/piano pop. However, after listening to the album in its entirety I got it, and I was hooked. Just listen to “Holding On To You,” and you’ll understand.
Artist of the Year: The 1975
To say 2013 was a big year for these Manchester rockers would be an understatement. The band teased us for a good year, releasing four EP’s each just as good as the last before dropping the flawless work of art that is their debut self titled album. With excellent guitar work, lovely accented vocals, and lyrical content reflecting on the band’s adolescent years, I (along with everyone else) was hooked on first listen. 2013 was just the beginning for the band and I’m excited to see them really break through in 2014.