As much as I lamented the demise of quality album releases in 2013, the last few months have restored my faith in the bands releasing worthwhile long-players. The following are all contenders to make my year's end top ten list. And I suspect I'll find a few more late entries, as well.
"Back to the River" Lily & Madeleine - Lily & Madeleine (Asthmatic Kitty)
The teenage Jurkiewicz sisters hail from Indiana but boast a sparse, urban sophistication that feels more like classic NYC nu folk. Credit to their producer/arranger/co-songwriter Kenny Childers. Nary a weak track on their debut. The perfect Miley Cyrus antidote; share it with your teenage sons and daughters.
"Ode to the Summer" Syd Arthur On an On (Harvest)
Prog is back! I picked them as contenders way back in January; finally their debut CD gets a stateside release today! This young U.K.-based quartet -- guitar, violin, bass, drums -- borrows more from Gentle Giant than from the sound of its hometown of Canterbury, i.e., bands such as Caravan, Soft Machine, Egg, or Gong. I've not enjoyed a progressive rock record this much since I first fell in love with the art-prog of Hatfield & the North -- thanks, Harvey! -- back in the '70s and more recently the psych-prog of Porcupine Tree and the metal-prog of Mars Volta. Well played, lads.
"I Don't Know What to Do with My Hands" Minor Alps - Get There (Barsuk)
Matthew Caws of Nada Surf and Juliana Hatfield have teamed up to form groovy alt-rock band Minor Alps. This is my favorite sing-along track, and one of the best singles of the year, from a mostly excellent debut. And grab "Buried Plans" (free download link), too.
"Afterlife" Arcarde Fire Reflektor (Merge)
No, no, no. Don't release a double CD in these days of singles. The audacity of this Montreal band is beyond reproach with this sweeping, majestic long player -- over an hour and fifteen minutes in length. This is just one of many worthwhile singles on their fourth release. Shades of Roxy Music and Bowie permeate the vibe.
Jay Stolar - "Wade" (CultureCatch.com)
I've been crowing about this young man for months now. Lucky for me I got to record him at Gibson Guitar Studios in New York a few weeks ago. A retro soulful, folk-rock vibe permeates this gorgeous song. Think Bill Withers, early Hall & Oates, even Bob Marley (thanks, Jim Fouratt). He already released one of my favorite albums of the year; this new track from his yet-to-be recorded sophomore effort is more proof of his talent.
"Don't Let It Bring You Down" Neil Young Live at the Cellar Door (Reprise)
It should come as no surprise that Neil Young's back catalog has many riches to mine. This new release is fantastic; it was recorded in the tiny Washington, D.C. club in 1970, the same year that club spawned the equally essential Miles Davis: The Cellar Door Sessions 1970. I listened to the advance last week and it may be my favorite solo Neil effort yet. This After the Goldrush nugget remains one of my favorite early '70s tunes. Look for a Dec. 10th release of the CD and 2-LP 180-gram vinyl set.