Anita's Favorite Tunes from 2013

My friend Dana challenged me to come up with a best of 2013 list, so I will.  The rules I set for this list are that the song must have been released in 2013 (or re-released) and I still have to like it as of today. Since I'm fickle and don't like to listen to songs for very long, that means some of the first half of the year releases were judged with more scrutiny than the more recent releases. Here's my very unscientifically scored Anita's Favorite Tunes from 2013 in no particular order.

Chvrches - We Sink - I picked this one because I've been hearing it a lot recently, but I could have picked almost anything they put out on their last 2 albums. They are amazing. I predict they will fully cross over to mainstream from indie. Saw this show and loved the singer's elven look.

The Orwells - Who Needs You - Great punkish tune with youthful iconoclastic lyrics. Saw them live and enjoyed the on-stage train wreck presented by the drug-addled singer. I was also surprised by his voice, in a good way.

Typhoon - Young Fathers - I didn't love this band live the only time I saw them, but recorded, the lead singer/songwriter is an emotional powerhouse. Really raw and moving. Lots of people in this band.

San Fermin - Sonsick and Casanova - I couldn't make up my mind, so I picked two songs by this band, one featuring each of the two main vocalists. This was one of my favorite shows of the year, and I can't wait to go see them again in a couple weeks at Strathmore. I'd shelve this with chamber-pop and movie scores.

Phosphorescent - Song for Zula - This song stands out on the 2013 album as a song craft masterpiece. This tour's live show didn't do much for me, but the one before was excellent. I'll keep my ears open for new stuff from him.

RAC, Kele, MNDR - Let Go - I'm not plugged into mainstream music to know if this indie/EDM dance tune has crossed over, but if it hasn't, it should. I predict mainstream appeal.  I can't get the song out of my head, but in a good way.

M.I.A. - Y.A.L.A. - I wish there were a clean version of this song (without the curse word at the very end), because both Natalie and I love it. It's primitive and makes us dance while driving to and from school. We look like fools, but LOVE it. Great beat.

The Mowgli's  - San Francisco - This fun bunch of hippies makes you smile and love your neighbor, even if it's just for the span of a show. Loved seeing them live in an Austin parking lot.

Charlie XCX - You Ha Ha Ha - This wunderkind from the UK was behind Icona Pop's hit single and has some really fun pop songs herself. I think she will get bigger in the US.  Addictive pop.

FIDLAR - No Waves - This smart punk band was entertaining live, and this song gets to me at a gut level.

New Politics - Harlem - This one's plenty mainstream after the multitude of tours Harlem did opening for big mainstream acts. It's still one of my favorite feel-young songs of the year.

Lucius - Turn It Around - Love these beautiful female harmonies and the unexpected "heh"s in the composition. This duo was the original female vocals on the San Fermin debut.

ALARMs - Hold My Head - atmospheric electronic music with haunting, beautiful voice and lyrics begging for forgiveness.

Little Green Cars - The John Wayne or  Angel Owl - This act is amazing live for their incredible, powerful, beautiful vocal harmonies.

Mikal Cronin - Shout It Out - I'm surprised Mikal isn't bigger on the indie scene. He's Ty Sygall's friend and bandmate. This song is raw and emotional. I love the way the chorus swells.

Sir Sly - Gold - Has this one crossed over to mainstream yet?   I'm guessing not based on only 11,000 Facebook likes right now.  If not, I predict it will. Such an earworm.

Daft Punk, Panda Bear - Doin' It Right - Daft Punk owned the summer, and the strange thing was, there was something to appeal to everyone on that album. This one was my favorite.

Said the Whale - I Love You - Loud bounce-up-and-down pop tune with an entertaining message for a love song.

Walker Lukens - Lover - This one's odd, but different than anything else I listen to, so it stands out to me as novel. Natalie hates it and makes me turn it off, but there's something haunting about it.

Son Lux - Easy - This one is such a recent addition to my favorites that it really might not stick, but it too has a haunting, interesting quality that I find refreshing.

Primal Scream - Walking With The Beast - I would have guessed that this is a cover of a quasi-religious song, but a quick internet search says no - it seems to be original. This song is quiet and haunting, very moving.

Wild Child - Crazy Bird - This duo has an old-fashioned, bango-loving vibe, but it's the wonderful vocals that win me over. It's an Austin-based band.

Luke Lalonde - Undone - This one is untypical for me.  Luke sounds like a boy band.  But I love the sweetness of this tune. I especially like the line "You could call me honeybun." The guy is just so lost in his crush. Too cute.

Swim Deep - King City - The lyric that kills me for this one is: " Fuck your romance, I wanna pretend
That Jenny Lee Lindberg is my girlfriend." Jenny is the bassist for the band Warpaint, and she is hot and super talented, so I can see why the singer Chewy Marzolo would want her so much. This is a fun low-key pop tune that makes me smile.

Los Campesinos! - Avocado, Baby - Apparently , I have a soft spot for twee. I certainly love this band, and have for a long time. I love the way their lyrics are so naked - and the arrangement of this song appeals to me.

Sleigh Bells - Bitter Rivals - I have a soft spot for this loud band because they are the reason I started going to more live shows a few years ago. Seeing them from the front row of a tiny sold out show immediately after they got big was a rush. Loved the first album, hated the second. This third album is much more promising.