With so many albums to listen to each year, I’m still sorting through favorites. Here is a list of bands that were all on my “Highly Recommended” list that deserve some love. Some were on other bloggers “best of” music lists, so give these artists a listen and you won’t be disappointed:
[threecol_one]The New Trocaderos “Money Talks/The Kids” EP
The New Trocaderos are Brad Marino and Geoff Palmer from The Connection and fellow power popper Kurt Baker in a wild collaboration with songwriter/producer Michael Chaney. “Money Talks” is straight from the Connection template of fast tempos, solid guitar riffs and harmonies all the way through. “The Kids” is sung by Baker and comes closer to the Ramones/Elvis Costello style. Either way this is a really nice EP and great way to start the year. Any chance a full LP will be on its way?
The Rationales “Dream Of Fire”
Even after giving myself a rest after my top 25 last week, I will find lots and lost of music I missed. The Rationales’ latest EP, Dream of Fire, features 5 tracks recorded with producer Ed Valauskas (Juliana Hatfield, Graham Parker)and showcases the improved songwriting and skilled musicianship that make them a band that belongs on your radar. “Drunk all the Time,” and “Radio” are hard driving pop tracks that have plenty of melodic muscle. The remaining tracks allow the band the get denser, anthem-styled rock songs out, and I look forward to more from this talented band in 2014.
CD Baby | Amazon
One of the most enduring power pop legends is Eric Carmen (The Raspberries). Just in time for the start of 2014, “Brand New Year” is Eric Carmen’s first new recording in over 15 years, finding the Artist in a reflective and optimistic mood for the future, both lyrically and sonically. This new song is the first premiere from the upcoming Legacy Recordings 30 track career retrospective, “The Essential Eric Carmen” – set for release March 11, 2014.
Here is the full list:
Notable mentions/favorites (yes I loved these albums too in no special order):
Top 5 EP releases of 2013
Top Compilation albums of 2013
This was a very tough year as I didn’t want to go over 25 albums on the main list. And for all purposes, you could swap out any of those notable mentions for anything on the list not in the top ten. I hope you support the artists mentioned above by purchasing their music. After all, you’ve got to do something with all those gift cards after the holidays!
If you’d like to hear some complete versions of songs from my top ten and more be sure to tune-in to internet radio 11L Radio New York International on Sunday evening (12/29/13) at 7:30pm EST.
Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.