Ten Things: Summer To-Dos

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. I love my picturesque hometown! 

Spring is currently in the air but for me, it's a season that usually comes and goes without much fanfare. That was certainly not the case this year. But my mind, ever focused on the past or the future, is anticipating all that Summer 2019 has in store. I'm working on being more present but for now, in no particular order, here are ten things that I am looking forward to the most...

1. The new season of The Bachelorette! What can I say, I'm a sucker for love stories.
2. And speaking of the show..."hometown dates". I am so eager to show my handsome boyfriend around my beautiful city for the first time in June!
3. Summer Concerts, The Three Rivers Arts Festival, Fairs...nothing beats live music on a beautiful Summer night.
4. Kennywood Amusement Park. I can't even recall the last time I went but I am excited to see the new attractions and make more memories. The Potato Patch has also been calling my name. Mmmm.
5. The 4th of July in New York! I have only been to The Finger Lakes once before (a few Summers ago for the MacKenzie-Childs Barn Sale and wine tasting). I am so excited to have a fun-filled, romantic weekend in the country.
6. Flea Markets. I am currently trying to get rid of a million extra things but I have been wanting to take a drive to one of the better flea markets in the area and spend a day exploring.
7. Miniature Golf and Ice Cream. A Summer tradition.
8. Catch a Drive-In Movie. I don't think I've ever gone but need to check this off my list.
9. Virginia! Looking forward to spending time with my friend with a road trip to Charlottesville. Wine trails, historic architecture, spa days and more.
10. Summer reading! I have so many books that I want to get through this season! Leisurely days by the pool with a a cold drink and a quality page-turner...








 Now Playing: "Call Yourself a Lover" by Pr0files

Ten Things: Fall To-Dos

1. Celebrate Halloween! Parties, movies, decor and more!
2. Have a weekend getaway with one of my best girlfriends
3. Listen to as much of my Fall Feels Spotify playlist as possible
4. Check out some stand-up comedy
5. See the leaves...take more walks in the park
6. Add a few fall home decor pieces to my collection
7. Take our annual Steelers away trip
8. Get a hair cut...it's way too long
9. Fall cleaning...declutter, sell and donate
10. Get a few work projects kicked off








Now Playing: "Sweet Thing" by Van Morrison
*One of my all-time favorites.

Ten Things: Summer To-Dos

My friend's cabin is actually located in the mountain town of Normalville, PA; the things that happen there are anything but ordinary (very Twin Peaks). Many of us have seen UFOs among other anomalies. It's a beautifully odd place. 

1. Have a bit of boozy fun (beer/wine festivals, pub trivia, etc.)
2. Night swim
3. Take a road trip to do something I haven't done before
4. Visit an amusement park (Kennywood, Cedar Point, etc.)
5. Read something extraordinary (and try to write something at least mediocre)
6. Go to the mountains (cabin camping, golf, bonfire under the stars)
7. Catch a Bucco game at PNC Park
8. See as many concerts as possible
9. Have a funnel cake (and play carnival games) at a local festival or fair
10. Take kickboxing classes












Now Playing: "Hey Lover" by LL Cool J

2016 Music Favorites: 20 of My Most Enjoyed Albums

I prefer to have my yearly favorites posted sooner but I started off 2017 feeling very under the weather (not to mention a brutal phase of Mercury Retrograde). I wanted to make sure I was in a clear frame of mind when I reflected back on which albums I enjoyed listening to the most. I hesitate to call these albums 'the best of 2016' because it would be impossible to say that with any level of certainty. It's a challenge to rank music as it's such a personal thing. I am a hardcore music lover but I would have to devote every waking minute of the year to listening to new releases to truly get a feel for everything. I tend to listen to music regardless of its freshness or relevancy. I also find my music organically and am not influenced much at all by critics or the blogosphere. This list is simply me sharing what I liked, in hopes of connecting with other fans or to someone searching for new sounds who may not be as familiar. In no particular order, here are some of my favorite releases of the past year...



Empire of the Sun, Two Vines. October, 2016.

I've been a major fan of this group for many, many years. Their music makes me happy. I have yet to see them perform live but hope that changes in the near future.

High and Low:

Two Vines:


Kanye West, The Life of Pablo. February, 2016.

Personal and professional antics aside, his music is still good.

Famous:

Fade:


Angel Olsen, My Woman. September, 2016.

I really like her vocal style and enjoy listening to her music when I'm in a relaxed, but somber mood.

Intern:

Heart Shaped Face:

Frank Ocean, Blonde. August, 2016.

The most-anticipated album of the year, Blonde, (or is it technically Blond...?) exceeded many expectations of a sophomore slump.

Nights:

White Ferrari:


Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Getaway. June, 2016.

Hipsters will tell you RHCP aren't cool but I admittedly love the older stuff. Their most-recent albums have been very disappointing but this one was somewhat of a pleasant surprise. It's far from my favorite but Anthony Kiedis can still get it.

The Getaway:

Dark Necessities:


Leonard Cohen, You Want It Darker. October, 2016.

Farewell to a legend. What an artist. What a man.

You Want It Darker:

It Seemed the Better Way:


Kristin Kontrol, X-Communicate. May, 2016.

The debut solo project from the lead singer of Dum Dum Girls. I really like this new direction.

X-Communicate:

Smoke Rings:


James Vincent McMorrow, We Move. September, 2016.

Fans of Bon Iver will enjoy this release from the sultry Irish crooner.

I Lie Awake Every Night:


Get Low:


David Bowie, Blackstar. January, 2016.

2016 was a year surrounded by the loss of countless musicians. David Bowie's final studio album, released on his 69th birthday, left fans with one last parting gift just days before his untimely passing.

Blackstar:

Lazarus:


Glass Animals, How To Be a Human Being. May, 2016.

Glass Animals has an incredible sound that's all their own. It always gets me going. I'll leave it at that.

Youth:

Poplar St:


Gallant, Ology. May, 2016.

Gallant was my favorite discovery of the year. I adore his voice and really loved the style of songs on this debut release.

Talking to Myself:

Weight in Gold:


Radiohead, A Moon Shaped Pool. June, 2016.

A band that needs no introduction, this album managed to make me love them even more.

Daydreaming:

True Love Waits:


Bon Iver, 22, A Million. September, 2016.

Bon Iver has produced some of my favorite music of the past decade. I was eager to hear the new sounds but much of its overproduction fell short of my very high expectations. Nevertheless, I still enjoyed some of these songs. Even when it's not my absolute favorite style, Justin Vernon creates innovative music. He is easily one of the most talented artists of my generation.

33 "GOD":

8 (circle):


St. Paul and The Broken Bones, Sea of Noise. September, 2016.

This was the first year that I took notice of the southern soul group who hails from Alabama. Stunning vocals and glorious instrumentation, this album is for fans of Motown looking for a modern take on classic oldies.

Midnight on the Earth:

Burning Rome:


Sturgill Simpson, A Sailor's Guide to Earth. April, 2016.

I'm not a major fan of country music but after attending college in West Virginia, I definitely picked up an affinity for certain sounds. If you're open to the genre that blurs between alt, rock and country, Sturgill Simpson is your man. Even if a twang isn't your thing, a true music lover recognizes talent when it's blatantly obvious.

In Bloom (Nirvana Cover):

Brace for Impact (Live a Little):


A Tribe Called Quest, We got it from Here... Thank You 4 Your service. November, 2016.

With the exception of the title's atrocious grammar (of course there is a celestial, unknown meaning behind it), this album was a welcomed surprised. A Tribe Called Quest takes me back to my youth in the most simple yet remarkable of ways.

We The People...:

Ego:


Mac Miller, The Divine Feminine. September, 2016.

Despite Mac Miller being a hometown kid, I never fully connected with much of his music until this release. I really enjoyed the way these songs were produced. And if you've ever seen one of Mac's interviews, you can see that he is not only hilarious but also has such a loving, gentle soul that you really get to hear come through on this album.

Dang! ft. Anderson .Paak:

Skin:


M83, Junk. April, 2016.

M83 holds a special place in my heart so I am always receptive to a new album. This one wasn't my favorite but there are still quite a few tracks that won me over.

Do It, Try It:

Sunday Night 1987:


Hamilton Leithauser + Rostam, I Had a Dream That You Were Mine. September, 2016.

I've been a fan of The Walkmen for a long time so it's no surprise that I really appreciated this album. Gorgeous vocals and lyrics accompanied with a haunting production, this was definitely one not to be missed.

A 1000 Times:

In a Black Out:


Michael Kiwanuka, Love & Hate. July, 2016.

I have loved this man's voice for a few years and was excited to finally hear what his second album would sound like. It's filled with so much beauty. All of the feels.

Cold Little Heart:

I'll Never Love:

Ten Things: December To-Dos

1. Organize my skincare collection
2. Finish reading a certain book and write a review for it
3. Go to a concert (I have one in mind but playing it by ear)
4. Sell a few things, make some extra money
5. Listen to lots of Christmas music
6. Bake gingerbread, make cookies
7. Watch some of my favorite classic holiday movies and catch up on Netflix (The Crown, Orange Is the New Black, Chelsea, documentaries, etc...)
8. Have a simplified Christmas that's meaningful
9. Make a list of resolutions for 2017
10. Stay 'woke' about this world of ours













Now Playing: "Cold Little Heart" by Michael Kiwanuka

29 Things About Me: Random

1. Loves a thunderstorm and listening to the rain
2. Have usually had a shih-tzu in my life (3 since birth)
3. Stray cats always find me, follow me home, etc.
4. Predicted specific things that have come true
5. Reads conspiracy boards and watches their documentaries
6. Goes to concerts or movies alone if no one will come with me
7. Was a cheerleader for about 10 years
8. Average bed time- 4am
9. Scared of bees
10. Team won the Super Bowl on my birthday (Steelers 2/1/09)
11. First kiss was in pre-school
12. Usually had a boyfriend until college
13. Won a dance contest by beating a male breakdancer
14. Dark sense of humor, laughs at most things
15. Aspired to be a fashion magazine editor as a child
16. A dream job is to name cosmetics
17. Wants to write screenplays
18. Would rather have children later in life
19. Went to a small Catholic school from K-12
20. Went to WVU for college- majored in broadcast news
21. Loves aviator style sunglasses
22. Listens to Coast to Coast AM radio
23. Enjoys trivia at pubs
24. Favorite candy is red flavored tootsie rolls
25. Usually cold, low body temperature
26. Favorite season is Fall
27. Candles make any room better
28. Comes up with tons of ideas, bad with following through
29. Guy crazy- love to look at men







Now Playing: "Fresh Blood" by Eels
*Heard this on HBO's The Jinx (fantastic program)

29 Things About Me: Quirks

1. Nocturnal- extreme owl
2. Semi-Vegetarian since birth
3. Left-Handed
4. Natural redhead, the only one in the family
5. Wiggles toes when comfortable
6. Can't hide feelings- expressive face
7. Blushes/Flushes/Burns
8. Extremely sensitive- cries easily, empathic
9. Highly intuitive, pseudo-psychic
10. Picky eater but will drink almost anything- no milk
11. Worked for an indie radio station before knowing what alternative music was
12. Legally blind
13. Wasn't named until 3 days old
14. Never forgets a birthday from anyone ever met
15. Been to Europe but not NYC which is somewhat close
16. Longterm single- as in solo since the Bush administration
17. Failed driver's test 3 times, perfect driving record
18. Catholic/Spiritual/New Age/Liberal
19. Introverted INFJ
20. 138 IQ yet failed multiple courses in school
21. Would rather wear a hat then style hair
22. Collects and loves makeup but often goes without it
23. Quadruple Aquarius but has Water-dominant chart (Cancer Rising, Scorpio Moon)
24. Detached yet omnipresent
25. Checks for body language cues from men
26. Orders things online, purposefully forgets so they're surprises
27. Tells dog "I love you" multiple times per hour
28. Usually drinking a bottle of FIJI water
29. Equally loves luxury and thrifting







Now Playing: "Open" by Rhye

29 Things About Me: TV Shows I've Never Watched an Episode Of

1. American Idol
2. American Horror Story
3. Glee
4. Big Brother
5. The Amazing Race
6. Breaking Bad
7. The Wire
8. The Sopranos
9. Arrested Development
10. House of Cards
11. Dexter
12. Homeland
13. Curb Your Enthusiasm
14. Seinfeld
15. The Big Bang Theory
16. The Shield
17. Friday Night Lights
18. Frasier
19. Everybody Loves Raymond
20. Boardwalk Empire
21. Masters of Sex
22. Veep
23. Jane the Virgin
24. Downton Abbey
25. The Killing
26. ER
27. Gossip Girl
28. Pretty Little Liars
29. 30 Rock







Now Playing: "Hurricane" by MS MR

29 Things About Me: Movies I've Never Seen

1. Star Wars
2. Ghost
3. The Sixth Sense
4. Spider-Man
5. Scarface
6. The Godfather
7. Guardians of the Galaxy
8. The Avengers
9. Frozen
10. The Lord of the Rings
11. Transformers
12. Pirates of the Caribbean
13. Despicable Me
14. The Hobbit
15. Inception
16. The Sound of Music
17. Interstellar
18. Fight Club
19. Indiana Jones
20. Saving Private Ryan
21. Gladiator
22. The Departed
23. Braveheart
24. Inglourious Basterds
25. Fargo
26. Into the Wild
27. No Country for Old Men
28. 12 Years a Slave
29. The Terminator







Now Playing: "Free" by Rudimental ft. Emeli Sande

29 Things About Me: Interests

1. Pittsburgh Sports- Mainly the Steelers & Pens!
2. Reading- love books, magazines, quotes, and the web
3. Politics
4. Astrology/Tarot/New Age
5. Drinks- beer, wine, champagne mostly
6. Music- always listening
7. Concerts- happiest at a live show or festival
8. Travel- I'd go away every other month if I could
9. Purses
10. Antiques/Vintage Finds
11. Makeup/Beauty/Skincare
12. The Paranormal
13. Conspiracies
14. Film/Television/YouTube
15. Nail Polish
16. Writing
17. Humor
18. The Universe
19. Houses/Interior Decorating
20. Architecture
21. Photography/Art
22. Thrifting
23. Nature/The Four Seasons
24. Holidays- always festive
25. Animals- obsessed with my shih-tzu
26. Dancing
27. Fashion/Style
28. Anything girlie or sparkly
29. Romance










Now Playing: "Video Games" by Lana Del Rey

29 Things About Me: Celebrity Crushes

1. Shia LaBeouf
2. Gerard Butler
3. Ryan Gosling
4. Sidney Crosby
5. Mark-Paul Gosselaar
6. Bill Maher
7. Ben Affleck
8. John Slattery
9. Jimmy Fallon
10. Jonathan Rhys Meyers
11. John Krasinski
12. Bradley Cooper
13. Ashton Kutcher
14. Liam Neeson
15. Ryan Phillippe
15. Jim Sturgess
16. Dylan McDermott
17. Henrik Lundqvist
18. Luke Pritchard
19. Jared Leto
20. Jack White
21. David Gandy
22. Paolo Nutini
23. Alexander Skarsgard
24. JFK Jr.
25. John Cusack
26. Zak Bagans
27. Tom Hardy
28. Jason Segel
29. Leonardo DiCaprio







Now Playing: "Stars" by The xx

29 Things About Me: Turn-Offs from the Opposite Sex

1. Arrogance
2. Unintelligence
3. Bad hair/Inability to grow facial hair
4. Poor sense of humor
5. Smoking
6. Drugs
7. Disrespect to women, animals, people in general
8. Immaturity
9. Dislike for Pittsburgh
10. No sports knowledge
11. Extreme foul language
12. Conservatives
13. Close-minded
14. Boring
15. No sense of style
16. Shorter than me in heels
17. Dependent/Clingy
18. Hunting/Guns
19. Unattractive voice
20. Doesn't drink- especially beer
21. Bad taste in music
22. The male basic bitch
23. Inability to do things for themselves around the house
24. Spoiled, preppy, rich boys
25. Southern frat boy types
26. No ambition
27. Atheists
28. Poor grammar/Command of the English language
29. Non-worldly/Lack of travel






Now Playing: "Shadow" by Wild Nothing

29 Things About Me: Love Songs That I Love

http://open.spotify.com/user/1265165104/playlist/1hbUhN8xJCTNrIW3zrh2xa

Happy Valentine's Day, Lovers! ;)

29 Things About Me: Places I've Been

1. New Orleans
2. Boston
3. Chicago
4. Nashville
5. Philadelphia
6. Miami
7. Charlotte
8. Las Vegas
9. Phoenix
10. Sedona, AZ
11. Salem, MA
12. Niagara Falls, Canada
13. Paris
14. London
15. Brussels
16. Amsterdam
17. Manchester, England
18. Manchester, TN (Bonnaroo)
19. Jacksonville
20. Baltimore
21. Columbus, OH
22. South Carolina
23. Savannah, GA
24. West Virginia
25. Buffalo, NY
26. Cleveland, OH
27. Fort Lauderdale
28. Tampa (+Most of Florida)
29. Pittsburgh ;)









Now Playing: "29 Years" by The National
*How apropos for this series, eh?

29 Things About Me: Places I Want to Visit

1. Ireland
2. Greece
3. Egypt
4. Italy
5. Australia
6. Montreal
7. Austria
8. Switzerland
9. Norway
10. Scotland
11. Vancouver
12. San Francisco/Napa Valley
13. Seattle
14. New York City
15. Washington, DC
16. Los Angeles
17. Aspen
18. Alaska
19. Japan
20. Germany
21. Vermont
22. Nova Scotia
23. Peru
24. Louisville, Kentucky
25. Utah
26. South Africa
27. Portland, Oregon
28. Austin, Texas
29. Space



Hoping to cross a few more off the list within the next year or so!









Now Playing: "Calgary" by Bon Iver

29 Things About Me: Movies I LOVE

1. Clueless
2. Titanic
3. The Great Gatsby
4. The Notebook
5. Goodfellas
6. A Bronx Tale
7. The Princess Bride
8. Steel Magnolias
9. A Christmas Story
10. The Wizard of Oz
11. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
12. My Girl
13. Sixteen Candles
14. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre
15. Hocus Pocus
16. Before Sunrise
17. Ever After
18. Independence Day
19. The Family Stone
20. The Parent Trap
21. Silver Linings Playbook
22. Eyes Wide Shut
23. The Silence of the Lambs
24. Zack and Miri Make a Porno
25. Now and Then
26. Meet the Parents
27. Gone with the Wind
28. The Next Three Days
29. Mean Girls










Now Playing: "Help Me Lose My Mind" by Disclosure ft. London Grammar

29 Things About Me: TV Shows I Enjoy

1. Mama's Family
2. The Golden Girls
3. Daria
4. Full House
5. Saved by the Bell
6. Sex and the City
7. Summer Heights High
8. Girls
9. The Walking Dead
10. The Bachelor
11. The Real Housewives
12. Real Time with Bill Maher
13. Jeopardy!
14. Ghost Adventures
15. Modern Family
16. The Middle
17. The Brady Bunch
18. Forensic Files
19. South Park
20. Ancient Aliens
21. Unsolved Mysteries
22. Sister Wives
23. The Girls Next Door
24. The Office
25. Boy Meets World
26. Four Houses
27. Fashion Police
28. Roseanne
29. Married with Children









Now Playing: "Say It Right" by Nelly Furtado
*A blast from the not so distant past.

10 of My Favorite Albums of 2014!

This year, I thought I'd scale back my list and only select 10 of my favorite albums- a bit easier? As if! Wishful thinking. As I began to recollect the year in music, I realized I had enjoyed far more than I thought. Narrowing down this list to 10 proved to be extremely challenging. I choose to not call this grouping "the best" albums of the year because I have not had the pleasure of listening to everything that was released- who has and where do they find the time, money and capabilities?! Furthermore, who am I to say that one piece of music is "better" than something else? How could you even begin to rank and compare within multiple genres? I'm sure that I'm forgetting many wonderful artists and there are plenty of others who I have not yet even discovered. In no particular order, this is simply 10 albums that I personally loved in 2014, accompanied with my favorite tracks, as well as a lengthy list of honorable mentions...

Jack White, Lazaretto.
Released: June 2014
Tracks:
1) Three Women
2) Lazaretto
4) Would You Fight For My Love?
9) That Black Bat Licorice

Lana Del Rey, Ultraviolence.
Released: June 2014
Tracks:
1) Cruel World
4) Brooklyn Baby
5) West Coast
6) Sad Girl
8) Money Power Glory
10) Old Money

Gardens & Villa, Dunes.
Released: February 2014
Tracks:
1) Domino
3) Bullet Train
5) Echosassy
6) Purple Mesas

Jungle, Jungle.
Released: July 2014
Tracks:
1) The Heat
3) Busy Earnin'
4) Platoon
5) Drops
6) Time

Benjamin Booker, Benjamin Booker.
Released: August 2014
Tracks:
1) Violent Shiver
4) Slow Coming
7) Spoon Out My Eyeballs
9) I Thought I Heard You Screaming
11) Kids Never Grow Older
12) By The Evening

Sam Smith, In The Lonely Hour.
Released: June 2014
Tracks:
1) Money On My Mind
3) Stay With Me
5) I'm Not the Only One
12) Latch (Acoustic)

Angel Olsen, Burn Your Fire For No Witness.
Released: February 2014
Tracks:
1) Unfucktheworld
4) White Fire
8) Iota
9) Dance Slow Decades

Wake Owl, The Private World of Paradise.
Released: March 2014
Tracks:
2) Candy
3) Letters
6) Buffalo
7) Oh Baby
8) Madness of Others

Timber Timbre, Hot Dreams.
Released: April 2014
Tracks:
2) Hot Dreams
3) Curtains!?
9) Run from Me

Future Islands, Singles.
Released: March 2014
Tracks:
1) Seasons (Waiting On You)
5) Back In The Tall Grass
6) A Song for Our Grandfathers
8) Like The Moon
9) Fall From Grace
10) A Dream of You and Me




HONORABLE MENTIONS:

• Ariana Grande, My Everything.
• Bahamas, Bahamas Is Afie.
• Vance Joy, Dream Your Life Away.
• Curtis Harding, Soul Power.
• James Vincent McMorrow, Post Tropical.
• Beck, Morning Phase.
• Perfume Genius, Too Bright.
• Alt-J, This Is All Yours.
• Sylvan Esso, Sylvan Esso.
• Paolo Nutini, Caustic Love.
• Foxygen, ... And Star Power.
• Jessie Ware, Tough Love.
• Hozier, Hozier.
• Chet Faker, Built on Glass.
• The War on Drugs, Lost in the Dream.

Can't wait to hear what 2015 has to offer!

Fall Must-Haves!

1. Oversized Plaid Blanket Scarves. As classic as a piece like this may be, it's really having a trendy moment. Perfect way to stay warm while still looking chic. I've always had an affinity for plaid. It reminds me of my grade school uniforms. It also has a Celtic feel to it; which of course, as an Irish girl, I can appreciate.

2. Green & Grey Nail Polish. Feeling these two hues for the season. A couple options: OPI Gwen Stefani Holiday, Christmas Gone Plaid. Chanel Frenzy.

3. Booties. My favorite style of shoe is definitely a must-have for Fall! I'm not into wearing true heels very often. Booties are the best of both worlds. A little extra height without any discomfort? Yes, please. Loving my new blue suede shoes. Matt Bernson Coup D'etat Leather Ankle Boots.

4. Brixton Messer Style Hats. Blacks, Browns, Mulberrys... I'll take two in every color and style. I'm truly a hat type of lady. Love that these are having a major style comeback.

5. Capes. For the past few years, I've been living in these throws during the colder months. When Burberry introduced their now iconic color block monogram blanket poncho, seemingly worn by every fashionista in the world, this type of piece really gained street style cred. This would be an incredible personalized DIY look.

6. Bobbi Brown Holiday Shimmer Brick, Copper Diamond. The tortoise shell packaging alone was enough to sell me on this beauty. I love the shimmer bricks as a highlighter but they can also be used as eyeshadow. Get this limited edition shade while it's still available. They last forever. Incredibly gorgeous especially for the holidays or to add a touch of warmth when the sun is no longer shining.

7. A new lipstick- Browns, Berrys, & Burgundys, oh my! I've really been into these types of shades for the season. My new favorite lines to fall in love with are Charlotte Tilbury and Gucci; however, shades like this can be found in just about any line. Other brands to consider: Revlon, MAC.

8. Candles. As soon as the temps drop, I go candle crazy. I don't like to spend a lot on something so disposable but it's nice to indulge in a little bit of luxury every now and again. Any brand. Any scent (or lack thereof) will do! Candles add such magic to any atmosphere. Love.













Now Playing: "3 Days" by Rhye

My 13 Favorite Albums of 2013!

2013 was another wonderful year for music! I've had the chance to discover a number of new artists this year. While I've spent a significant amount of time listening to music and attending concerts, it would have been impossible to review every release. I call this list my favorites because I'm certain that I haven't had the pleasure to hear some of the best albums of the year. I'm not a critic nor do I claim to be any sort of expert on taste. Music is a personal experience and to rank a particular record as better than something else is completely subjective.

I think it's interesting to see what people have enjoyed the most through their end of the year compilations; but when everyone's list starts looking the same, you have to question its authenticity. When I'm compiling my list, I allow my mind to go for the music that left a lasting impression on me in one way or another. There's usually a handful or two each year that are definite "best-of" material; then, it comes down to choosing between 50 or so other great albums to pick my final selections. It was a rather arduous task this year. I'm sure this list is full of oversights but here is my favorites...


13. Darkside, Psychic.
Released: October 2013
Best Tracks:
3) Heart
4) Paper Trails

12. Atlas Genius, When It Was Now.
Released: February 2013
Best Tracks:
4) Trojans
5) Through The Glass
11) Symptoms

11. Wampire, Curiosity.
Released: May 2013
Best Tracks:
2) Orchards
7) Trains
9) Magic Light

10. Arcade Fire, Reflektor.
Released: October 2013
Best Tracks:
1) Reflektor
1) Here Comes The Night Time II
3) It's Never Over (Hey Orpheus)
5) Afterlife

9. Volcano Choir, Repave.
Released: August 2013
Best Tracks:
4) Byegone
5) Alaskans

8. Foxygen, We Are The 21st Century Ambassadors of Peace & Magic.
Released: January 2013
Best Tracks:
2) No Destruction
3) On Blue Mountain
6) Shuggie

7. Polica, Shulamith.
Released: October 2013
Best Tracks:
2) Smug
4) Warrior Lord
8) Tiff

6. A$AP Rocky, Long.Live.A$AP.
Released: January 2013
Best Tracks:
5) Hell
7) Fuckin' Problems
10) Fashion Killa
16) I Come Apart (ft. Florence Welch)

5. Portugal. The Man, Evil Friends.
Released: June 2013
Best Tracks:
1) Plastic Soldiers
4) Modern Jesus
11) Purple Yellow Red and Blue
12) Smile

4. Lorde, Pure Heroine.
Released: September 2013
Best Tracks:
3) Royals
4) Ribs
6) Team

3. The National, Trouble Will Find Me.
Released: May 2013
Best Tracks:
1) I Should Live In Salt
3) Don't Swallow the Cap
7) This Is The Last Time
12) Pink Rabbits

2. Rhye, Woman.
Released: March 2013
Best Tracks:
1) Open
2) The Fall
6) 3 Days

1. Woodkid, The Golden Age.
Released: March 2013
Best Tracks:
1) The Golden Age
4) Boat Song
5) I Love You
7) Ghost Lights
10) Conquest of Spaces

Honorable Mentions:

• Valerie June, Pushin' Against A Stone
• Arctic Monkeys, AM
• Devendra Banhart, Mala
• Vampire Weekend, Modern Vampires of the City
• Daughn Gibson, Me Moan
• James Blake, Overgrown
• Mazzy Star, Seasons of Your Day
• Kodaline, In a Perfect World
• Drake, Nothing Was the Same
• King Krule, 6 Feet Beneath the Moon
• Kurt Vile, Wakin On A Pretty Daze
• Cage the Elephant, Melophobia
• Jim James, Regions of Light and Sound of God