blood orange – Communiqué

Top Played Artists 12/31-1/6

1 CULTS – Static
2 TENNIS – Small Sound
3 WOODEN SHJIPS – Back To Land
4 DUCKTAILS – Wish Hotel
5 OF MONTREAL – Lousy With Sylvianbriar
6 LOS CAMPESINOS! – No Blues
7 ANTHONY GREEN – Young Legs
8 DARKSIDE – Psychic
9 YUCK – Glow And Behold
10 BLOOD ORANGE – Cupid Deluxe
11 PHANTOGRAM – Phantogram
12 RADICAL FACE – The Family Tree: The Branches
13 CUT COPY – Free Your Mind
14 POLICA – Shulamith
15 HEAD AND THE HEART – Let’s Be Still
16 KRAAK AND SMAAK – Chrome Waves
17 GRISWOLDS – Heart Of A Lion
18 ST. LUCIA – When The Night
19 NO JOY – Pastel And Pass Out
20 FUZZ – Fuzz
21 NOBUNNY – Secret Songs: Reflections From The Ear Mirror
22 DESTROYER – Five Spanish Songs
23 GRIZZLY BEAR – Shields: Expanded
24 DANNY BROWN – Old
25 HIGH HIGHS – Open Season
26 BLACK BOOKS – Black Books
27 DIANE COFFEE – My Friend Fish
28 WHITE DENIM – Corsicana Lemonade
29 GRINGO STAR – Floating Out To See
30 DR. DOG – B-Room

Top 50 Albums of 2013 (according to Liquid Courage Media)

Our lovely Assistant Editor-in-Chief, Shannen Gaffney, also writes for Liquid Courage Media. This is their list of the top albums of 2013, co-written with Isabel Imperatore (in alphabetical order).

Allison Weiss – Say What You Mean
Allison Weiss’ No Sleep Records release, Say What You Mean, was an uplifting take on the more depressing moments of being a teenager-to-twenty-something. The first track, “Making It Up,” outlined the uncertainties of defining a relationship. Our favorite is the breakup pop tune “How to Be Alone”.

Beyoncé – BEYONCÉ
BEYONCE released a self-titled “exclusive visual album” on iTunes in the middle of the night without any previous announcement or promotion. Do I need to say anything else? Videos/tracks to check out: ”XO” and “Blue” (and the entire album).

Blood Orange – Cupid Deluxe
If we can use the word ‘groovy,’ Blood Orange released one of the grooviest records this year. “You’re Not Good Enough” encompasses everything you’ve ever wanted to say to your ex, and has been stuck in our heads ever since its recent release.

Brick + Mortar – Bangs
It’s hard to categorize and describe Brick + Mortar, which is a duo comprised of Brandon Asraf and John Tacon. They combine elements of alternative, electronic, indie, drum and bass, noise-pop, hip-hop, and punk. It’s aggressive, anthemic and catchy. The intense drum and bass parts are overlapped with Brandon’s distinct vocals and instrumentation like synths and guitar. Listen to “Bangs” and “Locked In A Cage” and you’ll understand.

Charli XCX – True Romance
Charli XCX was definitely a breakout artist of 2013, and True Romance was one of the best dance pop albums of the year. Her obvious best track was “You – Ha Ha Ha,” but “Take My Hand” and “What I Like” were also equally addictive pop gems.