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).

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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”.

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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).

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Album Review: Langsom Dans by Gliss

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By Shannen Gaffney

Victoria Cecilia and Martin Klingman of L.A. band Gliss have created something truly beautiful with their third studio album, Langsom Dans. A sort of middle ground between the straight-up pop melodies of a Dum Dum Girls hit and the harmonic fullness of a Beach House song, Langsom Dans is filled with a mix of attention grabbing drums and synths on the first two tracks, and moves to more calming waves throughout the bulk of the album. The blending voices of Cecilia and Klingman is seemingly effortless, both singing lead vocals on different tracks. Klingman’s voice on the heartfelt ballad “Waves” evokes a theme of helplessness, while “The Sea Tonight” is an uplifting pop song about hanging out by the water. Still, the most captivating song is “A to B,” with swirly synths and bouncy keyboards as well as heavy bass. Cecilia’s vocals here are reverb-covered, yet desperate and very human all the same as she sings, “I’m standing here naked, with doubts on my mind.” Neither of these songs are the single, which speaks to how good the album is as a whole. The single, “Hunting” is an addicting dark pop tune, Cecilia’s voice reminiscent of a more subtle Shirley Manson. Langsom Dans is definitely an album to check out this month, recommended for fans of shoegaze and dream pop.