A bit late, but no one else is paying close attention (or probably cares, for that matter). Here is my iPod play rankings for 2013 releases. Interesting to note that “new music discovery” can emerge from unusual circumstances, as Junip edged out the more mainstream OneRepublic “Counting Stars” and Bareilles “Brave” thanks to exposure in the commercial for the Breaking Bad finale…
- Lorde – Royals
- American Authors – Best Day Of My Life
- Fitz & the Tantrums – Out Of My League
- New Politics – Harlem
- Imagine Dragons – Demons
- Vampire Weekend – Unbelievers
- Smallpools – Dreaming
- Serena Ryder – Stompa
- Boy – Little Numbers
- Kacey Musgrave – Follow Your Arrow
- Haim – The Wire
- Delta Rae – If I Loved You
- Jake Bugg – Lightning Bolt
- Frank Turner – Recovery
- The 1975 – Chocolate
- Wild Cub – Thunder Clatter
- Nonono – Pumpin Blood
- The Dear Hunter – Whisper
- Jason Isbell – Live Oak
- Chvrches – Recover
- The Boxer Rebellion – Diamonds
- Bastille – Pompeii
- The National – Don’t Swallow The Cap
- Beth Hart – Bang Bang Boom Boom
- Junip – Line Of Fire
Vampire Weekend had my favorite overall album, honorable mention to Chvrches and Haim. Surprised that Lorde was Grammy-nominated for Best Song and Record Of The Year, but missed the Best New Artist trifecta, but then again, maybe it doesn’t matter…