Best Albums of 2013 ... So Far!

First playing of this I was struck by the quality of the recording but not wowed.  Second playing a week later...hmm this rather haunting music is growing on me. 

MDS

Growing on me big time too. Good reviews made me have a go; would never have bought a Goldfrapp album otherwise.

Bruce

Just had the first listen, and it's good, but will take a few more goes before I decide whether it's great. A promising start.

Best rock album, easily.

Electronic music? Nothing beats this collection. Out on Richie Hawtin's minus label, 4 gems, real minimal diamonds...

So far for me it is

Carmen Gomes inc: Thousand Shades of Blue

Dough Macleod:There's a Time

Paul Berner Band: Road to Memphis

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=13fCTDcszg4

Outstanding first album by the very promising pianist, Aaron Diehl.

a nice come back album from Daft PUnk.

Better than I expected.

Same here. Thanks for the recommendation. Never had them pegged as my cup of tea previously....but I do like what I'm hearing so far. Hi-res downloads from the artist's site are a good way to buy. I know it is probably still "big business" but easier than Amazon CDs. I'm becoming increasingly indifferent to the concept of owning physical media.

+1 for the Goldfrapp - Tales Of Us. It really is an amazing album. You gotta love Allison's voice.......

+1 for Goldfrapp's Tales of us.

I didn't especially liked it the first time I listened to it. It worth a second try.

Two thumbs up.

As Phage pointed out 'Vertikal' by Cult of Luna is a stunning piece of work. Released in January and not yet bettered for me. From another musical world entirely Thea Gilmore - Regardless is excellent.

Have played Goldfrapp - Tales of Us for the third time. Oh yes, this album is damn good. These songs are the type that aren't initially impressive but later, once they have seeped into you, they seem to pop into the back of your mind subconsciously at unexpected times and you think: where did that come from? So thanks Tony2011. A great recommendation.

MDS  

I'll definitely be buying this album. Watched them on Jools the other day, I was very impressed, but my wife said they where boring.

Although a tiny tweak would have made the songs even better. Vocals in French

You won't regret it, fat cat, I'm sure.

Instructed son to buy Vinyl and CD from Amazon, although it's anybody's guess when he'l get round to doing it.

This is on at the moment. Just realised it is from 2013 and a good album too...

she is right

Bill Callahan

Dream River

Drag City Records

Vinyl (no download code nor CD inlcluded)

Hard to see Mr Callahan improving on this collection of eight songs, each one a small masterpiece.

With minimal instrumentation and astonishing arrangements, this record has overtaken all my previous choices for record of the year. He's touring UK in February, I already have tickets for Bristol.

Me too. A joy.

Bruce

Two talented female songwriters...

Vile Electrodes.the future though a lens. Total analogue synth music . Not one guitar or drum set used. Top tracks Damaged software and Nothing. The great voice of Jane Caley and the Synth man Martin Swan.

For me, it has to be June Tabor and Ian Bellamy - Quercus. Jazz influenced traditional songs for voice, tenor sax and piano. Also the best live recording I have ever heard!

It's a great album, not normally my preferred genre either. It is also available in Hires which is far superior to the CD version.

Gerry