We have arrived at my 20 most listened to/favourite/addictive albums of 2013. This time around, numbers 20-17.
I must say it has become a really nice list when I look at it. It gets better and better. I'd like to add that this is (ofcourse) mainly based on my personal flavour and that it contains what I like so much about these bands and albums and why you should listen to them yourself as well.
Most of all, enjoy the music:
20. Herrek – Waktu Dulu, Snowstar Records, February 11th, Folk/Neo-Folk/Singer-Songwriter
Gerrit (Herrek) van der Scheer’s new music project, which he already started in 2008, but the debut album was only released last year. An album full of feeling, reflecting on his past as a young boy growing up in Indonesia. This is folk like you’ve never heard before, dreamy and dark flavoured but also really with a tropical feel to it. A quick taste:
Sounds great right? For me, this was the Dutch album that has grown the most on me, you can hear the stories, you can even feel like you are in Indonesia. The vibes on this LP are absolutely amazing. Songs like The Dark and Drown are absolute gems for the Dutch schene. But as so often with many great Dutch folk acts, Herrek has remained in the dark. Unfortunately.
So start listening now:

19. Dope Body – Natural History, Drag City, June 6th 2012, Noise Rock/Experimental/Alternative
Probably one of the hardest-to-define bands around, Dope Body definitely has their own identity. While chilling out from their previous work, still being invited to Metal-ish-like festival says a lot. Although I wonder if the programmers even knew what they were inviting.
I will try to explain to you, what I like so much about this album (already released in 2012, hitting Europe somewhat later). This explanation is necessary, simply because….. this music is uncomfortable, spine-twisting and perhaps confuses the untrained listener.
Deep, complicated and heavy rhythms with intense vocals, giving the song an atmosphere that changes every 0.5 seconds. This is the kind of music that simply takes time understand, but when you do the reward is there for the taking. Music that intrigues, excites that, for me, is ideal for letting go of frustration but also just when lying on the couch.
From Road Dog to Twice The Life, the songsshow that, on the one hand the band knows their own identity and how far can they go, on the other, they show the diversity of the band. And the diversity is definitely one of the strengths of this LP, which I have been almost listening to for 12 months now, and it has not bored me one second.

18. Thee Oh Sees – Floating Coffin, Castle Face Records, April 16th,Garage/Indie-Rock/Neo-Psych/Alternative Rock
One of the most outstanding Indie bands of the last few years, unfortunately went on hiatus this year, but not before going off the stage with a bang. For a band that is characterized by releasing large amounts of material in short time, this LP might be the first one that is consistent in providing high quality songs. And I mean real high quality songs.

photo from: kickingthehabit.nl
This is one of my favourite tracks from the LP, since it is one of its kind. The rest of the album is packed with the more hyperactive tracks that we are used of getting from the band. There is no slowing this band down, I mean…. It is their 7th LP since 2008. But this one is their best one, for sure. From the first track onwards, just one after the other, the ultimate garage jams with psychedelic flavours are coming at you. I’m not complaining.
17. Speedy Ortiz – Major Arcana
This is definitely the most underrated album in Europe. It has it all, grungy guitars, raw garage songs, poetic lyrics. Speedy Ortiz is one of the revelations of 2013 for me. A band that has come on the radar in the US this year and they prove to be one of the acts to watch in years to come, with a stunning debut LP.

photo from kickingthehabit.nl
That was some rollercoaster ride huh? The album is full of these songs, the band sounds good going fast and slow, going loud and slow. But most of all, the bounds sounds edgy and raw on the right way. No song is too polished, too slick. Everything is just right, the vocals are spot on, the voice of ….. is simply amazing. Everytime I read the lyrics of the songs, I’m can’t help but feel total awesomeness. Total 90ies sound. What’s not to love?
4 more albums will follow soon.
Links to playlists and the youtube channel on the right.
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