#MusicWorship (Part One)

A Reflection on the Healing Power of Music

[Note: This is another collaborative post!

This time I am joined by my #SABestie, Katy Hamm—a recent Higher Education Administration Masters graduate from St. Cloud State University in St. Cloud, Minnesota. HIRE HER!

This is also PART ONE of a TWO-PART series. We wrote a lot.]

  

Pianos Become the Teeth's LP for Lack Long After.

Disclaimer: As most people know, I like music. A lot.

If you didn’t know this, click here to check out the blog entries of my countdown of last year’s top 100 albums.

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Every night when I get home, I put on a record and either lay on my floor or my bed. In that moment, I can be alone with myself and some relaxing tunes. I often unsheathe Caspian’s Waking Season LP, or Explosions in the Sky’s The Earth is Not a Cold Dead Place LP, or even Bon Iver’s For Emma, Forever Ago LP. I just choose something that will help me chill out after a long day of class and/or serving students.

Music is a way for me to cope with whatever is going on around me.

Or within me.

Whether I am in good or somber spirits, I can rely on music to accompany my heart. So, I want to share some thoughts about the power of music!

In order to do so, I do not want to be the only voice in this conversation, so I have enlisted some support—

[Note: Katy Hamm’s words will be in italics.]

Hello! As Craig briefly introduced me, my name is Katy Hamm. I am an alumna of the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, and recently received my master’s in Higher Education Administration from St. Cloud State University.

Music has been extremely important in shaping my path into student affairs. I joined Reeve Union Board (RUB) at UWO to help plan the music events that came to campus. In my final year, I became the Music & Variety Chair of RUB. Connecting with my advisor and mentor, Chelsea Redger, through our similar music interests guided me down the path of awesome that is working in student activities.

This is the first coincidental connection Katy and I have established through music—we both were heavily involved in the music scenes at our undergrad institutions. I was the president of the Oregon State Musicians Guild, which allowed me to essentially live as a booking agent for about 20 musical acts in Corvallis, Oregon over the span of two and a half years. My buddy, Charley, and I booked and managed over 100 concerts during that time and became synonymous with the on-campus music scene.

I used to scream in a metal band called, Of Saints and Shadows.
Made many incredible friends during this experience.
Metal didn't necessarily thrive in our college town.

Our second coincidental connection is that we grew up supporting struggling music scenes. I was amid the once-thriving music scene of Salem, Oregon—where I remember seeing a young (more stripped-down) Typhoon take the stage. Katy Hamm grew up supporting music in the mean streets of Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Well, I grew up in a town directly in between Milwaukee and Chicago, and I went to pretty much any show I could. When I was 16, I started going to see a band called The Killer Apathy. After a few years, and a handful of new members, TKA has now become The Color Morale.

Through many TKA/TCM shows and conversations, I have formed a great respect for their vocalist Garret Rapp. He has been incredibly impactful on fans of their music, especially with their new album, Know Hope. It has been an absolute pleasure to see the way The Color Morale has been able to make a difference in the lives of so many young individuals.

I know I was in complete shock the first time I saw The Color Morale live—Garret gave so much love to the crowd and the reciprocation from the crowd was absolutely inspiring.

Garret has been an inspiration to me in my work with students, and gives me confidence in my ability to use my story to positively impact others.

Anthony grabbed my hand many times during this set.
People in the crowd told us we were electric that night.

A man that has been an inspiration to me—and those close to me know how much admiration I have for this man—is Anthony Green.

Anthony Green is the lead singer of Circa Survive, Saosin, Sound of Animals Fighting, is one of my favorite vocalists and he is a great person to follow on social media because he shares so much of his family life and makes an effort to give an insight into his creative space. I appreciate this level of transparency in how he lives his life and I seek to keep up with his messages, as well as his weekly projects for fans to enrich the lives of others.

He started this #musicworship hashtag and I have become quite fond of it because music is one of those rare elements in life that truly gives people a reason to worship personally with song.

To me, music worship is all about discovering what music will help you feel whatever emotion you seek at the given moment. It can also be taken quite literally—what music do you worship?

What music truly speaks to you? What music heals you?

Emotional power of Music

This quote stems from the song "Andria," by La Dispute.
Also, the flower in the middle has become their trademark.

A band that heals me is La Dispute.

I have their flower tattooed on my wrist.

The first time I heard La Dispute, I knew I had found a band that spoke to me. As a recovering English major, I am drawn to stories. I am drawn to imagery. I am drawn to tone and emotion. With this, La Dispute is an uncannily ethereal band. Jordan Dreyer is a lyricist that truly understands storytelling.

Dreyer has the ability to weave elegant tapestries of stories laced with song.

There are guitars—sure.

There are drums—yes.

There is bass—definitely.

But what resonates with me most are the words.

Dreyer gives a shit about the words he uses.

His vulnerability is inspiring.

The songs only truly take shape when he starts yelling and/or screaming his words because he is so taken by the emotional build of the song. I can’t get enough of it.

Any band do this for you, Katy Hamm?

I guess since it is the way we met, it is only fitting that we talk about the same band.

Makes sense to me! It's our THIRD coincidental connection. Go for it!

The first time I heard La Dispute was in my partner Jon's car. I fell in love with their passion and Jordan's lyricism immediately. It wasn’t long before they made the list of my top five favorite bands.

On April 4^th, 2011, Jon was murdered.

The last words he posted on Facebook were, "Heads Up, Hearts Up, Hopes Up," lyrics from "The Last Lost Continent" by La Dispute. Because of this, La Dispute became even more of an emotionally charged band for me. Jon and I owned a clothing company together called Home Sweet Home Clothing, and in his memory I designed shirts with this phrase with an image of him in the background.

These shirts became a way for his family in friends to feel supported in their time of need, and along with donations helped to create college scholarships in his name. To this day, I still see people wearing those shirts that I don’t know, and it reminds me that I need to put a smile on my face and keep moving forward.

Note: Information on the Jonathan Kwiatkowski
Memorial Fund and 2014 Scholarships
can be found at http://www/jkmemorialfund.org

It took me over two years to be able to listen to La Dispute again. I saw them for the first time on April 4^th of this year at The Garage in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

They were playing nearest to me on the anniversary of Jon’s death.

I would be lying if I said my eyes were dry for any portion of their set. Having the connection I do with this band has allowed me to heal myself in ways I never could have imagined without it, and for that I owe thanks to Jordan Dreyer and La Dispute.

I don’t know if I can follow that.

Thank you so much for sharing that experience, Katy.

Connections of music

There is no denying that music has the ability to create connections.

Connections with people.

Connections with emotions.

Connections with moments in our life.

Connections with people from specific moments in our life.

Connections with emotions attached to people from specific moments in our life.
Music is connective.

Hell, anytime I listen to John Legend’s “Get Lifted” album, all I think of Chuck Palahniuk’s book, “Choke,” because I listened to that CD almost nonstop as I read through that book. These connections stick with us.

I would not have met my skister (don’t worry—I will explain what that is in a second) Amanda if it hadn’t been for her sister, and my best friend in high school, Emily, and I constantly going to local shows together.

My Skister and I love adventuring in cities and trying new things.
This time we were trying out Ed Debevic's diner in Chicago.

Emily was killed by a drunk driver in July of 2008, and since then, Amanda and I have adopted each other as sisters. We call each other Skister, because that is what she and Emily called each other growing up. Amanda has been one of my biggest role models since she has come into my life, and I can’t imagine her being anything but my sister.

Music has an uncanny ability to bring people together with the common purpose of creating an escape and a form of healing for those in need.

I would not have met my best friend Sam if I hadn’t gone to see The Almost at UWO. I wouldn’t have met my roommate and close friend Ashley Andersen (who is also an #SAgrad at St. Cloud State) if we had not had a mutual friend in a local Milwaukee band called Mechanical Kids that led me to sending her a really weird Facebook message asking her joining Reeve Union Board.

If it wasn’t for the metal band I was in, I wouldn’t have one of my best friends, Dylan.

If it wasn’t for concert planning, I wouldn’t have my best friend, Charley!

If it wasn’t for Twitter, I wouldn’t have met fellow Circa Survive family member, Mark Delaney!

My buddy, Charley, and I have been through so much
music together--planning shows, playing shows, booking bands,
stage managing. Everything. We were even elected to run the OSU
Memorial Union Program Council together. He now drums in a
Pop Rock band in Portland, OR called, Blue Ember. Check them out!

I wouldn’t have succeeded in college without my love for music.

I don’t even know if I would have made it to college without it.

I wouldn’t have found my calling as a Student Affairs professional if I hadn’t pursued concert planning for student organizations. Music brought me to Student Affairs.

I wouldn’t be going into student affairs, and I wouldn’t know the incredible human being I am writing this blog with. I owe everything important in my life to music.

And I actually feel I owe my life to music.

Specifically, “Gravity,” by A Perfect Circle, which is a beautiful song that I clung to shortly after I survived a suicide attempt. The song repeats the line, “I choose to live.” This line has stuck with me throughout my life and it most definitely helped me through one of the most difficult moments of my life. I will soon add these words to one of my tattoo sleeves and it will serve as a reminder that music truly can save lives. And that the opportunity to live is a beautiful thing.

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That’s the end of part one of our two-part Music Worship blog series!

Make sure to check back next week as we discuss the healing power of live music.

And to tide you over, here is the first of two playlists we will release for this blog series!

Let’s save the goodbyes for tomorrow at lunch.

Katy Hamm’s #MusicWorshipPlaylist:

(Click to load the Spotify Playlist!)

1. “The Last Lost Continent” – La Dispute

2. “Tell That Mick He Just Made My List of Things to Do Today” – Fall Out Boy

3.  “I Won’t Say the Lord’s Prayer” – The Wonder Years

4. “Strange Comfort” – The Color Morale

5. “Floorboards” – Real Friends

6. “Diva” - Beyonce

7. “Ebolorama” – Every Time I Die

8. “Why It Scares Me” – La Dispute

9. “Youth” - Daughter

10. “Don’t Let Her Pull You Down” – New Found Glory

11. “Swords and Pens” The Story So Far

12. “Level Head” – Have Mercy

13. “Bad Girls”  M.I.A.

14. “We Still Believe” – Stick to Your Guns

15. “Head Up, Kid!” – Major League

16. “Wobble” – V.I.C.

17. “Play Crack the Sky” – Brand New

18. “Shake It Out” – Manchester Orchestra

19. “Siberian Kiss” - Glassjaw                                                                

20. “Heartbreaker” – Pat Benatar

21. “GINASFS” – Fall Out Boy

22. “Snake Eyes” – Sworn In

23. “Criminal” – Fiona Apple

24. “Understatement” – New Found Glory

This Band is so Gay!

A Lesson in Homophobia and Performative Masculinity in the Metal Music Scene

[TRIGGER WARNING: Homophobic language.]

I had to sign a waiver before I entered the venue.

That’s how I could tell this was going to be a great metal show.

Amid the musk of body odor and PBR, through the swaying bodies of beard, flannel, gauges, and tattooed fists, I found my way to the pole in the middle of the floor—there’s always a pole.  It supports me through most metal shows, which often take their toll on my body after a few bands.

I was nodding along to the opening act, giving them some credit for playing what appeared to be a hard to please Clifton Park, NY crowd. And boy was I right.

Between the Buried and Me was the headlining act.

I love those guys. They prove vegans can kick ass.

The crowd was overwhelmingly a BTBAM crowd. It seemed there was little room to be impressed.

Which brings me to right before BTBAM when deafheaven performed, which is the band I truly came to see, seeing as I'd been to a number of BTBAM shows in the past. Deafheaven released what I considered the most important metal album last year, Sunbather, on what I consider to be the most important record label today, Deathwish Records. The band combines beautiful atmospheric elements of Explosions in the Sky with the power and shear brutality of black metal.

However, their sound hasn’t been completely accepted among metal purists because it is too atmospheric and uplifting at times while the lyrics are screamed completely incoherently to the untrained ear.

I was in love with their opening number, “Dream House,” the first track on the aforementioned, Sunbather. The track has so many elements of dynamic emotion and raw, heinous, unbridled metal. After the euphoria of the nine-minute epic, I was given a chance to breathe.

That’s when I heard it.

George Clarke of deafheaven consistently brings a dynamic performance.

“This band is so gay!”

The man who said it resembled a young Rutherford B. Hayes—with one full sleeve of tattoos, a Bud Light, and an unkempt beard. I turned my head immediately and responded, “Not cool, bro.” He smirked at me and said some other unsavory words. The next song, my favorite song, started, so I turned my attention back to the stage.

Ten minutes passed as I enjoyed the next song—however, I couldn’t enjoy it because of what that man said about deafheaven. I wasn’t okay with it.

I’ve heard disparaging statements like this many times at many shows. I often let it slide because it’s whatever. I know that music doesn’t have a sexual orientation. I know that people say things like this out of ignorance. But I couldn’t let this one slide.

When their set ended, I turned to the dude and asked him to explain why he said what he said. He didn’t give me a straight answer. Well, he did and he didn’t.

“They aren’t even metal—it’s hipster bullshit. They don't belong here.” he told me. I turned my head, confusingly, “and what does that even have to do with sexual orientation?”

“Don’t be so sensitive, dude,” he told me.

Sensitive? Obviously this dude didn’t know me or my history of allyship.

He said, "they don't belong here" and all that flashed in front of my face was the discrimination of the Civil Rights movement, the women's suffrage movement, and even today in places like Arizona and Kansas, where homosexuals have recently had legislature proposed to ban them from certain services. Situations like this are moments for learning and for growth. So that's what I wanted to do.

I kindly and coolly explained to him and his snickering friends the reality of his words, the reality of the persecution those, like me, in the LGBTQ+ community face every day because of people tactlessly throwing around abusive language like that. 

I obviously didn't want to cause a scene--the man was bigger than me--yet, I simply wanted to make a point that men shouldn't be afraid to call out other men when we hear offensive and abusive language that disenfranchises other men.

He sipped his beer, obviously annoyed to have been called out.

 

Album cover for deafheaven's album, Sunbather, released June 11, 2013.

“Well, they have this faggot-ass pink album cover,” he told me after a long drag on his Bud Light.

“Oh, and pink isn’t metal?” I respond.

“No. It’s fucking gay.” He said.

Classic gender roles on display right there. Pink isn’t masculine. Are we still at that point in history? Boys are blue and girls are pink? I’m tired of that form of gender role association.

Yes, deafheaven’s new album, Sunbather, has an all-pink cover. And no, it is in no way homosexual. In fact, I praise the high level of irony and beauty the cover brings to the metal scene. I have a sticker of the album cover on my water bottle. I see the album cover every day. Also, the vinyl release for this record is also all pink! It’s quite wonderful to hear such rawness emanating from a pink vinyl record.

The fact that deafheaven is willing to present themselves with such allure, such care for their sound and release their tunes behind a gender role-shattering album cover makes me so proud to be their fan. Sure, that probably wasn’t their point and they may never read this, but I felt the need to stand up to the man who made such a bigoted comment in regard to something he doesn’t understand.

Japan's Baby Metal is an example of brilliant intersectional
metal the crosses gender and musical stereotypes.

Dudes often use offensive and derogative language when confronted with anything they don’t understand. That is in no way excusable. Men who talk and act like this at shows give metal a bad name, give men a bad name, and make me ashamed to identify in either category. I’m tired of this gross lack of respect for art and sexual identity.

“I’d rather be water-boarded than listen to this band again.”

After the show, my friend told me he had heard another person in the crowd say that in reference to deafheaven as the flamboyant vocalist, George Clarke, kissed the crowd goodnight and walked offstage.

I was shocked beyond compare—almost more than the homophobic slur because this was purely an instance where absurd hyperbole is at play, and ignorant stupidity is at fault. While the metal scene is largely based around hyperbolic epic lyrics and language, so too is its fan’s reactions to acts they do not like.

Music is an artform of sound, harmony, beats that fall into varying genres, subgenres and postgenres—of which some styles don’t appeal to everyone. And that’s fine. Yet, what this deeper demonstrates is the power and gross misuse of language.

What it all comes down to is that whatever band it is, the band really doesn’t matter—this applies to any band in any genre at any show, anywhere. What matters is that we, as concertgoers, act as active bystanders when we hear potential harmful language, see harmful actions, and speak up!

I call for all concertgoers to intervene in any of these situations—like I did—stand up for the voiceless, be willing to confront ignorance and disrespect. Because if you won’t, who will?

I’m not sure this will resonate with all readers; yet, this is something that reaches far beyond music—it happens everywhere. That doesn’t mean we must tolerate this sort of behavior.

Speak up in the face of disrespect.

Lemme know your thoughts!

Be well, all.

- Craig.

Join me in dialogue:

@CrigBididman

                                                              

2013 Music Review, Pt. 005: Top Albums (25-01)

Here it is! The final list of my 2013 music year in review!

After writing about so much new music, it’s safe to say 2013 was an odd year in music. A lot of artists I had never heard of until this year made a big impression with me this year.

After wading through the ridiculously pretentious waters of hipster indie/shoegaze rock, noise rock, even some radio-friendly albums, and some ghastly attempts at metal/metalcore, I found a few gems and diamonds in the rough to claim as this year’s top music.

I gotta give a big thanks to anyone who has stuck it out with me throughout this process this year. I am more than thankful for the chance to share massive amounts of music with you all and I hope something in these lists were appealing to you.

This was a very challenging year for me to do this sort of excursion into music, given that I made a move across the country, started graduate school, and have had many new responsibilities with my professional life.

Regardless, thank you again.

Enjoy the last 25 picks!

25. Stories from Elsewhere, Rhian Sheehan

Released: March 07, 2013

If you are in need of someone to write a soundtrack for your everyday life, enlist the help of Rhian Sheehan. Sheehan creates of the most stunning compositions of neo-classical tunes. He brandishes pianos, anything with strings, and music boxes and devises soft, soothing, and delightful tunes. He is a one-man multi-instrumentalist orchestra.

Play: Rhian Sheehan - La Boi te a Musique

  

24. Kveikur, Sigur Ros

Released: June 17,2013

Earlier in the year, I laughingly stated that Sigur Rós might have released the heaviest album of the year. I sort of still stand by that statement because Kveikur (Icelandic for Candlewick) is remarkable change of pace for these post rock/atmospheric gods. The album takes many uncharacteristic mood swings and showcases a darker sound than past releases.

Play: Sigur Ros – Rafstraumur

23. Atlas: Darkness, Light, Space 1, Space 2 (All 4 EPs),

Sleeping at Last

Released: January 29, 2013; June 10, 2013; September 17, 2013; November 21, 2013

Yes, four EPs. But the 21 songs are startlingly consistent and beautifully written. Anyone unfamiliar with the music of Ryan O’Neal should know that he is incredibly tenacious in his work ethic. He constructs soft, chill, bright, comforting tunes that make any listener feel safe and composed.

Play: Sleeping At Last – Mercury

22. The Albatross, Foxing

Released: November 12, 2013

Perhaps leading the way in the emo revival is Foxing. The Albatross is a necessary album for anyone who has felt heartbreak or loss of any kind. Foxing seeks to work through complex emotions with somewhat simplistic, yet, relatable lyrics and stories.

Play: Foxing – Bit by a Dead Bee Pt. 2

21. The Hurry and the Harm, City and Colour

Released: June 04, 2013

In my book, Dallas Green can do no wrong. While The Hurry and the Harm doesn't reach the level of his masterwork, Bring Me Your Love, Green proves he is still an incredible composer of indie folk tunes. Ever since he added the full band, the growth and experimentation has not slowed down. Dallas continues to mature with each release, showing his willingness to create enlivened music with a purpose.

Play: City and Colour – Thirst

20. Common Courtesy, A Day to Remember

Released: October 08, 2013

I don’t know how much more blood and sweat can be poured into an ADTR album before they run out. While I haven’t really appreciated their live shows in the past, I can always appreciate the efforts of their albums. Common Courtesy serves as a testament to the band’s devotion to their craft with many reflections to life on the road.

Play: A Day To Remember – Sometimes You're the Hammer, Sometimes You're the Nail

19. Illumination Ritual, Appleseed Cast

Released: April 23, 2013

I lost track of Appleseed Cast a few years ago. I was following them through high school and went a different path, but I’m glad I found this album. Illumination Ritual is a groovy, experimental atmospheric post rock release with sprinklings of vocals here and there, in typical Appleseed Cast fashion.

Play: Appleseed Cast - Cathedral Rings

18. Everyday I Get Closer to the Light from Which I Came, Jesu

Released: September 23, 2013

This album is as beautiful as it is creepy. Everyday... is a spacious and patient probing of musical meanderings and discomfort. Just when I think I understand how chill this album can be, I'm hit with a sweeping reminder that Jesu is built on darkness. Jesu is instrumental, neo classical, post rock, post metal, post sludge, post doom, post-EVERYTHING!

Play: Jesu – Comforter

17. Entities, Pomegranate Tiger

Released: January 31, 2013

Instrumental prog metal just found a new act to praise. Despite the terrible band name, Pomegranate Tiger makes impressive jazz-inspired djent metal tunes that take on many different genres throughout the drawn-out experiences the band creates. If the opening lick of “New Breed” doesn’t give you chills, something may be wrong with your heart.

Play: Pomegranate Tiger – New Breed

  

16. Change Will Come, Least of These

Released: August 03, 2013

 Least of These is a little-known Indie post hardcore act that reminds me of every phase of As Cities Burns’ evolution as a band. Change Will Come is a lesson in perseverance and striving for becoming a stronger person through its overtly confessional style lyrics. Much aggression and emotion is present throughout the album, as the band masterfully envelopes feelings of isolation and determination through guttural screams and impressive clean vocals.

Play: Least Of These – This Is Confidence

15. Altered State, TesseracT

Released: May 28, 2013

I spent a lot of time with Altered State and I didn’t like it the first time I listened to it. However, I knew there was something here. And I was right. This UK prog metal act has constructed a ten-track album ripe with a sonically charged exploration of the human condition. “Of Matter—Resist” was one of my favorite tracks of 2013 because it includes so many layers that make this band so important to the metal scene.

Play: TesseracT – Of Matter – Resist

14. Beyond Was All Around Me, Young Man

Released: April 09, 2013

Young Man is the illegitimate brainchild of symmetry/symmetry, Kenny Vasoli (personL-inspired) and Pink Floyd spawning some downright inspiring experimental rock tunes. I haven’t been explicitly impressed with an album like this in a long time.

Play: Young Man – In Time

13. Living Mirrors, Disperse

Released: February 19, 2013

This album is a great example of being on Spotify and seeing a friend listening to a random band I’d never heard of and then I end up loving that band. Disperse is one of those in between metal bands. This album shows many signs of prog and djent metal, yet lacks any harsh vocals—instead showcases a powerful lead vocalist who harps over dazzling guitar work and explosive drums.

Play: Disperse - Message from Atlantis

[Note: This is where the list gets tight. Hardly any wiggle room between these choices.]

12. Mouthful of Swords, The Safety Fire

Released: June 05, 2013

I kept trying to deny this album but I kept coming back to it. I tried to resist its tasty licks and dominant vocals. But I was no match for the Safety Fire. Blending a mix of BTBAM and Animals as Leaders, Mouthful of Swords became a go-to album for any prog metal lover.

Play: The Safety Fire – Beware The Leopard (Jagwar)

11. Migrant, The Dear Hunter

Released: April 2, 2013

In 2011, I snubbed Casey Crescenzo by not truly appreciating his Color Spectrum mega album—which in hindsight is an incredible album and should’ve been higher on my 2011 list. Migrant is a conglomeration of everything the Dear Hunter has been and is becoming. Crescenzo is a mastermind of all things rock, jazz, folk, strings, horns, everything. The man is a master of everything. Not to mention that voice is to die for. Give it a shot. Let Casey sing to your soul.

Play: The Dear Hunter – Whisper

10. Repave, Volcano Choir

Released: September 03, 2013

It’s hard to get an eight-song LP perfect. One misstep and it can throw off the entire balance of an album. Luckily, Volcano Choir didn’t have that issue. The band, a conglomeration of Justin Vernon (Bon Iver) and post rock outfit, Collections of Colonies of Bees, enmeshed so many jaw-dropping moments within this 40-minute uplifting frolic through musical articulateness.

Play: Volcano Choir – Byegone

09. Yeezus, Kanye West

Released: June 18, 2013

Yep. Take this, haters. Kanye West in the top ten. For all the naysayers of King West, I have one message for you: Appreciate his music for what it is—a constantly evolving experience of avant garde hip hop. Yeezus very bluntly is a middle finger to the current state of hip hop—especially since King West, himself, said he didn’t want to create a song on this album that could be used as a marketable single. He challenges listeners and brings some of his strongest and daring material to date.

Play: Kanye West – New Slaves

08. Falling Bough Wisdom Teeth, Kiev

Released: October 22, 2013

Kiev is what would happen if Radiohead had an improvisational jazz horn section constructed into it. It’s incredible. Each track builds onto the next and for an up and coming act to have such a command on its style so early in the game, I am eager to see where this band goes from here. I only had 10 albums left to listen to before I was caught up with everything I had on my list from 2013. I figured my list was set. And then I got to this album. And it broke my list. I’m glad it did.

Play: Kiev – Ariah Being

07. Volition, Protest the Hero

Released: October 29, 2013

Protest the Hero has been around the metal core scene for a while now. I saw the band on its very first tour and my heart was stolen then and it is being stolen again with this new album. I was apprehensive to tackle Volition after the band put out a stinker a few years ago, Scurrilous. However, each track hits on all cylinders throughout this math metal masterpiece. The band has always been able to impressively 

Play: Protest The Hero – Clarity

06. Sunbather, deafheaven

Released: June 11, 2013

This is one of the most important metal albums of the millennium. deafheaven took to create an experience with its whirling dynamo of black metal meets atmospheric instrumental post rock. Like Sigur Rós, vocals often take on a different role with this music—serving as an extra instrument, instead of a perfectly constructed element of lyrical expression. deafheaven gives listeners the opportunity to rest from the chaos in many scattered moments of bright beauty before dropping listeners right back into the pandemonium.

Play: deafheaven - Sunbather

05. White Lighter, Typhoon

Released: August 20, 2013

Top five starts off with an essential release from Oregon’s own, Typhoon. This 12-person Indie orchestra is one of the most impressive acts in music today. This album chronicles the struggles of reality and mortality of lead singer, NAME NAME, as he battled Lyme disease last year. The songs tell absolutely lively and inspiring stories. Each song is uniquely vibrant and beautiful. For fans of Sufjan Stevens, Decemberists, and Modest Mouse.

Play: Typhoon – Artificial Light

04. For Now I am Winter, Ólafur Arnalds

Released: April 02, 2013

Stop what you’re doing and click the song below and watch the video for “Old Skin.” I’ll wait. This album is worth a listen from everyone on the planet. Ólafur Arnalds has carefully created the most whimsically elegant album of 2013. He brings his piano to life in magnificent ways. The atmosphere and ambience are on point. Each track featuring vocals from friend and composer, Arnór Dan, stand out as delightfully dominant compositions.

Play: Ólafur Arnalds - Old Skin

03. Is Survived By, Touché Amoré

Released: September 24, 2013

Many know my devotion to Touché Amoré, and I stand confident in my belief that TA creates some of the most impassioned, honest, and unrelenting music in the post hardcore/hardcore scene. Jeremy Bolm spends this entire under 30-minute album pondering life, mortality, and the difficulties of devoting one’s life to the love of artistic expression. The band went for a more spaciously atmospheric/accessible approach with Is Survived By, yet this doesn’t slow its ability to create some of heaviest music on the scene today.

Play: Touché Amoré - Harbor (Video)

02. Owel, Owel 

Released: April 02, 2013

Owel’s self-titled debut LP was probably the album I listened to the most in 2013. Owel makes solid experimental indie rock tunes that are comfortable, accessible, and ambitious. That’s the perfect word for this album—ambitious. For a debut album, it seems as though Owel already has it figured out. With no label, no major backing, they have a sound that should be on the radio, but isn’t. Again, I’m almost thankful for that. Regardless, Owel mixes styles of Copeland meets Explosions in the Sky and Dear Hunter. This album gives me hope for the future of music.

Play: Owel - Burning House

01. Winterwell, Mree

Released: August 06, 2013

I have tried to share this album with anyone and everyone who would listen. I am absolutely flabbergasted that this album and Mree have not become mainstream sensations yet. In a way, that makes me happy because I’d hate to see her artistic abilities limited in any way. The key factor in this album claiming number one is that I focus my attention on full albums, from beginning to end, and how the acts create a full experience. This album is a complete experience with no room to remove and element—for they are all necessary.

Mree (Marie Hsiao) is a 20-year old multi-instrumentalist who already had one LP under her belt before releasing this dazzling expression of life and love. Her airy voice is surprisingly strong when she belts out her choruses and beckons listeners to dig deeper within themselves to find the beauty in life. Watch her videos on Youtube, listen to this album, become one with these tracks. I am forever changed because of this album.

Play: Mree - Into the Well (video)

I’m thankful for those who read this…

This experience was incredible.

Catch up on the entire list:

- Pt. 001: Top Albums (EPs & Honorable Mentions)

- Pt. 002: Top Albums (100-76)

- Pt. 003: Top Albums (75-51)
- Pt. 004: Top Albums (50-26)

2013 Music Review, Pt. 004: Top Albums (50-26)

Greetings again!

This was probably the most difficult section of all to rank because this section contained the thick of the competition for me. If I moved one album it changed the flow and feel of the entire list.

Even so, when it came to writing about these albums, I didn’t want to stop.

There are so many incredible pieces in this penultimate list.

I’m confident in these choices and cannot wait to get to the final section!

That will arrive on Monday.

And then I will post the entire list in one post here and on Facebook, for those who wish to see it all in one place.

Let’s go!!

[Note: As always Album Title in Bold Italics, Artist Name in Bold.]

50. Phoenix, Everything in Slow Motion

Released: December 10, 2013

Everything in Slow Motion released a powerful debut album in 2013. The band brandishes a sidewinding sound similar to As Cities Burns meets Blindside and Thrice. They rely on emotionally charged religiously introspective lyrics that allow for great moments of chaos and beauty.

Play: Everything In Slow Motion – Speak

49. Fever Hunting, Modern Life is War

Released: September 03, 2013

Modern Life is War made a surprise return to the scene in 2013. Fever Hunting finds Modern Life is War comfortably returning to form as hardcore legacies. There isn’t a moment on this album that makes me question the intensity and passion of this band.

Play: Modern Life Is War – Health, Wealth & Peace

48. Pelagial, The Ocean

Released: April 30, 2013

There aren’t many songs/albums by The Ocean that aren’t simply great. This is a metal band that truly understands all aspects of the genre. I got into this band a lot in 2013 ; I appreciate their utter brutality, their subtle eloquence, and their intricately planned stories.

Play: The Ocean – Abyssopelagic I: Boundless Vasts

47. From the Bird’s Cage, HRVRD

Released: February 19, 2013

From the Bird’s Cage was my go-to album for painting/all-things creative during my winter of creation in 2013. HRVRD (formerly Harvard) present a dynamically calm and experimental sound, akin to a post rock Circa Survive. The band proves to be more patient and succinct in this ten-song LP, making consistent and conscious choices.

Play: Hrvrd – Futurist

46. Welcome: oblivion, How to Destroy Angels

Released: March 05, 2013

Reznor released a very lackluster Nine Inch Nails album this year. However, his release as How to Destroy Angels made an incredible impact, building off the landscape constructed from the an Omen EP_. Post industrial, experimental, and whimsically sang by his wife, Mariqueen Maandig, Reznor and his troupe of support have created an essential example of transcending genre.

Play: How To Destroy Angels – Welcome oblivion

45. Eros|Anteros, Oathbreaker

Released: July 16, 2013

This Belgian hardcore act is out for blood. Oathbreaker is well on its way to becoming the next hardcore legends. The band will ride the wave of a dominant female vocalist/screamer and completely deft instrumentalists that create heavy tunes as competently as they do the ambient final track, “Clair Obscur,” which was a favorite of mine from 2013.

Play: Oathbreaker – The Abyss Looks into Me

44. The Weatherman, Gregory Alan Isakov

Released: July 09, 2013

The Weatherman is Gregory Alan Isakov at his best. Isakov has a voice quite rare to the folk scene. He croons each track with the greatest of ease and creates some of the most competent and imaginative lyricism today.

Play: Gregory Alan Isakov – She Always Takes It Black

43. …Like Clockwork, Queens of the Stone Age

Released: June 03, 2013

Six years is a long time to wait for an album (not to mention the SEVEN years Tool fans have been waiting for a new album). So, when Josh Homme decided to create a new QOTSA album, fans had to expect it would be a hit. And it was. This album contains some of the most down-and-dirty rock and roll you will hear this decade.

Play: Queens Of The Stone Age – My God Is The Sun

42. Knots, Crash of Rhinos

Released: July 22, 2013

As the post hardcore insurgence/emo revival took full storm of 2013, Crash of Rhinos came about as a random find amid the Spotify expansiveness. On only one listen I knew this album would be a competitor on my list. Fans of Fugazi, Sparta, and La Dispute will admire this great promise for the post hardcore realm.

Play: Crash Of Rhinos – Impasses

41. Arc, Everything Everything

Released: January 14, 2013

Whenever I came back to Arc I couldn’t get the comparisons to Bloc Party out of my mind. Everything Everything options the all things groovy, chill, funky and takes them to the nth degree. There is much comfort in this debut release. As though the band has already found what it was looking for creatively, this can be dangerous. For now, I appreciate their audacious sound.

Play: Everything Everything – Radiant

40. Collisions & Near Misses, K Sera

Released: February 26, 2013

K Sera did a Kickstarter account for this album. Not just to make its album, but to have the modern legend, Casey Crescenzo (Dear Hunter), produce the album with them. Collisions & Near Misses features many expansive romps of orchestral moments coupled with delightful horns and an eager storytelling vocalist.

Play: K Sera – Dream, Like I Do

39. Young Legs, Anthony Green

Released: November 12, 2013

I got chills when I listened to this album for the first time. Anthony Green has made an incredibly mature album. Green’s love and devotion to his for family is blatantly strewn through many tracks and even on the album cover. Anthony Green is one of my favorite artists and Young Legs presents him as a viable creative mind that has done a lot of growing up over the years.

Play: Anthony Green – Young Legs

38. Hummingbird, Local Natives

Released: January 29, 2013

Talk about a fun and chill album! Indie rockers, Local Natives, made waves with their debut LP, Gorilla Manor, and certainly followed it up with a worthy sophomore effort. Hummingbird is a charming collection of accessible and dreamlike tracks.

Play: Local Natives – Colombia

37. A Quiet Darkness, Houses

Released: April 16, 2013

Dream-pop folk is a new genre to me, and I think it fits Houses more than any other act I have heard. This airily atmospheric and often industrial duo has championed its own style of post rock. Dexter Tortoriello and Megan Messina serve as dual vocalists that pack an inspiring punch with their complimentary vocal melodies.

Play: Houses – Peasants

36. All Hail Bright Futures, And So I Watch You From Afar

Released: March 19, 2013

Anyone in need of some deedly-doos? Or beedly-deedly doos? These oft-melodic and upbeat instrumental post rockers are more than willing to show off their guitar tapping nimbleness and jam band potential. All Hail was one of the most fun records from 2013 and allowed for much growth in this band that made my list two years ago for their Gangs LP.

Play: And So I... – Big Thinks Do Remarkable

  

35. 13.0.0.0.0, This Town Needs Guns

Released: January 22, 2013

Absolutely tantalizing atmospheric math-rock—Mute Math meets As Tall as Lions meets Hammock TTNG lost half of its members, wasn’t sure if it’d continue, and then released a brilliant sophomore album.

Play: This Town Needs Guns – Havoc in the Forum

34. I Want to See Pulaski at Night, Andrew Bird

Released: November 12, 2013

Andrew Bird consistently composes impressive minimalist folksy, gypsy-like, classical tunes. He enlists violins, upright bass, mandolins, banjos—essentially anything with strings is well within Bird’s game plan of anything-goes nature for any album.

Play: Andrew Bird – Lit from Underneath

33. Miles and Miles, Handsome & Gretyl

Released: September 03, 2013

Miles and Miles is easily the most charming album of 2013. This married couple took to song and crafted 11 loving, heart-warming, and, at times, somber pieces of music. If you need a pick me up in any way, turn on this album and watch the smiles grow.

Play: Handsome and Gretyl – Harmony

32. Letters Home, Defeater

Released: July 16, 2013

Defeater has been building for his album for years. Each of their releases relates to the story told in Letters Home, which is yet another incredible release from one of the best hardcore bands today. Defeater has shown great poise and patience throughout the years to build their story of a soldier away/lost at war and the anxieties of a family dealing with the reality of military service.

Play: Defeater – Bastards

31. Tenboom, Penny and Sparrow

Released: January 08, 2013

Some damn good acoustic storytelling right here. This was another album I didn’t expect to get me all hot and bothered this year, but it did. This duo of roommates assembled ten incredibly sultry folk tunes comparable to Bon Iver’s debut meets Mumford and Sons. Try listening to “Duet” and then not forward it to your significant other. Just try. It’s impossible. It’s a beautiful song.

Play: Penny and Sparrow - Duet

30. Doris, Earl Sweatshirt

Released: August 20, 2013

His name is Earl Sweatshirt. Don’t forget the name. This OFWGKTA member dropped his newest array of beats and stories and impressively managed to maintain a level head throughout the process. While his buddy, Tyler the Creator, released a new album this year that I wasn’t too fond of, all of Tyler’s features on this album are pretty great. Again, didn’t expect to dig this album as much as I did. But it’s full of great stories.

Play: Earl Sweatshirt – Sunday

29. Whenever, if Ever,

The World is a Beautiful Place and

I am No Longer Afraid to Die

Released: June 18, 2013

Unsurprisingly and in celebration/reverence of the long moniker, this group has nailed down the emotional post rock game. Many of these songs are now a part of me and serve as testaments to a changing culture of what it means to be a man with feelings to share. The World is… creates dazzling landscapes to delight fans of Caspian, La Dispute, and Pianos Become the Teeth..

Play: The World is... - Getting Sodas

28. Grownass Man, The Shouting Matches

Released: April 16, 2013

Justin Vernon had a busy, busy year of musical creation and none of it involved Bon Iver. Working with longtime friends from Megafaun and Peter Wolf Crier, Vernon and company released some impressively laid back rock and rock—reliant on the rarely utilized twang side of Vernon’s pipes.

[Note: Probably my favorite album title of 2013.]

Play: The Shouting Matches – Gallup, NM

  

27. L’ami du Peuple, Owen

Released: July 02, 2013

Matt Kinsella has one of the most calming and comforting voices. Folk fans will love the subtle twang to this collection of ten beautifully arranged acoustic tracks, while emo fans will love the honesty and transparency in bearing his soul through a myriad of contemplative, thoughtful lyrics.

Play: Owen – Love Is Not Enough

26. Love, Cloud Cult

Released: March 05, 2013

Pretty confident Cloud Cult can do no wrong. The music is creepy at times, but I think that’s what makes CC’s brand of experimental folk so alluring. Each album is always methodically and thematically written, produced, and orchestrated in ways unimaginably consistent over the years. I came to this album late in the year and it certainly stood to the test.

Play: Cloud Cult – Sleepwalker

There you have it! Part Four is in the books!

Look out for the FINALE this weekend!

Be sure to check out the rest of the countdown:

- Pt. 001: Top Albums (EPs & Honorable Mentions)

- Pt. 002: Top Albums (100-76)

- Pt. 003: Top Albums (75-51)