Best of 2013: Kevin's Favorites

It's hard to believe that 2013 is almost over, but the year was full of good music. The year found me listening to more pop and specifically synthpop music than ever before.

CHVRCHES' debut album The Bones of What You Believe is a moody synth pop dream that gets better with every listen and is still blowing my mind which is why it topped my albums list (by the way, they'll be at the Cat's Cradle in April). Superchunk knocked another album out of the park with I Hate Music, and Arcade Fire continue to impress as they evolved into more groove-based territory on Reflektor.

Haim's infectious pop rock masterpiece "The Wire" was an easy choice for me as top song of the year. Just listen to it and try not to be hooked. "Sonsick" by newcomers San Fermin is a stunning, dynamic four minutes of orchestral pop. "Hey Mami" from local up and comers Sylvan Esso is a crushing yet sparse electro pop winner (I can't wait to hear more music from them in 2014).

This was by and far the slowest year for concerts that I've experienced since before college but I still saw a number of fantastic shows. Vegas rockers The Killers put on an amazing, arena rock-style show at Red Hat Amphitheater. The Rosebuds playing Sade's The Love Deluxe preceded by the jaw-dropping live performance of Sylvan Esso during Hopscotch was unforgettable. The Darkness brought over the top glam rock antics to the Lincoln Theatre like only they can. Check out photos/reviews of each of my favorite shows listed below by clicking each one.

Favorite albums
1. The Bones of What You Believe by CHVRCHES
2. I Hate Music by Superchunk
3. Reflektor by Arcade Fire
4. Days Are Gone by Haim
5. Heartthrob by Tegan and Sara
6. Stories Don't End by Dawes
7. Bankrupt! by Phoenix
8. Haw by Hiss Golden Messenger
9. Modern Vampires of the City by Vampire Weekend
10. Dynamics by Holy Ghost!

Favorite songs
1. "The Wire" by Haim
2. "Sonsick" by San Fermin
3. "Roar" by Katy Perry
4. "Hey Mami" by Sylvan Esso
5. "The Mother We Share" by CHVRCHES
6. "Red Face Boy" by Howard Ivans
7. "Shot at the Night" by The Killers
8. "Seven Sisters" by The Shouting Matches
9. "Royals" by Lorde
10. "Latch" by Disclosure feat. Sam Smith

Favorite shows
1. The Killers @ Red Hat Amphitheater, 8/12/13
2. The Rosebuds & Sylvan Esso @ Memorial Auditorium, Hopscotch, 9/5/13
3. Dawes & Shovels & Rope @ Cat's Cradle, 6/12/13
4. The Breeders @ City Plaza, Hopscotch, 9/7/13
5. The Darkness & Free Energy @ Lincoln Theatre, 5/10/13