Teriq Newton is an ace guitarist in St. Joseph, Missouri who is a member of Scruffy & The Janitors and The GasTown Lamps. He is a student of music and watches closely what is going on in popular music. His devotion and talent give him possibly the most potential of any of the musicians or bands covered here on Vocals On Top. Look for a big 2014 from him. Here is the music that spoke to him in 2013.
2013 played host to a number of releases. A lot of big name, super-popular albums from the likes of Kanye West, Lorde, Arcade Fire, and Jake Bugg that populated the charts this year. But, you won’t find any of these albums here. This is my Top 5 of 2013. These albums are presented in order, with number one being my favorite and most listened to.
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1. Melophobia-Cage the Elephant
Cage the Elephant’s third release, Melophobia, is by far my most listened to album of the year. I have loved this band since their first album and they keep getting better. I believe this one to be their best release so far. I always get nervous when my favorite bands announce the release of a new album. I am always worried that it won’t meet my expectations. Melophobia is one of few albums that have exceeded my expectations.
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2. Essential Tremors-J. Roddy Walston & The Business
I had the pleasure of opening for J. Roddy Walston & The Business with my band Scruffy & The Janitors this year at the Czar Bar. It was an amazing night; J. Roddy is one of the best live bands I have ever seen, they had the audience eating out of their hands the entire night. The band’s third full-length, Essential Tremors, is definitely deserving of many listens.
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3. Sonic Bloom-Night Beats
I was introduced to this band and album by my friend Todd Ward of the GasTown Lamps, and I am sure this album will make it onto his list. The Night Beats make classic psychedelic rock with a modern twist. Their album Sonic Bloom feels very retro but refreshing at the same time. If you’ve worn out your 13th Floor Elevators LP and want something new, give this album a spin.
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4. Modern Vampires of the City-Vampire Weekend
I owe my taste for Vampire Weekend entirely to Katherine McKnight. That being said, I absolutely love their first two albums. I was nervous when I heard that Vampire Weekend were going for a different sound with this album, I didn’t like it at first. After many listens this album grew on me, like all great albums do, I find that it keeps their melodies intact but provides a more varied background. It is hard to describe. Just give it a listen.
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5. Other Voices EP-The Orwells
The Orwells only released a 4 song EP this year. But, it will have to suffice until their full length comes out next year. The Orwells are a young band, (about the same ages as the members of my band) from Chicago, Il who have been blowing up recently. They are touring with the Arctic Monkeys next year and you can download this EP for free at theorwells.com. You should download it and see what all the fuss is about.
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Honorable Mentions: Cat & Mouse EP-Radkey, Self-Titled-Pokey LaFarge, Bankrupt!-Phoenix, Self-Titled-MGMT, Continue to Move-Dsoedean, You Asked For It-Missouri Homegrown, Fade In/Fade Out-The Dead Girls.
Here are some links Teriq thinks your should check out:
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