The third and final part of our annual festive album countdown covers the finest top five albums released in 2013. From Arctic Monkeys to Arcade Fire only the best have guaranteed themselves a slot at the top, so who made it? Read on to find out.

#5 - David Bowie 'The Next Day'

When news of 'The Next Day' arrived unexpectedly on Bowie's 66th Birthday back in January, we were all a little dubious to say the least. However, Bowie's first album in ten years is one with an abundance of naked emotion and intense melodies that casts any lingering doubts aside.

Reverting back to core Bowie mode on the 70s glam-rock inspired 'The Stars (Are Out Tonight) and elegantly urgent '(You Will) Set The World On Fire' - it's not hard to see why this impressive comeback album is as a vacuum of triumph and delights that you will unquestionably be sucked into.

'The Next Day' was released on 8th March and charted at #1 in the UK Albums Chart.

#4 - Foals 'Holy Fire'

Oxford quintet Foals took a giant leap forward with 'Holy Fire' - an album that saw them go above and beyond in their quest to reign triumphant. Their third studio album impressed with evocative dark and brooding riffs and melodies that earned them a Mercury Prize nomination and their first festival headline slot at Latitude this summer

Stand-out tracks included the gloriously hooky 'My Number' a sucker-punch tune that sizzles with summer vibes and tipped them over the edge into the pit of success that ensued. Whilst, 'Inhaler' with it's intense, chugging nature serving as the perfect contrast to softer and more subtle tracks such as the gorgeous 'Milk & Black Soldiers'. The finishing touch is 'Providence' documenting the tenfold energy present at their gigs.

'Holy Fire' was released on 11th February and charted at #2 in the UK Albums Chart.

 #3 - Haim 'Days Are Gone'

Haim time arrived and swept us all into a frenzy of excitement and chilled Californian vibes in the year that was 2013 - not once did the trio made up of sisters Este, Danielle and Alana fail to live up to the hype. They delivered a breezy debut thick with an avalanche of potential hits and eternal glittering promise.

The cascading drum machine on 'Falling' sets itself apart alongside 'Let Me Go' which is sealed with thick percussion, elements of their live show and a charm that dirties those that listen. Haim's debut was an album that made us want to round up our siblings and form a rock band. Take note; Haim are the future.

'Days Are Gone' was released on 30th September and charted at #1 in the UK Albums Chart.



#2 - Arcade Fire 'Reflektor'
On their fourth release, Montreal-based Arcade Fire decided to do things a little differently that resulted in 'Reflektor'. Evoking far too many heart-in-your-mouth moments to count, few expected 'Reflektor' to be the masterpiece that it undoubtedly is.

From a brilliant street art campaign, to enlisting the help of David Bowie for backing vocal duties, Arcade Fire were unstoppable throughout the latter half of 2013. Not even complaints from fans when required to don fancy dress in order to gain access to gigs could halt them.

Tracks such as the 70s-esque 'We Exist' and the experimental yet catchy 'You already Know' enabled the group to secure their claim as one of the decade's most important bands.

'Reflektor' was released on 28th October and charted at #1 in the UK Albums Chart.

#1 - Arctic Monkeys 'AM'
Dividing opinions has become something of a speciality for Sheffield four-piece Arctic Monkeys, however it was fifth release 'AM' that spawned an epic and mixed up the mood once again. The only distinction being that this time, all minds were made up that 'AM' is one of the (if not) greatest albums to have been released in 2013.

An album that sees them mix the darker, brooding moments of 2009's 'Humbug' with the autobiographical elements of their 2006 debut 'Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not' and the soft love-stricken ballads of 2011's 'Suck It And See'. Maybe it's the LA-effect but we like it.

'AM' was released on 09th September and charted at #1 in the UK Albums Chart.

Words Lauren Wade

Like Rock Revolver on Facebook and follow us on Twitter

 

Read More »

The second part of our annual festive album countdown sees established rock artists make waves with 2013 releases that surprised and delighted. Part 2 of our ultimate 2013 album coverage covers #10 to #6. As always, there is a little something tucked away for everyone.

10 - Paul McCartney 'New'

Fans of ex-Beatle Paul McCartney were dubious to say the least when the music icon announced news of latest album 'New'. As his sixteenth studio album, 'New' sees McCartney cover old ground in a nostalgic manner whilst incorporating elements of a feel-good nature that'll have you bopping along, even if you're one of those annoying music snobs who thinks McCartney's past his time.

Having enlisted the production skills of four producers, Sir Macca compiled one of his greatest albums in a very long time. Stand-out tracks include the effortless 'Queenie Eye' with smooth guitar lines and understated psychedelic vibes. Soulful slow-jam 'Everybody Out There' is another highlight conveying the sparkle McCartney has never once lost throughout his extensive career (no, not even at last year's Olympic opening ceremony).

'New' was released on 14th October and charted at #3 in the UK Albums Chart.

9 - Miles Kane 'Don't Forget Who You Are'
Wirral Riddler Miles Kane pulled out all of the stops on the follow-up to 2011's 'Colour Of The Trap'. The result was a strong second that proved to fans Kane is more than just Alex Turner's mate.

'Don't Forget Who You Are' is an album that sees Kane encompass a heavier sound, no doubt influenced from his time spent with the iconic Paul Weller. Big moments come thick and fast in the form of opening number 'Taking Over' and the achingly cool 'You're Gonna Get It' which aptly Weller features on.

'Don't Forget Who You Are' was released on 03rd June and charted at #8 in the UK Albums Chart.




8 - Queens of the Stone Age '...Like Clockwork'
Slick desert dwellers Queens of the Stone Age returned on top form with the release of sixth studio album '...Like Clockwork'. The album features guest appearances from frontman Josh Homme's musician pals notably: Alex Turner, Dave Grohl, Sir Elton John, Trent Reznor, Mark Lanegan and ex-bassist Nick Oliveri.

The deeply immersive listen embeds swelling riffs against a backdrop of gigantic sleazy hooks. It's almost impossible to come away feeling without feeling filthy and ready for an adventure of your own; we call that 'the Homme effect'.

Every single track featured on their highest ever charting UK album is worthy of a mention, although it's tracks like 'Smooth Sailing' with it's sleazy sizzles and urgent appeal and the swelling intensity of 'Fairweather Friends' that has enabled Queens of the Stone Age to take that next step forward.

'...Like Clockwork' was released on 03rd June and charted at #2 in the UK Albums Chart.



7 - Little Green Cars 'Absolute Zero'
Dublin folk-rock quintet Little Green Cars released their debut 'Absolute Zero'  earlier in the year that set them up for tremendous success to follow. Having supported Jake Bugg on tour and appeared on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon the group continue to go from strength to strength - having a weapon like 'Absolute Zero' in their arsenal is one which will only propel them to greater heights in 2014. 

Blending references to classic literature with melodies comparable to Mumford & Sons, their sound has been described as "post-folk in a very 2013 way". Tracks such as the kooky feel-good 'Angel Owl' and stirring previous hit 'The John Wayne' with its succulent melodies and grasping nature has only contributed to the appeal that sets them apart and allows them to exist unrivalled. 

If 2013 has seen them broaden their horizons and mould into rising stars; 2014 will see them soar. Absolute Zero? Try absolute heroes. 

'Absolute Zero' was released on 13th May and charted at #94 in the UK Albums Chart.

6 - Peace 'In Love'

As pioneers of the B-Town movement, the original wave of talent comprising of Peace, Swim Deep, Superfood and Troumaca took the UK by storm and proved that talent could be found elsewhere - not just Manchester. 

Neo-psych saviours Peace justified the hype that surrounded them in their formative phase and went above and beyond to craft a debut that bubbled with brilliance. Last year's 'EP Delicious' signalled the start of what was to follow. 

The Brummie outfit consists of brothers Harry and Sam Koisser who play alongside Doug Castle and Dom Boyce. The four-piece's glowing psychedelic debut mixes massive catchy choruses as heard on 'Wraith' and 'Bloodshake' with more tender moments on 'Float Forever' and the ground-breaking drop incorporated in '1998'.

'In Love' was released on 25th March and charted at #16 in the UK Albums Chart.

Words Lauren Wade

Like Rock Revolver on Facebook and follow us on Twitter

Read More »

As we descend into the annual festive madness, there couldn't be a better time to reflect on the year's finest releases. 2013 was a transformative year that saw the unlikely return of music legend David Bowie and Glastonbury headliners Arctic Monkeys claiming a stake as Britain's finest band.

New bands such as Haim, Drenge, Peace and Palma Violets also released genre-bending albums that has set them up for continued success in 2014. Join us as we countdown the top 15 albums that have shaped 2013. Ranging from #15 to #11 - part 1 of our extensive countdown includes something for everyone.

15 - The Courteeners 'ANNA'

Manchester underdogs The Courteeners have had a hell of a year in 2013, progressing a step closer to cracking further afield than just their loyal following appear to populate Twitter, basking in intense devotion to the four-piece and who appear ready to spring into action at any given moment.

Tracks such as 'Are You In Love With A Notion?' and 'Van Der Graaff' ensure its place as one of the finest albums of what has been another remarkable year in music - but only just. In places, the album falls short of reaching the potential it had to begin with, we're left with sub-standard indie-pop that only die-hard fans will have time for.

Despite their shortcomings, the group led by Liam Fray played two massive homecoming shows at Manchester's Castlefield Bowl back in July. Support came from The Strypes, Miles Kane and The Heartbreaks. This came shortly after making their third appearance at this year's Glastonbury Festival on the John Peel Stage.

'ANNA' was released on 4th February and charted at #6 in the UK Albums Chart.

 14 - Palma Violets '180'

At the end of last year, Lambeth four-piece Palma Violets were cutting their teeth on the underground scene. That quickly changed when the hype machine went into overdrive and bloggers/publications were falling over themselves to feature the lads.

2013 has seen the indie-rock quartet grow with artistic credibility. The group appeared on the 2013 NME Awards Tour, along with Peace, Miles Kane and Django Django, whilst June saw them conquer at Glastonbury Festival on the Park Stage. Their debut album ‘180’ came as a distinct highlight. Having created an authentic and winning sound, the record is an elegant mix of garage rock blended with psychedelic undertones.

Stand-out tracks include ‘Tom the Drum’ with its scratchy guitars compelling self-assured charm that is conveyed. The mellowed ‘Last of the Summer Wine’ is one that exists within a dreamy yet ferocious vein. Whilst, lead single ‘Best of Friends’ is equal parts explosive, equal parts deft.

‘180’ was released on 25^th February and charted at #11 in the UK Albums Chart.

13. Biffy Clyro 'Opposites'

2013 was the year Scottish rock trio Biffy Clyro took their sound to epic proportions with the release of their sixth studio album ‘Opposites’. As well as this, they headlined Reading & Leeds Festival and Radio 1’s Big Weekend in Derry.

‘Opposites’ is a solid and engaging listen from start to finish. Tracks such as ‘Sounds Like Balloons’ and ‘Biblical’ hit hard, whilst on the likes of ‘Stingin’ Belle’ and ‘Black Chandelier’ frontman Simon Neil’s commanding vocals move the tracks a step away from previous material. Throughout the duration of the entire album the instrumentation is bound tightly together.

Another that warrants mention is ‘The Joke’s On Us’ a heartfelt supersized anthem justifying exactly why Biffy Clyro was announced as the second headliner for Reading & Leeds. It’s no mean feat pulling off a double album, but it’s one the three-piece have mastered with style and substance.

‘Opposites’ was released on 28^th January and charted at #1 in the UK Albums Chart.

12. Phoenix 'Bankrupt!'

With a name like ‘Bankrupt!’ French alternative rock four-piece Phoenix’s fifth album didn’t look as if it was to have a promising start. Boy did that change. After 2009’s ‘Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix’ questions were raised as to whether they would be able to match its success – they did.

Expanding the group’s range, ‘Bankrupt!’ is a banger of an album that’ll have you abusing the repeat button once its subtle charms have been unveiled. Prominent tracks such as ‘Trying To Be Cool’ and ‘Entertainment’ incorporate crowd-pleasing hooks and infectious melodies that are devastatingly accomplished.

It’s been an exceptional year for the group who appeared on Saturday Night Live and Jimmy Kimmel Live showcasing new material from the album in early April. The group also played to crowds at this year’s Reading & Leeds Festival on the BBC Radio 1/NME Stage.

‘Bankrupt!’ was released on 22^nd April and charted at #14 in the UK Albums Chart.

11. Drenge 'Drenge'

Earlier this year, Castleton blues-rock band of brothers Drenge issued one of the finest debut albums this country has ever seen, whipping up a storm and leaving a path of destruction in the wake of their emergence.

The thrashing energy of their self-titled debut has definitely been a high point for music in 2013 and, with celebrity fans such as Matt Helders and Westminster politicians, Tom Watson, latching onto their ferocious yet compelling sound what’s not to love?

An all-out, ready to attack assault on the ears; it is highly recommended that you listen with caution. What’s more they stormed this summer’s festivals including Glastonbury, Latitude and Reading & Leeds as well as supporting Californian duo Deap Vally on tour and making a hometown appearance at Sheffield’s Queens Social Club.

‘Drenge’ was released on 19^th August.

Words Lauren Wade

 Like Rock Revolver on Facebook and follow us on Twitter

Read More »