Top 10 Albums

1. Kanye West, Yeezus (Roc-a-Fella/Def Jam)
This is the album that defined the year for me. It’s completely different from Kanye’s previous masterpiece, My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, but it’s just as impressive. This minimalistic, industrial-rap tour de force is packed with awe-inspiring moments, and it deserves every ounce of praise it’s gotten, and more.

2. Eat Skull, III (Woodsist)
Eat Skull’s latest is also their strongest, and III is as weird and catchy as anyone could justifiably ask for. Is it too much to say this is the best thing to come out of Portland since the ’77 Trail Blazers?

3. Purling Hiss, Water on Mars (Drag City)
Water on Mars is another grower, and I’m continually impressed by how strong this album is and how great this Philadelphia psych rock trio has become.

4. Pere Ubu, Lady from Shanghai (Fire)
Pere Ubu almost never disappoints me. Lady from Shanghai, another classic album from the band, is loaded with challenging, thought-provoking, and energizing avant-garde rock.

5. Obnox, Corrupt Free Enterprise (12XU)
Obnox’s Bim Thomas has been on quite a roll lately. The two-piece has developed into one of the best live bands out there, and Corrupt Free Enterprise really represents that sonic assault well.

6. Liquor Store, In the Garden (Almost Ready)
This album’s release came as a big boost to the end of the year. Liquor Store’s epic neo-classic rock jams are still growing on me, and I’m sure this is one I’m going to be coming back to for a long time.

7. Ty Segall, Sleeper (Drag City)
Sleeper is a definite change in direction for Segall, from louder garage rock to quieter, introspective acoustic tunes. It’s still great though, and a fitting addition to his discography.

8. Ghostface Killah, Twelve Reasons to Die (Wax Poetics)
Concept albums are hard to pull off, but this one works. Ghostface is in fine form here, but what really makes this album shine is Adrian Younge’s provocative production work.

9. Connections, Body Language (Anyway)
Columbus’ favorite sons followed up their strong debut album with an even better sophomore effort. Body Language is loaded with great pop-rock jams that leave me wanting more.

10. David Bowie, The Next Day (Columbia)
Bowie’s first studio album in 10 years was maybe the most pleasant musical surprise of 2013. The Next Day might not have the flashiest songs of his career, but it still stands along with the records from Bowie’s prime.