Studio One Picks the Best of 2013

By Charity Nebbe,

Katherine Perkins, Bob Dorr, Mark Simmet

Published December 17, 2013 at 12:04 PM CST

Host Charity Nebbe sits down with "Studio One" host Mark Simmet and "Blue Avenue" and "Backtracks" host Bob Dorr of Iowa Public Radio's Studio One to talk about the best music of 2013. Their picks are listed below, and you can hear excerpts throughout the show.

Mark Simmet - Best alternative/independent albums of 2013

10. Sky Ferreira- Night Time, My Time
She’s very young and she’s a tabloid celebrity, but her debut full-length album is catchy and creative. It’s not disposable pop music, it’s good pop music.

9. The National- Trouble Will Find Me
More thoughtful, well-crafted lyrics on album number six from the Brooklyn-based band (originally from Ohio). Their literate, dramatic approach really works for them.

8. Vampire Weekend- Modern Vampires of the City
The Afro-Pop-inspired rhythms and melodies are even more skillfully integrated into the band’s sound on their third album. Also, Ezra Koenig’s most thoughtful and well-crafted lyrics.

7. Atoms For Peace- Amok
Radiohead’s Thom Yorke and his side project Atoms For Peace. More satisfying than later-day Radiohead records. And Flea’s bass playing is fantastic!

6. Iowa musicians and bands
I received many strong submissions from Iowa bands in 2013, including: The Mittens, Twins, Brooks Strause, H.D. Harmsen, We Live In Sod Houses, Adam Bolts, The Beat Strings, The Lonelyhearts, Emperors Club, King of the Tramps, Dylan Sires and Neighbors, The Multiple Cat, The Wheelers, The Uniphonics, The Olympics, Land of Blood and Sunshine, Love Over Gold, Har-di-Har, The Janeys, Bryce Janey, Mumford’s, Gloom Balloon and more.

5. Lucius- Wildewoman
A hybrid of styles resulting in very well-crafted indie pop from this Brooklyn band.

4. David Bowie- The Next Day
A new Bowie record after a decade of supposed retirement was a joy for many in 2013. Even better, Bowie delivered with this deep, artful album.

3. Foxygen- We Are The 21^st Century Ambassadors of Peace & Magic
The duo’s sly referencing of classic rock of the ‘60s and ‘70s makes for a fun and satisfying listen, even without always knowing the exact source of their inspired borrowing.

2. Deerhunter- Monomania
Bradford Cox is the kind of idiosyncratic frontman we need more of in indie (or any other kind of) rock. Also, a great set at 80/35.

1. Arcade Fire- Reflektor
The Montreal band’s fourth full-length album continues their string of intriguing and musically adventurous records. Sure, it’s too long, but the self-indulgence seems justified.