We're already in 2014. And just when
you thought you had enough 'best of' and next big thing' here is my
belated end of year round-up. These are my four favourite albums of
2013. If you haven't already listened to them, then do it now. If you
have listened to them let me know what you think. I'd love to hear if
you agree or disagree. It's a pretty narrow list, mostly due to me
being a closed-minded hermit. But if you'd like to see what else I
listen to visit my last.fm listening profile.
The Wonder Years – The Greatest
Generation
I've been aware of these modern
pop-punk greats for a while, but I only gave them a proper listen
after they were billed for Slam Dunk festival last year. As it
transpired I was too busy skanking to King Prawn and The Skints to
catch see them live. What a mistake that was! This latest album by
them is far and away my favourite album of 2013. As described on the
band's twitter, it is realist pop-punk. It has everything you'd
expect in a pop-punk masterpiece; anthemic choruses and killer riffs
abound. What sets this apart though are the lyrics. Masterfully
crafted, they tackle those issues that you rarely hear in popular
music, never mind other pop-punk. This is an opera of suburban life
from a mature perspective. Growing up, starting a family, being a
parent, family history, home and death. These are familiar themes but
they are dealt from a unique perspective and delivered with an
authenticity and honesty which really reaches the soul and gives me
those rare shivers up the neck.
