Editor's note: For our best of 2013 coverage, we once again reach out to some friends of the blog to get an idea of what made the year in music so great for them. For today's installment in the guest series, Brandon Schlia, founder of Steak & Cake Records, submitted his best of list. Steak & Cake recently released Sampler IV, the label's yearly compilation.
I read through last year's posts and saw that we were all happy to be back on the map as a city that deserves attention for it's music. This year I feel like we're in a sophomore transition. The things that were good are getting even better and by early next year, I think some of our hometown sweethearts will see some serious attention on a national level. The talent here is undeniable and platforms like buffaBLOG create access for the rest of the world. Thank you for doing all that you do and for having me back as a year end contributor.
I decided to do my TOP SIX for both NATIONAL and LOCAL recordings.
LOCAL:
1. Cemeteries - Hisk Husk
Where did this guy come from!? Sometimes it seems like he's making exactly the kind of music I look for on a national level, and here it is right in the backyard. This album was released in 2013 but it's actually a rarities collection covering the past few years (plus he also goes by Camp Counselors now). There is definitely a goth influence, but to me it sounds more like an EDM horror film soundtrack. Most of the melodies are brooding and disturbed but gorgeous and severe. Sometimes it sounds a lot like Grizzly Bear, sometimes I hear Elliott Smith. He's at his best when he's combining genres on songs like "Antiques" or "Old Soul" and the drums flush the sound out to resemble a full band, albeit at the hands of one man. I find myself comparing Cemeteries to Caves, an artist on the S&C roster. I guess there's a place in my heart for solo projects that try and blend the beautiful and torturous through atmosphere and delivery. It's a real "in your head" kind of album and I suggest headphones and a long walk at night under a light snow if you want to hear it just right.
2. Thom Daly - Thinking Mans Dance Music
Ever listen to a record where the musical mind behind it sounds like they're only comfortable when they're multitasking? Thom Daly has the kind of neurotic edge that makes his music unbelievably engaging. I keep listening to it thinking, WHAT THE! I actually say that out loud often when I have it on the background. Take the Beatles, make them play jazz music, and add in a penchance for noise and abstraction. He's self indulgent in the sense that you don't get much consistency, but you get to see where his head's at, the full range of his influences, and his dynamic capabilities. I don't know much about him but either he's a very talented horn player or he has some session player friends. I've searched for a jazz indie crossover in the local scene and here it is! This is probably the best Buffalo record you never heard of.
3. Del Paxton - Worst.Summer.Ever.
I'm sure this is going to be on a lot of year end local best of lists, and deservedly so. Dylan England makes hard hitting, classic emo rock and he's been doing it for the past 10 years that I've followed his bands. He writes the kind of lines you hear and simultaneously think: "that's exactly how I feel!" & "man I wish I could have come up with that!" Add to that Greg McClure & Zack Schoedel, two friends who spent years playing together in the Ithaca scene before transplanting to Buffalo. With combined skill and history of these three super talented instrumentalists, I knew it'd be a favorite. It might be trendy right now, but these guys have been playing this music from the beginning and I'm happy they're here doing it right and giving Buffalo a good name. Also, I have to mention that my good friend Adam Korbesmyer engineered this record and his touch is exactly the kind of 4th member influence needed to make one of the best records of 2013.
4. Space Wolves - IV
A two piece surf band that writes 2 minute pop hits and releases self recorded albums on cassette that you can buy at locally owned record stores? They're a poster of the DIY ethics of 2013 and I'm grateful Buffalo has a band like this. They'll play any show anywhere and I like that attitude; I also like having that many opportunities to see them live because they're so exciting to watch. The telephone receiver microphone is a great touch and being there is like time traveling to a garage show in Palo Alto, CA, 1971. Although I've listened to all their records in passing, "Break Up" made this one stick. I can't wait to hear what happens for them in 2014. (Also definitely listen to "Ethel").
5. Hussalonia - Double Fantasy
Hussalonia has a record called Percy thrills which is a reference to Paul McCartney's alter ego, Percy Thrillington. Here, we find him recycling the title of one of Lennon's most recognizable solo efforts with Yoko. The influence of the Beatles on the founder's output is undisputed but I like it when he drops a hint on who he's focused on channeling. This one struck me as especially well executed with all the fat trimmed. The longest song is only 2:52. He sets up the melody, hits the refrain, drops a bridge and hammers the outro. Aside from the posted song, definitely listen to "Waiting Still," the album closer.
6. Snowbeast Records - Halloween Compilation #1: Ritual
I love compilations and will explore even the most flimsy in search of a few standout tracks. When this sampler came out from Snowbeast, I was surprised to find that everything on it was super cool! It's definitely got that dark sound we've come to know from one of it's co-founders (Kyle from Cemeteries/Camp Counselors) but it also showcases some great 50's punk (Kreeps) and my personal favorite, the sultry female vocal led "Never Let it Die" by Psychic Twin.
NATIONAL: *disclaimer: two of these records were not released in 2013 but when it comes to national band,s I usually organize my year by what I found and not by when it originally came out.
1. James Rapp - Twenty Moon
He sounds like Julian Casablancas and Father John Misty but with a more understated songwriting approach. Every track is the best, you gotta hear it all.
2. Luke Temple - Good Mood Fool
9 songs and 39 minutes of 1985 to the max. A sort of John Hughes tribute if his films featured psychedelic drug trafficking. Go in this order: "Florida," "Katie," "Those Kids"
3. Sirs - Sirs EP
90's by way of 50's indie rock with surfy elements from my good friend's brother's band. This record is mixed just right, its guts made of classic rock and roll sound. Polaris + Joan Jett + Pavement + Breeders + Braid + Get Up Kids + Ozma.
4. Kirkis - Purplefruit for X-Ray Vision
Like a couple jazz fusion greats played with a DJ that was doing live samples of their improvisations. Like the Eastmen Student Jazz Trio if they tried to pull off J Dilla's Adult Swim soundtrack live.
5. Elephant and Castle - Analogue EP
Imagine you time traveled to a house party in Alabama in 1974 and you took mescaline for the first time and listened to the soundtrack to Foxy Brown mixed with the Polish spiritual compositions of Krsysztof Penderecki and danced your ass off.
6. The Magic in Threes - The Magic in Threes
Sexy black women in high heeled boots is what this sounds like. Makes me feel like I'm Snoop Dog high at the Playboy mansion. Start with "I Got Warrants" and then start over from the beginning and listen to the whole thing.
~ Post by Brandon Schilia
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