Our Best Summer Albums of 2013
Words by Waster Inc. Staff
Photo by David Turcotte
Summer may be over, but we’ve still got the catchiest songs of the season ringing in our heads. So as the Northeast shakes off the sand, stores away the sunblock and sails into September, we take one final look back at the records that rocked the summer of 2013. Our staff salutes the triumphant return of Daft Punk, the vintage charm of Edward Sharpe, and more in a countdown of our favorite LPs…
Queens of the Stone Age – …Like Clockwork
Because it’s their first record in six years. Because Josh Homme’s knee surgery almost killed him, and the aftermath in which he was bedridden for a month pushed him to the limits of his sanity. Because Homme’s songwriting toils with life, death and love in ways past outings did not. Because of contributions from Elton John, Dave Grohl, Trent Reznor, Alex Turner, Brody Dalle and Nick Oliveri. Because it’s the band’s first record with drummer Jon Theodore, formerly of the Mars Volta. Because Queens of the Stone Age are back, and they sound better than ever.
Portugal the Man. – Evil Friends
For their second release on Atlantic Records, Portugal.The Man found themselves in the studio with legendary producer Danger Mouse, and certainly did not disappoint. Evil Friends’ catchy hooks, new-age beats and funky rhythms flowed through the hot, summer air landing the Alaskan-natives on their highest spot on the charts yet.
Empire of the Sun – Ice On The Dune
With their sophomore album Ice on the Dune, Empire of the Sun’s electropop, remix-bound compositions become even more dance club worthy, especially on its title track, ‘Alive’, and ‘DNA’. This album has no doubt found crowds sustaining their ‘cloud 9’ state of being at many music festivals this summer, whether the Aussie duo was performing it themselves or mixed elsewhere by some of the world’s top DJs.
Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros – Self-Titled
Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros make music for the barefoot, wild, and free, and their self-titled LP spread sunshine even on the cloudiest of days. Rich soulful songs like the first single, ‘Better Days’ took us 21st century kids back to the freakiest season of them of all, the Summer of Love.
Daft Punk – Random Access Memories
Sure, they stood up Stephen Colbert for Colbchella 2013, but you’ve got to admit their hit single ‘Get Lucky’ provided the soundtrack to many a summer night. Random Access Memories is the first full-length LP from the electronic duo since 2005, and it totally proves they’re still the reigning kings of the party anthem.
TheWaster.com | Get Lucky
09.06.2013
