It’s been a week (and a day) since Trouble Will Find Me by The National has been out. To cut straight to the point, I absolutely love it. At this point it’s my favorite album of 2013.
I don’t know if it’s their best album, I suppose it might be. High Violet is still the one that got me into this band so maybe I don’t have the best perspective to say so. I do like how this album opens with “I Should Live In Salt” as opposed to how High Violet opened with “Terrible Love”. I’m not crazy about that song as an album opener.
My favorite song is probably “Sea of Love”. However, my favorite lyrics are in “Don’t Swallow the Cap” (^ post title quote). I’m mostly just impressed with how high my expectations were for Trouble Will Find Me and how The National still managed to exceed them. This band is just good.
I’ve listened to these albums extensively this past month. Popular indie rock, ya know. It’s just how it is.
…Have you given up?
Does it feel like a trial?
Does it trouble your mind,
The way you trouble mine?
— Exile Vilify by The National
When I made my end of the year list for 2012, I did not even realize all the good stuff potentially being released this year. OK, so here’s an updated list. 2013 is going to be a great year for music.
- The Dangerous Summer
I don’t think it’s possible that I won’t love their new album.
- Eisley
Shoot. I never even got The Valley but I probably will eventually. Regardless, I’m hoping for something good.
- Hellogoodbye
Would It Kill You? was such a leap forward for this band. I don’t think anyone saw that coming. I’m expecting good things.
- Jimmy Eat World
With 7 albums already under their belt, and most of them being awesome, there’s really no doubt this will be another solid release.
- Mansions
I’m excited to see where this band will go after Dig Up the Dead; I really loved that album.
- The National
First time I listened to this band I hated them then they eventually grew on me and I listened to High Violet on repeat for a while. I can now say I’m a fan and I’m looking forward to some new stuff.
- Paramore
The way I’ve seen it, this band has gotten better with each album so hopefully their new one will continue that streak.
- Relient K
This band has a knack for good, catchy pop-rock songs. I’m sure this will be some more of that.
- Saves the Day
I think this is another band with a solid discography but you either like them or you don’t. I like them.
- Transit
Possibly my favorite pop-punk band right now. Listen & Forgive took me a while to get into but once I did, I was hooked. Can’t imagine the new album not being great.
Honorable mentions: Balance & Composure, A Great Big Pile of Leaves, Justin Timberlake, Kevin Devine, Moving Mountains
There’s also some stuff I’m not even sure is going to be released this year but I’m hoping:
- Arcade Fire
- Brand New (always hoping)
- Into It. Over It.
- Manchester Orchestra
- Seahaven
- Tigers Jaw
I’m sick, so I have plenty of time to listen to some new music. If you feel so inclined, please either reply to this post or send me an ask with whatever albums you think I should listen to! It can be new or old and from whatever genre. I’d really appreciate it!
Some stuff I’ve been listening to:
- Young Statues’ self-titled album is pretty great. I don’t have it yet but I’ve listened to it a bit on Spotify. Pretty Girls Make Raves is my jam.
- I finally bought High Violet by The National and holy smokes, I’m super into this band now. I actually hated them when I first listened to them too.
- The new Gaslight Anthem single is getting a lot of listens. I swear, this band can do no wrong in my eyes. Handwritten is easily my most anticipated album this year.
- Also, Kenny Vasoli (singer of The Starting Line)’s new project, Vacationer, is super good. I will probably love whatever music this guy makes anyway.
