Ferdynand Straaf

It was not easy to find 2 songs. 2013 was not realy a year with highlights. My two favorite singers (Bob Dylan and Leonard Cohen) released both a new album "recently" but both were at the end of 2012. So they don't count.

I ran through my collection and found some others, but more then 2. I had to make a decision. I chose for the first, a new Folk-Rock band and a collaboration of 2 musicians who  have been making music for a long time.

To start with the new band:

American Aquarium - Burn, Flicker, Die

A perfect song, great beat, a text that tells something, enough variation to prevent you getting bored, a singer with a voice which I as dutch can understand without have to think "what's he singing about". So in short; A perfect song.

My second choice is from the album "Black Pudding"

Mark Lanegan and Duke Garwood - Cold Molly

I became a fan of Lanegan's music when i heard him Sing "In the Pines". I don't know who Duke Garwood is but this was in the description by the YT video:
"For those who are unfamiliar with Garwood, he has been described in the UK press as Lanegan's 'spiritual cousin across the Atlantic waters'".

This is music in the tradition of the great (post) punk singers. Great arrangements, also a perfect song. Everything fits. No highlights just good music. I'm so happy it's still made these days.

Sean Rowe - Acoustic version of Jonathan

Very rich music..sometimes you hear Dylan then Cohen or Sprinsteen, also a understandable voice, and a great guitar player.

Soko - I'll kill her

My latest discovery, a female singer but coming with something so pure and direct, a relief after all the Adele's, Gaga, Lorde's etc. etc. Okay, a last one with a haunting video (warning!):

Soko - We might be dead by Tomorrow

Lobito Brando

1) Woodkid - I Love You

This music is super wonderful, full of rhythm. I went to a woodkid gig the energy and presence on the stage are quiet amazing. Definitely one of the best for 2013.

2) Beijing - Sequin

This is like the "best new artist for 2013" for me. It is a brand new surprise and what a great one. I went passionate about this track right on the first time I heard it.

Gun Club - Sex Beat

Ok so this is obviously not a contender for best of 2013. But for … reasons, I'm posting it. Those who want, enjoy. Awesome lyrics too, in my book.

Beautiful song ...mmmm

Becka Blackrain

1. Capital Cities - Farrah Fawcett Hair ft. André 3000 and narrated by Frank Tavares (of NPR)
Oh my!  There has been an abundance of fantastic music this year!  I honestly could put a list together of my 'Top 100 of 2013' in no time.  For my 1st selection this year, I will pick one that most people missed or forgot about, but is so brilliant!  Capital Cities is a band out of LA, and I just love their originality and creative songs.  The chorus is as follows ... "You know it when you see it... You know it when it's there.... Like Michael Jackson's 'Thriller',.... Like Farrah Fawcett hair... It's good sh*t!"

2. Arcade Fire - Here Comes The Night Time
This album is a true testament that indie music is alive and well.  There is so many different sounds and rhythms and idea's and beats that you hear on their new album, that it's nearly impossible to just listen through once!  Almost every song on the album is interesting and cool, but the one that jumped out at me the most, was 'Here Comes The Night Time'.  Enjoy!, and here's to another year of happiness in the Indie world!  xo

I just wanted to say a few words about my 2 fave clubs in SL.  1stly, AAI.. my family.  I love everyone who runs that place, dj's there, or even just hangs out there.  Every single one of you make it what it is, and I wouldn't change anything about it.. The people, the vibe, the tunes, the laughs.  AAI is my home:)
2ndly, The Bannister & Shamrock.  Everytime I walk in the door, I smile.  Same thing as AAI... I just adore the people there, the DJ's, the laughs, all of it!  Thank you everyone who makes SL such a cool and enjoyable place.  See y'all next year!  xo

Indie Cantina - Best of 2013!

Folks - December is here, and at Indie Cantina, that means it's time for: Best of ...2013! We are inviting you, SL's top DJs and musicians, to send in the two tracks you think were the BEST of 2013.

To take part, just send a notecard to me with youtube / vimeo / soundcloud URLS for your two tracks, as well as a couple of sentences about each song.

You can also send along a short bio (a bit about you, your music, which club you play or DJ at and so on), and I'll post the entries on the Indie Cantina blog: http://indiecantina.wordpress.com

Wonderful UK band