THE FASHIONABLY LATE TOP 60 OF 2013: #50 - Speedy Ortiz

When it comes to year-end lists, y'all know I don't mess around. I don't post my picks from the previous year for weeks after the next year has started. In 2013 there was a bounty of music that entered the world that made me deliriously happy to be blessed with the sense of sound. So I have pondered, marinated, and contemplated for weeks. Music from 2013 has been digested for breakfast, lunch, and dinner (and yes, even dessert). And now, friends, it's time. Time to share with you what I consider the cream of one heck of a crop indeed. You might see things omitted here that you think should be on a Best Of list. This list isn't what I think you want to read. This list is what I feel about last year. These are records and songs that really mattered to me for one reason or another. If it's not here, I either didn't spend enough time with it or just didn't love it quite enough. A big, big thank you to all of the artists who created the music on this list, the music that I fell in love with last year.

WHO: Speedy Ortiz

WHAT: Major Arcana

WHEN: July 2013

WHERE: Carpark

WHY: "Grunge as we know it is long since gone. But every now and then, along will come a band that follows the creed "Grunge is dead! Long live grunge!" And for that (and other things, of course), I love them.

Speedy Ortiz might fall under what you'd call post-grunge. The classic elements are there, muddy, deliciously murky messes of instrumentation, dudes in hats, and a badass lady sounding sassy and snarly at the same time. (post)" Major Arcana sees Speedy Ortiz majorly kicking ass, and while the record definitely wouldn't have sounded out of place twenty-odd years ago, these folks are no mere nostalgists. Quality record.

MY JAMS: “Hitch” “No Below” “Fun” “Plough” “MKVI”







[posted 2.21.14]