The Top 10 Albums of 2013 (According To Me)

An excellent year for music. Keep in mind, I'm including EPs in my list. 

10. Dopplereffekt - Tetrahymena (EP)

Lurid, dark, and to the point. I've gone back to this EP a lot this year.  If you enjoy the darker electronic sounds with a German influence -- this is it. 

9.  Om Unit - Threads (LP)

Equal measures soundscapes, hip hop, drum and bass, and trance. Effortlessly showcasing his influences and interest in avoiding being pigeonholed. A lovingly crafted album with a repeat-friendly formula.  

8.  Tim Hecker - Virgins (LP)

Yet again, Tim Hecker manages to assault my sense with brilliant melancholia. Part of my writing ritual this year. Inspirational, moody, dark, conflicted, and uncompromising. 

7.  Sepalcure - Make You (EP)

To me, there's no agenda here. A couple of dudes creating a lovely instrumental adventure in making music you love and keeping it genuine. 

6.  Benjamin Damage - Heliosphere (LP)

One of my top underrated release of the year. Each track asks for you to listen again. Something driving, but don't call it 'techno' -- it delivers more than that, but still makes you want to move. 

5.  Atoms for Peace - Amok (LP)

This album is probably on a lot of lists and for good reason. Nearly flawlessly production and enthusiasm went into this one. One of my favorite releases with Yorke and Godrich. 

 4.  Moderat - II (Import) (LP)

I mentioned 'Import' because one of my fave tracks on it (above) was never included on the standard release. I never expected another Moderat album to happen, but it did. I certainly didn't expect it to outdo their last one (which stands out more than both acts' albums to me). So yeah, to me, this is the best thing both Apparat and Modeselektor have made. I've listened to it far too many times than I'm willing to admit. 

 3. Bibio - Silver Wilkinson (LP)

I adored the first Bibio album. I really liked the second album. I absolutely worship this one. The most consistent and thought-out release by him yet. Every track is excellent -- zero filler.  

 

2. Burial - Rival Dealer (EP)

This guy just keeps blowing my mind. So much stuff happening here and it comes across so natural and effortless. At times brutal/industrial and at other times soothing and full of compassion -- this tribute to the lonely and abused wins across the board. The yearly Burial EPs have become one of those things I eagerly anticipate and this EP stands head above most releases out there.

1.  Boards of Canada - Tomorrow's Harvest (LP)

Every single year that passed, I would lose a little more hope that another BoC album would happen. So finally a new album is announced and my expectations were staggeringly high. Nearly a year after its release and I'm happy to say this is as good as their past legends. Timeless tracks that continue to grow on me. So after 25+ listens, I can comfortably admit, it's my personal best of 2013. 

The Top 10 Games of 2013 (According to Me)

I'll admit it, 2013 definitely dominated on the indie game side -- that doesn't mean several larger-scale titles didn't make my list of favorite gaming experience of 2013. 

10.  Papers, Please! (PC, Mac)

Taking place in a fictional Communist-state (very similar to the USSR of yesteryear), you're forced to use your powers of deduction to verify if people crossing the border into your country are valid residents -- then things get a little fuzzy. There's something both addicting and terribly sad about this title.  The lines begin to blur as you realize that the rules you're following are causing genuine hardship on others. Need I mention that you'll be sent to prison (and your family will be thrown out to the streets) if you fail to do your job right? A stellar 'art meets adventure' experience.  

9.  Metro: Last Light (PC, Mac, Linux, Xbox 360)

A dark yarn that places you inside a dystopian near-future Russia that is equal parts shooter, survival horror, and stealth -- with a great sci-fi twist. A real labor of love experience developed by a Russian team of developers that plays like a AAA high-budget game. The reality:  a small team in a cramped office in Eastern Europe poured their hearts out to make their vision happen. The development of this game saw it go through two publishers, as THQ is now defunct. I'm glad it was finished and it's certainly worthy of your time if the bolded statement above appeals to your genre taste. 

8.  Outlast (PC)

Some of the biggest and best industry veterans get together and make the ultimate survival horror experience. This title is not for the faint of heart, but if you like adventure horror -- this is one of the finest. Your character is a reports. He has no weapons and no attacks -- the video camera is your only weapon and trust me, you'll need it (and that helpful night-vision mode). Investigate this asylum at your own risk -- you'll never forget what you'll find inside. 

7.  Dishonored: The Brigmore Witches (PC, Xbox 360, PS3)

The second (and final) DLC expansion to the Dishonored universe is even better than the original game. In a matter of hours, you're given a very personal peek at the Dishonored universe. Something I would have loved to see more of in the full game. If you enjoyed Dishonored, make this a must-buy. 

6.  The Swapper (PC)

A sci-fi puzzler that has you constantly transferring your soul (and in turn, murdering your past selves) to escape a haunted space station. A moral conundrum that is a treat to experience. Did I mention all of the 3D objects and environments in the game are modeled using clay? A really atmospheric and haunting experience that encourages problem solving and trigger finger moves. 

5.  Kentucky Route Zero (PC, Mac)

If David Lynch made a surrealist adventure game for the ages. That is the perfect synopsis of this 5-part episodic adventure (currently two are out with a third coming out soon). Expect a surreal and moving and dreamy experience where there are no puzzles -- exploration is the key and reading is important too. I've been eagerly awaiting the next episode. 

 4.  Tomb Raider (PC, PS3, Xbox 360)

After a slew of terrible and subpar releases, Tomb Raider finally gets the reboot it deserved. Visually gorgeous, lots of room to explore, fun narrative, modernized controls that pay huge homage to the Uncharted series (which in many ways nods its hat to the original Tomb Raider).  I ended up playing through this one twice just to find all the hidden goodies. 

 3. Gone Home (PC, Mac, Apple Store)

You return home after a one-year European adventure. You arrive to find your parents and sister missing. There is a frantic message on the answering machine from your weeping sister. You are now allowed to explore this large abandoned Oregon home to solve the mystery. The more you look, the more letters and information you'll find about your family's secrets until you find out what's really going on. A game that is as much about exploration and atmosphere as it is about true love.  

2.  Bioshock Infinite + Burial At Sea (PC, PS3, Xbox 360)

Ken Levine makes the spiritual successor to Bioshock and it's as thought provoking and memorable as the original. The follow-up expansion called Burial at Sea is equally essential to any one that's been fascinated with the universe. 

1.  The Last of Us (PS3)

The most moving and well-written narrative and acting in a game -- seriously, no story-centric game has gotten remotely close to this (yet). Prepare for a slow building and emotionally driving experience. You will think on the conclusion of this game days/months/years later. Every title that attempts to create emotionally engaging characters and stories are taking notes from this.