Yes, sir, just when I think the likes of Kanye, Drake and Miley will render the year meaningless to my ears, a cadre of old friends burst through the door wielding albums that thankfully remind me music is still something worth getting excited about. Below are five of my favorites.
1. Love Has Come For You - Steve Martin and Edie Brickell: I must admit I was never that intrigued by actor/comedian Steve Martin strumming the banjo, but something about adding the melodically soothing vocals of '80s holdover Edie Brickell intrigued me enough to give their 13-track folk collaboration a whirl. The result is nothing short of a gift from the music gods: a beautifully crafted collection of homespun, tale-oriented tunes - some soul-wrenchingly poignant, others playfully humorous - that get your feet a tappin', your hands a clappin' and provide as much nourishment for the heart as they do the mind. Favorite Tracks: When You Get To Ashville, Friend of Mine.
2. Reflektor - Arcade Fire: This follow-up to 2010's Grammy-winning The Suburbs leaves all the reflection and mellowness of its predecessor at the door and cranks up the volume on 13 highly creative, hip-shaking tracks that prove freshness and ingenuity don't have to diminish after an Album of the Year award. Favorite Tracks: Joan of Arc, It's Never Over (Hey Orpheus).
3. NEW - Paul McCartney: The 71-year-old icon's first collection of original music in six years is a tight, melodically fresh 13-track reminder that no matter your age or extensive past musical output, one can still deliver something relevant and quite surprising. Favorite Tracks: Early Days, Everybody Out There
4. Mechanical Bull - Kings of Leon: The reigning monarchs of southern rock ditch all the baggage and drama from the last album tour and deliver a satisfying 11-track collection of soul and verve that makes you wonder why they didn't name the album after one of its actual songs: Comeback Story. Favorite Tracks: Wait For Me, Comeback Story.
5. Songs From St. Somewhere - Jimmy Buffet: Okay, at this point the 66-year-old Mayor of Margaritaville isn't going to win any awards for songwriting or originality, but if you're a fan of laid-back, sun-kissed, smile-inducing tunes that brush away your troubles and go great with a Mai Tai and a plate of fish tacos on a Saturday night, then you can't go wrong with this solid 16-track collection. Favorite Tracks: Somethin' 'Bout A Boat, Oldest Surfer On The Beach.
Dec. 20: Top 5 Blu-rays of 2013
