Top Ten of 2013 by Shenyah Webb
“familiar yet like nothing I’ve heard before”
10. Detropia meets the masses.
Although this Detroit documentary was released in select theaters in late 2012, it made its way to the masses via Netfix, Hulu, etc. in 2013. This is one of the most moving documentaries I have ever seen. The footage is the real fucking deal!
9. GTA5 is a virtual masterpiece!
I am not a gamer, but I do appreciate watching a well put together video game. The Grand Theft Auto series has always been impressive, but the release of #5 is crazy balls! Seriously though, aside from the city being 2 times larger than real life Manhattan, containing over 9 hours of talk radio and 80,000 lines of script, I’m totally blown away by the realism of the lighting. The shadow play during sunsets and sunrises is pretty well mastered!
8. Animal names left for bands are almost extinct!
Animal bands names have always been a hit but have become increasingly popular over the last decade. After 2013, unused animal names are becoming extinct! Top 5 I listened to this year: Deerhunter, Caribou, The Bubble Cats, Cat Power and one of the originators, The Animals!
7. American Dust Revisited, by Brian S. Ellis
“These mountains made of faces terrify me.
I only understand the bloodstream.
I am of the ocean’s family.
I will never forgive myself for having bones.”Need I say more?
6. Motor City Going Out of Business Sale!
Artist Jerry Vile attempted to “Ease the pain of Detroit’s Bankruptcy” with a giant replica of a Crisco can in the heart of downtown. The City of Detroit didn’t quite see it as humorous whatsoever and had it removed immediately, however his ‘tagging’ didn’t stop there. Vile literally tagged many of the city’s monuments with giant “sale” price tags, promoting “Motor City Going out of Business Sale!” I know this is supposed to be a sad time for the city, but a little humor really can’t hurt this situation. I’m not sure too much can. My heart is with Detroit.
5. Vinyl Revival!
Yes, I realize vinyl is older than me, but along with all other types of tangible music, has slowly become obsolete. But, vinyl is making a serious comeback! The sales of vinyl over 2013 are at their highest in more than a decade!! Keep bringing vinyl back!
4. Same-Sex marriage!
Nine states legalized gay marriage this year, making a total of 18 states where same sex marriage is now legal! An amazing year for gay and lesbian communities! PRIDE!
3. 1939 Ensemble accompanies Hitchcock!
Whatever happened to musicians performing a score alongside a silent film? I had the privilege of listening to 1939 Ensemble perform a set at the Whitsel Auditorium in accompaniment with the first Hitchcock (silent) film, The Pleasure Garden. 1939 Ensemble has always inspired me to be more experimental with percussion and horns, but after this show, the horizon of my musical visions expanded. Cheers to 1939 Ensemble and to composing silent film scores!
2. Son Lux – Lanterns
Son Lux - Lanterns is by far the best album I have discovered this year! Some music takes a few listens to really fully settle inside me, to become part of me. When I first heard this album, it was as if it already existed inside me and was awoken. It is so obscure and perfectly orchestrated. Familiar, yet like nothing I have heard before. I am especially impressed with the diversity of instrumentation, specifically the saxophones, and all of the perfect details.
1. The cure for depression!
2nd Street Creamery’s Almond Butter Hazelnut Fudge ice cream. Oh, my lord! This is a temporary cure for depression. Paired up with a foot (or other) massage, it is a permanent cure for depression.
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Image Credits: GTA5 courtesy of Rockstar Games, Animal Chart created by Ben Didier, ice cream painting by Evelyn Axell -1964
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