Whilst trying to get our heads around where 2013 has gone... and our Christmas shopping lists of course, we've been having a think about our favourite albums released over the past year. It's a typically diverse list from the Folded Wing team and, as ever, we'd love to know what you think of them via our Twitter @foldedwinguk or on our Facebook page...
Karen's Choice...
Sons of Kemet - 'Burn' (Naim Jazz)
"By far my best album and live act of 2013... both blew me away. Also my favourite session on Jamie Cullum's show this year. If you get a chance to see them live take it... two of the best drummers we have in the UK (Seb Rochford & Tom Skinner) and an amazing energy. Thanks to Shabaka Hutchings for putting together a killer line up of musicians. It's also the album I've been recommending all year to anyone who thinks they don't like jazz!"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KJRrk3PMFdc
Andrea's Choice...
The Arteries - 'Restless' EP (Angry Chuck Records)
"I've been waiting for ages for this EP to come out as they're one of my favourite bands so I was relieved to finally have a copy in my grasp in March."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OCI6R25nm6E
Lucy's Choice...
Deptford Goth - 'Life After Defo' (Merok Records)
"This was one of my most anticipated albums ever, having been excited about the prospect of a Deptford Goth album ever since I heard 'No Man' from 2011's Youth II EP. It didn't disappoint - South Londoner Daniel Woolhouse's project has evolved into a thing of true beauty - delayed vocals, samples and cello. I haven't stopped playing it all year."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A0Dc8DtVxb0
Sandie's Choice...
James Blunt - 'Moon Landing' (Atlantic)
"My lovely daughter gave me the CD a couple of months ago. I love, love the third track 'Bonfire Heart', it is very catchy, I seem to play it and sing it all the time."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g1j1qwQQ8-Q
John's Choice...
William Onyeabor - 'Who Is William Onyeabor?' (Luaka Bop)
"Probably one of 4 albums from outside the UK that I've listened to from beginning to end more than once this year. Absolutely love it and the 10 minute afro-electro bounceathon of 'Good Name' is a delight from beginning to end... even the shit guitar solo is amazing. Guaranteed to raise a smile."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z8TNgLc7qMo
Matt's Choice...
Arctic Monkeys - 'AM' (Domino)
"At the stage that Arctic Monkeys are now at, their releases come with tons of anticipation and I thought it might be the case of all talk and no action, but I was more than pleasantly surprised when 'AM' landed... Turner showing his lyrical flair again, old skool hip hop vibes and amazing guitar riffs..."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bpOSxM0rNPM
Pete's Choice...
The National - 'Trouble Will Find Me' (4AD)
"Picked this as the album I was looking forward to most earlier in the year, and boy did it not disappoint! This band just keep getting better, just full of really beautiful epic songs. Cannot wait to see them play with Neil Young and Crazy Horse at Hyde Park next year!"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JK-EF9fAHIY
Jim's Choice...
Mazzy Star - 'Seasons Of Your Day' (Rhymes Of An Hour)
"Big albums for me this year include My Bloody Valentine, Jaimeo Brown, Valerie June, The Stepkids, Anna Calvi and the tremendous William Adamson... but Mazzy Star's first album in 17 years just about edges it. Beautiful, slow, sad blues music made for drinking whisky in a rocking chair.... preferably with Hope Sandoval."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TxV-4h36aTU
