~ 1. Ginger : "Albion"

Not only is this my favorite of the albums he's released since going in cahoots with the fine folks over at Pledge Music, it's one of my favorite things he's EVER released. Not bad for someone I've been listening to for 20 years now. I hesitate to use the word "epic" because it's so overused now that it's practically meaningless, but it applies here in spades. Truly an album as opposed to just a collection of songs. And a real headphone ( or earbuds, as the case may be ) record - LOTS of stuff going on in the mix here. Here's a taste :

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mVoccG_mnMA

The album's still available here : http://www.pledgemusic.com/projects/practicalmusician

~ 2. The Bronx : "IV"

Remember the days when bands where able to stick around long enough that they got better at what they did? I've liked these guys since their debut, but with each album they seem to refine what makes them great just a little bit more. At this point, they're just a lean, snarling beast ( hence the badass album cover artwork, I suppose ). And they're at the top of their songwriting game here. Just a great hard rock record, & so well worth yer 10 bucks - get it here : http://thebronxxx.shop.musictoday.com/Product.aspx?cp=47984_58847&pc=XNCD07

~ 3. Gleeson : "II"

This one's the "outta left field" pick of the year. I'd never even heard their name, but was intrigued by a entry on a power pop blog I frequent. I gave it a listen on their Bandcamp page ( http://gleeson.bandcamp.com/album/gleeson-ii ) & absolutely fell in love. It's a real ambitious record - a "2 LP" length sucker. Maybe a little TOO ambitious...much as I love it, there's tracks I skip. There's a GREAT pared down album in there...your mileage may vary on which of the 22 songs make up that great album. You can listen for free at the link above - & you can give 'em some $$$ to download it ( or buy the vinyl or CD while there's still some left ).

~ 4. St. Lucia : "When The Night"

Shout-out to Pulptom!!! A heads-up on this very forum hepped me to this group, so I took a shot. It's a really, REALLY fun record if you like a mid-80's rock/pop sound. Pat Francis - if you're reading this, I think you'd REALLY like it. Currently available over at Amazon MP3 for a measly 5 bucks : http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FFL8ZGU/ref=tsm_1_fb_lk

~ 5. Mike Schmidt : "The Big Angry"

As someone who was lucky enough to see Mike perform this live ( all 3 and a half hours worth ), I'm relieved to see that A Special Thing Records was able to wrassle the show down to a 1CD length affair that keeps the tone of the show intact. At times hilarious, tense as hell, & ultimately just a really, really strong piece of work. Available here : http://www.mikeschmidtcomedy.com/merchandise ( mildly NSFW link...FYI ) .

~ 6. Radkey : "Devil Fruit" EP

At the risk of sounded like an old ****, lemme just say how it warms my heart to see kids with guitars rockin' out. These 3 local guys keep getting better & better ( & more in demand ). Can't wait to see what they cook up with their first full-length this year. http://radkey.shopsilentempire.com/

~ 7. RadioIO Classical

Not a album, obviously. But I listen to a LOT of classical music - in particular the more "modern" stuff. And over the years I've found no better source than this. http://www.radioio.com/channels/classical/classical/

~ 8. The Journeymen : "Mount Us More"

The alter egos of the fantastic improv comedy group Superego. Hilarious, & actually a damn good country record to boot.
http://www.gosuperego.com/mount-us-more/

~ 9. The Replacements : "Songs For Slim"

Obvious choice for Reunion Of The Year. The bootlegs of their 3 live shows in 2013 could be added to this entry as well.

Is it really the Mats? No. Is it as close as we'll ever get at this point? Yes. Hopefully this is the springboard to more & better things in 2014.
http://www.amazon.com/Songs.../dp/B00BR0SGVW/ref=sr_1_9...

MonoStereo wrote:

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~ 8. The Journeymen : "Mount Us More"

The alter egos of the fantastic improv comedy group Superego. Hilarious, & actually a damn good country record to boot.
http://www.gosuperego.com/mount-us-more/

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I also loved this album. Did you see the Journeymen will be on Andy Daly's new podcast from Earwolf. I'm only about halfway through the episode and they haven't come on yet but the rest of the episode is hysterical.