Earlier this month we revealed our top 40 albums of 2014, which included 14 albums from Australia (including The Smith Street Band as our number one!). As we did last year, however, we want to make sure as many Australian albums are highlighted as possible! So, we’ve gone back to our list of votes from AU’s fine contributors and put together a list of the top 40 Australian albums (LPs and EPs both eligible) of 2013!
40. Dan Sultan – Blackbird
39. Voyager – V
38. Andy Bull – Sea of Approval
37. Husky – Ruckers Hill
36. Sarah Humphreys – New Moon
35. Sticky Fingers – Land of Pleasure
On Sticky Fingers: “There is something really captivating and magical about Sticky Fingers, some kind of charming allure that keeps fans sticking around. The boys seem to speak in a language we can all relate to, and their music is so beautifully crafted that even if they don’t speak to you personally, their smooth delivery will tickle your ears along the way. I know I personally feel a strong sense of pride whenever I drive past ‘Australia Street’ in Newtown and sing that dastardly tune over and over. The boys have done me well and now they’ve done themselves so very well in their 2nd release. Plus, even if Sticky Fingers aren’t your type of thing – the image of Dylan cuddling a kitty is undoubtedly one of the best album covers of 2014.” – Renee Meznarsic
34. Sincerely, Grizzly – Halves
33. Thundamentals – So We Can Remember
32. HTRK – Psychic 9-5 Club
31. The Love Junkies – Blowing on The Devil’s Strumpet
30. Ernest Ellis – Cold Desire
On Sincerely, Grizzly: “If you’re looking for an album which fits in one specific category, Halves is not going to be up your alley. However, if you enjoy tuning out of everything else and being enveloped by music you can hear the effort and passion behind, then this is a great place to start. From the chaotic guitar riffs to the brutality and pain permeating through each wail and screamed lyric, Sincerely, Grizzly have made their debut album one driven by a tumultuous fury of emotional response and confusion and the result is commendable.” – Sosefina Fuamoli
On Ernest Ellis: “Comparisons can be drawn between Cold Desire and numerous other artists, there is the evocation of Australian culture that recalls The Triffids. Downtrodden out on your luck characters, that have forever inspired Springsteen’s music and the chilling atmospheres that populated David Bowie’s cocaine fuelled Berlin output. Cold Desire isn’t a hash of these influences, it draws them in appreciatively while creating an original, raw album that feels truthful both to the artist and his influences. With Cold Desire Ernest Ellis has managed to pull off the same coup as Jack ladder on Hurtsville, positioning himself as one of the most exciting songwriters in the country at the moment.” – Michael Lean
29. Total Control – Typical System
28. CW Stoneking – Gon’ Boogaloo
27. Little Bastard – Little Bastard
26. King Gizzard & the Wizard Lizard – I’m In Your Mind Fuzz
25. Ball Park Music – Puddinghead
On Total Control: “A collection of Melbourne’s best musicians come together as Total Control to make an album that works in every style of post-punk imaginable of the highest quality. It only happens every 3 years and they don’t tour, so you don’t want to miss something as legitimately special as Typical System.” – Leonardo Silvestrini
On Ball Park Music:: “I love Puddinghead for showing off the talent you experience when you go to see Ball Park Music live. They bring exuberance, light and enthusiasm to every live show and have managed to do the same on this album.” – Justine McNamara
24. Siskin River – The Hours They Keep
23. The Bennies – Heavy Disco
22. Sydonia – Reality Kicks
21. Sheppard – Bombs Away
On Siskin River: “This album contains some amazing songwriting, beautiful lyrics and guitar playing so good it almost doesn’t seem possible. These two sisters have put together a collection of songs about love, heartbreak and the state of the world as they see it. It’s a unique album that might not have been widely heard but it’s definitely worth finding.” – Justine McNamara
On Sheppard: “This band are just so darn talented they ooze pop goodness…” – Bree Cohen
20. Calling All Cars – Raise the People
19. The Preatures – Blue Planet Eyes
18. Firekites – Forever Closing Sky
17. Jack Carty – Esk
16. Sounds Like Sunset – We Could Leave Tonight
On Calling All Cars: “This was a bit of a sleeper hit for me – I hadn’t really paid attention to the band until they supported Biffy clyro on their September tour. And boy did they make me sit up and pay attention! Catchy pop like tunes and songs that are could easily sit in any playlist on a major radio station, this was an album that had all the hallmarks for playability :)” – Evelyn Tjia
On Sounds of Sunset: “An outstanding new album from a criminally underrated 90’s Australian band.”- Mark Tainton
15. Jack Ladder and The Dreamlanders – Playmates
“Possibly the best collaborative album. Jack Ladders soulful baritone croon and wit filled lyricism has afforded him the best of offsider’s on Playmates. The records call sheet plays like a who’s who of the Sydney live scene. Ladder expertly curates all the talent at his disposal to create a record that is both fearless and tender. Drawing from a rich pallet of sound Playmates digs deep into Ladder favorite theme of relationships, the thrill of discovering someone, the confusion of wondering if you know that person and the sometimes inevitable collapse. Smart songwriting from one of the best.” – Michael Lean
And as previously revealed…
14. Megan Washington – There There
13. The Peep Tempel – Tales
12. The Grates – Dream Team
11. The Delta Riggs – Dipz Zebazios
10. Augie March – Havens Dumb
9. Remi – Raw x Infinity
8. Sia – 1000 Forms of Fear
7. Kingswood – Microscopic Wars
6. Sleepmakeswaves – Love of Cartography
5. Kate Miller-Heidke – O Vertigo!
4. Angus & Julia Stone – Self-Titled
3. Chet Faker – Built on Glass
2. #1 Dads – About Face
1. The Smith Street Band – Throw Me In The River
