Singer & songwriter Leanne Harte is next up to survey the year's musical releases from her perspective in our fifth edition of our new regular feature My Top Fives.
Harte will play FMC's New Year's Eve & The City, a series of free gigs in different locations in Dublin, on December 31st. You can catch Leanne at 1.15pm at Oxfam on George's Street. Leanne's newest EP Restless Sleepers is available for purchase on iTunes and to stream on Spotify. You can catch up with everything else at LeanneHarte.com.
Previously: Dan Hegarty | Steve Gannon | Edda Kjarval | Louise Bruton
TOP FIVE ALBUMS OF 2013
Villagers - {Awayland}
From very early on in 2013, this album just absolutely blew me away. I just think it's perfect. So many stand out tracks, incredible lyrics and melodies. I had high expectations for it but it completely surpassed them all.
Haim - Days Are Gone
I've been a fan of Haim for a while now, and had been really excited for ages about this release. It didn't disappoint, and I've listened to it about five million times. Their gig in Whelan's earlier on this year was also an absolute treat of a gig. It's interesting to see the contrast between their recorded stuff and live shows - they're actually quite a lot heavier live and was really blown away by their performance.
Savages - Silence Yourself
This was a surprise album for me, as I hadn't come across the band before and hadn't really heard anything about them before listening to this album, so I had no expectations really. It's such an absolute cracker of an album, so much energy. They make me want to take out my electric guitar and write loud music again.
John Grant - Pale Green Ghosts
I only came across John Grant about a month ago, and he has completely blown my mind. Pale Green Ghosts is a stunning album. I just love the way he writes, his lyrics are completely original and wonderful, and his music is gorgeous. I was very lucky to get a ticket to the church for his performance at Other Voices in Dingle this year, and it was really something special.
Agnes Obel - Aventine
This album is completely goosebump inducing and is just full of really beautiful songs. I love it.
TOP FIVE SONGS OF 2013
Villagers - In a Newfoundland Land You Are Free
I find it hard to pick just one track off such an amazing album, but this one really moves me. So poignant and beautiful.
John Grant - Black Belt
I heard this on the radio during the year, and kept meaning to find out who it was because I just thought it was so fantastic.
David Bowie - The Stars (Are Out Tonight)
I adore David Bowie, and I just loved this song. The video was also totally amazing.
Arcade Fire (ft. David Bowie) - Reflektor
Two of my favourite acts coming together to create something utterly brilliant. Definitely a stand out track of the year.
St. Vincent - Birth In Reverse
It was exciting enough to hear news of the new album, but then she released this track and it's just unreal. Been listening to it non stop since yesterday.
