Music From 2013.....and Probably None of it From 2013.....

TUNES!

 I didn't hear a lot of music in 2013 that excited me much, so this entry should be short and sweet.
Just to make any kind of list at all, I'll put down the best CDs I got this year, regardless of when they were made. Or else there won't be anything.

Best Live Act I Saw In 2013: The Vincent Hayes Project (featuring Doc Yankee). Saw them in Lowell and was blown away. A terrific blues ensemble. I bugged them to let me join the band, to no avail.

3. Wrecking Ball - Bruce Springsteen
Songs about togetherness and unity, and caring about each other. Oh my gosh, you don't suppose there of thread of that dirty word "liberal" in his blood do you? With songs like "We Take Care of Our Own", it gets mighty suspicious.....great record, and I haven't gotten a Springsteen record since "Lonesome Town". Okay, maybe I have "Radio Nowhere."

2. From The Ground Up - John Fullbright
I heard a track by chance on a summer night, and liked it alot. I bought the song on iTunes and got the whole CD for Christmas. This guy reminds me that there are still guys out there that want to write and play good songs, and even though main-stream radio is owned by women (Miley, Kelly, Taylor, Katie, and even Britney) guys like John Fullbright still are willing to shine like a beacon in the night and say "there is hope." This young man probably wouldn't let me in his band either, but since they already sound like The Band, they don't need a lug like me. This is like the sweet voice of Don McLean singing Bob Dylan songs. "Jericho" is a treasure. If you don't want to commit to the whole record, at least buy "Jericho" on iTunes.

1. Allen Stone - Allen Stone
This wonderful, fun, blue-eyed soulful, record is the best thing I've stumbled on in years. My pal Jerry told me to check it out, knowing full well I'd love it. It turns out that Mr. Stone was raised in a strict Christian home and was not allowed to listen to secular music. While in high school, a friend gave him a Stevie Wonder album that he sneaked into the house, and Stevie Wonder is how Allen gauges all secular music. So when he decided to do his own songs, naturally they have a soulful flavor. Very good stuff from a very fun guy. Go to YouTube and witness him on "Live From Daryl's House." You won't believe this it the guy singing all of these delicious soul tunes.