Paqman's Top 10 Albums of 2013

Tens of thousands of albums have been released this past year, so P&B are taking on the arduous task of breaking down our very own Top 10 Albums of 2013 List. We'll break down the albums, EPs, and mixtapes, etc, that made for quintessential listening throughout the year. If you don't see something on here that you feel should've made the lists, feel free to leave a comment or send us an email about it!

10) Alice In Chains - The Devil Put Dinosaurs Here

Alice In Chains welcomes you to this year's countdown coming in at number 10. I've had my doubt about this iteration of the band with William DuVall taking over on vocals. I wasn't a fans of their first album together, "Black Gives Away To Blue", but "Devil" came off like the AIC album we've all been waiting for, post-Staley. Sludgy guitars, heavy beats and signature harmonies make this a must for any nostalgic grunge head.

P&B Approved Cuts: Hollow, Stone, The Devil Put Dinosaurs Here

ALL OF THE P&B APPROVED CUTS CAN BE ENJOYED HERE ON RDIO

9) Quadron - Avalanche

I don't remember how Quadron jumped into my radar this year. Not sure if I read about the Danish duo on a blog or if it was recommended by a peer. I do know that they are extremely soulful and write some incredible pop music. Any band who's musical philosophy revolves around this question: "What would Michael Jackson do?", are OK on my list.

P&B Approved Cuts: LFT, Favorite Star, Neverland

8) Danny Brown - Old

It took 2 years for Brown to release his first official, full length album after taking the rap world by storm with his critically acclaimed XXX mixtape. According to the tongue wagging MC, he wanted to make sure that he had the dopest beats for his LP. It's worth listening to Old for a few reason, mainly for the contrast between side A and B as well as his sick rhymes.

P&B Approved Cuts: Side A (Old), Wonderbread, Torture, Dip

7) Run The Jewels - Run The Jewels

Run The Jewels is the only mixtape to make my top 10 this year (download it here for free). It's the result of a collaboration between EL-P and Killer Mike, 2 MCs that don't get enough press or credit. Run The Jewels is a response to Jay and Ye's decadent Watch The Throne. Where WTT is about stadium shows and Margiela, RTJ is a bluecollar, street level tour de force. 

P&B Approved Cuts: Run The Jewels, 36" Chain, Sea Legs

6) Unknown Mortal Orchestra - II

Unknown Mortal Orchestra came out of nowhere for me this year and is a true social discovery. The woman with a sword on the cover caught my attention. The music kept me wanting more. It reminds me at times of the Beatles, the softer side of Led Zeppelin and Of Montreal (vocals). A fantastic lo-fi, energetic music experience.

P&B Approved Cuts: From The Sun, Swim And Sleep (Like A Shark), Faded In The Morning

5) Queens Of The Stone Age - ...Like Clockwork

It took me a little while to understand QOTSA's 6th major release. For some reason, I was expecting a heavier, faster effort on the heels on Era Vulgaris. It wasn't as fast, but definitely heavy. The perfect soundtrack for an overnight drive through the desert with the top down after a night of unlawful and debaucherous activities.

P&B Approved Cuts: I Sat By The Ocean, If I Had A Tail, My God Is The Sun

4) Arctic Monkeys - AM

AM is far and above the sexiest album, rock or not, to have come out this year. I've been following Alex Turner and Co. since they their brash and young debut. I would have never guessed that they would be writing such groovy music. It's been great sonically witnessing to this band's evolution.

P&B Approved Cuts: Do I Wanna Know?, R U Mine?, One For The Road, Arabella

3) Pusha T - My Name Is My Name

According to Kanye West, Yeezus is on everybody's most acclaimed lists for 2013. Well, you won't find it here, or on Turnbull's list. Enter: Pusha T's fantastic solo debut album on G.O.O.D. Music. Mr. West handled most of the production on "My Name" and it shows. The beats are simple, clean and to the point while complimenting Pusha's cold and calculated delivery. "My Name" is the album that Kanye should have kept for himself instead of handing it over to T. Either way, I'm thankful that this happened.

P&B Approved Cuts: Numbers On The Board, Suicide, Nosetalgia

2) J. Cole - Born Sinner

Cole was pushed to the back when the latest generation of rappers came out a few years ago. He didn't come in hot like Drake or Kendrick. Like any committed student of the game, he kept on his grind and released a solid sophomore album that almost hit the top of my list. His storytelling has jumped to a whole new level to make him an MC to watch for years to come. Cole also produced all but 2 tracks on "Born Sinner" showing the world that this dude is the real deal.

P&B Approved Cuts: Villuminati, Land Of The Snakes, Forbidden Fruit, Chaining Day

1) Mayer Hawthorne - Where Does This Door Go

"Where Does This Door Go" wins the award for the album that I wore out the most last year but couldn't get over it. The Detroit native hit it out of the park with this tight collection of well crafted pop music. The first single, "Her Favorite Song", shows the dynamic song writing that is found throughout the 15 song set. Hawthorne's previous work was very reminiscent of the Motown sound and vibe, which is no surprise as he is from Motorcity and represents it well.This is a welcome departure from what he was know for. Having seen him live, I can attest that this cat is legit. He sounds exactly as he does on his recordings (and got this uncoordinated guy to dance during his whole set). Expect to hear more from Hawthorne in the near future when he becomes a household name. After you listen to this album, you'll be surprised that he isn't mentioned in the same breath as any of 2013s great releases.

P&B Approved Cuts: Wine Glass Woman, Crime, Reach Out Richard, Corsican Rosé

-Paqman