First, a couple of disclaimers:
1. Not all of these albums were released in 2013; some of them came from my music research and discovery, and others simply came off my “to get” list and I actually finally got them.
2. I’m not a music critic specialist so to save you from me ranting, I’ve tried to be succinct on the whys of my choices.
I hope you check ones out that maybe you don’t know yet, or respond about ones you do, and enjoy!
In no particular order:
Blow Up (Colombia)
Bomba Estereo (Colombia), Released 2009
Genre: Electric beats, Dance (Columbian rhythm)
*Straight up dance influence
*I like some of the electronic music coming out of central/south America, but this is one album I like to listen to all the way through.
Debut (L.A.), Released 2012
Genre: Garage surf
*Simple yet resonating lyrics
*Fun beats
An Awesome Wave
Alt-J’s Debut (United Kingdom), Released 2012
Genre: British Indie Rock
*Unique and Experimental Sound
*Puts me in a good mood every time
Isles
Wilde Belle’s Debut (Chicago), Released 2013
Genre: American Indie Rock
*Female/Male siblings that features her voice
*Honest and raw lyrics from a female’s gut
Blue Sky and the Devil
Trampled by Turtles (Minnesota), Released 2005
Genre: Straight Up Bluegrass
*A bluegrass band that actually has variety in their lyrics
*Real get down and boogie bluegrass, kind of competes with Greensky Bluegrass for me
*A-MAZING mandolin player (Erik Berry)
Rhye‘s Debut (L.A.), Released 2013
Genre: Lounge R&B
*She (Milosh) has a alto/soprano combination that is sexy and perfect
*Instrumentalist Robin Hannibal mixes a combination of styles that are super fun
Made Possible
The Bad Plus (Minnesota), Released 2012
Genre: Jazz
*I usually try to discover jazz that is new to me each year that I like, and usually, I fail, but thanks to my little brother, I now know about these guys. I can’t believe I’m just getting to them. They are astounding, shocking, unpredictable, modern, epic…
*I want to see them live so badly!!!!! If you don’t know them and like crazy jazz, just go listen to them.
Room of Mirrors
Kekko Fornarelli (Italy), Released 2011
Genre: Jazz Piano
*Speaking of jazz, I’m also always trying to find good jazz pianists that I can listen to for longer than 1-2 songs. Kekko does this for me. Like Keith Jarrett, although probably not the same caliber of talent yet, Kekko has won me over.
*Plus, he’s Italian. What’s not to like?
Haughty Melodic
Mike Doughty (Kentucky), Released 2005
Genre: “alternative”/Indie Rock
*There’s Soul Coughing and then there is Mike Doughty, he can stand alone
*He makes me dance and that is always good
Home Again
Michael Kiwanuka’s Debut (United Kingdom), Released 2012
Genre: Acoustic soul and mellow funk
*He is keeping Bill Withers and Otis Redding alive!
*Bursting with soulful talent
Seasons of Your Day
Mazzy Star (Santa Monica), Released 2013
Genre: Ambient/Acoustic
*People started copying her genre so she came back!
Canary Island
Houndstooth (Portland), Released 2013
Genre: Indie Rock
*Another cool sounding woman
*I like how it takes you all over musically
Music is so incredible. I’ll stop there, but this has been a fun post for me. Hope all of you out there are enjoying some tunes!
Strucknwords 
Laura, this is a great list! I was familiar with a few of the artists (love Michael Kiwanuka), but you’ve introduced me to so many new albums – perfect listening for this weekend. Thanks! ~Terri
Thanks! Great, love sharing new music with folks-such a joy of our lives! Let me know what you think, and feel free to send me some cool international stuff as you find it.