My Top Albums of 2013

2013 has seen some big records released, from worldwide megastars like Daft Punk to young hipster upstarts like Lorde. Here's my Top 5 list of the best and brightest albums to have pricked my ears in the last 12 months. 

Arctic Monkeys - AM

Arctic Monkeys aren't a band that sit still and rest on their laurels. 

After the astronomical success of their début record, Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not, broke records around the world, they could have very easily sat back, taken a long holiday and decided to rinse and repeat the same material. 

Three records later and the reality couldn't be anything more different. With each new record comes a new angle, a defining sound that encapsulates exactly where the band is.

2007's Fluorescent Adolescent saw them erupt with energy and hormones, their sound decidedly loud and brash. Record number three was 2009's divisive (and brilliant) desert-rock inspired Humbug before 2011's more melodic and ballad-driven Suck it and See steered them towards a softer, romantic sound.

So, where does AM sit amongst this spectrum? And more importantly, is it any good?

Miles Kane - Don't Forget Who You Are

You've only got to listen to the opening minute of the title track to Miles Kane's second solo album to discover a new found sense of confidence and swagger for the former Rascal/Last Shadow Puppet. 

After releasing The Colour of the Trap in 2011, Kane has developed and honed his sound to something a lot more defined and striking on this second record.

Remember 'Rearrange' and 'Come Closer'? Well, meet 'Taking Over', their dirtier, grungier and fuzzier cousin. The clackity-clack of drum sticks, the gentle stroking of Kane's vocals and then, wham, in kicks the drums. "I think I'm brewing up a storm" croons Kane; why yes, yes you are. It might not be the best track on the record, but it does set the scene well.