We're lucky to live in San Diego, and, yes, most of it has to do with the weather. I mean, can you believe how beautiful Christmas Day was? We're also lucky when it come to our local music community and its diversity. It's exciting for me to witness a band get recognition in town for their hard work -- a band like Schitzophonics, for example.
So I'd like to submit my Top 13 SD Releases of 2013, which shares some of the same acts Dustin [Lothspeich, SoundDiego associate editor] posted last week (read them here), but some that aren't -- so take a look. If we both picked a record, it must be really good! So now, in no particular order:
- Old Man Wizard, Unfavorable: Epic progressive, heavy-rock band.
- The Frights, s/t: These kids kill it with their surf-inspired garage punk.
- Barbarian, City of Women: Psychedelic alt-rockers are set for big things in 2014.
- Mrs. Magician, B-Sides: I can't believe one of the best bands in San Diego called it quits and Dec. 27 was their last show EVER (read our review of their farewell show here).
- Gayle Skidmore, Sleeping Bear: Her sophomore album is filled with songs that take her from the coffeehouse to the rock clubs.
- Spero, Rational Paths: Young alternative folk-rockers who are only just beginning to hit their stride.
- Transfer, Shadow Aspect: Come on, it's Transfer!
- Tiger Milk Imports, s/t: Synth-pop rock band almost secretly releases one of the best albums of the year.
- The Touchies, Mess With the Unicorn ... Get The Horn: Great local punk rock & roll band; Definitely for fans of the Muffs or Groovie Ghoulies -- and fun!
- Octagrape, Red UFO: Killer art-punk with rock & roll flair.
- Neighbors to the North, Starfisher: Rock & roll power trio has had a really good year -- you should check them out.
- Ottly Mercer, Big Noise: Representing Imperial Beach, these guys lay down some great retro-reggae, as they call it, playing original old-school sounding tunes.
- DPI, Smashed: Punk rock like it should sound. Paying homage to the great era of punk: The beginning!
Tim Pyles, a longtime local who grew up in La Jolla, is the unofficial mayor of local music who hosts The Local 94/9 via FM94/9 every Sunday from 9 p.m. to 12 a.m. He also books local acts at the Casbah, hosts the weekly Anti-Monday League, books/hosts the monthly Maryjane's Underground at the House Of Blues and is an entertainment writer for Pacific San Diego Magazine. Check out his website thelocalpyle.com and and follow him on Twitter @thelocalpyle. You can reach him directly here pyleste@yahoo.com
