Time for one final list from 2013 (barring any straggling best-of lists), the all-important most read articles of the year.
1. Secret Memo Regarding Nirvana’s ‘In Utero’ Reissue Leaked
People not only like to read the same story over and over again, they demand it. Our job is to retell the story, to reinforce the legends, to emphasise the inflexibility of the narrative. (Wallace Wylie)
The way The Smiths once covered their sleeves in 60s references, the way Wu-Tang Clan embraced the language and iconography of Shaolin, the way Oasis loved The Beatles, that’s the relationship Iceage has with xenophobia and white supremacy — it may not be the window, but it’s damn sure the drapes. (Scott Creney)
3. The Season of The Witch | 55 songs about witches
This, we’re told, is the Season of The Witch. I beg to differ, at least for the reasons given. I like witches. (Everett True)
4. ‘Blurred Lines’ and the Banality of Male Sexuality
Part of the problem with ‘Blurred Lines’ is that it unquestioningly accepts its own worldview. It doesn’t think it’s controversial. (Wallace Wylie)
5. Five Female-Fronted Rock Bands To Watch in 2013
I don’t seek the heaviest rockers or the baddest shredders. To me, that’s not what is rock’n’roll is about. Rock’n’roll is about laying it on the line. It’s about attitude. It’s about tradition. It’s about rule-breaking. It’s about rhythm. It’s about chaos. It’s about passion, kicks, hate, love, fear, joy, fun. (Erika Meyer)
6. Savages – Silence Yourself (Pop Noire/Matador)
Man, that band name’s a fucking misnomer, isn’t it? (Scott Creney)
7. Haim – Days Are Gone (Columbia)
Haim’s pleasure, limited as even its enthusiasts admit, is the empty pleasure of an endless series of twinkies eaten over the course of 45 minutes. Fine enough in the beginning, but eventually destined to sicken. (Scott Creney)
8. We Need to Talk about Racism in Punk
If a white man advertised for white bassist that would be seen as racist. Well, yeah it would, and they do. (Stephanie Phillips)
Bowie is, and always has been a phoney. (Mof Gimmers)
10. The Question of Authenticity and Lana Del Rey
Questions about authenticity appear whenever she is mentioned. Questions like, “Is she really an independent artist?” “Can she really sing?” “Does she really write her own songs?” “Does she really edit her own videos?” “Is she a fabrication of Interscope Records?” Even, “Are her lips real?” (Brigette Adair Herron)
11. A fitting playlist for her funeral | 30 Songs about Margaret Thatcher
Here’s what I’ll be playing, come the day of her funeral. (Everett True)
12. Iceage | smart and naive can be a dangerous combination too
They’re Joy Division and they’re being treated like they’re Skrewdriver. Perhaps they’ve brought it on themselves, but I think it’s a pity. (Louis Pattison)
13. 15 bands for those who are sick of serious music
A recent Collapse Board article noted the preponderance of ‘serious’ music gaining popular critical acclaim. I found that interesting, since from my vantage point it appears that independent music is actually growing sillier, weirder, and more irreverent. (Erika Meyer)
14. the interview | Iceage want you to know that they’re not fascists
“The idea was to not to try to, you know, glorify violence or anything, we just thought it was a fun idea” (Carmen Juarez)
To sum up. I think this memo is probably a spoof. A very cleverly worded and artful spoof for sure… but still a spoof. (Everett True)
16. Band press photo of the year
Someone commented on Hot Fruit thus: “I love women who produce art for themselves and don’t ask for your approval. Women can be brave and rude and intelligent. Women can make you uncomfortable and they can set their own terms.” (Everett True)
So. I guess my question for today is: Is it all worth it? Is this what we really have to do to compete in the modern world? (Everett True)
18. My Bloody Valentine – m b v
Maybe this has only been a clearing of the throat, a shaking off of the cobwebs, a necessary step into the harsh daylight of everyday existence. Maybe there is more to come. (Scott Creney)
19. Song of the day – 622: Chastity Belt
Perhaps the editors at BuzzFeed really do believe that Chastity Belt thought their photograph was in some way alluring, you know… sexy? (Everett True)
20. Some Folk Really Don’t Like Weezer these days
A disgruntled Seattle music fan has offered to collect together $10m and give it to Weezer, if only River Cuomo and the gang will do the decent thing and SHUT THE FUCK UP. (Everett True)