NoiseTrade's 2013 Staff Picks!‏

We'd like to express our thanks to the artists and fans of the NoiseTrade community for a fantastic 2013. Enjoy checking out our team's favorite music from this past year, and look out for some amazing new things we have in store for the coming months!

Mason Jar Music Decoration Day, Volume 2 If you're going to cover The Beatles, Nina Simone, Sly Stone, Curtis Mayfield, Bill Withers, and one of the most beautiful unofficial anthems of the Civil Rights Movement on the same EP, you better come to play. Just like Vol. 1 (also available on NoiseTrade), this collection hits all the right notes and brings these gorgeous songs forward for another generation to discover and enjoy. -Will Canon Blue Rumspringa Composed by the brilliance of lead singer Daniel James accompanied by Sigur Ros' string section, this record winds from melody to melody, sentiment to sentiment. Simply put, this record makes me feel alive. -Hannah

Poliça Remixed Infectious, groove heavy, dreamy, mysterious...anchored by two drummers and a bass player who often takes the melodic lead. What's not to love! -Christopher Josh Garrels & Mason Jar Music The Sea In Between Soundtrack Josh and the ingenius team at Mason Jar Music have set the gold standand for collaborative music making. This album joined me on many runs through Brooklyn over the past year. -Brannon

Heath McNease The Weight of Glory, Second Edition Heath is insanely talented. I love concept records and this one is as challenging as it is well-executed. What can i say, I’m a fan. -Derek Baby Bee The Shaker Baby Bee's Shaker EP is riffy, rhythmic and infectious. Don't sleep on this one. -Wes

Parlours Dreamers On bitterly cold days when I've chosen the wrong jacket and take an empty subway car home –– I can rely on Dreamers to transport and delight. -Sam Beautiful Eulogy Instruments of Mercy A genre game-changer, experimental, provocative and insightful. A seamlessly woven tapestry of multiple genres set to deliver a powerful message. -David

MODOC Smoakstack Sessions Nashville has a lot to offer these days, not the least of which is MODOC. The best old fashioned, no-frills rock ’n roll to emerge from this town in years. -Mark Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors The Collection Few artists get as much play in our household as Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors. This collection includes my 5-year-old's very favorite song, "Anywhere But Here" (or as he calls it, "Drew and Ellie Go Up A Mountain.") Their solid writing, wrapped in a tasty rock / folk / pop / Americana package, has won us all over. -Molly

Vance Joy Riptide & More Australian singer-songwriter Vance Joy has a fresh sound you'll instantly be drawn to. His song 'Riptide' is catchy from start to finish – you'll want to play this one on repeat! -Kelly Prince of Spain Find Love This year’s perfect blend of folk and alternative soft rock. A killer mix between The Lumineers & Two Door Cinema Club -Jessi

Brooke Waggoner Originator A beautiful album from beginning to end. Brooke is a composer at the core, and that shows through in every single note. One of the most unique albums you'll hear from 2013. -Joel HANSON 21 Years of Music My daughters were the perfect age for MMMBop Fever and our family has been huge fans of Hanson's pop hooks and harmonies ever since. So it was a big deal at my house when they celebrated 21 years of music with five songs on NoiseTrade. The uber-catchy "Thinking 'Bout Somethin'" was the icing on the cake. -Joe