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Sandman's Top 10 Albums Of 2013

Dear listeners, following are my best of 2013, and what I call favorites of 2013 – albums that are very good and deserving of repeated listening, but didn’t make the best of list. All I heartily recommend for your personal private library.

Great listening, and have a music-filled 2014!

Favorites of 2013 (but not quite “best of”):

10. British Sea Power’s “Machineries of Joy
Rock ‘n’ roll and soundscapes in one.

9. Over The Rhine’s “Meet Me at the Edge of the World
Best yet from this Cleveland husband/wife duo.

8. Ry Cooder & Corridos Famosos’ “Live in San Francisco
An American master and crack musicians in concert.

7. “Love For Levon” by various artists.
With many of the best players (various Allman Bros., John Mayer, and more), a fund-raising concert that really works in this tribute to Levon Helm. One can hear the joy and respect in the performances.

And now, the best albums of 2013!

6. Bob Dylan’s “Self Portrait 2
Not because I love Dylan, but because each of these song versions is as good as the versions he released. A fascinating and rewarding look at how he worked the versions out as well as a couple of very good cuts with The Band from Isle of Wight Festival, 1969.

5. Vince Gill & John Whalen’s “Burbank
A loving and joyous tribute to the legends of the Burbank country music writers. Normally not my thing, but this is truly a best of for 2013.

4. Roy Harper’s “January Man
From the British “folkie” who rarely records, thoughtful, thoughtful, thoughtful, and very good playing.

3. John Grant’s “Pale Green Ghosts
Deeply confessional in an almost reverent way. Wonderful writing.

2. Neko Case’s “The Worse Things Get, The Harder I Fight. The Harder I Fight, The More I Love You
Her best in all ways. Maybe an album she will never top.

1. Bill Callahan’s “Dream River
Not a word, nor a note, nor a breath without a purpose. Beautiful production and wonderful writing.

Check out the full list of DJ countdowns for more WFIT favorites!

Sandman has spent a lifetime attending concerts including many in other countries.