Our Ten Most Anticipated Indie Albums For 2013

Tim Soter

Vampire Weekend

With the anticipated return of big-name indie bands like Phoenix, Arcade Fire and Vampire Weekend this year, 2013 is shaping up to be big. But aside from the usual suspects, there are also some newcomers and reunited acts expected to make noise this year. Here are some albums we speculate may end up on your top ten lists come December.

See also: Stand Back: These Los Angeles Bands Are About to Blow Up

Jesse Trbovich

Walkin On A Pretty Daze Mural

10. Kurt Vile
Wakin On A Pretty Daze
Spring 2013

Since the release of 2011's Smoke Ring For My Halo, Kurt Vile has stayed so busy touring that the announcement of his third album several weeks back came as something of a surprise. Tentatively titled Wakin On A Pretty Daze, it was announced via a mural in his hometown of Philadelphia, and Vile compared the tone to Fleetwood Mac's Tusk in a recent interview with Spin. He added that much of the album was recorded in L.A., with guests like Beachwood Sparks' Farmer Dave Scher, Stella Mozgawa of Warpaint and Royal Trux's Jennifer Herrema.

9. The National
N/A
Fall 2013

Though it's yet to be confirmed, The National's sixth album is expected sometime in latter part of 2013. The band initially began recording in August and debuted three new songs at All Tomorrow's Parties in December, all of which you can find on YouTube in remarkably good quality. Longtime collaborator Nico Muhly is once again assisting with production on the album and makes an appearance on the extremely enticing "Sullivan," which takes the band's trademark gloom to rich new heights.

8. James Blake
N/A
Fall 2013

A highlight of last year's FYF Fest, part-time Angeleno James Blake is picking up right where he left off after a relatively quiet 2012. Judging from the five new songs he recently debuted in London and New York, Blake, also known for his remixes under the pseudonym Harmonimix, seems to be edging towards a more accessible pop sensibility. As of now, there aren't many details available about his latest effort, but FACT states that the album is expected sometime in the fall.

See also: In Defense Of "Fratstep:" An Open Letter To James Blake