Nico Passarelli writesCHIRP Radio Best of 2013: Nicholas Passarelli

Throughout December, CHIRP Radio presents its members’ top albums of 2013. Our next list is from volunteer Nicholas Passarelli.

• Waxahatchee – Cerulean Salt (Don Giovanni)
  BUY: Reckless / Permanent / Insound / iTunes / eMusic
  
  Only because I grew up on shit like Conor Oberst, and for some reason, any album that's chock-full of lyrics like "If I muster the strength to afflict you / I won't feel any better at all" just pulls at my threadbare teenage heartstrings. Favorite Track: Peace and Quiet
• Mount Moriah – Miracle Temple (Merge)
  BUY: Reckless / Permanent / Insound / iTunes / eMusic
  
  Only because I am a guiltless fan of Dolly Parton and a guileless fan of Steve Nicks and this album toes the line between those two white ladies rather deftly. Favorite Track: I Built a Town
• Laura Mvula – Sing to the Moon (RCA)
  BUY: Reckless / Permanent / Insound / iTunes / eMusic
  
  Only because she's a new talent who crafted some serious pop arrangements and has mastered being orchestral without ostentatious. Favorite Track: She
• Various Artists – After Dark II (Italians Do It Better)
  BUY: Reckless / Permanent / Insound / iTunes / eMusic
  
  Only because listening to Glass Candy make sounds like a monkey and talk about how much she loves you makes me want to do MDMA and take my shirt off. Favorite Track: Warm in the Winter.
• Cass McCombs – Big Wheel and Others (Domino)
  BUY: Reckless / Permanent / Insound / iTunes / eMusic
  
  Only because of my favorite song of 2013, "Brighter!" featuring the late great Karen Black, is a beautiful treatment of a magnificent song, a beautiful testament to a magnificent voice, and a beautiful monument to a magnificent human life. Favorite Track: [should be pretty obvious]