Justin Bornemann is lead guitarist and co-songwriter for Asbury Park-based surf rockers Dentist. He and his band have been quite busy lately. Just the other day, Dentist premiered single "No Matter" over at Speak Into My Good Eye. At the same time, the band announced that their debut LP would be the inaugural release for SIMGE's newly-founded GoodEye Records. The record is due this spring.
And tonight, Dentist are up for Top Indie Rock Band at the 21st Annual Asbury Music Awards.
Given all of that, I'm extremely grateful that Justin took some time to prepare a list of his Top 5 Songs of 2013 for us. Turns out -- unsurprisingly, since I love Justin's band -- that we like lots of the same sounds.
So thanks for the list, Justin, and good luck to Dentist at the awards tonight.
Top 5 Songs (not in order)
by Justin Bornemann of Dentist
“Don’t Swallow the Cap” -- The National
Trouble Will Find Me
I’m not sure what the single is off of Trouble Will Fine Me, but I’d be surprised if it wasn’t this song. Most folks seem to think that The National perfected their formula with the release of High Violet and have continued along the same line with Trouble Will Find Me. While I prefer their earlier stuff, this song would be a highlight on any of their records. The production on “Don’t Swallow the Cap” is beautiful, but the song also has a real sense of urgency that I love. At this point The National is a no brainer and it’s no surprise they made a great record, so I’d be surprised if this wasn’t one of your favorite songs of the year, too.
“Sharpshooters” -- Boat
Pretend to Be Brave
Boat is totally obsessed with 90’s indie rock bands like Pavement and Built to Spill. A lot of people aren’t into the whole rehashing the past thing, but I’m certainly a sucker for all this revivalist stuff, especially if the songs are good. This song is filled with fuzzy guitars, clever lyrics, and will instantly take you back. The singer even fits in the line, “on the day that I turn 33 I’ll be eating nachos, but it won’t be with my mom, it will be with you.” Very romantic.
“Dust in the Gold Sack” -- Swearin'
Surfing Strange
There is something about really fuzzy guitars and girls with sweet voices. The juxtaposition of the two do it for me every time. This song takes its cues from The Breeders and other 90’s alternative type bands. If you’re into that type of thing, I’d be surprised if you didn’t like this song.
“Step” -- Vampire Weekend
Modern Vampires of the City
I thought that my relationship with Vampire Weekend was over. I really enjoyed their first album, but I never got into their sophomore release. If you don’t get into a band’s second release, for me anyway, it’s unlikely that you'll follow them into their third. When I heard this song, however, I was pretty blown away. Lyrically, this song is a notch above anything I’ve heard from them so far, and must be listened to while watching the accompanying lyrics video. The lyrics are mainly optimistic, but the music gives the song a sense of melancholy to accompany the coming of age theme. The record overall is pretty good too, so bravo Vampire Weekend. You really surprised me. I may give their second record another chance now.
“Demon To Lean On” -- Wavves
Afraid Of Heights
This was probably the release I was looking forward to most this year. Wavves prior record, King Of The Beach, is one of my favorite records to come out in the past five years or so. While not as good, Afraid Of Heights didn’t disappoint. “Demon To Lean On” shows Wavves channeling early Weezer with huge guitars and a catchy melody. Lyrically this song is a total downer, but it all seems slightly in jest, so it’s hard to not be happy when listening to it, especially with how catchy it is.
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