Best old music of 2013

Most of the "new" music I've heard this year has not been new at all. Harnessing the power of Discogs, I've focused my consumption on (vinyl) records made chiefly between 1960 and 1980. A few highlights:

1. Baby - Ellie Greenwich

2. All Things Must Pass - George Harrison

3. I'm Doin' Fine Now - New York City

The Ellie Greenwich track has that otherworldly quality that the best transcendent pop records have. Greenwhich co-wrote several such gems for the likes of the Ronettes.

I first heard All Things Must Pass in about 1980, but it was on pre-recorded cassette and played on a machine horribly ropey even by the standards of the time. So to hear an original pressing on the lovely stereo I have finally been able to assemble, in my 40s, was a revelation. Many of the constituent parts in Phil Spector's wall of sound are distinguishable from the other. They sound like a real band, and they are fantastic. All Things Must Pass is my favourite solo Beatles offering, even though disc three is obviously surplus to requirements.

The New York City track was the soundtrack to our family holiday in Pett, East Sussex, and I haven't yet tired of listening it.

Best new music of 2013

1. The Next Day - David Bowie

2. Get Lucky - Daft Punk

3. Cristina - Teleman

Disclaimer: I am no authority on the best new music of 2013, since I listened to so little of it!

But the manner of Bowie's astonishing comeback, unheralded and in great secrecy, was a joy. I shelled out quite a bit of cash for the various versions of The Next Day - the vinyl album, the Japanese CD with "God Bless The Girl" on it, then the Extra deluxe version with a whole CD of new tracks - but it's endlessly fascinating and involving, including all the extra tracks. His voice hasn't quite got the range he used to have, but it hasn't stopped him turning out some incredible performances. As ever with Bowie, it all improves with repeated listens. In fact, I'd like to hear it again right now. It's a thrill.

Really, it's been the year of Bowie for me. I've been scouring Discogs for his earlier stuff and filling gaps in my collection, devoured several books on him and twice attended the wonderful V&A David Bowie Is exhibition. Will he tour in 2014? After The Next Day, I'd say anything was possible. But I suspect he won't.

Like most people, I fell for Daft Punk's Get Lucky from the first few bars, released as a the teaser clip to whet people's appetites. I also loved the short video ahead of the album's release that fetish-ised the vinyl, and the reinstatement of Nile Rodgers to "legend" status. I suspect in years to come it will be Get Lucky rather than the album Random Access Memories that I'll return to, but I did also notice and enjoy the album's cross-generational appeal.

Don't know much about Teleman, but heard Cristina via a Pete Paphides tweet and was enchanted by it. A lovely melody and an interesting arrangement that nods to Brian Wilson.

Best music books of 2013

1. Yeah Yeah Yeah - Bob Stanley

2. Turn On - Mark Lewisohn

3. Bedsit Disco Queen - Tracey Thorn

I feel a bit of a cheat naming the last two, because I'm still reading them. But I am thoroughly enjoying both. Tracey Thorn captures what it was like in the 80s beautifully, and brings back a lot of memories and feelings I'd forgotten about without making me feel nostalgic.

The Lewisohn book is a monumental achievement and its daunting length is one of its joys - to immerse myself in the world that created the Beatles has been one of my life's great pleasures.

The Bob Stanley book is so thrilling I wanted to reread it as soon as I'd finished it - this time at home, with an internet connection nearby so I can check out all his recommendations.