Kevin Devine - Bulldozer / Bubblegum

Though not officially marketed or billed as a traditional “double album” (a wise financial decision), Kevin Devine’s pair of 2013 records feel like one cohesive release of twenty-two tracks (twenty-one songs, as “She Can See Me” receives treatment on both Bulldozer and Bubblegum). The New York singer-songwriter is at his most ambitious, interesting, and wildest state to date, which is saying a lot for a prolific songwriter with more than a dozen records to his name across his many projects (including the now-defunct Miracle of 86 and the Andy Hull co-project, Bad Books). There are potential career highlights (with no weak points) sprinkled across the one-two punch of Bulldozer (the more traditional, “Just Kevin” record) and Bubblegum (recorded with The Goddamned Band and Brand New frontman Jesse Lacey); our 292nd feature of the year is not one to be missed.