PLAYLIST: The Baker's Dozen - My Favorites of 2013 So Far

Welcome to the first installment of The Baker's Dozen, a feature in which I will deliver a playlist of some of the things I've been listening to lately and tell you why.

The theme and inspiration for the playlist will change each week, but for the first go around, I figured I'd share my favorite songs from 2013. This is not a "best of" list because who the hell am I to name myself arbiter of what type of music is good and what type is bad? No, this is just a place where I can share some songs with the community and I hope the community feels empowered to share some of their favorites in the comments below.

Without further ado, check out the first edition of The Baker's Dozen, hot and fresh out the kitchen:

1. Justin Timberlake - "Let the Groove Get In"

Because no matter where I am or what I'm doing, I will dance like an idiot if this song comes on. Is it unhealthy for a straight male to take his pants off whenever he hears Justin Timberlake sing? Don't answer that.

2. Bombino - "Amidine"

Because Dan Auerbach should produce every guitar record that ever comes out. Especially those made by Tuareg musicians.

3. Bassekou Kouyate + Ngoni ba - "Jama ko"

Because the only thing better than African electric guitar is African electric lute.

4. Charles Bradley feat. Menahan Street Band - "Strictly Reserved for You"

Because he makes music as if it's still 1970 and for that, I thank him. God bless the return of great soul music.

5. Bruno Mars - "If I Knew"

Because this song makes him sound like Sam Cooke. He should only make songs like this from now on.

6. The Lone Bellow - "The One You Should've Let Go"

Because they're a band from Brooklyn that people who are not from Brooklyn will actually listen to. And that false stop at the end of the song gets my blood pumping every time.

7. Hollis Brown - "Walk on Water"

Because this is the best bar band you'll hear all year. And that guitar solo is just plain nasty.

8. Palma Violets - "Best of Friends"

Because they almost figured out how to bring garage rock back from the dead. Almost.

9. Kacey Musgraves - "Blowin' Smoke"

Because she's the anti-Taylor Swift and that's exactly what country music needs. And hey, smokers need an anthem too, right?

10. Dropkick Murphys - "Prisoner's Song"

Because there's nobody better to listen to on St. Patrick's Day. And if it's good enough for that Captain Morgan's ad, then it's good enough for me.

11. Ben Harper & Charlie Musselwhite - "I Don't Believe a Word You Say"

Because Ben Harper is underrated and so is Charlie Musselwhite. Just listen to it.

12. Bilal feat. Robert Glasper - "Butterfly"

Because while A Love Surreal proves to be more inconsistent than its predecessor, Airtight's Revenge, this track stands out. Bilal and Robert Glasper should never not be making music together. If you like this, check out Glasper's 2012 album, Black Radio.

13. A$AP Rocky feat.Drake, 2 Chainz, and Kendrick Lamar - "F**kin' Problems"

Because I hate Drake but I love Kendrick Lamar. This song allows me to do both at the same time. Long live A$AP.

Until next time, keep it hot and fresh.

-The Baker