Thirteens is an album by Leona Naess, released in the US on 16 September 2008 by Verve Forecast Records, and released in the UK on 11 May 2009 by Polydor Records.
The album was influenced by the death of Naess's father, Arne Næss, Jr., in a mountaineering accident in January 2004. Naess returned to London from New York City and eventually began writing and recording songs with music producer Samuel Dixon. Naess recorded with almost no budget, asking friends to contribute, and completed an album's worth of material. Eleven songs were selected for the release, titled Thirteens. Described as "a sweet and poignant collection" by New York magazine, much of the album deals with the onset of maturity.Lindgren, Hugo (24 August 2008). "Up From the Depths". New York. Retrieved on 18 September 2008. The album consists of first takes, which were then overdubbed."Soundcheck ". 26 January 2009. WNYC. Retrieved on 26 January 2009.
A digital download of the album available on the iTunes Store includes a bonus track featuring singer-songwriter Ryan Adams; an exclusive edition available through retailer Barnes & Noble includes two bonus tracks. The UK release includes two bonus tracks unavailable on previous releases of the album.
Track listing
Personnel Asif Ahmed – management Felix Bloxsom – percussion, drums, keyboards Andy Bradfield – mixing Greg Calbi – mastering The Christiania String Quartet Camilla Kjøll – first violin Lina Marie Årnes – second violin Ida Bryhn – viola Andreas Torday Gulden – cello Rupert Cobb – trumpet Jason Darling – bass, electric guitar, producer, drum programming Samuel Dixon – acoustic guitar, bass, mandolin, piano, glockenspiel, electric guitar, harmonium, melodica, producer, engineer, Mellotron, clapping Emery Dobyns – engineer, mixing Tormod Gangfløt – string arrangements Larry Goldings – keyboards Lisa Hansen – release coordinator Harry's Tribeca Alcoholic Choir – background vocals Jimmy Hogarth – acoustic guitar, banjo, percussion, electric guitar, programming, producer, executive producer, piano engineer Andy Kman – release coordinator Oliver Kraus – strings Bengt Lagerberg – drums Nathan Larson – organ, bass, electric guitar, producer Sophie Michalitsianos – cello, cello arrangements, piano Leona Naess – acoustic guitar, percussion, piano, electric guitar, vocals, producer, vibraphone, clapping John Newcott – release coordinator Al Newman – art direction, design Tom Schick – engineer Gus Seyffert – acoustic guitar, electric guitar, acoustic bass Zakee Shariff – art direction, design Martin Slattery – piano Mia Theodoratus – harp Chris Thile – mandolin Eva Vermandel – photography Joey Waronker – drums
References
Erlewin, Stephen Thomas. "[ Thirteens]". Allmusic.