That being said. Despite all the bullshit music that was released last year, there were some pretty damn good albums that graced the listening populous. I've collected my favorite 11 here for your reading pleasure. If you've been following this blog, some of these will be no shock. Of course, I am not really trying to shock anyone. I have added all the different list I've read so far in attachments below, so you can see what the so called "professionals" sight as their best albums of 2011. If any of these are new to you I recommend checking them out, also if you see bands on the pros' list that you haven't heard I also recommend them. The radio might be full of shit, but that doesn't mean there isn't any good music out there! Please comment on this list. I am interested in getting some feedback, as well as different opinions. Happy New Music Year. (P.S. All the bands names link to their sites, a little something special!)
1 "King of Limbs" - Radiohead
No surprise this takes the top spot for me in a complete arbitrary numbering system. One of my all-time favorite bands and their eighth studio album did not disappoint. I was a little concerned since In Rainbows was so amazing and practically became a daily listen. However, on first listen I was stricken. Granted the first few tracks are not s surprise and a lot of this album is highly reminiscent of Kid A, it's the last four tracks that are really something special. One thing that I love so much about this band is the way in which they infuse digital and analog. With obvious tracking behind some songs, overdubs, drum machines, etc, all working in conjunction with the layers of pure musicianship creates a labyrinth of musical depth. One thing that became evident to me in this album, more than it's predecessors, is Colin Greenwood's work on bass. I think because the production quality of this album is so good it comes to the forefront a little more, but also it exist as a driving force in a lot of songs (Lotus Flower). The last track, "Separator", is by far my favorite track. Radiohead catches a lot of heat for being too artsy and experimental. But, a quick trip through another 'experimental' band will quickly show you that pushing the music in a different and new direction can change not only the face of the band, but the face of music. Oh, and that other band, yeah, that would be the Beatles. (Listen to Beatles For Sale. Then listen to Sgt. Peppers). I find it so easy to get lost in Radiohead's music. Atmospheric? Yes. Artsy? Yes. Pretentious? Perhaps. One of the most interesting and compelling bands out there? Most fucking definitely.
It's hard to listen to this album and think that this is the same guy that helped produce Kanye West's "Dark Twisted Fantasy". It just proves the musical range of Justin Vernon. Vernon is the driving force behind Bon Iver, (which is French for "good winter"). I think I was reading Pitchfork or Rolling Stone when I saw this album suggested. Upon first listen I was drawn in by the complex harmonies, rhythms and of course Vernon's falsetto, which is nothing short of beautiful. Granted, it does linger in the world of moody indie music but this album is so much more. With the neo-folk movement in full-swing this is will undoubtedly line the history books as one of the greats. Like, "The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan", did. This album is an epic odyssey that has a base in very simple music ideology. A guitar at times, accented by steel guitar, and that daunting falsetto that does well to remind one of a mid-western winter. (See Holocene). Recorded, mostly, in a remote cabin in Northwestern Wisconsin, isolation seems to be a motif that dots the landscape of a narrative and introspective songwriting style. At times it can be as sweet as Bach's Cello Suite and at times as brash as Dylan, and Neil Young. Worth many many listens.
3 "Ceremonials" - Florence + The Machine
I had been meaning to buy this album for while, but when I saw them preform on SNL I was sold. Florence Welch has one of the greatest voices I've heard in music in a long time. Her soprano voice with a resonating vibrato can prick at the hardest heart with breathtaking emotional catharsis. "Shake It Out" is the best track, but followed closely by 11 other fantastic songs. It's one of those songs that I can relate with so easily I feel she stole my very thoughts to write it. Backed by a machine of musical brilliance, this album transcends the generic for a different plain of existence. The percussion on this album is suburb. It's not really anything new, but it's done so well it becomes its own voice, and an exceptional backing to the introspective relations of Welch. Music is always better when not only does the music itself excite you but the lyrics resonate within your own personal life. It's that power that commands the art to a new level. Some prefer the Lady Gaga's of generic references to sex with studio produced perfect chorus'; I'll take the poetic and emphatic expression of love, life and passion of Florence.
4 "Conditions of My Parole" - Puscifer
Yeah, that album cover is weird as shit. But, Maynard Keenan has never been blamed for being normal. His work with Tool became a staple of metal and his live shows border on performance art. This 'little' side project is its own beast, complete with a banjo. The bands second studio album (the first being "V is for Vagina") is not just more of the same strangely constructed songs but is really something special in a world of cookie-cutter rock. "Monsoons" is my favorite track. Again, the drum work and percussion is alluring. (I see a motif emerging). The wonderful thing about this album is the broad spectrum the tracks take. "Man Overboard" is like a fight song one sings heading into an 18th Century Navel battle, while "The Rapture (Fear is a Mind Killa Mix) is gritty rock response to all the fear mongering of the christian right. And of course, the first single, and title song is driving rock, devil possession, fuck the man, prayer for the right to fight, anthem, with acoustic guitar! And the heavy synth "Oceans" is a fantastic little surprise towards the end of the album. Keep it strange and interesting. I will listen to anything this man makes and this band. In the end, it's just damn good.
5 "Barton Hollow" - The Civil Wars
Neo-Folk? Americana? Fuck yeah. I love simple music, when it's done well. (And complex, see above). This is bare-bones songwriting with some great covers too. The duo of Joy Williams and John Paul White seem to be musical soul mates, with only a guitar between them for most of the album, it's like watching a beautiful love story unfold. Obviously, "Posion and Wine" has become the favored track and for good reason. (And not because it was on Grey's Anatomy). But, I have to admit, the title track is my favorite tune. It's the best at projecting the soul of this duo. If you love history, and are interested in civil war history, this music seems like it came out of that era. It represents the best of good ole' Amerciana and southern based folk music. Which is the bases for modern country. But, modern country polutted its soul with pop based radio releases. This is back to the basics and might just transport you to another time.
6 "Helplessness Blues" - Fleet Foxes
To continue this neo-folk motif I give you one of the coolest bands to come out in recent years. Their first self-titled album took the the Indie world by storm. With the digital revolution (and it's not a bad thing) putting its stamp on everything from music to movies, here's a band that doesn't really even require electricity. Although, cooler with electricity, songs like the title track could and do stand very well on their own. "Montezuma" as well one of the better tracks. I really love the simplicity of this band. While, by my own admission, I enjoy complexity in music, like I said above, if done well a guitar is all a musician needs sometimes. Which could possibly be the best argument for why Taylor Swift isn't on this list or Beyonce. If you find yourself driving through the Smokey Mountains on a semi-cool fall afternoon with the sun shinning bright, put this album on and let it carry you to a different world, as music does so well.
7 "Burst Apart" - Antlers
To continue this neo-folk motif I give you one of the coolest bands to come out in recent years. Their first self-titled album took the the Indie world by storm. With the digital revolution (and it's not a bad thing) putting its stamp on everything from music to movies, here's a band that doesn't really even require electricity. Although, cooler with electricity, songs like the title track could and do stand very well on their own. "Montezuma" as well one of the better tracks. I really love the simplicity of this band. While, by my own admission, I enjoy complexity in music, like I said above, if done well a guitar is all a musician needs sometimes. Which could possibly be the best argument for why Taylor Swift isn't on this list or Beyonce. If you find yourself driving through the Smokey Mountains on a semi-cool fall afternoon with the sun shinning bright, put this album on and let it carry you to a different world, as music does so well.
Thanks to a buddy for suggesting Antlers. At the forefront of the alt scene and really accenting all that is great about indie music right now this record is chalked full of jams sure to delight the senses. First track, "I Don't Want Love" is a slower rock jam that will send into a spiral of introspective reminiscing. At the heart, "No Windows" moves a little more into an experimental, digital sound with complex harmonic layers driving a sentimental melody. This album can get a little moody, so watch yourself. The last two tracks, (if you get the deluxe version with the bonus track "Tongue Tied) are probably the best cadence of an album I've heard. "Putting the Dog to Sleep" might be a little tough to listen too if your a dog lover. But, if your dealing with death of any kind, this might not be a bad song to add to a "death" playlist. If anyone makes "death" playlist. I know I would. Again, watch yourself, this could put you into a deep melancholy. However, if you find yourself already in one, as I sometimes do, then put on the Antlers and work it out. Or Shake it Out!
Okay, now if your out of the melancholy state the last album sent you too, your ready for a hug. I read a review of MX that said something to the effect that "it's like Coldplay is giving the world a big hug." I know, I know, Coldplay mixed in here with all this alternative, indie and rock music like it belongs. When your thinking it only really belongs in an elevator after some random Billy Joel song and possibly before a bad Steely Dan tune from the mid 80's. I know if your anything like my friend A. Greene, your head has already exploded because Radiohead and Coldplay are on the same list together! I will admit, when pop music is good it's good. I hate almost everything on the radio but I've always enjoyed CP. And this album is probably their best. Yep, I said it. This is the best Coldplay album ever. It will just make you feel good about being alive. Which, after so much moody, overly introspective music, can really make a difference in one's daily disposition. "Hurts Like Heaven" and "Paradise" top the list for me. Great anthem songs that Don't belong in elevators. The album mellows out a little towards the end but doesn't disappoint. What I enjoy most about CP is that their style might stay intact, but they do new and different things with each album. Some things, admittedly they do over and again. I hear a lot of Viva La Vida in this album. Still, they are getting better with each album. And some day, Mr. Greene will enjoy a Coldplay release!
9 "Circuital" - My Morning Jacket
You can't even classify this group into a genre. Yeah, "alternative" is the label, but that only limits the true genius and beauty. This album is so diverse you will think your listening to a different album with each song. That makes it not only an adventurous listen but a satisfying journey. Some highlights: "Circuital" is probably my favorite track. Straight rock with a blues twist and some other blended harmonies makes for a great song. "Wonderful (The Way I Feel)" is track that sounds like it was stolen off a Commodores album, but don't judge the tune by it's cover. A slow, light tune accented by a steel guitar (or slide) is reminiscent of some good old Americana, Gospel music. (For the record, although I no longer share the same belief system of christianity, there is some really good old gospel music. Mainly because it came out of folk and some straight from the blues. Or the other way around! (Chicken, egg hypothesis)). Speaking of which, the second to last track, "Slow, Slow Tune" will need at least three listens the first time you enjoy the album. Great band. Great Album.
You can't even classify this group into a genre. Yeah, "alternative" is the label, but that only limits the true genius and beauty. This album is so diverse you will think your listening to a different album with each song. That makes it not only an adventurous listen but a satisfying journey. Some highlights: "Circuital" is probably my favorite track. Straight rock with a blues twist and some other blended harmonies makes for a great song. "Wonderful (The Way I Feel)" is track that sounds like it was stolen off a Commodores album, but don't judge the tune by it's cover. A slow, light tune accented by a steel guitar (or slide) is reminiscent of some good old Americana, Gospel music. (For the record, although I no longer share the same belief system of christianity, there is some really good old gospel music. Mainly because it came out of folk and some straight from the blues. Or the other way around! (Chicken, egg hypothesis)). Speaking of which, the second to last track, "Slow, Slow Tune" will need at least three listens the first time you enjoy the album. Great band. Great Album.
10 "Cults" - Cults
Rock 'N Roll with a back beat. This album reminds me a lot of early Beatles. I am pretty sure Ringo plays drums for the Cults. The White Strips made the male/female duet famous again, but I have a feeling these two are not following the exact format set for them by the WS. Classified as Pop Indie, the Cults are not as 'hard' as the Whites Strips, if you can even excuse Jack White of being hard. Although his side projects are pretty gritty and stripped down rock and roll, more so than WS. Back to this album. The first two tracks are pretty much the best. Not to take away from the rest of the album, but it starts to drag on a little bit. Still, pretty great, feel good music.
11 "El Camino" - Black Keys
Oh boy, here come the blues! Well, not exactly. El Camino is a little more hard rock than the blues rock these Ohio boys are known for. Why is it at 11 on the list? No reason. The numbers are completely arbitrary. I think this album is a little more gritty and straight forward than the previous ones. Still, it's just fucking good rock 'n roll. "Little Black Submarines" is the best track, hands down. Patrick Carney (right) recently had this to say about the music scene in an interview with Rolling Stone: "Rock & roll is dying because people became OK with Nickelback being the biggest band in the world," he says, blowing cigarette smoke out the window of his rented East Village loft a few days before the band heads to L.A. "So they became OK with the idea that the biggest rock band in the world is always going to be shit – therefore you should never try to be the biggest rock band in the world. Fuck that! Rock & roll is the music I feel the most passionately about, and I don't like to see it fucking ruined and spoon-fed down our throats in this watered-down, post-grunge crap, horrendous shit. When people start lumping us into that kind of shit, it's like, ‘Fuck you,' honestly."
Read more: http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/cover-story-excerpt-the-black-keys-20120104#ixzz1iep0iR7EYep. That pretty much sums it up! Fuck you Nickelback. I really can't add anything to this excerpt. He's summed my thoughts up pretty well on music and this album.
Links to other 'Best of 2011' list's:
Metacritic:
http://bit.ly/sNocrF
Pitchfork:
http://p4k.in/vRlnxw
Daily Beast:
http://bit.ly/vdV9Sv
Rolling Stone:
http://bit.ly/vIuAo0
Spin:
http://bit.ly/uWQyux
Ben Eller:
http://bit.ly/wvlR97
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