JudyJams’ Top Album Picks for 2011
December 6, 2011 at 4:47 pm judyjams Leave a comment
I decided to forgo my picks for Nov/Dec since this close to the end of the year, online music coverage is basically a race to the finish line for top 10 lists. I’ve spent the past few weeks revisiting my favorite albums, many of which I have highlighted in my picks throughout the year. Here is what I came up with, and I apologize for going a little overboard in the descriptions of the Top 5:
This man can really do no wrong in my eyes (perhaps the last song on this album was WAY too ‘80’s for me, but I can overlook it). It was thought that nothing could satisfy fans after such a powerful debut like For Emma…, but the self-titled follow-up really hit the mark. It was a slow burn for me, but it really hit home after I saw him live over the summer. I love when artists mix things up a little bit from album to album, and I see Justin Vernon doing that for the rest of his career.
5. Wye Oak– Civilian
After hearing so much about this band, I had to hang my head in shame when I discovered how far behind I was. Civilian was one of the best indie-rock records I have heard all year. It is an album on which literally EVERY song is good. The dual male/female vocalist pairing, with a heavy emphasis on dark harmonies, hits all the right notes for me.
6. Zola Jesus– Conatus
After teasing us with a dark and wonderful EP last year showcasing her beautiful (classically trained) voice, Zola Jesus finally released her full length and I haven’t stopped listening since.
7. tUnE-yArDs– whokill
Merrill Garbus is my hero, and “Bizness” is one of the best songs of the year, hands down.
8. The Antlers– Burst Apart
A very successful sophomore effort that made me go back and reconsider the debut.
9. Wild Flag– S/T
These ladies rule my world. Nothing will ever replace Sleater-Kinney, but this record comes pretty damn close.
10. Peaking Lights– 936
This was my “ignore-everyone-on-the -subway-and-enjoy-beautiful-music” record. It worked out very nicely.
(Honorable mentions after the jump)
Gardens & Villa– S/T
What a great discovery and a great new band, worthy of contributing to whatever the future holds for indie-rock.
12. Tinariwen– Tassili
I’ve always been a fan of Afro-beat, but these guys bring the drama, especially when they add Tunde Adibempe and Kyp Malone from TVOTR.
13. Unknown Mortal Orchestra– S/T
Another record that was widely hyped in the media, this funky 60’s rock influenced album is a fun time, especially the single “Ffunny Ffriends.”
14. The Weeknd– House of Balloons
The first of two free mixtapes spread through the internet like wildfire, this mashup between R&B classic sounds and hip hop new wave never gets old.
Entry filed under: Bands We Like, Best of, Best of 2011. Tags: Bon Iver, Gardens and Villa, Peaking Lights, Sbtrkt, The Antlers, The Weeknd, Tinariwen, Toro Y Moi, Tune-Yards, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Washed Out, Wild Flag, Wye Oak, Zola Jesus.
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