So, I'm a little late to the game here, seeing that it is late-January, but I wanted to post my favorite albums of 2011. It's been a really busy year with me having my second kid, starting a new job, moving, and trying to desperately finish my dissertation. However, it's been a great year for music and I've discovered some great artists. Below, is the list of my 20 favorite albums, and the descriptions are largely lifted from the quarterly favorite records lists.
1. Bon Iver- Bon Iver: This record was released in quarter #2 of this year and I had it listed as my 8th favorite record of the quarter. However, I said that I hada "sneaking suspicion that this record will factor much higher into my final list of the year". It was true. The beautiful, poetic qualities of this record hooked me after multiple listens. So, so good.
2. Tom Waits- Bad as Me: Waits is my favorite artist of all time. In fact, my wife and I gave our son the middle name Thomas. This is another great release by Tom...maybe it should be #1.
3. David Bazan- Strange Negotiations: David, since his days in Pedro the Lion, can always sing what I never have the nerve or the words to say. His music has always spoken to something deep in me. Like anything else from David, Strange Negotiation is lyrically challenging and musically direct.
4. We are Augustines- Rise Ye Sunken Ships: We are Augustines are the remnants of arguably my favorite unknown band of all time; Pela. They recently broke up and some of the guys reformed as We Are Augustinves. Think of Sunken Ships as the last Pela record. This album is just good old anthemic rock 'n roll. It's fun and not to be missed.
5. Beirut- High Tide: I actually think that this might be the best release from Beirut to date; at least the most consistently listenable.
6. Handsome Furs- Sound Kapital: As you may now, Wolf Parade is on a indefinite hiatus. But its component parts are still pumping out great tunes. Guitarist, Dan Boeckner, and his wife Alexei Perry perform as Handsome Furs and have just released their third album; it is a collection of great, great electro pop with a rough, rough edge.
7. Youth Lagoon- The Year of Hibernation: The synths and drum machine provide the perfect back drop the charming songs of youthful boy-angst. It's beautifully melodic, perfect for a rainy bus ride through Pittsburgh.
8. WU LYF- Go Tell Fire to the Mountain: This is a record that I probably have too low on the list. Their name makes me uncomfortable (LYF=Lucifer Youth Foundation) but the music does not. This is a near-perfect collection of loud and anarchistic rock. It's both abrasive and listenable at the same time.
9. War on Drugs- Slave Ambient: Again, this is the sophomore effort from a really promising and progressive Philadelphia band. They perfectly blend roots-rock and reverb-ambient.
10. Cymbals Eat Guitars- Lenses Alien: Ever since Cymbals Eat Guitars charged onto the scene last year with their incredible debut record, they have been consistently one of my favorite rock bands. It's hard to say how their sophomore album compared to that first record, but I still love their wonderful slack rock; it takes me back to an earlier time.
11. The Cults- The Cults: The Cults have been blog darlings since they started releases their poppy and infectious singles about a year or so ago. This record is flirty and light girl-group pop that is filled with reverb and synth. Perfect summer record.
12. M83- Hurry Up, We're Dreaming: This french synth- musician gets better and better. This has been one of the most revered records of the year. Very deserving of the high praise.
13. Girls- Father, Son Holy Ghost: This album is simultaneously fun yet grumpy surfer-stoner rock. Very good for many moods and occasions. Maybe a little over rated but really good nonetheless
14. BOAT- Dress Like Your Idols: This band is just fun. I always describe them to folks as "bro rock" or "frat rock". It's just really fun and energetic music that borrows heavily from 90's rock icons such as Weezer, Built to Spill, and Pavement.
15. Cave Singers- No Witch: I know they aren't for everyone but Cave Singers are one of my favorite bands right now, consistently producing great folk-rock. No Witch is one of their best and takes me back to some of my favorite old Black Crows albums.
16. Dum Dum Girls- Only in Dreams: This record is perfectly delivered surfer-shoegaze from an all-girl rock n roll group. Not to be missed.
17. St. Vincent- Strange Mercy: I desperately wanted to love this record; I instead heard pieces of progressive musical perfection mixed with boredom-inducing esoterica. I think when averaged out, it's still a great record.
18. Washed Out- Within and Without: The soft beats and beautiful synths make this such a comforting record. I don't know why I have it so low.
19. EMA- Past Life Martyred Saints: EMA is the musical vehicle for Erin Anderson, a songstress from South Dakota. This record is dark and mysterious yet melodic electronic music and Anderson's voice fits it well.
20. Beyonce- 4: OK haters, just listen to the record; it's really good.
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