Albums of 2011

10 - Grouplove - Never Trust a Happy Song

Favorite Tracks: Spun, Chloe, Close Your Eyes And Count To Ten

Catchy tunes. I‘m not the only one who believes this [too] polished and fresh package sounds like Black Kids. I prefer the songs on the album more akin to the energy of Ted Leo is his band of Pharmacists.

9 - The Decemberists - The King is Dead

Favorite Tracks: This is Why We Fight, Calamity Song, Rox in the Box

It‘s a love-hate relationship. Today? Love. The jury is still out this album theme though.

8 - Blitzen Trapper - American Goldwing

Favorite Tracks: You Find it Cheap, Love the Way You Walk Away, American Goldwing

I expect nothing less from these guys. This is what I think of when I think country rock.

7 - Waters - Out in the Light

Favorite Tracks: For the One, Back to You, Take Me Out to the Coast

Nothing like some unleaded rock fuel to fill up your spiritual tank.

6 - Release the Sunbird - Come Back to Us

Favorite Tracks: Outlook‘s Anonymous, No Light, Paper Allies

I don‘t want to like this so much, but I can‘t! Why?!

5 - Born Gold - Body Songs

Favorite Tracks: Decimate Everything

Should have done a review of this one, so here is the abbreviated version. Once you get over this A.D.D. electro clash seizure-fest, it can be rather enjoyable. The nervously short songs and pulsating rythmes may have you "Break your records, Burn your cloths, Shave your hair, Smash your glasses". The sound is messy, but actually very controlled. Think a less pyschedelic Yeasayer, revamped with party drugs.

4 - Portugal, The Man - In the Mountain, In the Cloud

Favorite Tracks: Everything You See (Kids Count Hallelujahs)

Another great album, all the way through.

3 - The White Buffalo - Once Upon A Time In America

Favorite Tracks: Wish it was True, The Pilot

Music to tame wildest of beasts. Always great live.

2 - Starfucker - Reptilians

Favorite Tracks: The White of Noon, Death as a Fetish (ft. Mattress)

Huge for me earlier this year.

1 - Fleet Foxes - Helplessness Blues

Favorite Tracks: The Shire/Argument, Sim Sala Bim

Tough deciding who to put first, but if I just count the number of plays, they must be the winner. Best work yet.

Honorable Mentions of 2011

5 - Foster the People - Torches

4 - The Middle East - I Want That You Are Always Happy

3 - U.S. Royalty - Mirrors

2 - Priory - Priory

1 - Beirut - The Rip Tide

Singles of 2011

5 - Smith Westerns - Smile

A bit sluggish of an album, but good song.

4 - Gardens & Villa - Black Hills

SB represent.

3 - Monarchy - Love Get Out of My Way

A bailar amigos! Awesome video too.

2 - U.S. Royalty - Hollywood Hollows

And a close 2nd, "The Desert Won‘t Save You". A lot of filler in the album.

1 - Beirut - Port of Call

Typical Beirut. His voice lends itself to this type of song, makes the rest of the album pale in comparison.

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