Ahem, 2011 was, in comparison to 2010 a much more underspoken year. in 2010 Kanye released the universally acclaimed "My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy" and LCD Soundsystem ended their powerfully consistent career on a high note with "This is Happening". It's hard for 2011 to compete with big records like this, however there was no shortage of quality music this past year. Great albums came from around the world, from big name bands, and up and coming artists.
10. Take Care, Take Care, Take Care -Explosions In The Sky The most commercially successful post rock group released their 6th studio album in April after months of hype and singles. What I loved most about this record was that it strayed from the typical EITS sound that to me, was starting to grow old and too familiar. The drummer, Chris Hrasky takes a much more commanding role in this album, the driving force behind tracks such as "Trembling Hands" and "Let Me Back In". The album maintains the clean shiny tracks that EITS is known for combined with a raw emotion that they haven't shown since "The Earth is Not a Cold Dead Place".
9. Angles -The Strokes I find myself to be a minority when I say that I loved, "First Impressions of Earth", the preceeding Strokes album, so I had high hopes going into this album. These expectations were met when they released the first single, Under The Cover of Darkness. The track has wonderful guitar work and hypnotic vocal work by Casablancas who sounds fantastic in this track and throughout the album. What the album lacks in innovation and lyrics it makes up for in fun. This is a fun record, a very fun record.
8. Join Us -They Might Be Giants Oh hey, it's my favourite band from when I was a kid. TMBG are an odd bunch of guys, John Linnell and John Flannsburgh never cease to impress with their creative and cryptic lyrical abilities. They never fall under the trap that alot of musicians fall under nowadays, which is taking themselves too seriously. You never have to worry about that, with these guys. Their 2007 album, "The Else" fell flat due to a self indulgence on the band's part to fill it with so much unneccesary tracks and studio sounds. Join Us feels like their most organic record in a long time, yet filled with a more experienced and musically accomplished pair of musicians that the Johns' have grown up to be.
7. Computers and Blues -The Streets Computers and Blues is the 5th and final album by Mike Skinner under "The Streets" moniker. He leaves nothing on the table and throws so much emotion into these tracks that is hard to find in hip hop nowadays. Skinner utilizes some very unique and original beats that make every track exciting and new. His skills as a producer of beats outclass his performance as a rapper but his funny flow and offbeat lyrics are always charming and fun to hear. P.S. some people find it hard to get into The Streets at first, but trust me, give him a chance, you'll thank yourself for it.
6. Civilian -Wye Oak This band sort of flew under my radar when the album was released in March. However I saw them live in October opening for Explosions In The Sky. I gotta say, they stole the show, Jenn Wasner's voice is powerful and earnest which easily drives home the emotional weight in the lyrics found in the album. Andy Stack keeps the album together with his tight drumming and instrumentals. Wasner's guitar work is reminiscent of a thrashing Neil Young and it's really something to see live. It's beautiful to see a woman play a guitar like that
5. Days -Real Estate The sophomore record from the little surf rock group that could. This New Jersey band shows incredible maturity in their latest effort, delving into similar territory as their first album but with far more interesting riffs and beats. Also those vocals, as dreamy and soothing as ever!
4. Helplessness Blues -Fleet Foxes Oh hey another sophomore record! This Seattle band was under pressure to release an album as acclaimed and impressive as their first. However they don't dissapoint, and you can tell the amount of effort being poured into each song. The tracks are wonderfully crafted with beautiful harmonies and instrumentation that seems to fit perfectly. The album's lyrics are superb and touch on subjects such as identity and finding yourself in a world you don't fully understand.
3. James Blake -James Blake James Blake shook the alternative music scene in 2010 with his unique take on vocal manipulation and the crazy crapfilled genre that is dubstep. At the young age of 21, Blake surprises everyone with his song crafting abilities. Taking a minimalist approach on some tracks whilst indulging in larger then life bass lines in songs such as "Limit To Your Love". His voice haunts and guides you through one of the most unique albums of the year.
2. The Whole Love -Wilco The fact that my all time favourite band's new record isn't number 1 is a big statement about the number one album. But back to this one, Wilco is a talented band, there is no question there. In fact their probably the most talented band active in rock and roll today. Unfortunately this was a problem in their last 2 albums in which too often they took the easy way by filling songs with huge grandiose solos from their guitar mastermind Nels Cline. Now I loved these solos, don't get me wrong, but they took away a certain substance in those albums that make a return here. The album feels unpredictable and looser than their past 2 efforts. There's a sense of unpredictability in this record by a band lineup that finally feels like a perfect unit. The lyricism is amazing and is Jeff Tweedy at his usual fantastic self, while the instrumentation is adventurous and loads of fun.
1. Departing -The Rural Alberta Advantage Not only did this beat out Wilco for my number one spot, it's not even their best album :O. Yes, if you haven't heard their first album "Hometowns" you should. It's a must listen, trust me. Anyway, Departing lacks the scope and personability that "Hometowns" but makes up for it in it's rich lyricism. Edenloff leaves behind the highly personal tracks of their previous record for a more intense and powerful lyrical experience. The first single, "Stamp" is everything you want and expect from the band. Awe inspiring and unique drumming from Paul Banwatt, emotional and uniquely textured vocals from Nils Edenloff and charming harmonies from Amy Cole. This album has a wonderful connection between each track, playing off eachother flawlessly and carrying the mood from one track to the next. My personal favourite is "Tornado '87" based on an actual Tornado that hit Alberta in 1987, you can feel the urgency and pain in Edenloff's voice as he passionately sings for someone he lost. If you haven't heard of this band, go check them out, seriously.
Honorable Mentions:Album -Hooded Fang Glossdrop -Battles The King of Limbs -Radiohead, Watch The Throne -Kanye West & Jay-Z, The Age of Apocolypse -Thundercat, Ritual Union -Little Dragon, New Brigade -Ice age, Exmilitary -Deathgrips
Ah Fleet Foxes. Whenever I listen to them, I feel like I'm running barefoot through the forest with moss squishing in between my toes. Such a great album, I approve.
Edit: Listening to the rest of this stuff. You've got great taste :D
My, you like some perfectly mediocre music. I'll agree on some of the albums being good, but I just don't get the appeal of bands like Wilco. They're just so bland. I'll agree with you about part of number one, though: their first album was better. I don't think this gets album of the year.
Then again, to each their own, right? I tend to like music with a lot of intensity to it, whether it's downbeat, emotionally-heavy or simply fast and hard-hitting dark DnB. For someone like you it might come-off as pretentious or ridiculous, depending on what it is.
Such a mediocre year for music in my opinion. I mainly caught up with older acts this year just because of the drought but I guess my favourite album of the year was The Middle East - I Want That You Are Always Happy. Also what is the appeal of James Blake to you? I really tried to like his music but it's just so... boring.
M83 - Hurry Up We're Dreaming Okkervil River - I Am Very Far Manchester Orchestra - Simple Math Destroyer - Kaputt Swarms - Old Raves End Scroobius Pip - Distraction Pieces Chilly Gonzales - The Unspeakable Chilly Gonzales
Departing was a HUGE letdown in my humble opinion. Hometowns was probably my top album of 2009 and when they released "Stamp" as the first single I was incredibly excited. On the whole, though, Departing is just so much slower and brooding, but without really anything all that meaningful to say in my opinion. They toned down Banwatt's drumming so much; I found that very sad because he is such a sick drummer.
Was I the only one who enjoyed Beirut's "The Rip Tide"? But that may be because I could listen to Beirut forever ^^ Also, even though they're a lesser known band, Blind Pilot's "We Are The Tide" deserves a mention. I cannot recommend Blind Pilot enough-- they will appeal to anyone who enjoys Iron & Wine, The Decemberists, Bon Iver, etc
James Blake took me a few listens to get used to, but I ended up thoroughly the build-up he uses. Nice list, it reminded me that I still haven't gotten around to listening to Wilco's new album >>
On January 03 2012 17:04 Cedstick wrote: My, you like some perfectly mediocre music. I'll agree on some of the albums being good, but I just don't get the appeal of bands like Wilco. They're just so bland. I'll agree with you about part of number one, though: their first album was better. I don't think this gets album of the year.
Then again, to each their own, right? I tend to like music with a lot of intensity to it, whether it's downbeat, emotionally-heavy or simply fast and hard-hitting dark DnB. For someone like you it might come-off as pretentious or ridiculous, depending on what it is.
oh dear my friend, I'm not here to start an arguement but if you think Wilco is bland and lacks intensity you are definately missing out.
I'll direct you to one of the greatest guitar solos in modern rock starting at 2:00
WHOA! Departing sounds great. I'm definitely going to check that band out (alberta). Thank you! Same with trembling hands. I was hoping I could find a band to replace listening to old modest mouse albums. Maybe the new wonder band is here somewhere
On January 03 2012 17:04 Cedstick wrote: My, you like some perfectly mediocre music. I'll agree on some of the albums being good, but I just don't get the appeal of bands like Wilco. They're just so bland. I'll agree with you about part of number one, though: their first album was better. I don't think this gets album of the year.
Then again, to each their own, right? I tend to like music with a lot of intensity to it, whether it's downbeat, emotionally-heavy or simply fast and hard-hitting dark DnB. For someone like you it might come-off as pretentious or ridiculous, depending on what it is.
lyrical music has its own intensity (when done right) very different to a music driven intensity. i haven't listened to the latest wilco album enough to specifically defend it but if you cannot find lyrical music intense at all are you must have a pretty limited taste. and yes saying things like "My, you like some perfectly mediocre music" and "For someone like you" does make you pretty pretentious.
On January 04 2012 02:13 radscorpion9 wrote: WHOA! Departing sounds great. I'm definitely going to check that band out (alberta). Thank you! Same with trembling hands. I was hoping I could find a band to replace listening to old modest mouse albums. Maybe the new wonder band is here somewhere
Don't be silly: nothing could replace old Modest Mouse albums!
In all seriousness though, I love old Modest Mouse, and if you're like me and enjoy the weird, searching, plaintive aspects of it (stuff like "Trailer Trash", "Heart Cooks Brain" and "Positive/Negative" are among my favorites) you will probably love Hometowns!
Got any other recommendations for a fellow vintage MM fan?
On January 04 2012 02:13 radscorpion9 wrote: WHOA! Departing sounds great. I'm definitely going to check that band out (alberta). Thank you! Same with trembling hands. I was hoping I could find a band to replace listening to old modest mouse albums. Maybe the new wonder band is here somewhere
Don't be silly: nothing could replace old Modest Mouse albums!
In all seriousness though, I love old Modest Mouse, and if you're like me and enjoy the weird, searching, plaintive aspects of it (stuff like "Trailer Trash", "Heart Cooks Brain" and "Positive/Negative" are among my favorites) you will probably love Hometowns!
Got any other recommendations for a fellow vintage MM fan?
I LOOOVE old modest mouse, "The Lonesome Crowded West" and "This Is A Long Drive For Someone With Nothing To Think About" are some of my fave albums of all time.
The only bands I can think of that are really similar would be Pavement, The Pixies, and Broken Social Scene. The Pixies were a huge influence on Isaac Brock.
EPT
