Favorite Album of 2011
Fleet Foxes - Helplessness Blues: Helplessness Blues was released in early May of this year and settled its way into being my soundtrack for the summer. The album flows seamlessly from one song to the other, allowing you to push play and walk away for 50 minutes of great music. Robin Pecknold's airy vocals combined with the harmonies from the rest of the band make this whole album come alive. It reminds me of some of the best Simon and Garfunkel songs that also fill my summer soundtrack. "Grown Ocean", "Helplessness Blues" and "The Shrine/An Argument" are some of my favorite tracks but this album is my favorite of the year mostly because I love every track from beginning to end. These guys created an amazing masterpiece of music that will transport you to a different time when the sun was shining.
Honorable Mentions
Beyoncé - 4: Well, Beyoncé truly had a wonderful 2011. She has been dominating the top of 2011 lists and in my opinion it is very well deserved. If you were to choose my Most Played playlist on my iTunes you would see that her tracks "1+1", "Love on Top" and "Countdown" were listened to a lot this year. She really created some amazing music this year. There were definitely some heavy influences in this album from an older time. "1+1" has a guitar solo you'd find in a Prince song and "Love on Top" could easily be a Stevie Wonder or Jackson 5 cover. There are some major artists who helped make this album including Kanye West, Diplo, Andre 3000, and Derek from Sleigh Bells. I suggest you check out this album if you haven't yet, you will want to skip some tracks but there are a few gems here.
Favorite Song of 2011
"Holocene" by Bon Iver (Bon Iver): Bon Iver has gotten a lot of love from the music blogs this year, especially ours. I was lucky enough to see Bon Iver in Toronto this year and with my photo pass was allowed in the very front of the stage during this song. It had been a long time since I heard something so beautiful performed live. The band's playing silenced the crowd and steadily built behind Justin Vernon's falsetto singing. This song became my favorite on the album after seeing it live but now I cannot stop listening to it. And my favorite shot from the concert was taken during it (seen below).
Honorable Mentions
"The Greatest Light is the Greatest Shade" by The Joy Formidable (The Big Roar): The Joy Formidable technically re-released this song this year because it appears on their album this year and last years. Either way, its great. If you haven't heard it yet then I'd like you to....
Favorite Concert of 2011
Sharon Jones at Town Ballroom (2/7/2011): In a world where dubstep seems to be taking over the live music scene it was an overwhelming breath of fresh air to see Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings kill it at the Town Ballroom. Every musician needs to see her to be reminded how to truly put on a live show. Endless hours of entertainment, crowd interaction, killer backing band and wild dancing made this a night I will never forget. I was lucky enough to see James Brown perform live before he died and this concert gave his show a run for its money. I didn't stop dancing from the second she hit the stage. See her in 2012, hopefully we will be lucky enough for her to return to Buffalo!
The buffaBLOG Holiday Party (12/16/2011): Ok, obviously this has to be on my list since I helped plan it but don't you think it was one of the best nights of live music in Buffalo this year? I really just wanted to take the opportunity to thank Roger Bryan & the Orphans, The Wakos, Bryan Johnson & Family, Wooden Waves, and DJ Mario Bee for putting on such a great show. Also, everyone who came out and supported us was just amazing so thanks to you too. Clear your calendars for March 31st.... we are turning 2 this year!!
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