Lykke Li - Wounded Rhymes: When considering the top album of the year, it's important to ask yourself a few necessary questions. Have I listened to it more than 100 times? Is every song awesome? Does it provoke an emotional response? I would buy it on vinyl? And finally, did it exceed your expectations and change your thoughts about music? Well, there were certainly more than a couple of albums that answered yes to all those, but only one album that really changed the way I thought about music. Lykke Li's beautifully dark Wounded Rhymes.
Wounded Rhymes excels where others failed because of it's unrelentingly theme. A strong of foundation of bleakness and despair built upon black and white album art, emotional music videos of nervous breakdowns, and most importantly, music that explores the sadder parts of life while still remaining danceable and uplifting. The type of the music that silences the world around you and echos through your soul. Of all the all albums to come out in 2011, Wounded Rhymes is the most profound, coherent piece of work. Whether it's the doom-wop 50's number 'Unrequented Love' or the industrial & apocalyptic drone of "Silent My Song" everything about this album is impressive on levels few albums can reach.
Feist - Metals: In the same why Lykke Li's album changed the way I thought about her, Metals showed me another side to Leslie Fiest I didn't know exsited. A brilliant piece of work that's also a bit on the darker side but with enough Broadway flash to consistanly excite you.
TV on the Radio - Nine Types of Light: A sonic explosion of colors and shapes that folds and rotates into something you can't completely comprehend(like this description) in just one listen. It's futuristic art rock with hints of punk and R&B. Completely unique and inspiring in every way.
Favorite Song of 2011
"Montana" by Youth Lagoon(The Year of Hiberation): In my opinion, nothing's better than a lo-li bedroom project that reaches for the moon. This past fall, I got that with Youth Lagoon's uplifting piano rock ballad "Montana". Over the course of 4 minutes and 41 seconds, the echoy voice and pretty piano line continuously climb to higher levels slowing adding layers by layer of whistle-like synth, crashing tambourines, hand claps and a pounding kick drum that culminates into something so motivating exhilarating it makes me want to run out and change the world. Bonus points for a great music video.
Honorable Mentions
"Repatriated" by Handsome Furs(Sound Kapital): I'm a huge fan of any and all Wolf Parade side projects. So it comes as no surprise that when Dan Boeckner & his wife Alexei Perry returned with another minimal electronic indie rock album, titled SoundKapital, I would automatically love it. "Repatriated" is probably my favorite song from said album.
"Intro" by M83(Hurry Up, We're Dreaming): If Anthony Gonzalez had Zola Jesus guest sing on every track of the epic Hurry Up, We're Dreaming, I think my speakers might melt. There is a lot to like M83's newest masterpiece, but the first song on the first disc, aptly titled "Intro" is by far my favorite.
Favorite Concert of 2011
Bright Eyes at Artpark (7/27/11): Conor Oberst is a polarizing musician. He's cocky, he wears skinny jeans, he writes songs about his 'feelings', etc. Most people who dislike his band Bright Eyes write them off as some sort of feminine indie folk group. But for those of us who know, Conor Oberst is a powerful front man, innovative song writer, and poetic genius the likes of which don't come around all that often. Well Bright Eyes was in full form that sunny evening this past summer, playing my favorite songs from uber political I'm Wide Awake It's Morning to the cocaine overdose electronic tunes of Digital Ash in the Digital Urn. As the night progressed and Conor loosened up, the songs tended to grow in length. By the time of the encore, each song had grown into a full on improvised jam complete with freak-out LED light rimmed glasses and psychedelic guitar solos. By far my favorite concert, and possibly summer night, this year.
Honorable Mention
NXNE: Although I only spent one night up in Toronto for the northern equivalent to South by Southwest, It was by far one of the best concert experiences of the summer. From the quick walk to see Cults on the main stage to discovering new bands and new bars all around our town, our neighbors to the north sure know how to throw a festival.
25 down, and 25 to go. Yesterday, we posted the first half of our favorite songs of 2011, tracks #50 - #26, which you can view right here if you missed it. Today, we complete our year end list with our top 25 songs. The final list of songs proved to be quite the challenge to rank. It's easy to forget some of the great songs that came out earlier this year (Zonoscope felt like it was released years ago didn't it?) and have newer songs ranked higher just because they were a bit fresher in memory. In the end though, we think we got it right. At least we hope so. Enjoy.
25) "Get Away" by Yuck": 90's alternative rock hasn't sounded this good since, well, the 90s. The English college rockers show off their Pavement, Yo La Tengo, and Dinosaur Jr. influences on this great pop tune covered in fuzz and distortion.(mm) Get Away by Yuck
24) "Polish Girl" by Neon Indian: What I love most about this song is the great beat, especially when it kicks back in during the first part of the chorus, and the various effects. Now I am not a sound wizard, but are those Super Mario Bros coins I hear in the song??(mm) Neon Indian - Polish Girl by deejlr
23) "By Your Hand" by Los Campesinos!: A band I have always been hesitant to embrace until now, the punky poppers Los Campesinos! latest single begins with peppy keys leading into a both bittersweet and frankly bitter tune that the Welsh group has done so well over the years. The love it or hate it vocals of Gareth Campesinos finally pulled me in.(mm) Los Campesinos! - By Your Hand by Arts & Crafts
22) "Baby Missiles" by The War on Drugs: The best review of this song I read was that it sounded like a Springsteen record and a Spiritualized record had melted into one. Damn, I wish I wrote that. No matter. Heartland harmonics mixed with ambient haze resulting in an exhilerating song made this my first introduction to the Phily band. "Baby Missiles" has not left my running mix since.(mm) The War on Drugs - Baby Missiles by edin2sun
21) "Tell You" by Roger Bryan & the Orphans: My favorite track from my favorite local release of my favorite local band of 2011. Yeah, I kind of like these guys. The band's three guitar attack really drives the song, and the whole album for that matter.(mm) Roger Bryan & the Orphans - Tell You by buffablog
20) "Vomit" by Girls: The retro rockin San Fran duo deliver an epic of Pink Floyd proportions. Girls front man Christopher Owens sounds as bruised and battered as ever until powerful organs and Dark Side like gospel vocals take this tune to a level I never knew Girls had. The band, only a couple releases into their short career, continues to be unpredictable and fascinating. (mm) Girls - Vomit by artsandcraftsmx
19) "Winter Beats" by I Break Horses: What is it about the Swedes and pop music? This band reminds me a little of Stars, but HUGE.Intimate synths open the track, which builds and builds until the song just takes off. If you like what you hear, make sure to go see I Break Horses open the M83 show this May at Town Ballroom.(mm) I Break Horses - Winter Beats by Bella Union
18) "Countdown" by Beyonce: I can't begin to tell you how much I love this song. I've listened to it way too many times this year. It's one of the few actually decent pop songs. It's catchy, fun and might even make you want to dance. (ka) Beyonce Countdown by Shamrock2015
17) "Bizness" by tUnE-yArDs: tUnE-yArDs is the musical genius of Merrill Garbus who performs her music by using percussion loops, ukelele and her amazing voice. "Bizness" is off her second album and its a pretty awesome song. (ka) BIZNESS Tune Yards by CristinaBlack
16) "Grown Ocean" by Fleet Foxes: "Grown Ocean" was the first track I heard off Fleet Foxes newest album when it was leaked early. I knew the whole album was going to be fantastic just by this one song. It is an epic song with the heavy rhythmic guitar and harmonic vocals. (ka) Fleet Foxes - Grown Ocean by subpop
15) "It's Real" by Real Estate: Real Estate's self titled debut felt like summer. Their follow up, Days, feels like the pleasant transition from summer to fall, holding on to those warm feelings while enjoying the changing of seasons. The short, bouncy "It's Real" tightens up the band's sound from hazy to clear and concise. Singer Martin Courtney's vocals are effortless as he sings of "decomposing leaves" and "frozen seas", while guitarist Michael Mondanile provides some of the catchiest guitar licks of the fall.(mm) Real Estate - It's Real by DominoRecordCo
14) "Santa Fe" by Beirut: On an accessible album full of great songs, "Santa Fe", the home town of Beirut leading man Zach Condon, is an absolute blast. Bouncy keys and a great beat back Condon's vocals until an explosion of horns takes the song to the next level. It's hard not to listen to "Santa Fe" without a smile on your face.(mm) Beirut - Santa Fe by Revolver USA
13) "Up, Up, Up" by Givers: A friend of mine told me about the Givers a long time ago because he grew up in the same town as them and then a few months later I'm reading about them in Spin Magazine. This song is so much fun. (ka) "Up Up Up" by GIVERS by Glassnotemusic
12) "Amor Fati" by Washed Out: The chill wave genre grew up this year, and leading the way was Georgia born Ernest Greene's Washed Out. "Amor Fati" gave the sleepy genre a shot of adrenaline with massive vocals and sweeping sythns.(mm) Washed Out - Amor Fati by subpop
11) "Black Water" by Apparat: Apparat's newest album The Devil's Walk was one of my favorites by far this year. "Black Water" might be one of the most beautiful songs on this list. I'm in love with the slow, quiet build up that continues throughout the whole song. I feel like everything should move in slow motion while this song is playing. (ka) Apparat - Black Water by Mute UK
10) "Will Do" by TV on the Radio: The Brooklyn art rock/punk/doo wop/you name it band released one of their most romantic songs of their career on their most straight forward album(Nine Types of Light) to date. The song would not be TV on the Radio without the nervy guitar work of Kyp Malone and the always insane vocal range Tunde Adebimpe. The passing of bassist and secret weapon Gerald Smith shortly after the album's release cast an unfortunate shadow over one of the most consistent and exciting bands in indie rock. (mm) TV On The Radio - "Will Do" by Interscope Records
9) "Under Cover of Darkness" by The Strokes: While Angles may not have been the return to glory that fans wanted, "Under Cover of Darkness" proved that the NYC group was still capable of having fun. The cut was pure power pop, featuring the trademark guitar work that Strokes' fans have grown to love, soaring choruses, and even a short harmony at the end for good measure. If "Under Cover of Darkness" was the last song to capture the pure excitment of the Strokes of old, they could have done a lot worse.(mm) The Strokes - Under Cover of Darkness by Posh Magazine
8) "The Greatest Light Is The Greatest Shade" by The Joy Formidable: Technically this song was originally released last year but it was so good The Joy Formidable included it on their album The Big Roar this year. The loud guitars, synths and solid bass combined with lead singer Ritzy Bryan's airy vocals makes this song a hit. The ending is definitely my favorite part of this song. (ka) Joy Formidable - The Greatest Light Is The Greatest Shade by The Drift Record Shop
7) "Separator" by Radiohead: Fans were up in arms over the rather short length of Radiohead's latest album The King of Limbs. Conspiracy theorists still point to TKOL's closest track "Separator" as a clue for the 2nd half of the album that never arrived. "If you think this is over, then your wrong" sings Thom Yorke teased fans. From the kick beat that quickly ushers the song in to the slinky guitar notes that lead the mid tempo number to it's finish, "Separator" proves that Radiohead still are THE buzz band in music.(mm)
6) "Need You Now" by Cut Copy: I was lucky enough to see Cut Copy perform three times this year. Zonoscope was a solid album and really put them on the top of the indie music scene. I listened to "Need You Now" first thing in the morning for a while... its a good wake up and be awesome today song. (ka) Need You Now by cutcopymusic
5) "One Sunday Morning" by Wilco: Our longest track on the list, but by no means does it feel that way. After two so-so records, the alt-country turned experimental rockers' 8th record, The Whole Love, closes with this 12 plus minute meditation. Sounding like the perfect mixture of what made Being There and Yankee Hotel Foxtrot so great, the intimate "One Sunday Morning" holds you oh so close while layers are carefully added verse after verse. Unlike past Wilco songs, the track never threatens to build and boil to an epic crescendo(not that there is anything wrong with that), but rather weaves and flows to faded out bliss.(mm) Wilco - One Sunday Morning (Song For Jane Smiley's Boyfriend) by necpdalternative
4) "Don't Move" by Phantogram: This song gets me every time.... I forget how awesome it is and then within the first 3 seconds I remember. Phantogram only released a few songs on an EP this year but I couldn't be happier with it. Synthesizer, live drumming and an airy female lead singer seems to be the trend lately and no one does it better than Phantogram. (ka) Phantogram - Don´t Move by homoheadphonico
3) "I Don't Want Love" by The Antlers: The Antlers specialize in these emotionally heavy songs that seem to linger with you well after the track ends. The opening track off their sophomore release Burst Apart perfectly showcases Peter Silverstein's falsetto while singing crushing lyrics. The shimmer that ends the song is still one of my lasting memories of the year in music.(mm) The Antlers - I Don't Want Love by Transgressive Records
2) "Midnight City" by M83: We had a hard time picking which M83 song was our favorite off their newest album because we liked so many. In the end, "Midnight City" won because it is just so damn good. The track has such a life defining undertone and really tugs at the heart strings for the entire 4 minutes and 3 seconds. Several of our writers choose this album as their favorite of this year and it dominated all of the best of 2011 lists on other sites.Get your tickets to see it live at the Town Ballroom in May of this year because its going to be an unbelievable show. (ka) Midnight City by M83
1) "Holocene" by Bon Iver: Yes I know. This song is on top or near the top of almost everyone's best of lists. You know why? Because it's that good. Like M83, we had a difficult time selecting our favorite track off Bon Iver. "Calgary" and "Perth" could easily have been in this spot, but in the end, the centerpiece of Justin Vernon's sophomore album, "Holocene", a song of incredible beauty and sadness, a song that is still haunting after countless listens throughout the year, takes the top spot on our year end list. "And at once I knew, I was not magnificent" are still some of most humble lyrics of the year. "Holocene" is song that took Vernon out of that legendary cabin in the woods and turned him into a star.(mm) Holocene by boniver
Well, we have nearly reached the end of 2011, and I have to say, this was one of the better years in music, at least in my opinion, in recent memory. Nearly all of my favorite acts (Wilco, Radiohead, Bon Iver, TV on the Radio) returned with a great album, while some exciting new bands (Youth Lagoon, Foster the People) captured our attention here at the blog. For our favorite tracks of the year, we decided to slice the list in half(because what is the difference between track #76 and #75 anyways) in order to give you our top 50 songs of 2011. Now our list, being subjective, will surely be different than your list. That's kind of the fun thing about these lists though. No one list is the same. No one list is correct. There are some familiar faces that you will be sure to come across, but hopefully some tracks that will be new to you upon reading. With that being said, here is the first half of our favorite songs of 2011. Be sure to check back tomorrow for our top 25.
50) "Houdini" by Foster the People: The first time I heard Foster the People was actually a RAC remix of their song "Houdini".... RAC has excellent taste in music they chose to remix and low and behold the band blew up a few weeks later. Their song "Pumped Up Kicks" rocked the radio this year and they put on a stellar show at the Tralf. Can't wait to see what they do in 2012. (ka)
49) "Ice Cream" by Battles: The math rockers return as a three piece, bringing in vocalist Matias Aguayo to front one of their poppiest numbers yet. The incredible rhythm and bouncy keys made this one of the best summer jams of the year.(mm)
48) "Belispeak" by Purity Ring: You need to check out Purity Ring. They are highly unique and creative, which stands true in their choice of homemade instruments and song writing. "Belispeak" is only one of the few songs they have released so far but really great stuff.(ka)
47) "Shut Up" by Jhameel: This highly talented artist has a wide array of musical stylings, ranging from his nu-disco, ultra contagious EP entitled Dance to his orchestral, part MGMT part Anathallo full-length, The Human Condition (both are available on Jhameel’s website). On "Shut Up", we were immediately drawn to the song’s brash vocals and incredibly catchy Funkytown-esque strings.(mm)
46) "Shuffle" by Bombay Bicycle Club: Bombay Bicycle Club was one of my many discoveries from the website indie shuffle (an amazing place to discover new music). They are a London based band that specializes in the upbeat indie pop rock sound that is so popular now. You will love the song "Shuffle", I promise. (ka) Bombay Bicycle Club "Shuffle" (radio edit) by GrillMarketing
45) "Ashes & Fire" by Ryan Adams: Adams is known for releasing albums at a manic pace, some good and some bad. When the guy finally took a minute to catch his breath, he put out one of his best releases since Heartbreaker. Adams' delivers crisp and clear vocals over a roosty acoustic melody making "Ashes & Fire" one of his best singles in years.(mm) Ashes & Fire by ryanadams
44) "How Come You Never Go There" by Feist:Our girl Feist released her highly anticipated album this year and provided us with some good-hearted chill sounds. It really doesn't get any better when it comes to the sultry, raspy of her unforgettable voice. Metals is definetly not her best album but "How Come You Never Go There" will forever be one of my favorite Feist tracks. (ka)
43) "Life in Paper" by Fucked Up: David Comes to Life is arguably one of the best releases of the year. This track in particular hit me like a ton of bricks. I love how the song swells and swells and then explodes with an almost patriotic fervor. The lyrics are poignant and honest. Every time I hear the opening line "Who can I trust, all I see is an empty sky, who can I trust, what goods a God who can't hear my cries?", I can't help but be moved.(jk)
42) "Calamity Song" by The Decemberists: The uber literate Pac North West folkers get their best jangle on with this REM meets Uncle Tupelo tune off their alt-country inspired The King is Dead. Like many cuts off the album, "Calamity Song" seems tailor made for for driving cross country through America's heartland.(mm)
41) "Modern Dreams" by Early Attic: Local indie rock band Early Attic released their EP E Mora early this year and truly inspired us with their song "Modern Dreams". The perfect combination of smooth vocals, steady drums and synths makes this song easily one of our favorite local tracks of the year. Rumor has it they will be releasing more this year so keep an eye out for them. (ka)
40) "No Future/No Past" by Cloud Nothings: So what if this album does not come out until next year. This late 2011 released single from the hook heavy indie poppers out of Cleveland sees their upbeat fuzziness turn dark, grungy, and kind of agressive on this Nirvana esque track.(mm)
39) "Cruel" by St. Vincent: Even though it was kinda cruel that she had to cancel her concert here in Buffalo this year, her song "Cruel" is fantastic. Annie Clark is one of my favorite female singers in the indie music scene and it really shines in this song. (ka)
38) "It Takes Time to be a Man" by The Rapture": A pleasant return from the one of the leaders of the dance punk genre of the early 2000s. While no "House of Jealous Lovers" would be found on their latest release, the album closing "It Takes Time To Be A Man" sees the trio trading in their jagged rhythms for soulful horns and melodies. That opening beat though still startles me every time I hear it.(mm)
37) "Truth" by Alexander: Alexander from Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros released a solo album this year which included the amazing song "Truth".(ka)
36) "Love Out of Lust" by Lykee Li: Lykee Li released her second album this year and it was highly successful. "Love Out of Lust" was one of our favorites off the album.(ka)
35) "Shake it Out" by Florence and the Machine: "Shake It Out" is an epic song off Florence and the Machine's newest album Ceremonials. If you liked her hit "Dog Days are Over" then you will love this one.(ka)
34) "Morning Thought" by Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr.: One of the best named bands in indie today, the electro pop, Nascar loving(you would think wouldn't you?) duo combine sweet vocals, that remind me a bit of Paul Simon, and keys with a sturdy beat that keeps your head nodding. The album, It's a Corporate World, became one of my favorites of the summer and "Morning Thought" perfectly captured sunny melodies and harmonies of the season. (mm) Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. - Morning Thought by Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr.
33) "Insomnia" by Love Scenes: Local band Love Scenes released their debut album this year and we picked one of our favorite tracks "Insomnia" to share with you. The band was rumored to have broken up but it seems like that isn't true with an upcoming NYE show.(ka)
32) "Rolling in the Deep" by Adele: When I first heard "Rolling in the Deep", I was instantly hooked. Adele has such a powerful voice and the song is so powerful. Her album was highly successful this year and its obvious she will be around for a while. (ka)
31) "Heart In Your Heartbreak" by The Pains of Being Pure at Heart: The indie poppers return withheavier 90s riffs to go along with their fuzzy, hazy melodies. From the foot tapping bass line that opens the track to the always sweet vocals of front man Kip Berman to the reach for the skies ending, POBPAH continue to tap into their John Hughes soundtrack ready nostalgia.(mm)
30) "Don't Stop" by The Dodos: Two piece indie rock band The Dodos released their album No Color this year. I'm in love with the opening guitar in this song and it only gets better. (ka)
29) "Alsatian Darn" by Panda Bear: I have to admit. I am completely fascinated by the freak folk turned indietronic act Animal Collective, and in particular, co front man Noah Lennox. Going under the moniker of Panda Bear, Lennox released Tomboy this year, the follow up to his incredible Person Pitch. "Alsatian Darn", the standout track from the album, feels much colder than the sunny "Bros" off Person Pitch, but the track still manages to capture the Beach Boys like harmonies that Lennox does so well.(mm)
28) "Montana" by Youth Lagoon: It's rare that a song can sound so defeated and triumphant at the same time, but that's exactly what lo-fi dream popper Trevor Powers of Youth Lagoon does on the standout track of his debut album. On "Montana", Powers adds subtle layer over layer as his distant whisper grows stronger and stronger on the track's exhilarating conclusion.(mm)
27) "Holding On To Black Metal" by My Morning Jacket: My Morning Jacket is such a spectacular band, especially live. I was really excited for their album Circuital to be released this year. I have to admit that its probably my least favorite but it had a few really great songs. (ka)
26) "Hey Moon" by John Maus: One of the new artists that I discovered in 2011, John Maus apparanetly went to art school with Ariel Pink (whose "Round and Round" was my top track of 2010), and you can see some similarities in his bizarro lo-fi pop songs. "Hey Moon", though, stood out to me. A slow ballad in which Maus' Ian Curtis esque vocals are paired along with original songwriter Molly Nilsson features a steady, laid back piano melody. The tune became one of my favorite late night driving songs of the year.(mm)
All media shared on this website is intended for listening and viewing purposes only. If you would like to own the music file, we encourage you to purchase the music at a local record store or online. If we shared your intellectual property and would like it removed please email us, we will remove it immediately. Thanks.
