Best of 2011

This was a tumultuous year for me, and I found myself re-bonding with previous favorites more than delving into new artists and records.  There were still a few standout albums and songs that I thought worth mentioning and recording for all to see as my favorites.

Top Albums

5.  12 Desperate Straight Lines – Telekinesis

The popiest, easiest to enjoy record on my list.  After I first heard “Car Crash,” I couldn’t get it out of my head, and the rest of the album is similar.  The subject matter almost entirely consists of romantic loss and confusion, but in quite a catchy, lighthearted manner.  My favorites include “Dirty Thing” and “50 Ways.”

4.  Tell Me – Jessica Lea Mayfield

“Our Hearts Are Wrong” stole my heart, and the album did not disappoint.  The wistful twang in Mayfield’s voice is positively addictive.  There is something so young and pure about her voice (and her album cover), yet she sings about longing, uncertainty, and missteps.  It’s just lovely.

3.  W H O K I L L – tUnE-YarDs

A one woman band with looped drums and vocals?  Yes, please!  Merril Garbus populates her tracks with eclectic rhythms and tribal beats.  Her voice ranges from guttural to emphemeral to mechanical and everything in between (in “Powa,” she hits a note that I don’t think is in the normal range of a human voice).  What is constant is her passion; her heart and soul appear in every track.  The only downside to this album is that it can lead to some involuntary rocking out, which can be problematic when listening with headphones in public.  Besides the single “Bizness,” I recommend “My Country” and “You Yes You.”

2.  Blood Pressures – The Kills

The Kills are certainly one of my top two favorite coed garage rock duos, and this album represents a nice progression in their catalog.  I think this is an album of finding yourself and your strength.  They have always had attitude and independence, but I think this time the perspective is different.  It’s a little less “I don’t care what you think” and a little more “you can think what you want; I know what I’m capable of.”  Tracks names include “Heart is a Beating Drum,” “Nail in my Coffin,” “The Last Goodbye,” and “Damned if She Do.”  Those are songs written by someone who has been to the brink and lived to tell the tale.  Top Track is “Baby Says,” hands down.

1.  Helplessness Blues – Fleet Foxes

This is easily album of the year for me.  I’m shocked that it has received relatively little attention in many year-end lists.  It’s stunning.  I find myself completely drawn into it each time I listen.  Unlike their debut, this album is personal and introspective.  It’s full of emotions and experiences and memories.  The stage is set from the opening lines of the opening track, “Montezuma.”

So, now I am older

Than my mother and father

When they had their daughter.

Now what does that say about me?

It’s certainly something to think about.

Top Songs (in alphabetical order)

Baby Says – The Kills

Changes – Airborne Toxic Event

For The Summer – Ray Lamontagne

I Might - Wilco

Jesus – DOM

Marvin’s Room – Drake

My Body – Young the Giant

Resolution of One – Guards

Taken for a Fool – The Strokes

Thankful – Caveman

Tree by the River – Iron and Wine