What's so good?
By Christiana Bartolini | December 22nd, 2011
Wow 2011, where the hell did you go? I feel happy and saddened to say goodbye, but 2012 should be a blast because no one’s going to care about anything, since we’re all going to die anyway. Am I right? Bring it, apocalypse.
I’d say this year was pretty impressive as far as successful album releases go for many already established acts. With that being said, one thing I noticed about some other “Top Albums of 2011″ lists was that a lot of well-deserved underdogs were missing, their slots filled with some hyped-up groups that possibly just have good PR agents (I’m not bitter). I suppose that’s all relative, though.
So, I’ve compiled a list of some well-known and a few not (yet) so well-known bands that I feel were on top of their game this year. I wish these bands, whether popular or not, much luck and success in their musical endeavors, whatever their main goals and intentions may be.
Oh, and in case you were wondering, here are some of those “hyped” albums we felt deserved to be mentioned, but didn’t include in the playlist:
If you’re the kind of person who likes to compare lists, check out our Best of 2010: Pushing Boundaries – Indie Rock playlist.
Shufflers, I truly wish all of you a very happy holiday season and a fantastic new year!
Listen to more Best of 2011 playlists here.
Radiation City - The Hands That Take You - "Babies"
We wouldn’t be surprised if Portland group Radiation City were the next big thing. Their debut album,
The Hands That Take You, was very impressive, so don’t miss out on this hidden gem of indie art rock!
Download from:
iTunes
Note: In many cases we can't share a track for free. So, we either link to sites that can, or provide purchase links (e.g., iTunes).
Atlas Sound - Parallax - "The Shakes"
Atlas Sound's
Parallax combines classic indie acoustic basics with an otherworldly atmospheric ambience -- and it brings those two genres together in a beautifully twisted anomaly. Bradford Cox is indeed a man of endless musical possibilities.
Download from:
iTunes
Note: In many cases we can't share a track for free. So, we either link to sites that can, or provide purchase links (e.g., iTunes).
Twin Sister - In Heaven - "Stop"
In Heaven is a hodgepodge of dance numbers and dreamy jams guaranteed to quench your thirsty eardrums.
Download from:
iTunes
Note: In many cases we can't share a track for free. So, we either link to sites that can, or provide purchase links (e.g., iTunes).
Little Dragon - Ritual Union - "Little Man"
On Little Dragon's
Ritual Union, you can expect anything from garage inspired soul with spiraling vocal flourishes to piano ballads. If you’re looking for a creative, inspiring, and adventurous album, you've found it.
Download from:
iTunes
Note: In many cases we can't share a track for free. So, we either link to sites that can, or provide purchase links (e.g., iTunes).
Girls - Father, Son, Holy Ghost - "Die"
Download from:
iTunes
Note: In many cases we can't share a track for free. So, we either link to sites that can, or provide purchase links (e.g., iTunes).
Wild Child - Pillow Talk - "Darling Divine"
Oh Wild Child, you’re just as sweet as pie... and quite possibly one of 2011′s breakthrough bands.
Pillow Talk is a 15-track album of anthemic proportions; it’s impossible to not sing along.
Download from:
iTunes
Note: In many cases we can't share a track for free. So, we either link to sites that can, or provide purchase links (e.g., iTunes).
Wye Oak - Civilian - "Holy, Holy"
It took us a while to warm up to Wye Oak's
Civilian, but once we came around, we were glad we gave it a second (or third) chance. The album pulls from great sources, and we're excited to see what Wye Oak come up with next!
Download from:
iTunes
Note: In many cases we can't share a track for free. So, we either link to sites that can, or provide purchase links (e.g., iTunes).
Toro y Moi - Underneath The Pine - "New Beat"
We reviewed a single off of Toro y Moi's
Underneath The Pine one year ago, and this album is STILL on repeat. All tracks on the album feature live instrumentation — that means no samples. The result is a more robust approach for Chazwick Bundick, and leaves us excited to hear what he has up his sleeves for 2012.
Download from:
iTunes
Note: In many cases we can't share a track for free. So, we either link to sites that can, or provide purchase links (e.g., iTunes).
Luke Temple - Don't Act Like You Don't Care - "Ophelia"
Don’t Act Like You Don’t Care is Luke Temple's third solo album and it is a beautiful, intimate work of art. It encompasses so many genres — soul, rock, jazz, indie rock, psychedelic, and even a little bit of old country. It's obvious that Luke Temple is one ambitious, multifaceted guy.
Download from:
iTunes
Note: In many cases we can't share a track for free. So, we either link to sites that can, or provide purchase links (e.g., iTunes).
St. Vincent - Strange Mercy - "Hysterical Strength"
Strange Mercy is Annie Clark’s third album, and this year she has shown us that she’s obviously not afraid of exploring the musical unknown. With
Strange Mercy, Clark is fearlessly and unapologetically creating a one-woman genre.
Download from:
iTunes
Note: In many cases we can't share a track for free. So, we either link to sites that can, or provide purchase links (e.g., iTunes).
Music, holistic health, mindfulness, lots of shows, animals of sorts, creating, pyrography, harvesting food, farmer's markets, traveling, cooking, scooters, quads, the outdoors. An old soul. ...learn more →
