i realize we’re already 16 days into January, but ive been thinking about this list for a while, and i wanted it to be a list of albums i really did enjoy the most in 2011, and not just a list of albums that i knew would give me more ‘street cred’ or whatever it is you kids call it these days. so here we go. Caleb’s top ten albums of 2011.
10. Radiohead -The King of Limbs
This album almost didnt make it here, mostly because of how long it took me to really enjoy it. It doesnt listen or feel anything like In Rainbows, or really any other Radiohead album of the past. The rhythm section really shines on this album, and since my interest in playing drums has been sparked again, this album is a great one to try and play along with.
9.Fleet Foxes -Helplessness Blues
I’m not too big of a folk-rock fan, but this album hooked me in an unexplainable way. The vocal harmonies are really what did it for me, this album sounds straight out of the era when The Eagles were the kings of music.
8.Eisley -The Valley
This is the first Eisley album i really ever gave a chance too, and im really glad i did. The girls songwriting has improved and matured over the years, and this really is their best effort yet. not to mention the beautiful guitar work by Chauntelle.
7. Underoath -Ø (Disambiguation)
straying away from my indie influence on this one, Disambiguation is an album i kept coming back to in 2011 when i was tired of the electronic and indie pop albums of the year, and just wanted something i could scream along with. and there is plenty of screaming on this one.
6. Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross -The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo Soundtrack
Just a beautiful soundscape that is becoming the classic Trent Reznor instrumental sound that first started with the Ghosts album from Nine Inch Nails. Capped on each end by some great songs, the first a cover of Led Zeppelin’s Immigrant Song featuring Karen O from the Yeah Yeah Yeah’s and finishing with a new song from Mr. Reznor’s other project How To Destroy Angels.
5. The Naked and Famous -Passive Me, Agressive You
this album was a sleeper, and only won me over in the last few weeks of December. But its a beautiful record full of songs that are fun to dance to, but also full of some very raw and real emotions. its just good. Thanks to Madison DuPree for turning me onto this album
Favorite Track -Punching In A Dream
4. M83 -Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming
This monster of an album took me by surprise, mostly because i had no idea who M83 was, or what musical style i was getting myself into. From the intro track featuring Zola Jesus, to the instant dance-hit Midnight City, this album was the soundtrack to the end of my summer and the beginning of fall.
Favorite Track -Midnight City
3. MuteMath -Odd Soul
I was very nervous about this album, mostly because MuteMath’s sophomore album-Armistice- was a bit of a let down. From the first listen i was hooked, and at the end of the album i declared, alone in my car at 430 in the morning, ‘this is in my top 5 albums of the year’ and so here it is. The Funk and Soul and quirkyness i loved about their debut self-titled album is back, in a new and fresh way that is simply…MuteMath.
Favorite Track -Prytania
2. Blink 182 -Neighborhoods
i can see you all shaking your heads in disappointment, and i dont care. This album is all that has been missing in my life for a long time, and it made me remember why i love punk music so much. Blink is back, with a vengence, and are masterfully merging the three disticnt sounds that are Tom DeLonge, Travis Barker and Mark Hoppus.
Favorite Track -Up All Night
1. Coldplay -Mylo Xyloto
What do I need to say? Coldplay have reinvented themselves yet again, and made an album that is fun to listen to and even more fun to sing along with. I really cant pick a favorite track, i love this whole album.
