Grumwave

My Top 20 Songs of 2011

I don’t care when the single version came out I am including songs from allbums that came out this year.

20. TV On the Radio - Caffeinated Consciousness

Song has a good uptempo rhythm that’s missing from the rest of the slow burn of an album.

19. James Blake - Fall Creek Choir Boys

When two of my favorite artists get together to make I song, Imma gonna love it.

18. Frank Ocean - Lovecrimes

The beat on this song sounds so weird and original. Plus I love the fact that after referencing Kubrick in “Novacane” Frank Ocean actually uses Eyes Wide Shut dialogue on this song.

17. Panda Bear - Afterburner

I could have put so many Panda Bear songs on this list but “Afterburner” has a dark theme most of the rest of the album doesn’t have.

16. Wavves - I Wanna Be Dave Grohl

Such an addicting song, but definitely more of a summer song that seems out of place in winter.

15. The Strokes - Under Cover of Darkness

The Strokes might not have liked their album but I found a bunch of their songs catchy as hell, none more than this.

14. The Weeknd - House of Balloons/Glass Table Girls

When the song cuts to the 2nd part I get chills.

13. Radiohead - Codex

Great example of the new Radiohead. I’m glad they are never one to rest on their laurels and stay still musically.

12. Childish Gambino - Bonfire

Unlike the pretentious, posturers at Pitchfork I think Donald Glover is a fierce rapper and producer. ”Bonfire” is the best example of skills. You could reduce it to a simple Lil Wayne + Kanye, but this song is so much more.

11. Neon Indian - Polish Girl

Another catchy song that buried in my head like the proverbially ear worm.

10. Washed Out - You and I

This song makes me feel like I’m floating on the ocean late at night. Kind of dark but also comforting.

9. Lil Wayne - 6 foot 7 foot

The craziest song with an even crazier video.

8. Bjork - Crystalline

Makes me want to interpretative dance.

7. Bon Iver - Perth

An amazing way to start an awesome album. A review I read called it Civil War metal music, that odd description sounds quite apt.

6. Tyler, the Creator - Yonkers

An intense rap song that has such a sick-nasty beat. Let’s hope Tyler continues to make music this inspired.

5. James Blake - The Wilhelm Scream

The song may only have a few words but really the music does all the talking.

4. Jay-Z & Kanye West - Niggas in Paris

Song get me so pumped, I loved when they played it 3 times in a row here in Baltimore. Apparently they played it 9 times (!) in Chicago, wow.

3. Frank Ocean - Novacane

Frank Ocean is taking over music, this song is the proof that R&B isn’t all boring slow jams but capable of experimentation too.

2. Tyler, the Creator - She

Since this song has a memorable verse by Frank Ocean and Tyler I have to place it near the top of my list. So quotable for a sick-humor loving person such as me.