My Top 10 Albums of 2011

As promised here is my top albums list.  Some may seem obvious since they were so high on my songs list.

10. Bjork - Biophillia

Until a little over a month ago I had never really listened to Bjork, but now I can’t stop.  She does so many different genres and things with her voice, often at the same time.  This album especially is what I think deep intergalactic space sounds like (as ridiculous as that is).

9. Radiohead - The King of Limbs

I have loved everything Radiohead has done and this is no exception.  Some people may fault it for being too “slight” or as mere “ambient” music, but I say Radiohead has earned the right to experiment with whatever they want.

8. Washed Out - Within and Without

My favorite of the “chillwave” artists, Washed Out doesn’t let me down here.

7. Tyler, the Creator - Goblin

Full of horrific imagery and sick beats with lyrics I don’t hear everyday.  A bit long towards the end, but an extraordinary beginning really make this one special.

6. Jay-Z & Kanye West - Watch the Throne

Before this I never really listened to Jay-Z.  And when I heard about it I was more excited that Kanye was making even more music after his amazing My Dark Twisted Fantasy, but Jay-Z really showed me something here.  I still prefer Kanye though.

5. …And You Will Know Us By the Trail of Dead - Tao of the Dead

The only album on this list that didn’t have a song on my top list.  It’s because the songs work so well in context with one another.  I’ll start listening to it and then before I can catch my proverbial breath it’s already the epic finale.  Very good live show too.

4. James Blake - James Blake

I had never heard of this guy before Pitchfork started raving, but he really does match the hype.  I prefer these song-oriented songs to his more experimental singles and EPs, so I hope he decides to make more “songs”.  Though with the rate he makes new music I probably won’t have to wait very long.

3. Frank Ocean - Nostalgia, ULTRA.

A beautiful/weird/sexy/dark collection of songs that I can listen to in any mood.  I can not wait until he is finished with his proper debut album.  Until then I’l have this on repeat.

2. Bon Iver - Bon Iver

All the songs work together to create something so complex and epic.  I love the direction Bon Iver is taking by making their songs fuller.  And I don’t understand all the hate about Beth/Rest that song is a killer end.

1. Panda Bear - Tomboy

Reviewers always say Smile is a teenage symphony to god, but to me Tomboy is the closest album to sounding like a religious experience.  I have already listened to it so many times, but still not tired of it.

SPECIAL MENTION:

The Beach Boys - Smile

After over 40 years this “lost” classic has finally been found.  However, this new album doesn’t make Smiley Smile and Brian Wilson’s solo SMiLE irrelevant either.  Some of the songs exist here in an instrumental only version even though later Brian would add verses.  Plus the freaky-weird versions heard on Smiley Smile are essential listening especially for anyone who like Animal Collective and wants to know where their inspiritation came from.

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  1. grumwave posted this