Part
two of my album list awaits you just below.
Check it out, and then be sure to return tomorrow
for my final 10 selections. Enjoy.
- 20 Through 11 -
#20) Cults - Self Titled
As I've said a few times before, Cults have this weird, generic approach to
stuff that I think is a turn-off to most people. However, this is a
great retro pop-filled effort that you will love if you take the time to
listen to it all the way through at least once.
:Cults
- Abducted:
#19) Thao And Mirah - Self Titled
While there's something that feels oddly disjointed about this album, it's
full of good tracks from beginning to end. I suppose that's not much
of a surprise, though, as both of the ladies involved are stellar
songwriters. Too bad a follow up seems highly unlikely.
:Thao
And Mirah - Folks:
#18) Lykke Li - Wounded Rhymes
On Lykke Li's debut there were a few glimpses of the adventurous artist that
she could be. On Wounded Rhymes, she's clearly come into her
own. From here I can only assume that she'll be hovering much closer
to the top of some year-end album list of mine in the future.
:Lykke
Li - Youth Knows No Pain:
#17) Beirut - The Rip Tide
This is such an ear-pleasing album. There were quite a few moments in
2011 where I just wanted to listen to something well crafted, and nearly
every time my first choice was this effortlessly beautiful album. I
hope they return to Austin soon so that I can hear some of The Rip Tide
live.
:Beirut
- East Harlem:
#16) We Were Promised Jetpacks - In The Pit Of The Stomach
I was very happy that this turned out to be a natural follow-up to their
debut, These Four Walls. Sometimes young bands will go too high
concept on whatever they do next, and I was a little worried these guys
would muck up their moody indie rock ways. They didn't. We win.
:We
Were Promised Jetpacks - Circles And Squares:
#15) The Bandana Splits - Mr. Sam Presents The Bandana Splits
I greatly adore lady-lead retro pop, so I think I was about two-songs into
my first listen of this effort when I knew it would have a spot on this
list. I know this sort of stuff isn't for everyone, but you should at
least give it a shot. I believe you'll find yourself hooked before
it's all over.
:The
Bandana Splits - My Love:
#14) My Morning Jacket - Circuital
This is a good album with some nice songwriting, but I think it stuck with
me throughout 2011 because of how weird it is. On occasion I get the
impression that these songs shouldn't even be together. But they are.
And it works. Jim James is just playing with us all.
:My
Morning Jacket - Victory Dance:
#13) Generationals - Actor-Castor
Here's an album that essentially plays around with two forms of pop - retro
and experimental. Thankfully, the band is rather good at both, and
there's an interesting listening experience that comes out of the back and
forth between the two styles.
:Generationals
- Ten-Twenty-Ten:
#12) AgesAndAges - Alright You Restless
Fortunately, my favorite song of the year happens to come from an album
that's also worthy of being championed. If you like warm, well crafted
pop that feels loose and inviting, then this is a release you should make an
effort to pick up as soon as possible.
:AgesAndAges
- No Nostalgia:
#11) Girls - Father, Son, Holy Ghost
To be honest, I didn't think Girls had an album like this in them. For
just about their entire existence I've thought of them as overrated, but
this is an undeniably fantastic release that's turned me into a fan.
I'm now anxiously waiting to see what they do next.
:Girls
- Honey Bunny:
- John Laird -
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