Grad Student.A somewhat different Top 10 albums of 2011 list.
By now, most online music bloggers and magazines have released, or are going to release their “Top Albums of 2011” lists. From list to list, I expect to see most of the same players: Tom Waits, Feist, Ryan Adams, Radiohead, Adele, Fleet Foxes, and the formidable Bon Iver. While all those artists are simply talented and some even legendary (Waits, Radiohead), I can honestly say I never listened to their albums more than once this year.
Most of you know I can be a music snob, and I say phooey. I don’t make apologies anymore. I’m not going to add an album to a list just because the masses enjoyed it. I wish I could write an album like Ryan Adams does, or muster up the odd sounds Radiohead creates. I’m not knocking those artists by leaving them off my list…it is just that their albums didn’t move me like the ones I am including did. And that is the point of a good record. Who cares what Stereogum, Pitchfork, and Paste say are best? Chances are I won’t agree.
So, here is my Top 10. You can argue with me, but I know what I like, and no amount of Drake or St. Vincent will change that.
10. The Cars - Move Like This
What a great way to return. After 24 years since their last album, The Cars proved that you can make a simple rock album today, as long as you have strong songwriting. This year, more than any in recent memory, I feel like music has taken a turn away from good songwriting, and everyone is focusing on the sounds themselves. There is nothing special with the mixing on this album. Nothing odd about the sounds. Just good, straightforward rock music…which was so refreshing to hear.
9. Thurston Moore - Demolished Thoughts
In Demolished Thoughts, we see a musical side of Thurston Moore that we really haven’t seen. His voice on this record is almost that of a raspy jazz singer’s. The string arrangements are beautifully done, and the clarity of the whole record is stunning. We do get some of Thurston’s noise and dissonance scattered throughout, but it is most apparent on the track, ‘Circulation’. After a long day, there have been only a few rock albums I really enjoy putting on to relax and be inspired: Wheat’s Mederios, The Promise Ring’s Wood/Water, and A.A. Bondy’s American Hearts. Thurston’s album has now joined their ranks.
8. Joan of Arc - Life Like
By far the best release from this Chicago outfit since 2004’s Joan of Arc, Dick Cheney, Mark Twain. Tim Kinsella’s voice is it’s usual out-of-pitch self, however, this album lends itself to more melodic and memorable lines. Also, the addition of Cap’n Jazz guitarist Victor Villarreal adds so much to the depth of this album.
Moreover, it was engineered by one of my favorite engineers, Steve Albini at Electrical Audio. He is a God when it comes to drum sounds.
7. Maritime - Human Hearts
Maritime finally really hit it right with this album. Their past three albums have been hit or miss for me, like they were struggling to find their voice. This is the first one where I have really felt like this is a “Maritime” album, not an album where one refers to it as, “Oh, Maritime is made up of old Promise Ring or Dismemberment Plan members”.
“Air Arizona” is a phenomenal song. Great hooks, fun lyrics and melodies are in abundance in this album. Davey von Bohlen, who is one of my all-time favorite songwriters, has grown up over the years, but still maintains his knack for simplicity with songwriting. This is simply a great album to put on to get you in a better mood.
6. Stephen Malkmus and the Jicks - Mirror Traffic
I know what the senator wants. What the senator wants, is a blow job.
That is probably the most truthful lyric I have heard in years. SM&TJ have never been on the top of any list I might come up with, but this album seemed to have more of the Malkmus hooks that I enjoy so much.
5. TIE - David Bazan - Strange Negotiations and Braid - Closer to Closed
Usually I have Mr. Bazan ranked much higher in any year he releases an album. I do really enjoy many songs on Strange Negotiations, particularly the songs ‘Don’t Change’ and ‘Won’t Let Go’, however, I feel that this album didn’t speak to me as much as others have. I’m not sure what it is, but perhaps this is one of those albums that I will fully understand in a few more years. It has happened to me many times before in my life….
Usually I am skeptical of a reunited band releasing new material, but Braid’s return to the fold was a grand statement. Four songs, with a 50/50 success rate. I absolutely love side B of this EP. The song ‘Universe or Worse’ might be one of the top 2 songs I heard this year. I’m looking forward to hear what Bob Nanna and crew have up their sleeves for the future.
4. A.A. Bondy - Believers
This year saw the release of Mr. Bondy’s third album, and boy did it hit home for me. It came out on my birthday, right at the beginning of the hardest semester I’ve had in my entire life. I kept turning to this album at night, because it was so soothing and atmospheric for me. The songs ‘Down in the Fire (Lost Sea)’, ‘Surfer King’, and ’The Twist’ stand out to me as the best tracks, particularly ‘Surfer King’. Because of his past two albums, I have forced myself to learn finger picking on guitar, and with this one, I have made it my mission to become a better songwriter…though I doubt I’ll reach his level.
3. Mogwai - Hardcore Will Never Die, But You Will and Earth Division EP
Mogwai has really put out some great stuff this year. I really haven’t been a fan of the albums they have released since 2001’s Rock Action, but these two offerings were spectacular. Hardcore Will Never Die… is a full on sonic wonderland with driving rhythms and almost Battles-esque moments at times. With ‘San Pedro’ being the ‘hit’ song off the album, clocking in just over 3 minutes, it is an amazingly concise post-rock song. Driving drums, bass, and guitars, with layers added and subtracted and break downs in the right place.
The Earth Division EP is a stark contrast to the full length. The opening track, ‘Get to France’, is obviously taking a cue from the work of Erik Satie….but this is a good thing. It might be one of my favorite songs of this year. And, as far as EP’s go, this is as close to perfect as any EP can be.
2. M83 - Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming
No real surprise here, right? I mean, this was possibly the most anticipated album of 2011. When the track ‘Midnight City’ got released, I was using turntable.fm, and it must have been played once an hour. This album has brought back the 80’s sax solo, and further defined Anthony Gonzalez as one of the defining musical voices of the past 10 years. Personally, my favorite song on the album is the other danceable tune, ‘OK Pal’. I’m pretty positive we will be hearing tracks from this album for some time.
1. Low - C’mon
I know this choice might shock some people, but hell, it is my list, and honestly, this album is fantastic. The blend of Alan Sparhawk’s and Mimi Parker’s vocals are pretty much perfect. The songs are sublime, particularly ‘Try to Sleep’, ‘$20’, ‘Majesty/Magic’, and ’Nightingale’ stick out as tracks that will stand the test of time in my ears. I’ve never been a huge fan of Low, I’ve enjoyed some songs here and there, but this album single-handedly made me go back through their catalog…and I’m realizing I missed out on years of stunning sounds.
Honorable Mentions:
Mock Orange - Disguised As Ghosts
Beastie Boys - Hot Sauce Committee Part II
The Sea and Cake - The Moonlight Butterfly
Well, there it is. I hope you enjoyed reading, and if you haven’t checked out some of these albums, I suggest you do. And if you have suggestions for me, or have an album you think I’d enjoy, send me a message. I always need more music in my life.
-Steve
