Musings on 2011 (So Far)

2011 has been an interesting year for music thus far. It's been a solid mix of let-downs, unheard-of blind sides and fulfilled prophecies. So, without any further delay, I'll offer my lists.

(in no particular order)

There:

Destroyer - Kaputt

Tim and I are both in firm agreement on this one. Really just a fantastic record. And, one of the best shows of the year to boot.

tUnE-yArDs - w h o k i l l

I've got enough time on my hands to type it out. I'm a sucked for this stuff. Much like I loved Bitte Orca a couple years back, I'm really taken with this album. The rhythm and melodies are engrossing, and Merrill's voice is transcendent.

Motel Beds - Sunfried Dreams
Maybe the most consistently good album of the year. Nothing over the top mind-blowing; but there isn't a skippable song on it.

Fucked Up - David Comes to Life

The most ambitious album of the year. I'm not sure why it strikes such a chord with me, but this album pumps me up and engages me throughout.

Fleet Foxes - Helplessness Blues

A solid continuation of their self-titled, this album is hard to challenge.

Close:

PJ Harvey - Let England Shake

I throw on this album at work and it goes unnoticed for a few tracks, and then people become fascinated and curious. It's a unique and enjoyable album without a great song to put it over the top.

Sic Alps - Napa Asylum

A solid effort with great attitude. There have been a lot of great lo-fi releases this year (The UV Race, Hospital Ships, Motel Beds), and I think this album is a definite stand-out.

Panda Bear - Tomboy

Really atmospheric and wonderful with a lot of stand-out tracks.

Woods - Sun & Shade

Great songs without cohesion.

Yuck - Yuck

My most listened to and most disappointing album of the year. Side A is unbelievable, but it loses momentum so hard on side B that the album as a whole becomes merely good.

Fell Short

Julianna Barwick - The Magic Place

So delicate that it commands no attention.

TV on the Radio - Nine Types of Light

Maybe this needs further analysis, but this seemed like a major let-down effort from a fantastic group.

Tyler, the Creator - Goblin

Talk about flash in the pan. Bastard killed and commanded respect. This album was bothersome in a lot of ways.

YACHT - Shangri-La

What a disappointing listening experience. And the skits. Why?

Tennis - Cape Dory

People love this record for some reason. I guess the whole 80s mining thing is becoming stale to me when it isn't done in any unique way.

Needs Further Examination:

Bon Iver - Bon Iver, Bon Iver

I liked this album a lot on first listen, because I love soft rock. On repeat listens it's losing a lot of its luster.

The Antlers - Burst Apart

Gave it a once-through and liked it; but I really loved Hospice, so I'll probably have to check this one out a few more times to fully grasp it.

Wye Oak - Civilian

I haven't heard this album yet, but from all of the covers and live video I've seen of Wye Oak this year, I am really optimistic.

Crystal Stilts - In Love With Oblivion

Hear great things.

Arctic Monkeys - Suck It and See

Hear great things.

What I've Been Listening To The Most:

Harry Nilsson

Going back through his entire catalog. Stunning stuff.

Randy Newman

Especially Sail Away. The 70s L.A. scene produced so many fantastic musicians.

Spoon

Revisiting and reconnecting with their catalog.

Kaputt

Probably album of the year so far.

Side A of Yuck

Probably the best album side of the year so far.

Anticipated:

Dirty Projectors

They're in the studio!

Cymbals Eat Guitars

I've really enjoyed their last album, and I'm optimistic.

Beirut

The songs I've heard have been unbelievably good. This may end up being my album of the year when all's said and done.

-e.