It’s a new year, which means it’s obviously time to reflect back on 2011 in an attempt to create silly awards that mean nothing.  Today, we are specifically looking at the music released over the last twelve months.  It was a pretty great year as a whole; we had plenty of big releases from high-profile artists that fared well, in addition to some fantastic debuts.

The full top 15 list will be published later this week.  Until then, enjoy some frivolous awards!

 

BEST ALBUM COVER

Helplessness Blues (Fleet Foxes)

Runners-Up:  The King of Limbs (Radiohead), The Whole Love (Wilco)

 

BEST ARTIST DEBUT

Yuck

Runners-Up:  Childish Gambino, Wild Flag

 

MOST UNDERRATED ALBUM

Codes and Keys (Death Cab For Cutie)

Runners-Up:  Alpocalypse (“Weird Al” Yankovic), El Camino (The Black Keys)

 

MOST OVERRATED ALBUM

Watch the Throne (Jay-Z & Kanye West)

Runners-Up:  Barton Hollow (The Civil Wars), 21 (Adele)

 

BEST SURPRISE

Camp (Childish Gambino)

Runners-Up:  Wild Flag (Wild Flag), Wasted Light (Foo Fighters)

 

BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENT

The King of Limbs (Radiohead)

Runners-Up:  Lulu (Lou Reed & Metallica), Arabia Mountain (Black Keys)

 

WORST ALBUM OF 2011

Lulu (Lou Reed & Metallica)

Runners-Up:  Here and Now (Nickelback), All Things Bright and Beautiful (Owl City)

 

BEST ALBUM OF 2011

Yuck (Yuck)

Runners-Up:  Dye It Blonde (Smith Westerns), The King is Dead (The Decemberists)