Yesterday, I posted some silly awards to various albums that came out last year.  Today, I’ve compiled my top 15 releases of 2011 into one list for your reading enjoyment.  Make sure you sound off what you agree/disagree with, and what your personal favorites of 2011 were.

 

15.  In the Mountain, In the Cloud (Portugal. The Man)

Though the Portland-based rockers known as Portugal. The Man have been around for several years, their recent release, In the Mountain, In the Cloud was my first experience with them. Their particular brand of rock is a blast to listen to and I look forward to visiting some of their older albums to see what I’ve missed so far.

14.  Wasting Light (Foo Fighters)

The Foo Fighters are one of those groups that knows exactly what they’re good at, and continue to produce to their strengths. It’s nice to know exactly what you’re getting with each release, and despite any major variance in style, their familiarity is comforting to know. Especially when it rocks so good.

13.  Undun (The Roots)

One of the hardest working bands in the business (performing live five times a week in addition to almost yearly album releases), The Roots may have possible outdone themselves with their latest effort.  Undun is not only a solid hip-hop record, but is a fantastic concept album as well, telling the story of a fictional man’s life in reverse.

12.  El Camino (The Black Keys)

A very late release in 2011, El Camino is the seventh studio album from The Black Keys.  The legendary Danger Mouse helped co-produce this 70′s-inspired rock record that is an absolute blast to listen to.  It’s more upbeat than some of their previous work, but it actually works in their favor as the exuding energy is contagious to the listener.

11.  Wild Flag (Wild Flag)

Wild Flag, another group of rockers from Portland, debuted with their self-titled album this year to great acclaim.  Partly comprised of former members of Sleater-Kinney, I was extremely anxious for this particular album.  Thankfully, it lived up to expectations.

10.  Camp (Childish Gambino)

Maybe I’m not as aware of awesome things as I should be, but I had no clue that Donald Glover (a.k.a. Troy Barnes on Community) also maintained a rap career.  With his recent rise to fame via television, his hip-hop reputation has stepped further into the spotlight as well with recent performances on late night shows such as Conan.  Unsurprisingly, Glover is just as talented a rapper as he is a comedian and actor.  This was easily my biggest surprise this year.

9.  Codes and Keys (Death Cab For Cutie)

After Death Cab was picked up by a major label in 2004, it seemed that many supporters jumped off the bandwagon claiming that the band could only survive as an independent act.  In my opinion, Ben Gibbard and company have proven them wrong more than once and their latest release, Codes and Keys, only continues to solidify the band as one of my favorite groups of all time.

8.  Alpocalypse (“Weird Al” Yankovic)

Man… I love Weird Al.  Seriously.  With each album release, I become paranoid that he’s going to eventually lose that special charm that’s made his records so memorable and fun to listen to.  While I felt the last few albums were a minor dip in quality, Alpocalypse might actually be the best thing Mr. Yankovic has ever produced to date.  Yes, it’s that good.

7.  Strange Mercy (St. Vincent)

Annie Erin Clark captured my heart with the release of St. Vincent’s Actor in 2009.  She continues to do so in 2011 with the band’s latest production, Strange Mercy.  It’s a fun and whimsical auditory adventure featuring an incredible array of instruments and samples.  Also, isn’t her name just adorable?  Who wouldn’t love her?

6.  Helplessness Blues (Fleet Foxes)

If you know me and my musical tastes at all, you would know that I am a huge lover of all things folk.  Fleet Foxes’ self-titled debut in 2008 has remained one of my most played albums to date, so expectations were high for their eventual follow-up.  Helplessness Blues is essentially more of the same, but when their previous work was so great, that’s hardly a bad thing at all.

5.  The Rip Tide (Beirut)

Are there any bands currently in existence that are as joyful to listen to as Beirut?  I reckon not, as they continue to define their own unique, blissful blend of world music and indie folk.  The sheer volume of instruments being utilized is astounding, while also evolving into something a little more… pop, than before.  After hearing this, I can’t wait to discover what comes next from the group.

4.  The Whole Love (Wilco)

The Whole Love marks Wilco’s eighth(!) album released, but even more notable is that it’s the band first self-produced and distributed record under their own new label.  Free to do their own thing, it’s apparent the band stretched their wings a bit and experimented a bit, but ultimately retained most of their signature sound.  The result is a fresh-yet-familiar album that any Wilco fan can enjoy.

3.  The King is Dead (The Decemberists)

Honestly, I was shocked when I heard the general opinion of The Decemberists’ new album.  Many were upset that the popular folk band went a more American direction with their recent production over the British folk style of the last few releases.  There is a bit more of a Southern feel in much of the record, but wrapped around the band’s distinct style and vocals.  I found it immediately catchy and rewarding, and it will remain in my playlists for a long time to come.

2.  Dye it Blonde (Smith Westerns)

I have to be honest…  I didn’t really know anything about Smith Westerns before playing their new album, Dye it Blonde.  It was my first foray into their music, but the T. Rex and David Bowie influences were immediately noticeable.  It is one of the most energetic indie rock albums to have come out in 2011, as well as one of the most accessible.

1.  Yuck (Yuck)

Yuck is a London-based rock group that stepped forward with their freshman debut this last year.  I discovered the album through a few critics’ recommendations, likening the band’s sound to Dinosaur Jr. and Sonic Youth, two of my favorite bands in the 90′s.  I made the purchase without any prior listening and walked away extremely impressed.  Some might not enjoy their intentional lo-fi production, but for me, it’s one of the highlights of the package.  The members rely more on their creativity and expertise to craft an enjoyable album rather than a glossy, pristine production.  And as a fellow musician, that’s something I can relate to very well.