Happiest of New Years to everyone! 2011 churned out some pretty excellent music, and it’s been difficult arranging it hierarchically. Below you will find my top 10 favorite albums, songs, and videos of 2011. And for a peek into the future, check out Stereogum’s list of most anticipated albums of 2012 (Animal Collective, Best Coast, Cat Power, Ceremony, Chairlift, Dirty Projectors, Fleetwood Mac, The Magnetic Fields, Nicki Minaj, No Doubt, Oberhofer, Sleigh Bells, The xx etc.).
Top 10 Albums
So many winners. Wish I could have included Memoryhouse, Bon Iver, Youth Lagoon, St. Vincent and many more.
10. Days-Real Estate
I fell in love with “It’s Real” when it was released as a single and the rest of the album just does not disappoint. Modulating from upbeat and cheery to tender and vulnerable, Days exemplifies the versatility of the band.
9. Cape Dory-Tennis
Call it pastiche or whatever you want. Tennis simply sounds good. Cape Dory tells the tale of a magical sailboat journey with short little tunes perfect for some summer sun.
8. Thursday-The Weeknd
Maybe it’s because I listened to Thursday first, but it’s my favorite of the trilogy of free mixtapes released by The Weeknd this year. Head over to his website to download all three.
7. Welcome to Condale-Summer Camp
Male/female duos are my favorite, but Summer Camp in particular wins my adoration. Their debut album ranges from eerie to yearning to plodding to pleading. Each track is perfectly youthful.
6. Blooming Summer-Blue Hawaii
Raphaelle Standell-Preston has one of the most unique and refreshing voices that I have stumbled upon in a long while. Blooming Summer features lush soundscapes of love dreams; wonderfully mystical.
5. Was I the Wave?-Miracle Fortress
Was I the Wave? marks a very prominent departure from Five Roses. And while I loved the debut, this album reaches new places in new ways. Graham Van Pelt is just a tender, but perhaps more confidently and more self-assuredly so.
4. Cults-Cults
I was hooked ever since “Go Outside.” Every track is something a little different, a new flare. Instantly addicting.
3. Wounded Rhymes-Lykke Li
I am convinced that Lykke Li is a genius. Wounded Rhymes is just so so brilliant. The album easily fluctuates from heartbreakers like “I Know Places” to bangers like “Get Some.” Be sure to check out her performances on the moon.
2. Native Speaker-Braids
While I truly loved Raphaelle’s voice in the context of Blue Hawaii, there is something more raw and emotional when she sings with Braids. This album is killer. It soars through the short 50 minutes and by the end you are out of breath yourself. Native Speaker will haunt you like a lucid dream.
1. Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming-M83
I simply cannot get over this album. Anthony Gonzalez creates an unspeakable world of sound. Listening to this album feels like living in a planetarium. One where you can play with the stars and sleep on the moons.
Top 10 Songs
10. Someone Like You-Adele
Let’s be real, Adele is everyone’s favorite crooner. Who else possibly has the vocal chords or heartbreak to push a simple track featuring only piano and melody to Top 40s charts?
9. May I Walk With You?-Star Slinger
This simple track journeys around in my head, keeping me company and thoughtful. Star Slinger had a big year and I’m only more excited to see what he does in 2012.
8. California Sunrise-Dirty Gold
This sandy track greeted me in many mornings of 2011. The calming drum beat and subtle guitar riff paired with the relaxed vocals make a little dream of a tune.
7. Peculiar Paradise-Chairlift
Chairlift are intricately bizarre and this song is no exception. This is the single from their forthcoming album entitled Something, to be released on Jan. 24th.
6. Don’t Move-Phantogram
Phantogram’s EP from 2011, Nightlife, features this single. Constantly throbbing and pulsing, “Don’t Move” is clear and refreshing.
5. Cruel- St. Vincent
Strange Mercy was a great album and “Cruel” was instantly catchy. Annie Clark is such a lady. Seriously.
4. You Know What I Mean-Cults
This track is just so pleading. Madeline’s vocals are at their finest. It simply kills me.
3. Super Bass-Nicki Minaj
While technically released at the end of 2010, “Super Bass” is easily the jam of 2011. Nicki Minaj just owns it. Neat and easy.
2. Belispeak-Purity Ring
2011 held many arguments about which Purity Ring song was indeed the best. While I completely worship anything that the duo creates, I have to give the crown to Belispeak. Grandma, I really have been unruly.
1. Blue Gowns-Blue Hawaii
“Blue Gowns” is summer in a song. I have so many fond memories of singing at the top of my lungs and dancing in my living room to this gem. It builds perfectly and culminates in a top-down, night breeze, freckles on your face, July cruising anthem. Perfection.
My top 10 favorite songs can be downloaded here.
Favorite videos after the jump.
Top 10 Videos
Perhaps not to anyone’s surprise, my top 10 video list features primarily my fave divas. Like most years, women just ruled in 2011.
10. Architecture in Helsinki-Contact High
Mystery hands everywhere, disembodied limbs, dapper men, what more do you want?
9. Best Coast-Our Deal
For real, this video is absurd. But would we expect anything less than a hazy, high school remake of West Side Story from our favorite blazed babies Bethany Consentino and Drew Barrymore? No.
8. Cults-Go Outside
This video features footage from Jonestown and other events led by the Peoples Temple. It seamlessly integrates Madeline Follin and Brian Oblivion (portrayed sporting a cute short haircut might I add) to create an eerie world that is paired perfectly with the song.
7. Robyn-Call Your Girlfriend
She’s got the moves, she’s got the clothes, she’s breaking hearts. Champion.
6. Lykke Li-Sadness is a Blessing
I have a sneaking suspicion that Lykke Li is a little bit crazy. But in the best way possible. And hey, if the girl wants to dance, by all means, let her dance.
5. Bon Iver-Holocene
This child is so cute, the scenery is so beautiful, the song breaks my heart.
4. M83-Midnight City
Being a kid with super powers is my life dream. Enough said.
3. Lana Del Ray-Born to Die
This video rules. Lana Del Ray chilling in her kingdom with tigers, making out with heavily tattooed men, generally freaking you the fuck out. I eagerly await her debut album.
2. Beyonce-Countdown
Baby bump and all, Beyonce never ceases to amaze me. Here she gets in touch with her inner Audrey Hepburn and the results are instantly mesmerizing.
1. Rihanna- We Found Love
There are just no words. Hands down the video of the year. Drugs, love, sex, muddy dance parties, ass tattoos, shotgunning, projectors, combat boots, I could go on but I’ll refrain.
Here’s to 2011! 2012, you’re up.
Powered by Tumblr; designed by Adam Lloyd; edited by Lily.
