2011 in Review: Albums
As many of you know, I listen to a lot of music, so I though I’d share my favorite albums of 2011.
Thursday from The Weeknd was easily one of my favorite albums of the year. Another electronic pop album that has punishing beats, crazy singing, and it is FREE! The title track is probably my favorite song of the year.
Each year a metal album comes out that is the one to listen too. Epic facial tattoos, a crazy singing drummer, and a sick album cover, Mastodon returns this year with The Hunter and reminds us that a good rock metal album is pretty freaking awesome. Black Tongue will rock your face off.
A late addition to the list, but has been on constant rotate on the car drive to work. This all started with the new REI commercial which uses Chapel Song by We Are Augustines. This song is just so darn catchy, I had to listen to the rest of Rise Ye Sunken Ships (how awesome is that album name) and I was rewarded with a strong album. If you like Interpol, The National, and countless other bands, you would probably enjoy this one.
This list wouldn’t be complete without some local flavor and with that spot is Campfire OK. I have heard the name Campfire OK for a while, but didn’t hear them until the Nevermind 20 Year Anniversary show where they played Polly. Campfire OK first album Strange Like We Are combines all types of flavors of music into a nice mix. They also rock the banjo! I’m sad I haven’t been able to be around for one of their impromptu shows here in Seattle, including this one at Oddfellows.
The Kills return after a couple years off with Blood Pressures is pretty darn good. I was actually able to see them live at The Showbox Market, which just reminds me how awesome of a hot rocker chick Alison Mooshart is. With a different sound, The Kills still have it. Just listen to the first single, Satellite. Also Alison Mosshart is freaking hot.
While Drive the movie was hit and miss, the soundtrack is freaking amazing. The heavy flavor of electronic-pop is the perfect mood setting score. Each song fits perfectly and an amazing album to just chill out too.
I found out about Kurt Vile’s Smoke Ring for my Halo via good people on NeoGAF has this listed on the monthly rotation, and it is great. Mellow singer song writer brings a nice change of pace to the other albums I listened to this year. This really came out of nowhere for me.
While Crazy for You technically was released in 2010, I didn’t start listening to it until 2011, so I’m listing it in this years group. I have a soft spot for female singers and Best Coast hits it on every chord. The surf inspired music paired with the almost juvenile pop song makes my hear bleed. Even though the songs are from the female perspective, I think anyone can relate to the lyrics, example When I’m With You and Crazy For You.
The Last of Us. Naughty Dog’s New Game.
My friends over at Naughty Dog have been secretly working on a new IP and they pulled the curtain back tonight at the SpikeVGAs. The Last of Us looks pretty damn cool. Looking forward to seeing more of it.