2011 started super slow, then took off. At the end of the year, I’m left with a spreadsheet of 74 albums that I liked enough to consider for the top 25 list. Let’s just jump right in shall we.
#25 . Amos Lee – Mission Bell
Amos Lee is pretty high up on my “chill music” list. Everything he’s done to date is stellar, and this album is no exception. Calexico’s Joey Burns worked as a producer on the album, and though I’d have liked to get a bit more of the “Calexico” sound, I love that Lee includes Lucinda Williams and Willie Nelson on this album. Amos Lee can croon with the best of them, and though he could have easily fit in with the music of Motown, I’m sure glad he’s making music today. “Windows are Rolled Down” is a great summer tune, so give it a listen.
24. Gavin Thorpe – Rollin’ On
2011 is the year that I began finding music in a brand new way, turntable.fm. Friends that have shared music for years were suddenly able to play the music they’ve been listening to easy and online. There are a few people in particular who have joined the TT fun and really started introducing me to some new stuff. Jess, Elise and Jon have pointed me to countless new bands, and while my wallet weeps, I thank them. That said, a few bands on this list are the direct result of our turntable room but the first you’ll read about is Gavin Thorpe.
23. Steve Moakler – Watching Time Run
A bit poppier than many of the albums I lean toward, Steve Moakler’s Watching Time Run just hit me in all the right places. I blogged about the album in September when I was listening to this along with some other heavy hitters that didn’t even make the list. Often times, albums like this one get a lot of play, then fade away in my iPod, but Moakler’s voice is so soothing, so uniquely normal that I simply can’t stop listening. There’s something here for everyone. Heart wrenching ballads, a country sing-a-long and good ole fashioned pop songs make this one a winner.
22. The Apache Relay – American Nomad
We’ve been talking about Michael Ford Jr. and The Apache Relay for a long time now and if you’re not on board, you need to reevaluate your musical selections. Their 2011 release, American Nomad is a great sophomore album. It starts fast and hits hard with the title track and rolls right into gems like “Home is Not Places” and “Sets Me Free.” Michal Ford’s voice is absolutely perfect for this genre. It’s unique and textured and the band plays to his strengths at every opportunity.
21. Seth Glier – The Next Right Thing
At first listen, I really thought I might be listening to the new Ellis Paul album. And I have to say, that’s about the highest compliment I can pay a folk singer. I blogged a few of Seth’s songs over a year ago, and I’m still listening intently. I fell in love with this album, but never realized until later in the year that Seth had some pretty amazing songs from a few years back. Glier is young, but you can tell by his earlier songwriting that he was good to begin with and is only getting better. If you’re a big folk fan, this album is a must own. You may as well go ahead and start now, because he’ll be unavoidable at some point.
20. Gabe Dixon – One Spark
Not a lot I can say about this album that I haven’t already said. Gabe’s a hell of a songwriter and it’s been fun watching him become a more well rounded artist over the past few years. I feel like this album has him right on the cusp of doing something BIG. He’s relatively well known in the genre that I (and presumably YOU) listen to, but I think Gabe can crossover. Songs on this album with some country stars and Marshall Altman’s production genius can only help this cause.
19. Nathan Angelo – Follow Your Heart
When my good friend Brad Passons called me last year and let me know he’d co-written some stuff with Angelo, I was, of course happy for him. Then I heard the songs and I was ecstatic. WOW. Even as early as last March, I knew this album would be in the top 25. Angelo has this way about him, he’s got a poppy sound that’s not overwhelming but certainly stands out from the crap on the radio these days. He also released many of these songs on an acoustic album and it’s well worth having too.
Born to Love You - from Acoustic Review
18. Pearl and the Beard – Killing the Darlings
I’ll admit it, over the past few years I may have gotten into some stuff that some of you would call “hipster music.” Pearl and the Beard may fall into that, and if that makes me guilty of liking hipster music, then so be it. In other words, if you don’t dig some stuff that other people won’t get into, you’re gonna miss some badass music this year. Albums from The Lumineers and Of Monsters and Men are due out in the next few weeks, and while both are not going to be considered pop albums, both are going to be damned good. Killing the Darlings is a fantastic follow up to P&tB’s 2009 debut, and the NYC trio have taken all the things that made that album and done it again. This album’s got handclaps, cellos, a glockenspiel and some sick harmonies – what more could you ask for?
17. Jason Isbell – Here We Rest
It broke my heart when I heard Jason Isbell was leaving the Drive-By Truckers. I got over it pretty quickly when I heard Isbell’s debut and most recently, his albums with the 400 unit. I also have to say that it didn’t negatively effect the Truckers in the way that I thought it might, so win-win for everyone! Isbell’s 2011 release Here We Rest is the best of the Isbell albums from start to finish. Sirens of the Ditch has some better songs, but this is a much more complete album. Isbell’s love song to his home state, “Alabama Pines,” is a gorgeous, well written gem that should be for Alabama natives what “Georgia on my Mind” is to the Peach State. And I am serious.
16. TFDI – When I Stop Running
If you haven’t heard of Tony Lucca yet, get ready. He’s been paying his dues for years, and it’s all about to come to fruition. I mentioned TFDI’s album earlier this year, and I still love this album more and more with each listen. Even though Lucca is destined to be a star on his own, don’t let that fool you. Lucca’s TFDI counterparts, Matt Duke and Jay Nash can hold their own and Duke actually put out a pretty rad solo album this year. The beauty of TFDI though is that these guys know how to complement each other, and you can hear it in each track. It’s an amazing album, and one you’re going to want to own when Lucca finally gets the recognition he deserves.
15. Seryn – This Is Where We Are
Seryn came out of the blue in 2011. Of course, they’re from Texas, and their sound is as big as their home state. I want to call it folksy, but it’s too BIG. This album just doesn’t fit in a box of “bluegrass, folk, pop, whatever.” If you ask me to tell you what it sounds like, I will say, “awesome. It sounds like it’s awesome.” I’ve not been able to see them live yet, but I am going to go out on a limb here and say that this is the kind of band that’s probably better live (somehow) and that the songs just beg to be played outdoors. The harmonies are a high point, and the only bad thing I can say about this album is that it was released in January 2011 and I didn’t pick it up until November.
14. Boy And Bear – Moonfire
Another album that I nearly missed, Boy & Bear’s Moonfire came along at just the right time. I read an article where Marcus Mumford mentioned that he was jealous of B&B’s live show, and having seen and loved Mumford and Sons for a while, I had to hear what all the fuss was about. I haven’t seen them live yet, but if the album is any indicator of live success, I’ll be seeing them soon. There are moments on the album that leave you wanting more, but it still manages to leave you satisfied. Lyrically, the album is not as mature as some others on this list, but it would be difficult for you find catchier tunes.
13. Ben Rector – Something Like This
Rector runs with some of my favorite artists. He’s opening this year for NEEDTOBREATHE and he’s worked closely with Matt Wertz and Dave Barnes in the past. On his first album, you felt like Rector was the “little brother” of sorts to these guys. Then came his second album, which firmly defined Rector as more than just some guy who hung out with some pretty good musicians. And then, this year, Rector released Something Like This – and immediately proved he could stand shoulder to shoulder with his colleagues, and in some cases, surpass them. This album is bluesy, it’s poppy, and it’s perfectly produced allowing Rector to show off in every sense of the term. If this album is a glimpse into Rector’s future, I expect big things.
12. Switchfoot – Vice Verses
I’ve long been a fan of Switchfoot, but I’ve also neglected them at times. I’ve apologized, and I’ve fallen in love with Switchfoot all over again. Vice Verses made it a little easier to do that. Their best album in years, VV brings Switchfoot back to where they’re best – rocking. The lyrics are uplifting, and overall it’s their best album since The Beautiful Letdown. Somehow, 8 albums in, Jon Foreman and his bandmates are even more energetic than before. They’ve seemingly taken all the best aspects of every album that came before this one, and thrown into one hell of a release. This is a glimpse into what the future of Switchfoot looks like folks, and it’s looking good.
11. The Civil Wars – Barton Hollow
This is going to be a short blurb, because you’ve all been bombarded with words about how great this album is. And they’re all accurate. So just listen, no need for me to ramble on and on about something we’ve all heard a thousand times.
10. Bronze Radio Return – Shake! Shake! Shake!
Here’s where it start to get tricky. On any given day, ANY of the top ten albums could have been called my favorite of the year. Don’t think of Shake! Shake! Shake! as my tenth favorite album of the year, think of it as one of my ten favorites. The CT based band won me over with their debut, but BRR has taken it to another level with Shake! Shake! Shake! They’ve been able to expand their sound and create a fuller album with a more mature sound. I may be the only one who hears similarities to another CT favorite, The Alternate Routes, but I’d say that comparison puts them in good company.
9. Hey Rosetta! – Seeds
One of my two favorite new music discoveries this year, Hey Rosetta! has won a fan for life in me. I blogged about this album this summer, and while I don’t have a car, I certainly wish I did so that I could roll my windows down and crank the title track until my speakers nearly blow. It’s a perfect road trip song. Along with that, they’ve written what has to be my favorite song about the birth of a child (there are more than you think), “Welcome.” The lyric goes like this, “You will be all right, you’ve got your mother’s eyes. You’ve got your daddy’s head. Everything you need for this hard ride.” The whole song is unreal and you have to hear it. While my favorite tracks off the album are the rockers, Hey Rosetta! has shown they can quiet it down and absolutely mesmerize you as well. Their previous albums are very solid, but Seeds is where it’s at folks.
8. Parachute – The Way It Was
I almost can’t believe I love this album the way I do. These guys just seem so….so…. boy bandish. The lyrics could be defined as cheesy at best, and the sound is so slick and sanitized that every fiber of my being wants to hate it. But I don’t. At least one or two of these a year make it on the list, simply because it came along at the right time and I listened to it so much that I grew to love it. I think somewhere deep inside my musical heart, a pop-loving, sugary sweet bastard lives. This album is the musical equivalent of The Bachelor. My wife loves it, I fight it with everything I have, but give me two minutes with it, and suddenly I’m sucked in.
7. Drew Holcomb & the Neighbors – Chasing Someday
The very first time I heard “Fire and Dynamite” on Passenger Seat, I knew this was a band I was going to love. I have Joshua Wilkerson of GRO to thank for this one, as he wouldn’t shut up about Drew Holcomb to the point that I swore to him I’d give it a listen. So thanks J Whiskey. This will no doubt be the album that starts the ball rolling for Drew and wife, Ellie Holcomb. Her vocals are much more prevalent on this album than the previous two and perhaps that’s why this album sounds so much more complete. They’ll earn lots of fans on the this year’s Rock Boat, so if you can see them in a smaller venue, make sure to do it now before they’re playing larger crowds.
Fire and Dynamite (Radio Version)
6. NEEDTOBREATHE – The Reckoning
I’ve said for years that NTB should be one of the biggest rock bands in the world. Every step they take, they seem to get closer and closer to meeting those lofty expectations. The Outsiders is a hell of an album to follow up, but The Reckoning does so perfectly. The opener, “Ooohs and Aaahhhs” is different from the NTB we’re used to, but it serves to let us know that the guys are ready to bring a louder, more mature record. Soon after though, we’re back to the NTB we’ve grown up with. “Drive All Night” is one of their best rockers and “A Place Only You Can Go” is easily one of the band’s best ballads. Both sound amazing live, and if nothing else, the Rinehart brothers and company have added some sure fire live favorites with this album.
5. Stephen Kellogg and the Sixers – Gift Horse
I love SK6ers for so many reasons. Kellogg writes songs that I relate to more than any other artist, the guys are amazing people unlike some musicians I’ve met and they’re as talented as it gets. Gift Horse is more of the same and there’s not a thing wrong with it. This album is more of a complete effort, more fluid. In the past at times, it seemed like each member stood alone and the parts were then smashed together. It all sounded great, but the end result was albums that simply weren’t as seamless as Gift Horse. Kellogg’s maturation is evident here, both as a songwriter and a musician. With the help of Boots, Goose and Steamer, SK is on top of his game. As is always the case with SK6ers, this should be the album that propels them to superstardom.
4. Ha Ha Tonka – Death of a Decade
Ha Ha Tonka seems like what might happen if you were to mix moonshine, flannel and a mandolin. Formerly Amsterband, Ha Ha Tonka’s last two albums were solid efforts, and I’ve listened to both quite often. Ah, but Death of a Decade. This particular album is so good that I’ve literally listened to it three times while writing this blurb to decide which songs I want to feature. I listened to it while I jumped ahead and wrote the next two blurbs. I proofread the previous posts. I had lunch. And I still don’t know which songs are the defining songs on this album. It’s that damned good.
3. The Damnwells – No One Listens to the Band Anymore
Along with SK6ers, The Damnwells have long been one of my two favorite bands. Alex Dezen writes terrific songs, songs that stick in your head and won’t go away. Songs that you listen to repeatedly, then a new lyric hits you like it’s the first time all over again. Dezen’s an absolute wordsmith, and NOLTTBA allows him to show off. “Werewolves” and “The Great Unknown” are perhaps the finest examples, but there are no lazy songs on this record. The Damnwells are another band headed to this year’s Rock Boat, and I’m certain many new fans will come away loving Dezen the way I do.
2. Augustana – Augustana
Dan Layus’ voice absolutely kills me. It’s imperfect in all the right places and spot on when it needs to be. Third albums are a turning point for most bands. That’s when you either get it, or you don’t. And even though they announced late in 2011 that many of the band members were leaving, this album will serve as a true turning point. Layus has now committed himself to continue touring under the Augustana name with a reworked lineup. If this album had been anything less than brilliant, who knows, maybe Layus would be fronting a band with a different name in 2012, but it’s good to know that these songs (and the ones before them) will still be played live. It’s the most radio friendly album (from start to finish) and the album as a whole should encourage you to buy their previous two albums. They’re just as good in a different way and it’s been nice to watch and hear the evolution of Augustana.
Wrong Side of Love
Steal Your Heart - acoustic
1. Wheeler Brothers – Portraits
I saw this and I was hooked. Portraits by The Wheeler Brothers is everything I love about music. It’s fun, it’s incredibly well written and I can listen to it repeatedly and find something new to obsess over with each listen. It’s always easy to identify bands comprised of siblings as they have this cohesive sound that isn’t exactly easy to come by. Their sound isn’t anything all too new, but they do it better on their first album than most bands seem to after a decade of work. “Home for the Holidays,” has a Band of Horses sense to it and in other spots, they let their Texas roots come through in a big way. All in all, amidst some serious competition, this was the most impressive album of the year for me.
{ 3 comments }
