I've reviewed, purged, organized, listened, re-listened, re-organized and here is my definitive list of the albums I think you should have heard, and truly should own, that were released in 2011. It was a good year for the veterans - I couldn't cut this list down to a neat top ten because so many of my long-time heroes released great albums this year: Centro-matic, John Doe, J Mascis, Mountain Goats, Thurston Moore, Wilco and the rock chick supergroup of Wild Flag. Then there was also wonderful releases from newer well-loved bands like Bon Iver, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, Elbow, I'm From Barcelona, and The Submarines. Despite all that firepower, some newbies on only their first or second album made the list too and all the more impressive for standing out amongst the proven talent: Laura Marling, Memphis, Pete & The Pirates, James Vincent McMorrow. I hope you make some new discoveries here, have some Happy Holidays and a stellar New Year! (the following 18 albums are in ALPHABETICAL order by artist)
Acid House Kings - Music Sounds Better With You: Amazon :: iTunes :: Official Site
The Antlers - Burst Apart: Amazon :: iTunes :: Official Site
Bon Iver - Bon Iver: Amazon :: iTunes :: Official Site
Centro-matic - Candidate Waltz: Amazon :: iTunes :: Official Site
Clap Your Hands Say Yeah - Hysterical: Amazon :: iTunes :: Official Site
John Doe - Keeper: Amazon :: iTunes :: Official Site
Elbow - Build A Rocket Boys: Amazon :: iTunes :: Official Site
I'm From Barcelona - Forever Today: Amazon :: iTunes :: Official Site
Laura Marling - A Creature I Don't Know: Amazon :: iTunes :: Official Site
J. Mascis - Several Shades Of Why: Amazon :: iTunes :: Official Site
James Vincent McMorrow - Early In The Morning: Amazon :: iTunes :: Official Site
Memphis - Here Comes A City: Amazon :: iTunes :: Official Site
Thurston Moore - Demolished Thoughts: Amazon :: iTunes :: Official Site
The Mountain Goats - All Eternals Deck: Amazon :: iTunes :: Official Site
Pete And The Pirates - One Thousand Pictures: Amazon :: iTunes :: Official Site
The Submarines - Love Notes / Letter Bombs: Amazon :: iTunes :: Official Site
Wilco - The Whole Love: Amazon :: iTunes :: Official Site
Wild Flag - Wild Flag: Amazon :: iTunes :: Official Site