Top Albums of 2011 20-16

Kyle Mitchell

Dec 23, 2011 — 3 min read

We all love lists, and we all love sarcasm. Though, I think its important to reflect upon the last year of music, I’m going to do so through the use of a list. It was a fantastic year full of awesome albums, and I’m going to count down a bunch of my favorites, and give you something to listen to while reading.

20. The Dodos – No Color

The Dodos - No Color The Dodos – Don’t Stop
There isn’t an album out this year that relies so heavily on the rhythm of pounding drums like the Dodos’ No Color. Totally stripped down No Color to is base, frenetic guitar and pounding drums and simple vocals really shine on this fantastic record. Its an invigorating sound that pounds you to your core. Favorites include: Black Night, Sleep, and Don’t Stop.
Buy > No Color

19. Timber Timbre – Creep on Creepin On

Timber Timbre - Creep on Creepin On Timber Timbre – Creep On Creepin On
I enjoyed this album almost to no end. It was like Halloween at all times when listening to it. The album borders a folk music line with a definite point in the more macabre side of things, in a genre I like to call ‘spaghetti western horror cabaret.’ Dark, twisted, rich and evocative reverb drenched songs that light up the dark side. Favorites include: Creep on Creepin On, Woman, and Lonesome Hunter.
Buy > Creep On Creepin’ On

18. Manchester Orchestra – Simple Math

Manchester Orchestra - Simple Math Manchester Orchestra – Simple Math
I’m completely sold that this is THE rock album of the year. Although my tastes generally go to the folk / americana styles, there was no denying the scale of Simple Math. Its a fantastic rock album that soars with remarkably strong lyrics and powerful songs that seem to amp up at the right spots, take it down in the right spots and fit all together to make one of my favorite albums of the year. Favorites include: Deer, Mighty, and Pensacola.
Buy > Simple Math

17. David Wax Museum – Everything is Saved

David Wax Museum - Everything is Saved David Wax Museum – Born With A Broken Heart
Boston’s Mexo American folk revivalists David Wax Museum came out of nowhere and really exploded this year on the strength of the fantastic Everything is Saved. Top to bottom one gorgeous album. It’s got thematic ups and downs, raucous songs that buzz, bounce and clap along, and solemn gyspy folk circus songs that you can listen to for days. Favorites include: Born With A Broken Heart, Chuchumbe, and Yes Maria Yes.
Everything Is Saved

16. Brown Bird – Salt for Salt

Brown Bird - Salt for Salt Brown Bird – Fingers to the Bone
Another local favorite, Providence’s Brown Bird totally took me over this year with Salt for Salt. Brown Bird sits on the dark side of the folk genre pulling from their influences Brown Bird uses haunting lyrics, varied rhythms and an assortment of instruments to create a sound that is quite unique. This album is truly a top to bottom full on listening session. There is no weak spot, every song has something that keeps you listening. This is truly a special album and well worth having in your colleciton Favorites include: Blood of Angels, Fingers to the Bone, and Thunder & Lightning.
Salt For Salt