Photo Credit: Matt Radick
Joe’s Top 10 albums of 2011 (in no particular order)
Coldplay – Mylo Xyloto
When I heard the first single from this album, I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to keep shamelessly defending Coldplay the way I have for years. It was just terrible. I’m happy to report, however, that the album as a whole is not terrible at all, and that I’ll be able to continue confusing/annoying my friends with my indestructible love for this band.
Balance and Composure – Separation
If I could go back in time and be the person who wrote and recorded any album from 2011, I would choose this one in a heartbeat. So angry and so beautiful. I’m not a grunge person, but I think B&C could convert me.
Foo Fighters – Wasting Light
There’s not much praise I can shower on Dave Grohl and his Foos that hasn’t already been showered. They’re the last real rock band and they proved it with this release. That’s it.
Jay-Z & Kanye West – Watch The Throne
This album isn’t on my list because I think it’s an earth-shattering work of genius, because it isn’t. It’s here because it’s stupid and fun and in my mind, there is no greater pleasure than blasting ‘N——s In Paris’ in my car as loud as it will go. There’s no such thing as guilty pleasures – just pleasures.
La Dispute – Wildlife
This album is on my list because I think it’s an earth-shattering work of genius. I don’t think I’ve seen an end-of-year list for 2011 without this record on it, and I’m completely okay with that. La Dispute is just a force to be reckoned with in every sense. Everyone uses the words ‘raw’ and ‘emotional’ to describe it, and I’m forced to echo their sentiments.
Moving Mountains – Waves
This is the record I always wanted Moving Mountains to make. It’s heavier than their past releases, but it retains the elements of what made those albums so great. While it’s loud and densely layered, there’s still an underlying sense of calm through the whole thing.
Yellowcard – When You’re Through Thinking, Say Yes
Writing a pop-punk album that isn’t filled with clichés and is still musically satisfying is a daunting task these days. Yellowcard nailed it, and I don’t think they got nearly enough credit for it, simply because they were the band that wrote ‘Ocean Avenue.’ Say what you will about whether these guys are still relevant, but they put out a damn good comeback album.
This Will Destroy You – Tunnel Blanket
Probably my most anticipated release of the year. Hearing songs from the album here and there before it came out got me really curious, and the full-length delivered in every way. If you like scary-sounding post-rock, this is your new favorite record.
The Lonely Forest – Arrows
If you tell me that Chris Walla produced something, I’m going to listen to it. That’s how I came across this pleasant little surprise. If you can’t already tell by this list, I’m a sucker for intelligent pop hooks, and that’s essentially what this album is made entirely of. I dare you to listen to it and not get at least one song stuck in your head for a week. I triple dog dare you.
Bayside – Killing Time
This list isn’t in any order, but the more I think about it, Killing Time might actually be my favorite release of this year. It just has everything – well thought-out lyrics, memorable melodies, solid harmonies, all sorts of tasty musical elements, and no filler tracks. This will easily go down as the best of Bayside’s catalog and one of the best albums of 2011, period.
HONORABLE MENTIONS:
Thrice – Major/Minor
Tycho – Dive
Death Cab For Cutie – Codes And Keys
States – Line ‘Em Up
Explosions In The Sky – Take Care, Take Care, Take Care
