Favorite Albums of 2011

10. Yuck – Yuck

Just solid, throwback indie rock.

9. The Antlers – Burst Apart

There doesn’t seem to be a wasted track on this album. It is chill but engaging at the same time. The music stays in the forefront of your mind, never seeming to drift into the background.

8. Radiohead – King of Limbs

Abruptly dropped on the world with five days notice earlier this spring, it was hard to know what exactly to make of this eight-song mini-album. This is not vintage Radiohead, and doesn’t evoke the same level of emotions as In Rainbows. However, that doesn’t take away from the fact that this is a gem of an album, with a rightful place in the Radiohead discography.

7. Friendly Fires – Pala

The Friendlies strike again and they do not disappoint. Similarly to their debut, Pala rolls off one impressive song after another providing that highly sought after replay value. There’s no Jump in the Pool or Paris here, but more than a few songs come close.

6. Washed Out – Within and Without

Earnest Greene had a lot to live up to as he released the debut Washed Out full length, after releasing a plethora of strong songs in the form of an amazing EP, the impressive High Times cassette and a quality tour CDR. Despite the pressure to deliver, Within and Without is a cool, confident release. While it is somewhat toned down, Greene effortlessly nails the mood he sets out to achieve. I have the feeling the next Washed Out album will sound completely different.

5. Fleet Foxes – Helplessness Blues

Fleet Foxes usually take a little growing on my ears before I really realize how good the music is, a worthy follow up to their debut.

4. Unknown Mortal Orchestra – Unknown Mortal Orchestra

Just something about these guys, it’s a refreshing sound to hear.

3. Panda Bear – Tomboy

A pleasure to listen to, this album flows cohesively despite the unique nature of each song.

2. M83 – Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming

This arguably had a stronger set of huge singles than Zonoscope, but doesn’t quite top Cut Copy as a whole in my book.

1. Cut Copy – Zonoscope

Simply the most replay-able album of the year, with multiple signature songs.