Ladies and gentlemen, we have arrived. I am sure you will have your opinions to placing certain songs so highly on my list…just remember, I am a loser with terrible taste in music.
These guys sort of burst onto the scene with a handful of really great songs. Straight out of Boston, if you get the chance to get your grubby nubbies any of their released tunes then do it. Here’s hoping that their first full-length album is just as impressive. Welcome to the Top 10!
If you have read this blog in the past then you know I am a rather large Say Hi fan. Their newest album Um, Uh Oh is great from start to finish. If you aren’t really familiar with Say Hi but you like any combination of well-written, simple, catchy music then definitely pick up a few of their albums. ’Dots On Maps’ is one of my favourite songs off the new album.
8. Oregon Bike Trails – High School Lover
It seems like there are a lot of new artists on this list and Oregon Bike Trails is certainly one of them. Again, I was sent a link to this song via email from Father/Daughter Records. After listening to it I immediately emailed them back and bought every record from every artist they released to date. As with most songs on the Top 10 list, this song has been a staple on almost every playlist that I made throughout 2011 and again…I freaking hope their first full length is as solid as the single.
This song is so awesome. I seriously can’t get enough of it. When Sarah Barthel tells the listener at one point to “keep your body still”, I just don’t see how that’s possible.
I’ve seen this song near or at the top of a lot of people’s lists this year. How can it not be though? Crazy wild synths, a sexy sax solo, and awesome vocals…it’s the perfect way to start a night out on the town.
Who doesn’t like a little soul in their music? It’s tough to find information on the interweb about Seattle-based Pickwick. From the band’s Facebook page, I can tell that they are six guys, they have a basement and like vintage gear, vinyl, tape machines, tambourines, shakers, reverb, samplers, wood blocks, falsetto, call & response, vibraphone, sputnik. After listening to a few of their newly released songs, I can confirm that this sounds about right. My favourite song is Blackout, it is located above, and it kicks all sort of bum bum.
It’s been a while since I was this pumped about a new style/genre of music…and to be honest, I don’t really know how to describe the tUnE-yArDs sound. The first time I saw Merrill Garbus play ‘Gangsta’ live on Jimmy Fallon I was blown away. Lots of looping, face paint, snarling vocals and a big sound is evident in every song from the tUnE-yArDs 2011 release, w h o k i l l. Lots of other musical-blogger-type-people included ‘Bizness’ on their top of the year lists, my favourite song is ‘Powa’…hands down.
3. Charles Bradley – The World (Is Going Up In Flames)
Speaking of soul, Charles Bradley burst onto the scene (and a lot of ‘Top Song’ lists) this year at the ripe age of 63. It’s hard to believe that his new album No Time For Dreaming was only released this past year…it has the funk and soul found mainly in recordings from the 1960′s and 70′s. I dare you to try and not put this song on your next playlist.
2. Alabama Shakes – I Found You
This was a no-brainer. I could have put any number of Alabama Shakes songs in this very spot but after long deliberation, went with I Found You. Along with a few others on this list, I hope that the first full releases from Alabama Shakes is mind blowing. I love their retro sound and humble internet presence. Please come to western Canada soon so we can be friends.
AAAAAND drum roll please….
I loved Beirut‘s new album, The Rip Tide. Start to finish. Enough said. Seeing as ‘East Harlem’ was my favourite song on the record then it should be no surprise that it landed in my #1 spot for the year. Who doesn’t like a rolling beat, some horns, rim shots and the famous Zach Condon effortlessly amazing vocals? If winter ever gets you down, just toss on this track, stoke the fire and have a bottle of spiced rum at your hip side.
That everyone, was my top 60 songs of 2011! I hope you enjoyed it.
nice number 1 ! That’s the only song i knkow in the top 10… I knew more from 20-11… I shall endeavor to listen to them all though
Well, you’ve had a few days to listen to the top 10…what do you think?
I wholeheartedly approve of the Shakes in the top 10. They are ready to burst. Good list. Real Estate !!!!! Dale Earnhardt Jr Jr?
Thanks a lot! I had Dale Earnhardt Jr Jr on my radar but for some reason I just couldn’t get into the album. Maybe I will go back and give it another chance.
M83 – Midnight City is a reborn 80′s tune. Love it to death. hot stone group.