My Top 10 Albums of 2011

To spare the details, let's just say this year has had hellatial ups and a few downs! After the Marathon in Nov. of 2010, which was definitely a success, I haven't done much running. I keep meaning to but now that I've stopped, I can't understand how I used to make time for it. Hopefully that will all change in 2012 because I'd like to start it back up.

2011 has been full of traveling and concerts! Spoiler Alert: Future blog entries



The end of the year is my new favorite time. Not because of the tacky decorations or holiday cheer, not even for the paid days off work for 2 four-day weekends in a row. 'Tis ('Twas) the season for music countdowns and "Top XXs" of the year.

This isn't going to be as friendly as I hope to someday make it but I had to get it out there before the time had passed. Several organizations, NPR, KEXP & Pitchfork being my favorite and most relate-able. I read all the lists! Top Songs, Top Albums, Top Artist of said Genre...

It's a time to double check my Subpop culture, discover the bands I have somehow over looked, and reinstate my enthusiasm for the ones I cannot take off repeat. Instead of bombarding you with lists of listeners favorites (which I encourage you to view through the links above and explore for yourself,) I wanted to make my own list. I decided to do My Top Albums of 2011.

10) The War on Drugs - Slave Ambient
9) Givers - In Light
8) Tapes N Tapes - Outside
7) Deer Tick - Divine Providence
6) Pearl and the Beard - Killing the Darlings
5) GroupLove - Never Trust A Happy Song
4) The Head and the Heart - The Head and the Heart
3) tUnE-yArDs - W H O K I L L
2) The Lonely Forest - Arrows
1) Pickwick - Myths

Honorable Mentions:
Of Monsters and Men - My Head is an Animal
Foster the People - Torches (album is awesome but Pumped up Kicks is my nightmare)
Beirut - The Rip Tide

Also, my most played song of the year is Lost Coastlines by Okkervil River and my favorite cover is Ellie Gouldings version of Sweet Disposition by Temper Trap. Both have been played on repeat a hundred times this year and I could listen at least a hundred more!