2011 - Albums of the Year so far

Heisenberg.

This post has been deleted.

smokedeels

The Antlers - Burst Apart
Earth - Angels of Darkness, Demons of Light Part 1
Radiohead - The King Of Limbs
Weedeater - Jason...The Dragon
Smog - Apocalypse

In that order... I think.

I need to listen to a few other releases more than I already have, namely the new Mountain Goats album and I still haven't heard PJ Harvey's album.

Also... I have a feeling that I've left something out.

I'm disappointed about the lack of good Hip-Hop releases*, and debuts (or just bands I didn't know about already)

*Tyler, The Creator's beats wreck my head so don't bother suggesting it to me.

lordgoat

Bon Iver album is out 21st June.

Heisenberg.

This post has been deleted.

foals

Wild Beasts - Smother
Yuck - Yuck
The Strokes - Angles
Seapony - Go With Me
Craft Spells - Idle Labor

SilverScreen

1. Yuck - Yuck
The very first time I listened to this album back in January I fell in love with it and I still have the album on high rotation. It's heavily influenced by the likes of Dinosaur Jr., Yo La Tengo and Teenage Fanclub but rather than have a forced retro feel to it it actually sounds timeless. One of the best debut albums I've heard in a long time.

2. Bon Iver - Bon Iver
Every time I listen to this album it just sounds better and better. It's not quite as good as For Emma, Forever Ago but it's pretty damn close. Like For Emma the new album has a character all of its own and is a brilliant album to immerse yourself in. You can almost see and feel the landscapes and places that Justin is singing about.

3. The Joy Formidable - The Big Roar
Their debut mini-album A Balloon Called Moaning was so good I though there was no way they could top it. When this album clicked with me I was proved wrong. This is a brilliant album from start to finish and is jammed-packed with killer hooks and killer guitar lines.

4. The Antlers - Burst Apart
Hospice was a superb piece of work but I couldn't imagine them making the same album twice. I certainly wasn't disappointed by this and the more upbeat sound works wonders and makes for a very engaging listen.

5. Wild Beasts - Smother
Two Dancers was great but this album is even better. There seems to be a more electronic influence in their sound this time around, perhaps influenced by Radiohead's In Rainbows. Hayden Thorpe's and Tom Flemming's vocals sound superb throughout, with Hayden Thorpe being possible the best vocalist in the UK indie scene at the moment.

Honourable mentions:
The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart - Belong, PJ Harvey - Let England Shake, Ringo Deathstarr - Colour Trip, True Widow - As High As the Highest Heavens and from the Center to the Circumference of the Earth, The Kills - Blood Pressures, Asobi Seksu - Fluorescence, Grouper - A I A: Alien Observer/Dream Loss, Esben and the Witch - Violet Cries

The disappointments:
Radiohead - The King Of Limbs, Crystal Stilts - In Love With Oblivion, Fleet Foxes - Helplessness Blues

JerryHandbag

Got some serious catching up to do on this year, only got 3 albums so far but I like them all.

Mogwai - Hardcore Will Never Die....
Low - Cmon
Bellx1 - Bloodless Coup

Looking forward to getting Fleet Foxes and Bon Ivers latest.

TwoCanDan

My tuppence-ha'penny-worth in no particular order...
-Fleet Foxes...Helplessness blues
-tUnE yArDs...W H O K I L L
-The Dodos...No Color
-PJ Harvey...Let England Shake
-Little Scream...The Golden Record

Bon Iver will most likely make my list too, but I haven't heard it yet...

Honourable mentions to Yuck, Boat, Wild Beasts, Iron & Wine, Cloud Nothings...

hada

Bon Iver's is definitely up there.

Got to love The Civil War's Barton Hollow also- absolutely digging it and so are an awful lot of other people Stateside as well (they only played their first gig outside of USA last week in support to James Vincent McMorrow...expect big things this year from them this side of the pond).

cherryghost

The Kills - Blood Pressures
The Go! Team - Rolling Blackouts
Radiohead - King of Limbs
Foo Fighters - Wasting Light
Fleet Foxes - Helplessness Blues

5 fantastic albums imo, haven't really given Arctic Monkeys new album enough listens yet to decide whether its a top 5 runner or not :P

ricero

miles kane - the colour of the trap. Very good album with some amazing songs on this album and miles surprised me very much by producing a solid and very good album.

Beady eye - different gear still speeding. what can i say i love this album for numerous reasons but mainly due to the fact that Liam and the rest proved there doubters and critics wrong when they said they would be rubbish without noel. some amazing ballads on this album and some classic rock n roll tunes.

arctic monkeys - suck it and see. For me so far its album of the year (until kasabians velociraptor in September which i know will be amazing). Just a great album from start to finish with no real duds on the album and some wonderful lyrics by Alex turner once again.




thats all i dont even have a top 5 because theres been to much **** and let downs such as radioheads latest crap released.

loyatemu

Scien wrote: »

6 months in, what's the verdict?

you need to check your calendar, we're not even 5 1/2 months in.

KeanSeenan

foals wrote: »

Seapony - Go With Me

Love this album so much..So goddamn summery.
Hmm, my list would consist of Yuck, Tyler, Pains of being pure at heart, Smith Westerns, Seapony.

Heisenberg.

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Toby Take a Bow

Wye Oak - Civilian
J Mascis - Several Shades of Why
Twilight Singers - Dynamite Steps
PJ Harvey - Let England Shake
Low - C'Mon

Probably in that order.

Haven't had a chance to properly listen to TV On The Radio or Bill Calahan's Apocalypse yet, though.

Or the Fleet Foxes' new one.

loyatemu

Scien wrote: »

If you would've read the thread you'd have seen I acknowledged that in post #4.

meh, list threads = boring.
being a pedant = awesome.

nearyj

Destroyer - Kaputt
Fleet foxes - Helplessness blues
Metronomy - The English Riviera
Bill Callahan - Apocolypse
Tune-yards - WHO KILL

Havnt heard of the Antlers or Seapony so will search for them and give them a listen. Cheers for the heads up.

smokedeels

Zero1986 wrote: »

4. The Antlers - Burst Apart
Hospice was a superb piece of work but I couldn't imagine them making the same album twice. I certainly wasn't disappointed by this and the more upbeat sound works wonders and makes for a very engaging listen.

Yeah, Hospice is class but it's very heavy, I can only listen to it when I'm in a certain mood, it's nice having Burst Apart which is an album I'm finding easier to put on and enjoy irrespective of how I feel.

A Disgrace

Hey guys, Pitchfork just called. They're looking for their opinions back

smokedeels

A Disgrace wrote: »

Hey guys, Pitchfork just called. They're looking for their opinions back

Explain?

*opens can of worms*

InTheTrees

There's some great ideas in this thread.

This isnt a top five list because I've only bought five full albums so far. I also buy a lot of individual songs and parts of albums.

Boxer rebellion - Cold Still
Dropkick Murphys - Going out in style
Pj Harvey - Let England Shake
My Morning Jacket - Circuital
BellX1 - Bloodless coup

Stompbox

A Disgrace wrote: »

Hey guys, Pitchfork just called. They're looking for their opinions back

Ah yes, as we all know Pitchfork maintains numerous exclusivity contracts with artists stating that only Pitchfork may listen to, enjoy and appreciate that particular artists releases and absolutely everyone else should sod off and listen to Paul McCartney's 'Frog Chorus'.

You're boring me, A Disgrace.

H8GHOTI

Scien wrote: »

6 months in, what's the verdict? I think it has been a bit slow tbh. Couple of nice albums so far. Hoping for better things to come out of Bon Iver, Beirut and Justice in the latter half of the year.

You're right, not many great albums so far this year. I didn't know Justice had a new one on the way. Looking forward to that. I only just noticed that they had a new single out & that it's the music from the adidas ad. Also, looking forward to Santigold's new album.

My favourite of the year so far is the Wild Beasts album. That is very good.
I like the following as well. Each have a good few decent tracks:
Lykke Li - Wounded Rhymes
The Naked & Famous - Passive Me, Aggressive You (Release date for here was March this year AFAIK, for the pedants among us)
Twin Shadow - Forget
Friendly Fires - Pala

Zero1986 wrote: »

5. Wild Beasts - Smother
Two Dancers was great but this album is even better. There seems to be a more electronic influence in their sound this time around, perhaps influenced by Radiohead's In Rainbows. Hayden Thorpe's and Tom Flemming's vocals sound superb throughout, with Hayden Thorpe being possible the best vocalist in the UK indie scene at the moment.

He really is an amazing singer with a great voice. This album took me a few listens to get into it. The first few times I listened to it, I just had it on in the background and wasn't paying much attention. But then I listened to on my headphones and it blew me away. I love it. It is as good, if not better than Two Dancers.

KeanSeenan

Having thought about this properly(while lying in bed an hour ago)...I'd throw Ginnels s/t album in...My favourite Irish release this year..so far.

KeanSeenan

Ohh and an honourable mention goes to Yeh Deadlies debut, which I'm only now getting around to listening to.

Gonzovision

The Antlers - Burst Apart
Fleet Foxes - Helplessness Blues
EMA - Past Life Martyred Saints
Wild Beasts - Smother
Panda Bear - Tomboy

eyeball kid

In no particular order..
PJ Harvey - Let England Shake
Destroyer - Kaputt
Iron and Wine - Kiss Each Other Clean
Fleet Foxes - Helplessness Blues
Anna Calvi - Anna Calvi

There's lots of album I haven't listened to yet which could be better than
these.

D'Agger

Not all of them have been released this year but from a personal persopective these albums have shaped my year:

1) James Vincent McMorrow - Early in the Morning
2) Bon Iver - Bon Iver
3) The Civil Wars - Barton Hollow
4) Jónsi - Go
5) The Low Anthem - Oh My God, Charlie Darwin

lordgoat

Bon Iver, Tyler and Former Soviet Republic are the 3 i listen to most so far...

Shout outs to Tori Y Moi, PH, The Decemberists, Panda Bear and Tuneyards.

ciff

lordgoat wrote: »

Bon Iver, Tyler and Former Soviet Republic are the 3 i listen to most so far...

Shout outs to Tori Y Moi, PH, The Decemberists, Panda Bear and Tuneyards.

Tyler the Creator?

FortuneChip

I'll agree that there haven't been tonnes of great new albums, but some of what has been released this year has been amazing.
No real order, as that's likely to change depending on mood, but my top five would include

Rural Alberta Advantage - Departing
It's not quite as good as their debut Hometowns, but it's got more than enough songs to keep it playing on iTunes. Stamp and Tornado '87 are two great songs

Bon Iver - Bon Iver
I'm starting to actually prefer this to For Emma. Calgary is probably my favourite song this year at all. Agreed, there's some cheese, but that probably comes with getting a lot more attention. Looking forward to his show later in the year

Explosions In The Sky - Wake Up, Wake Up, Wake Up
Always love anything these guys do. Again, not quite as good as All Of A Sudden I Miss Everyone, but in my eyes these guys can't do much wrong. Great gig in Vicar St!

Fleet Foxes - Helplessness Blues
Can't believe when I first heard Sun Giant I dismissed these guys completely. They're excellent! And Helplessness Blues even surpasses Fleet Foxes in my opinion. Battery Kinzie is awesome! The backing vocals are quality

The Antlers - Burst Apart
A mate put me on to Hospice earlier in the year, this quickly became the most eagerly anticipated album (save Beirut) of the year. I'll agree that it is a lot heavier than Hospice, but I'm all for it. He's an amazing singer, no question! It's haunting

ValJester

5.Early In The Morning-James Vincent McMorrow
4.Bon Iver-Bon Iver
3.Kiss Each Other Clean-Iron & Wine
2.Smother-Wild Beasts
1.Let England Shake-PJ Harvey

D'Agger

Only came across it two days ago but "A Million Miles Out" by Benjamin Francis Leftwich is on my list - fantastic album

lordgoat

Jim Carolls half year list.

Good source of good albums.

http://www.irishtimes.com/blogs/ontherecord/2011/06/28/the-30-best-albums-of-the-year-so-far/

RC88

5. The Vaccines - What Did You Expect from the Vaccines
4. Bon Iver - Bon Iver
3. The Keys - Bitten By Wolves
2. Elbow - Build a Rocket Boys
1. Anna Calvi - Anna Calvi

Zak Flaps

H8GHOTI wrote: »

Also, looking forward to Santigold's new album.

i really liked a lot of her debut album....some fantastic songs...just heard a new song from her forthcoming album....song is called Go and it features Karen O...
on first listen, I think it's absolute rubbish...shockingly boring....what a let down...maybe it's a grower!

jill_valentine

I haven't done a great job of keeping up with releases this year. I enjoyed Beirut and Bon Iver, but neither totally rocked my socks. I like both acts a lot, and I'm glad to have more of their stuff to listen to, they just wouldn't really have cropped up on my radar if I wasn't already a fan.

Still hugely, hugely enjoying Colin Stetson's New History Warfare 2: Judges, but I dunno how I'll feel about it once the novelty wears off. It's a weird record.

Jako8

TKOL, Gloss Drop and Gangs have been my favourites. I liked Bon Iver but I didn't love it. Maybe I need to give a few more listens.

I really haven't listened to enough 2011 releases. I will have by the end of the year, though.

H8GHOTI

Zak Flaps wrote: »

i really liked a lot of her debut album....some fantastic songs...just heard a new song from her forthcoming album....song is called Go and it features Karen O...
on first listen, I think it's absolute rubbish...shockingly boring....what a let down...maybe it's a grower!

I heard it a few weeks ago & I liked it. Maybe it will grow on you.

Aldebaran

In no particular order, my top 5 would probably be:

The Decemberists - The King is Dead
Okkervil River - I Am Very Far
Frank Turner - England Keep My Bones
Arctic Monkeys - Suck It And See
Death Cab For Cutie - Codes and Keys

If I had to choose a favourite, it would be The Decemberists, I'll definitely still have that on heavy rotation at the end of the year.

smacg

the only 2 I have listened to that I would really recommend are the decemberists and the new felice brothers album. the vaccines, bon iver and elbow are ok.

That_Guy

Saw PJ Harvey's latest album mentioned in a few people's top 5's. Did absolutely nothing for me.

But that's just me.

homerun_homer

Top 5 so far this year might be;

The Horrors - Skying
Lykke Li - Wounded Rhymes
Friendly Fires - Pala
TV on the Radio - 9 Types of Light
Cat's Eyes - Cat's Eyes

Other favourites;

The Vaccines - What did you expect from
tUnEyArDs - Whokill
The Kills - Blood Pressures
The Raveonettes - Raven in the Grave
Metronomy - The English Riviera
The Hot Sprockets - Honeyskippin'
Wild Beasts - Smother
The Black Lips - Arabia Mountain

Thundercats Ho

Bon Iver - Bon Iver
Radiohead - The King Of Limbs
The Strokes - Angles

Disapointed with the new Fleet Foxes and Elbow.
The new REM, White Lies and Vaccines are just ok.

Haven't listened fully to the new Beastie Boys or Cashier No.9, but what i've heard is really good.

Listening to We are Augustines online. Looking forward to their album too.

arsenallegend

Arctic Monkeys, fleet foxes and The horrors releases have been my favs this year. Especially Suck it and see, brillant album.

Battleflag

TV on the Radio - Nine Types of Light
Bon Iver - Bon Iver
Ghostpoet - Peanut Butter Blues & Melancholy Jam
Radiohead - The King of Limbs
Arctic Monkeys - Suck It And See

elefant

Favourite- Suck it and See
Least favourite- Angles.

Liathroidi Dana

Can't believe nobody has said James Blake, what a stunning album.

1. James Blake - James Blake
2. Radiohead - King of Limbs
3. Does it offend You Yeah? - Don't Say We Didn't Warn You
4. The Strokes - Angles
5. WU LYF - Go Tell Fire To The Mountain

smokedeels

Is anyone looking forward to a future release this year?

I've been checking music sites over the past few weeks and they seem pretty dead in terms of reviews and upcoming releases.

It hasn't been a good year if I'm honest.

H8GHOTI

Liathroidi Dana wrote: »

Can't believe nobody has said James Blake, what a stunning album.

1. James Blake - James Blake
2. Radiohead - King of Limbs
3. Does it offend You Yeah? - Don't Say We Didn't Warn You
4. The Strokes - Angles
5. WU LYF - Go Tell Fire To The Mountain

That is surprising about James Blake alright. Seems to be a lot of hype around him & his album is up for the Mercury Prize, so you would think he would be mentioned before now.
Personally I was disappointed with his album. The 2 singles are good & some of the other songs have their moments (like 10-20 second bits) but overall it's not great.

I hadn't heard the WU LYF album when I first posted. That would definitely make my top 5. Really like that.

smokedeels wrote: »

Is anyone looking forward to a future release this year?

Santigold & Justice should have albums out before the end of the year. I'm looking forward to them but can't think of anything else.
I haven't actively went looking for any though tbh. Just listen to stuff as I hear about it.

Kold

I thought James Blake opened well but overall was a poor album.

Any love for the Middle East - I want that you are always happy ?

Just got it and first couple of listens I've really liked it.