2011 Review: Top 10 Albums

I still can't get over how incredible 2011 has been in terms of music. There were so many exciting new artists bursting onto the scene (WU LYF, Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr., Yuck, ASAP Rocky) while many other well already established artists expanded on and experimented with their sound to create something completely different (The Antlers, Bon Iver, Toro Y Moi).

And while its already been noted in various other publications, one can't help but draw parallels between the current climate of the music world to the current climate of the world. With exciting, democratic uprisings occurring the world over (Arab Spring, Occupy Movement), the people are joining together in search of change. Similarly, the "underground" has seemingly taken over the established norm and the major, corporate labels no longer rule the music industry. With all of the social networking devices, artists can build a brand for themselves without any need for the big budget that comes with a major label contract. As long as their willing to work, artists can find some sort of audience and without the meddling of big businesses worried about sales figures, the art is more pure and the listeners are reaping all of the benefits.

And now, without further ado, out of all the hundreds of albums and all the thousands of songs, here are the top 10 albums of 2011!

The Best Albums of 2011... for now

I have loved every minute of 2011 so far. I have been overwhelmed with the amount of great music that has come out, and it doesn't seem anywhere near of stopping. Though there were unfortunately bad releases from Cold War Kids and Friendly Fires, everything else has been amazing. This will definitely change by the end of the year, as Incubus and Portugal. the Man have yet to release their albums, but here is what I have so far:

Honorable Mentions:

White Denim – D

Fucked Up –David Comes to Life

Manchester Orchestra – Simple Math

Smith Westerns – Dye it Blonde

Okkervil River – I Am Very Far

Top 10 Albums of 2011 (So Far)

Please Note: This list will probably look a lot different when the end of the year lists come out but as of today, June 28th, these are my top 10 albums of the year. Top 10 after the break:

Honorable Mention (in no particular order):
Dawes - Nothing Is Wrong
The Decemberists - The King is Dead
Iron & Wine - Kiss Each Other Clean
Kurt Vile - Smoke Ring For My Halo
Okkervil River - I Am Very Far
Yuck - Yuck

The day that was May 10, 2011...

It might have been too much to handle, but yesterday was a pretty stellar one in terms of records released. Most of us here at A Brief Intermission have done our best to listen to them all, but if you didn't notice, there were quite a few that were released. Well, we all got together this past weekend and chatted about what we were most excited about. So, here is a list of some of the albums that came out yesterday that we feel you should be checking out:

Manchester Orchestra - Simple Math

"Simple Math" Album Premie

re by Manchester Orchestra

So, how do you follow up a release as grandiose as Mean Everything to Nothing? Well, Manchester Orchestra took the route of toning down the aggression and focusing on more cohesive songwriting. Most people might be looking for that signature Andy Hull howl, but with Simple Math, the band shows their prettier side by adding strings and more lighthearted music. This doesn't mean the topics Hull chooses aren't dark as hell, by covering a marriage that almost ended because of his excessive time spent on the road. If there's anything you need to listen to, give "Virgin" a chance. It has a children's choir that adds more of a creepy factor to the track.

The Felice Brother - Celebration, Florida

The Felice Brothers - "Celebration, Florida" by Loose Music

This boozy folk-rock band has returned with a bit of a surprise since 2009's Yonder is the Clock by going electric. Sure, that doesn't sound like much, but if you take a listen to their earlier releases you would understand. This album, though, still has some voids to fill. But it's nice to know The Felice Brothers are getting there. They keep it interesting, though, with synthesizers, electric barn burners and, this time, a make-shift kids choir. Exactly!

Raphael Saadiq - Stone Rollin'

There is so much soul packed into this 37 minute album that the Blues Brothers may need to make another movie around it. After 2008's The Way I See It, Raphael Saadiq turned it up and cranked the electric guitar on this one. It's an album packed with some impressive riffs and Saadiq's soul-filled voice that prove if you haven't given him a chance, now is the time. Because this is the album that will shut up our elders who say, "Man, they just don't music like the used to."

Man Man - Life Fantastic

The madness that has been wrapped up in this Philadelphia band's past records has oddly been contained. And that seems to be the only thing people can mention about this album. Maybe it's because Saddle Creek producer Mike Mogis was able to calm them down? Who knows, because whatever it was it has helped Man Man to release their most impressive record to date. The positive that has come from the toned down sound is the ability to not be distracted so you can listen into Honus Honus's emotionally revealing lyrics. This just might be their most accessible record to date, so give it a try and go catch them live. You won't be sorry.

Tyler, the Creator - Goblin

Did you know Odd Futue leader Tyler, the Creator was releasing Goblin on May 10? You didn't? Well, apparently you weren't paying attention. As Corey mentioned, it is a lot like Bastard, but it evolves from it with some darker beats and even darker topics. It keeps the theme of Tyler talking with his therapist going, except with Goblin, he tends to revisit the theme more often. So much, that at the end he ends up losing his mind and killing all of his friends. But there is genius to Tyler's twisted thoughts, and from them we get lines like "The Devil doesn't wear Prada/ I'm clearly in a fucking white tee." He thankfully tones down on the rape references, but still is raunchy and as violent as ever. Listen at your own discretion. And if you want a taste, here's "Tron Cat."

Okkervil River - I Am Very Far

This album actually impressed me the most. The band went from the very poppy The Stand Ins to a much darker place. It's a beautiful record full of stomping rhythms and fluttering string instruments. The album opens up with a bang with "The Valley" the slowly fades into more piano laden tunes. But don't let the quick change of pace throw you off, stick around, because the album will only get better.

The Antlers - Burst Apart

This album thankfully meets the expectations that many of its fans had after the release of 2009's Hospice. It still keeps that same spacey, indie-rock feel, but lays off on the heart crushing emotional aspect. Really, it just means The Antlers have the ability to evolve.

Top 10: Take Away Shows

Vincent Moon is a genius. The man has a gift in documenting performances that could be used to define the word "magic". Though he may not direct all the Take Away Shows, they are all his in the sense that his artistic vision laid the groundwork for his collaborators. If you like what you see/hear, be sure to check out La Blogotheque.


10.5. Delta Spirit - "People, Turn Around"

In the case of "People, Turn Around", the video itself isn't particularly impressive, but the song is just too damn good. The camera never really leaves the face of frontman Matt Vasquez, but that's okay. If the passion wasn't evident from the veins pulsing in his neck, the fervor in Vasquez's voice leaves you with no doubt that there is nothing in the world this man would rather do than sing. To quote the director, "He put himself back to the place where he wrote this song. It was beautiful. It was painful. It was perfect." Bonus points for the Beatles reference in the opening scene.




10. Fleet Foxes - "White Winter Hymnal"

Being that "White Winter Hymnal" is a masterpiece, the ingredients were there to put this in contention for the #1 spot. Unfortunately, the video itself is really mediocre, but hot damn, this song is phenomenal. Fleet Foxes are responsible for some of the best vocal harmonies in modern music.




9. Man Man - "A Day at the Races and a Night at the Opera"

This band is really just bat-shit insane, which makes them a joy to watch. It's contagious watching a group of musicians who have as much fun performing as Man Man.




8. The Antlers - "Two"

Shot in a Parisian cafe, this video is haunting, in a good way. Factor in the deeply personal lyrics about a terminally ill friend, and this will stick with you long after the viewing. Actually, watching this video back in '09 is what brought The Antlers to my attention. Chances are you are already well aware of this Brooklyn band. If not, this is the perfect introduction.




7. Mumford & Sons (with Johnny Flynn) - "The Banjolin Song" / "Awake My Soul"

This performance is everything the world has come to expect from Mumford & Sons. I find the location of a garden to be a perfect fit for "Awake My Soul". As the flowers bloom in the springtime and we shake off the cold grayness of the winter, "Awake My Soul" is on my go-to playlist. It should be on yours, as well.




6. Arcade Fire - "Neon Bible" / "Wake Up"

To warm up, we get a nice rendition of "Neon Bible" in an elevator as the band makes their way to the stage. The focus of this performance, "Wake Up", starts at around 8:30. The song starts well, but drags during the middle. What makes this top notch is that when the song starts its final phase (around 12:20), the crowd is absolutely electric.




5. The Tallest Man on Earth - "The Gardener"

In my opinion, Kristian Matsson has the strongest single voice in folk music today. Oddly enough, while The Tallest Man on Earth is about the size of an Olsen twin, his voice could knock over buildings. Throughout the performance, Moon takes us on a personal tour of the coolest guitar shop ever, Music Inn, located in Greenwich Village. Definitely checking that place out next time I'm in NYC.




4. Cold War Kids - "Saint John"

This video captures the off-beat, soulfully spontaneous nature of the Cold War Kids back during the Robbers & Cowards days. Some of the notes are out of key, and some of the percussion loses the beat, but that's music. I feel like Moon stumbled upon them as they were messing around before a show and just happened to have a camera with him. That's how authentic and impromptu this performance feels.




3. Local Natives - "Who Knows Who Cares"

I love how this is shot as a wandering narrative. Throughout the musical stroll, new voices and new instruments join in until all the pieces of the puzzle are together. When the band stops in the rotunda, something beautiful happens.



2. Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros - "Home"

This one is easy to write about. Simply put, I think it's impossible to watch this performance and not smile. Try it.



1. Bon Iver - "Skinny Love"

At the start of this video, you hear a woman say "Break our hearts, Vincent", and with much help from Bon Iver, Moon is able to do just that. Justin Vernon's fragile falsetto sounds like a man weeping away every ounce of past pain, adding to the emotion that radiates from the screen. I love how Moon puts you behind the musicians; seeing the candle-lit faces of the crowd makes the performance just that much more real. As they smile, you smile; as they sing, you sing. When the crowd joins in for the first "my, my, my...", I get chills...every time. This video is raw, honest, and passionate...everything music should be. Enjoy.




There you have it. If you think I missed something brilliant, please let me know in the comments. There are well over a hundred Take Away Shows, there's a good chance I'm missing out on a hidden gem.