This is likely my last entry for 2011. So here we are, on the cusp of you reading what my top 10 albums of the year were. Cutting to the chase, ’cause I don’t want to waste your time or butter you up for disappointment.

 

10.) Deafheaven – Roads to Judah : Controversial shoegaze-influenced band. They claim to not be a black metal band, so I won’t call them shoegaze-black metal but let’s be real, that’s what they sound like. I really enjoy the album and the sound it maintains. Their demo is a bit more full in terms of what the band can do stylistically as well as musically. That is also recommended.

9.) Atriarch – Forever the End : Doom. Sludge. One of the most impressive doom albums of the past ten years and one of my favorites of the year. Worth picking up if you’re into the genre or interested in experimenting with a style of music that you’ll likely hate.

8.) Anne – Dream Punx : Shoegaze-punk. They released a really great EP last year and this is the EP follow up. For fans of Joy Division, The Smiths, Bauhaus, post-punk like Interpol.

7.) Indian – Guiltless : I should rank this higher because it might be my favorite metal album of the year. This album is wholly punishing and sonically overwhelming (if you have good-great-excellent speakers). Indulge in this.

6.) M83 – Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming : There’s really no reason why anyone should’ve avoided listening to this record. Absolutely beautiful music from M83.  Undeniably influenced by an 80s-L.A./Miami-setting. Even though this album is being fellatio’d by hipsters it is certainly worth many, many listens.

5.) Polar Bear Club – Clash Battle Built Pride : Another album I should rank higher. I love this album. It isn’t as good as their debut album, Sometimes Things Just Disappear but it combines the lyrical prowess of that album and the sound of their second album Chasing Hamburg into a more cohesive sound. A really, really wonderful album.

4.) The Horrible Crowes : A really interesting piece of work by Brian Fallon of the Gaslight Anthem and their guitar tech Ian Perkins. Heavily influenced by PJ Harvey and Tom Waits. This is a really, really beautiful album that combines Brian’s versatile voice over tasteful musical arrangements.

3.) New Lows – Harvest of the Carcass : Pissed off, angry, straightforward hardcore. Download it. Buy it. Turn it up loud, let the opening three tracks rip you to shreds.

2.) Tom Waits – Bad As Me : Crusty, dirty, down-to-earth, simple Tom Waits. This album is stripped down and raw. A great addition for Tom Waits fans, a great introduction for new fans. All around a very musically interesting album and a testament to the creativity of Tom Waits and his wife and son who worked on the album. One of the best of the year, only second to my number one pick. Another album being bukkaked on by hipsters.

1.) End of a Year (Self Defense Family) – I’m Going Through Some Shit EP: Uninterested people making interesting music. Recorded in the studio that Bob Marley recorded his hits in. Has a very distinct drum tone and vocal sound. Not for those with horrible taste in music.

 

So that’s it. Those albums hit the mark for me. Enjoy the rest of your 2011.

Expect a more aggressive year come 2012.

By: Josh Zoerner

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