TOP ALBUMS OF 2011: HONORABLE MENTION
Sometimes, amazing albums from the year slip through the cracks - either because they’re too involved, or take a little getting used to, or just get beat out by other albums. We’ll now take a moment to praise those albums that didn’t make the cut, but are still worth mentioning, in no particular order.
Gloss Drop - Battles
After Battles’ 2007 album, fans were left a little scared by what this band was capable of: they define the nature of experimental rock in the purest sense. Gloss Drop, however, narrows in on catchy tunes while still retaining the elements that made Mirrored so effective - especially on the awesome track “Ice Cream,” which finds itself as one of the best of the year.
Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming - M83
Obviously, Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming deserves a spot on every end of the year list, even if its just for the magnitude of work done for the record. Whatever kept it off the top list was strictly my doing, and exhaustive efforts to unpack the album. However, it’s worth noting that the two tracks “Intro (feat. Zola Jesus)” and “Midnight City” are among the best of the year, both individually and together - incredibly moving pieces of work,the former being a touching poem and the latter being a all-out dance track that keeps giving.
Tarot Classics EP - Surfer Blood
Tarot Classics is incredibly different from Surfer Blood’s 2010 effort Astro Coast, and probably isn’t as good simply in original riffs and memorable tracks (see: “Anchorage”), however the cleaned-up sound of this new EP gives us high hopes for the band, even if we’re only getting four tracks and a bunch of useless remixes. It might not give as much as the debut did, but its an interesting taste at where the band’s going.
w h o k i l l - tUnE-yArDs
It takes a lot to get over the creepy voice of Merrill Garbus, who moves in and out of female and male vocals throughout the course of w h o k i l l, and that’s probably why it’s hard to get into. But if you can look past that, you realize the beauty of her tracks, particularly “Powa,” which finds itself among the catchiest this year. Sure, there’s a uncomfortable feeling you get from the songs, but there’s something magical here that you can’t deny.
With U - Holy Other
In a world where simplistic electronic music seems to be a dime a dozen after the explosion of James Blake, Holy Other stands out by creating those same simplistic tracks with a bit more emotion to them. Maybe it’s the lack of information about the group, or the bed-spread cover art that immediately draws you in, but from the opening moments of With U, you get the sense that it’s going to be a good listen, and one that keeps giving you more each time.
Ravedeath, 1972 - Tim Hecker
What Tim Hecker is trying to accomplish through his music, I have no idea - and the combination of Ravedeath, 1972 and Dropped Pianos this year make up some of the most terrifying records coming out right now. And yet still, maybe it’s the track names or the haunting cover image, but Ravedeath plays the role of mysterious while still leaving you feeling the ambient emotions of early Aphex Twin for a new generation.
