Top Ten Records of 2011 and more...

Top Ten:

1 Band of Horses – Infinite Arms

I’ve been on board with this band since the beginning, but this was the first record to resonate from top to bottom. Gorgeous and melodic, a great live show at the Independent, too, cemented this one for the top slot.

2 The Love Language – Libraries

Directed to these guys via a friend on Postcard, thanks Corey. A big sound, echoey lo-fi goodness.

3 Eels – End Times

Mark Oliver Everett is on a hot streak. Three records delivered in little over a year, this second of the trilogy is beautiful and, at times, heartbreaking. A great live show at the Fillmore.

4 The Pernice Brothers – Goodbye, Killer

Joe Pernice can write a hook with the best of ‘em. If you’re looking for smart pop songs this 32 minute record will deliver in spades.

5 Through the Sparks – Worm Moon Waning

Echoes of Bowie and late period Wilco, this Alabama band is one to watch. I was completely oblivious until an eye-opening afternoon showcase at SXSW.

6 The Parting Gifts – Strychnine Dandelions

Greg Cartwright of the ferocious Reigning Sound teams up with Coco Hames of the Ettes to deliver a dose of Cartwright’s melody heavy garage rock and roll. Sloppy and fun.

7 The Black Keys – Brothers

I’d paid only scant attention to the Black Keys until I heard them do “Tighten Up” on Letterman, which really caught my ear. Sultry, sexy and groove inducing.

8 Dr Dog – Shame, Shame

These boys from Philly keep churning out harmony-laden poppy chestnuts one record after another. This one is as good as anything they’ve done.

9 Justin Townes Earle – Harlem River Blues

Not yet 28 years old, this third full length record shows Earle to be maturing at a rapid pace. If he can keep his personal shit together he’s destined for greatness.

10 Bruce Springsteen – The Promise

A 2010 release by technicality only, The Promise as a complete song cycle was just too good to ignore for my top ten. Springsteen furthers his reputation of having the best "throwaways" in the history of rock and roll.

Worthy of mention (in no particular order):

Glossary - Feral Fire

The Morning Benders - Big Echo

Superchunk - Majesty Shredding

Codeine Velvet Club - Codeine Velvet Club

Title Tracks - It Was Easy

Sam Quinn - The Fake That Sunk A Thousand Ships

Yukon Blonde - Yukon Blonde

Ghost Shirt – Daniel

Pink Nasty – Pink Nasty

Best Coast – Crazy For You

Mavis Staples – You Are Not Alone

Joey Kneiser – The All Night Bedroom Revival

Futurebirds – Hampton’s Lullaby

Peter Wolf – Midnight Souvenirs

Elvis Costello – National Ransom

Miles Kurosky – The Desert of Shallow Effects

Dylan LeBlanc – Pauper’s Field

Pete Molinari – A Train Bound For Glory

Best EPs:

Bryan Cates – Crystal Ball EP

Frank Turner – Rock and Roll EP

Songs of the Year:

Laredo - Band of Horses

Heart to Tell - The Love Language

Shine – The Parting Gifts

More songs, just for the fun of it:

I Still Believe – Frank Turner

Buddy Holly's Gun - Through the Sparks

Reste Avec Moi - Codeine Velvet Club

Goodbye, Killer – The Pernice Brothers

You Are Not Alone – Mavis Staples

Baby Lee – Teenage Fanclub

Johnny Utah - Futurebirds

Every Little Bit Hurts - Title Tracks

Planters – Pink Nasty

1000 Years - Yukon Blonde

Crazy For You – Best Coast

Unraveling – Bobby Drivers

Little Bird - EELS

Sun Is King - Laura Veirs

Swim Until You Can't See Land - Frightened Rabbit

Excuses - Morning Benders

Shadow People - Dr Dog

Strange Wave - Sam Quinn

Big Wave – Jenny and Johnny

Southern Girl – Ghost Shirt

It’s On Me Tonight – Bryan Cates