Songbird
Dec
27
Eleven Favorite Albums Of 2011
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This list is a long time coming and a little later than I would have liked it to be, but I do not take lists lightly so I didn’t want to rush it. For me 2011 was a great year in music. I have opened myself up and listened to a lot of stuff that I don’t think I would have given a chance a couple of years ago. I also saw a fair amount of shows in 2011. Alexi Murdoch, The Decemberists, The Kills, James Vincent McMorrow and these are all albums I consider to have made up a large portion of my 2011 soundtrack. Thank you for listening and reading. I am going on my sixth year of this and I still love it. Thank you so much for sharing this joy of music with me. Happy Holidays!
 
When I first heard the album the only thing I was disappointed with was how short it was. I wanted more. The thing about Radiohead is that they always surprise me. Their music is ever evolving and King Of Limbs is a perfect example of that. I have said from the beginning it is a mix of old and new. It has the eclectic layered sound of Kid A mixed with a new electronic beat driven sound. With each listen new layers are revealed and kudos to them for continuing to expand their music and keeping their fans on their toes. I am waiting impatiently for word of a show in California… Waiting with baited breath.
 
This album took me by surprise. I was and still am obsessed with it which is a strange because I have never been this smitten with any of her previous albums. Metals however is different than any of her other albums. The sound is bigger and more refined. Her voice is complimented so well by the bold melodies. It has been on constant rotation and deserves this spot on my list.
This band exploded onto the scene a couple of years ago and took my breath away. I have a spiritual awakening when I hear their indie rock booming through my speakers. This album is filled with whirling melodies and layered arrangements that are simply stunning. Currently opening for some Radiohead shows… I am determined to see them live hopefully with Radiohead.
Of Monsters and Men – My Head Is An Animal
Oh man I went back and forth on whether I should include this album. But I decided I have it and I have been listening to it constantly and it has been a big part of my life in 2011. This Icelandic band has quickly become my favorite new band. I love their upbeat sing along indie rock and this debut album is a must! It is totally worth the import cost.
p.s. I forgot to mention that there is a hidden track on the last song, Yellow Light. So good.
 
Alison Mosshart and Jamie Hince kick so much ass! Blood Pressures simply rocks. I saw them live and I fell in love with them and this album just that much more. It is gritty and dynamic. An absolute must have in your music collection.
 
Boy & Bear is another band I waited patiently for… Their debut album was well worth the wait. Colorful arrangements matched with Dave Hosking’s unique vocals. Their music just makes me feel good which is why it was a definite favorite of 2011.
 
Alexi Murdoch – Towards The Sun
This album is a special one. I have actually been listening to it for about two years since I got a copy at his concert back in 2009 and I have been listening to it ever since. I finally got it on vinyl last night for Christmas thanks to my dear friend. If you are an avid reader or even just a casual reader of Untitled Records you know my undying love for Alexi Murdoch. Seeing him live this year at the intimate Bootleg theater really made me realize he is my favorite singer-songwriter of all time.
 
I wasn’t really expecting this album to make it onto the year end list honestly but here it is. It took me by surprise, I have always enjoyed their music, but on We Are The Tide I can put it on and let it play and play. Their music is infectious and this sophomore album is absolutely fantastic.
 
James Vincent McMorrow – Early In The Morning
Another singer-songwriter I saw live this year. He took me by storm with his delicate singer-songwriter arrangements with his unique vocals that will remind you of Bon Iver, but I feel James Vincent McMorrow has fuller arrangements that compliment his fragile vocals. His debut album, Early In The Morning has been on constant repeat throughout the year and he was such a treat to see live in a fantastically intimate setting which was just perfection.
 
I don’t think there is an album that Zach Condon creates that is not on my end of year list. The Rip Tide is one of my favorite albums since Gulag Orkestar. Trumpet galore mixed with that French Chanson style along with a modern twist that only Zach Condon can bring to the table. Light and beautiful. His prettiest album to date.
 
The Decemberists – The King Is Dead
Oh Decemberists… How I love thee. How I loved seeing them live this year and being in their presence felt like coming home. Their music, their style, their spirit, their lyrics. Everything. This is one of my favorite albums since The Crane Wife but I feel The King Is Dead has taken the top spot hands down. So well done.
Sep
20
We Are The Tide
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When I first heard the music of Blind Pilot in 2008 I knew immediately that it would go right onto my iPod. I was very pleased to hear they were recording a follow up. I wasn’t surprised with how much I enjoy their new album, We Are The Tide. Their upbeat sing along American acoustic folk is at its best. Their music stands out to me among so much just like it. There is no one who sings with the sincerity and honesty of lead singer Israel Nebeker. He is matched with the gently plucked and strummed acoustic guitar melodies and it all just makes my heart flutter.
We Are The Tide 2011 (ATO)
Feb
8
All Weekend I Heard The Sound of Rain
Filed Under Album Picks | 2 Comments
This is really how beaitiful it is outside right now…
It has been a glorious weekend… I did nothing and it rained off and on… Beautiful white fluffy clouds graced us in the afternoons, rainbows, rain and even waterspouts just South in Huntington Beach, which is kind of scary, but hey my philosophy is that any weather in Southern California is good weather. Anything different than sunny and 75 degrees is just fine with me… I suppose some would probably ask what I am doing in sunny California then and I ask myself the same question… But for now this is home until something else presents itself further North.
It was nice to just relax and watch recorded old episodes of Saturday Night Live and the 1998 film, Happiness. I have had a busy couple of weeks at work… *sigh*
The Grammy’s are on tonight… *crickets*
God bless Blind Pilot… Israel Nebeker and Ryan Dobrowski are the duo who create beautiful guitar arrangements on their 2008 album 3 Rounds and a Sound… Israel Nebeker sings dreamy melodies that make the heart pitter patter. And get this… Not only can they create amazing music but they went on a bike tour together hauling all the equipment behind them to city after city… Talented and earth friendly… Yummy. Check out their tour schedule for dates in your area but make sure to also check their blog for updates on cancellations and general info.
mp3:Â The Story I Heard
mp3:Â I Buried a Bone
3 Rounds and a Sound 2008 (Expunged Records)
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