Sometimes, as someone who writes about music, it’s tough to fully enjoy an album because you’re constantly searching for something new. But for some reason or another, these albums have been revisted countless times over the past 12 months.
11. Nero – Welcome to Reality
Since Nero’s legendary essential mix, I’ve been a huge fan of this UK duo. “Welcome to Reality” is a dense, twenty track, melody-driven dubstep album heavily focused around the incredible pop vocals of Alana Watson. “You keep on talking but it makes no sense at all” swoons Alana on my favourite track of the album, “Guilt”.
10. Foster the People – Torches
FTP’s first full-length effort “Torches” didn’t fair well with most blogs/music sources. But it made my list because if you look past the amount of radio play and car commercials, the album is light hearted and fun. “I Would Do Anything For You” is a slower track that definitely bounced it’s way into my most played tracks of ’11.
9. Holy Ghost! – Holy Ghost!
This NYC alternative dance duo’s first self-titled release is definitional, high quality disco-dance pop. Expect nothing but shimmering pianos, rainbow like synths and a ton of handclaps. Basically, it’s a musical equivalent to a kaleidoscope.
8. Cadillac – Cadillac
Who? I know most of you haven’t heard this sample of sunshine, but no summer is complete without Future Classic’s Cadillac. Probably the biggest track on the album, “Dreams” was on every daytime playlist I made between the months of May and September.
7. James Blake – James Blake
There is something about this chilly, minimal tech album that strikes a warm emotion cord with all of its listeners. The album can relate, which I think is most important. “Limit To Your Love” is simple yet perfect, with just a few hand pick samples/drums accompanied by James’ collected vocals.
6. Youth Lagoon – The Year of Hibernation
Trevor Powers burst onto the electronic scene as Youth Lagoon in 2011. His nostalgic approach to laid-back electro pop is refreshing because it’s unique. Want to feel like a big kid? Give “Afternoon” a spin.
5. Jamie XX and Gil Scott – I’m New Here (Remix Album)
Jamie XX’s re-imagining of Gil Scott-Herin’s 2010 release “I’m New Hear” showcases a young producers passion for the spoken word. The light, whirling “My Cloud” has Gil sharing center stage with Jamie’s signature minimal feel.
4. Washed Out – Within and Without
Don’t get it twisted, Ernest Greene (aka. Washed Out) helped define the chill-wave genre with his EP “Life of Leisure”. Dream state drums and synths set the tone for an album that might be better suited for the bedroom rather then the dance floor.
3. SBTRKT – SBTRKT
African mask sporting UK producer SBTRKT (pronounced “subtract”) specializes in extremely clean post-dubstep. Packed filled with a modern glitch meets tribal sound, his first self-titled debut is a must hear for any electronic music lover. I especially dig Little Dragon’s vocals on the already successful “Wildfire”.
2. M83 – Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming
I rarely use the word “epic”, but when describing this album there are few other words that fit so well. “Hurry Up, We’ve Dreaming” feels less like an LP, and more like a soundtrack for your journey through Narnia. Using larger then life productions, Anthony Gonzales has thrusted M83 into the spotlight better known as the mainstream. It’s tough to feel bitter about this because it’s about damn time they got some recognition.
1. Cut Copy – Zonoscope
Without a doubt, “Zonoscope” was my most anticipated album of 2011. But it was this sheer level of expectation that had me most worried when I first picked it up. What struck me right away with this record was it’s evolved sense of song writing and composition. Cut Copy shy’d away from their 80′s pop focus to create something we hadn’t heard on “Bright Like Neon Love” and “In Ghost Colours”. On their venture for “new”, they’ve discovered a more mature/refreshing sound that signifies their growth as musicians.
