Critics Picks 2011

Sounds in the distance
- Jungleland
- The Revolution Will Not Be Televised
- Everybody Hurts

2011

1. Bon Iver - Bon Iver
Beautiful and brillant. In the age of the 99 cent download, Bon Iver has constructed a thematic 10 song dream, displaying amazing power as the music washes over you. It's rare to see a fully realized idea expertly executed.
We used to call these concept albums.

2. The Black Keys - El Camino
A pure Rock 'n' Roll adrenalin rush. All the promise of "Brothers" is fulfilled on "El Camino". In the past the Black Keys gleefully displayed their influences.
Here those influences are completely assimilated into their own unique voice and what a joy it is to hear. The Black Keys are now firmly entrenched into into the upper echelons of the best bands in America.

3. Wilco - The Whole Love.
Just as I was about to relegate Wilco to the "oh, another album by" status, they do this. The opener "Art of Almost" is enough to place them here, but through the course of this set, Wilco fuses everything they've been, with a dollop of musical past and entwines it into a mix that leaves no doubt this band is still moving forward. Back on the pay attention to list.

4. Tom Waits - Bad As Me
And speaking of incorporating your full bag of tricks. Tom Waits has put together one of the best albums of his career full of concise viginettes, delivered via barroom drawls, carny music, whiskey soaked ballads, defiant snarls, angry diatribes and blue stained memories. That and a visit from Keith.
Just don't expect the man to carry a tune.

5. Fleet Foxes - Helplessness Blues
Minstrel folk music. Full of pastoral lyrics, acoustic and at times arcane instrumentation highlighted by soaring harmonies. The maturity of the songwriting and the quality of the playing belie the fact that this is only the second album.

6. Moreland & Arbuckle - Just a Dream
The backbeat on "Purgatory" is so hard it spits thunder and lightning. This is raw straight ahead, blues drenched Rock 'n' Roll. With airwaves of chillwave and slippery sheen, this is the Brillo pad to scratch up the surface, turn up the heat, and deal with the essence of the matter. Kindred sprits with the Black Keys, this is not to be missed. Play loud.

7. Other Lives - Tamer Animals
Like Bon Iver, Other Lives paint aural soundscapes that draw you in over and over. The music is full and rich, the details subtle and sublime, Never background music, "Tamer Animals" commands attention. Highly rewarding, and highly recommended.

8. Seasick Steve - You Can't Teach an Old Dog New Tricks.
Don't be deceived by the ability to deliver weathered folk tales, or gutbucket blues over vicious slide guitar. Or how Seasick Steve wears these songs like an old tattered coat. Don't be deceived into thinking this man is any kind of torchbearer. Don't be deceived because it's all true.

9. Decemberists - The King is Dead
This could have been higher, but the REM homages, "Calamity Song" and "Down By the Water" are too close for comfort without adding an individual stamp.
Otherwise this is the Decemberists most accomplished outting. It's a testament that even with those few flaws, how strong this is and keeps it within the top ten. "June Hymn" is everything that's great about this band.

10. Antlers - Burst Apart
Whereas both Bon Iver and Other Lives color their work through the use of electronics, the Antlers more fully embrace technology as an intregal part of their music. As a result they are more forceful in pushing its presence to strengthen their overall identity. Thankfully they are extremely skilled at it and it never comes across as an afterthought. The songs and instrumentation are inseparable, human never mechanical.

Contenders:

11. Paul Simon - So Beautiful or So What
Simon returns to the top pantheon of American songwriters.

12. White Denim - D
Up and comers. The interplay and creativity bode well for a bright rock 'n' roll future.

13. Ryan Adams - Ashes & Fire
Adams regains his footing with a quietly assured set.

14. Civil Wars - Barton Hollow
Couldn't have existed without Gillian Welch & David Rawlings. Great harmonies.

15. Alison Krauss - Paper Airplane
Penultimate professional with a band of master musicians.

Disappointment:

Coldplay - Mylo Xyloto
Trying to stay relevant, sounding like second rate followers. Holding pattern.

Reissues:

1. Mickey Newbury - American Trilogy
One of the great songwriters finally gets his due with the reissue of his finest albums. These are songs that demand to be listened to.

2. Beach Boys - Smile Sessions
The release of the "holy grail". Not able to attain those mythical heights granted to it when shrouded in mystery and speculation, it is nevertheless a remarkable work, and it certainly would have altered the landscape in '67 along with Sgt. Pepper.

3. Rolling Stones - Some Girls
Like "Exile on Mainstreet" being released in the same year as Springsteen's "The Promise", another great record by the Rolling Stones is eclipsed somewhat by the fanfare of others. The Rolling Stones at the top of their game when no one thought it possible.

4. Pirates - Shake with the Devil: The Best of 1977-1979
If you want finesse, look elsewhere, but sometimes you just gotta rock 'n' roll.