These were albums that I enjoyed this year, but just missed out on making my favorite albums of the year. They didn’t miss the cut by much, and all are all worthy of a mention.
Best Albums Of 2011 Honorable Mentions:
Tapes ‘n Tapes – Outside
A pretty solid offering from the band who have become unfairly ignored. It was one of the first released of the year, likely why a lot of people ignored it, which is a shame. “Freak Out” alone makes this album worth your time.
Coldplay – Mylo Xyloto
I’ve always been a Coldplay fan, often to the surprise of others. Why? Well, they’re one of the best at what they do. Big, bombastic, over the top stadium rock. Shake your head all you want, but with songs like “Charlie Brown” & “Hurts Like Heaven” , there’s plenty of reasons why Mylo Xyloto is a lot better than you’re willing to admit. This is coming from the guy who hated “Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall” at first. To say it’s grown on me is a slight understatement.
Is it still un-hip to like Coldplay? Shit, I missed the memo.
TV On The Radio – Nine Types Of Light
Didn’t see too much love for Nine Types Of Light, which is strange because it’s another solid TV On The Radio album. “Will Do” alone is enough to make this album worthy of note.
RIP Gerard Smith.
Big Deal – Lights Out
Did anyone in the U.S. even hear this album? Doesn’t seem like it. Which is disappointing because this duo is one not to sleep on. Think of them as a more back to the basics version of the xx. A duo of male/female vocals and memorable guitars that is a nice little surprise. Hopefully some more people pick up on these guys.
Clap Your Hands Say Yeah – Hysterical
Just like Tapes n’ Tapes, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah are forever bound to be judged by their buzz-worthy debut albums. That’s not fair, because even if they released solid albums, that would garner respect from any other band, they get ignored. This is miles better than their previous effort, and a solid listen from top to bottom. Cleaner, better produced, and rocking. What else do you need?
Destroyer – Kaputt
It’s my own fault that this album didn’t make it on my final list. I simply waited too long to finally check it out. From my limited listens I fully acknowledge what a great 80’s sound that Dan Bejar has going on. “Chinatown” & “Kaputt” are easily some of the chillest cuts of the year. This album is growing on me more and more, and with more time, I’ll probably regret not having this on the final list.
The Rapture – In The Grace Of Your Love
I’ll always be confident that The Rapture will release solid stuff, and In The Grace Of Your Love is no different. I can’t speak for most dance-rock albums but it’s saying something when songs grow on me at alarming rates like “How Deep Is Your Love?” & “Never Die Again” did. These guys still bring it live too.
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