Top 15 Albums of 2011: 5-1

5. Rural Alberta Advantage- Departing

Looking at the cover and listening to the songs inside, it basically describes life in northern Alberta.  Since I believe the lead singer, Nils Edenloff, grew up in Fort Macmurray the songs here are heartfelt and intensely packed with the feelings of someone living in a boring, isolated town.

http://www.allmusic.com/album/departing-r2119668









4. Feist- Metals

This album is full of lovely soft spoken vocals and catchy guitar playing.  I just love all the melodies and "A commotion" is quickly becoming one of my favorite songs.  While this album is not as instantly accessible as her previous, I found this one to be more rewarding with each listen.

http://www.allmusic.com/album/metals-r2286941/review










3. ...And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead- The Tao of the Dead

Concept album based on a graphic novel by Conrad Keely. Not too many bands are making music like this anymore.  Just consider that the 52 min album is split into two tracks.  Crazy stuff.  If you enjoy kind of proggy hard rock then definitely check this out.

http://www.allmusic.com/album/the-tao-of-the-dead-r2120576/review










2. Raekwon- Shaolin vs. Wu-Tang

Modern classic Wu material here.  The Chef brings in all the best guest mc's, such as Inspectah Deck, Meth, Ghost and even a cameo from Rick Ross that made me a fan.  And it all closes with a truly epic sample from Ennio Morricone on "Masters of our Fate".  Wu-Tang is alive and well here.

http://www.allmusic.com/album/shaolin-vs-wu-tang-r2128097










1. Destroyer- Kaputt

This was the album of the summer for me.  It features dreamy ethereal music, full of horns, saxophone and poetic lyrics.  This is original and somewhat retro as well.

http://www.allmusic.com/album/kaputt-r2102478/review

Top 15 Albums of 2011: 10-6

10. Ohbijou- Metal Meets

Lush instrumentation and soothing singing makes for great indie pop.

http://www.allmusic.com/album/metal-meets-r2260477











9. The Dears- Degeneration Street

Anthemic power pop at it's best!  The Dears have been one of my favorite bands since 2003 and although their lineup changes from record to record, I've enjoyed the different sounds of each album.  And I'm sure we'll be hearing these songs on commercials or tv shows for years to come.

http://www.allmusic.com/album/degeneration-street-r2068546/review







8. Drive-By-Truckers- Go-Go Boots

Country rock that tells a story.  The truckers continue the story from their last album about a small town and it's inhabitants.

http://www.allmusic.com/album/go-go-boots-r2120179/review









7. Sondre Lerche- Sondre Lerche

This one took me a while to get into, but once I listened to it a few times I was hooked.  Sondre Lerche is really the best right now at making pop music and I find it funny that he still looks like he's 15.

http://www.allmusic.com/album/sondre-lerche-r2171497










6. Mastodon- The Hunter

Just a really good aggressive sounding album.  I really loved "Cracked the Skye" and with this one they have strayed away from producing a concept album and just came out with a good collection of different sounding songs.
The song I most enjoyed is "Dry Bone Valley"

http://www.allmusic.com/album/the-hunter-r2279509

Top 15 Albums of 2011: 15 to 11

15. Shelby Lynne - Revelation Road


Great songwriting and Shelby Lynne always has an amazing voice.

http://www.allmusic.com/album/revelation-road-r2295848/review











14. My Morning Jacket - Circuital


My Morning Jacket continue to produce amazing and catchy music.  Their musicianship is top notch and Jim James has one of the best voices in rock.

http://www.allmusic.com/album/circuital-r2181009/review









13. J.Cole - Cole World: The Sideline Story

A long awaited debut from this lyrically gifted singer.

http://www.allmusic.com/album/cole-world-the-sideline-story-r2257837/review

12. Memphis - Here Comes a City

Just for the song "I am the Photographer" this album should be ranked.

http://www.allmusic.com/album/here-comes-a-city-r2132943/review

11. Sam Roberts- Collider

The Sam Roberts band added some saxophone into their sound on this album and I really dug it.  Overall they're just a really talented band, and Sam is one of the best live singers I've ever seen.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Collider_(Sam_Roberts_album)