Chesapeake by Rachael Yamagata

Released:  October 11, 2011
Rating:  72.00

This is my second album by Rachael Yamagata's and her third studio release.  (She recorded this album utilizing the fan-funded music platform PleadgeMusic - another interesting side story you can read about at http://www.pledgemusic.com/site/about.)

Rachael Yamagata lists Carole King and Roberta Flack amongst her influences, and that comes through loud a clear on Chesapeake.    I also hear influences from Sheryl Crow, Nora Jones and others.  Lot's of great piano and a hip stand-up base on Stick Around.

A couple of my favorites are the Elton John-esque Piano Ballad Full On and the very cool Starlight.  (Click the song titles to hear full length recordings on youtube.com.)

Raised in New York City and Washington DC by divorced parents, she went to college, in the mid ‘90s, at Northwestern and Vassar where she majored in French and Italian Theatre, respectively. She returned to Northwestern for her Junior year where she joined a local band. They recorded three albums over 6 years and in 2001 Yamagata decided it was time to go out on her own and released her first solo album in 2004.

All Things Will Unwind by My Brightest Diamond

Released: October 11, 2011
Rating:70.91

This is Chamber Pop. Mixing elements of opera, cabaret, chamber music, and rock, My Brightest Diamond is the project of singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Shara Worden (from Ypsilanti, Michigan.) This album, her fourth as MBD, is a collaboration with the acclaimed yMusic chamber ensemble - an interesting enough story in their own right (follow the hyperlink to learn more about them).

Check out the official videos for High, Low, Middle;  it has a sort of gypsy beat; or try my favorite, the sort of tribal chant Be Brave.

It's no no surprise she got part of her inspiration from one of my favorite quirky artists – Antony and the Johnsons.
Her career began with her 2001 release, under the name of Awry.

Metals by Feist

Released:  October 4, 2011
Rating:  70.00

This is my first album by Leslie Feist, though it's her 4^th solo studio release.  She's also been an active member of 4 different bands, starting with a herSchool punk band, that opened for the Ramones.  She was born in Novia Scotia,  relocated to Calgary and finally settled in Toronto.  

I would use the words sweet, smoky and gentle to describe this album.  My opinion seems to line up, in general, with the critics.  It's a really pretty album and much of it reminds me of Annie Lennox.

Give a listen to live versions of  Bittersweet Memories or Caught a Long Wind.

The Whole Love by Wilco

Released: September 27, 2011
Rating: 75.00

I'm still struggling to decide if I really like this album, or if I love it.  Every time I listen to it I like it more.  I think if I waited a few more weeks, it might climb into the top 10.

Wilco, formed in 1994 by Jeff Tweedy, after the break-up of Uncle Tupelo, has released their 10th studio album. I think this is the best thing they've done since 2004’s A Ghost Is Born and it's brought me back into the fold of Wilco fans.

Tweedy has never shied away from the influences of the 70's and they're here in abundance: hints of John Lennon and George Harrison, Gram Parsons, Pink Floyd, Simon and Garfunkel, Randy Numan, and any of a number of 70's power pop bands.

Check out the poppy I Might or the spacey Art of Almost.   (click the song titles for a link to live versions of the the full songs from Letterman on youtube)

As a side note, and it should not be held against the album, The Whole Love has been nominated (announced November 30) for the 2012 Best Rock Album Grammy.

The 2012 Grammy Nominations Are Out

And I am unsurprisingly underwhelmed.  Last year's Album of the Year nod to Arcade Fire was mind blowingly cool.  For this year, I'm left to root for:

Based strictly on the nominees:
Record of the Year:  Nothin' in this category I care about

1. Song of the Year:  Same here.
2. New Artist:  And again...
3. Album of The Year:  I'll be pulling for the Foo fighters Wasting Light, which made number four on my list for 2011.
4. Pop Solo Performance:  See number 1.
5. Best Pop Duo/Group Performance.  This is a bit more encouraging.  I like both the Black Key's Dearest (which was from the Rave On Buddy Holly tribute album) and Cold Play's Paradise.
6. Dance Recording:  Nothing floated my boat at all this year, so I really don't much care.
7. Dance/Electronica Album:  See 7.
8. Rock Performance:  I'll be pulling for the Foo Fighters.  I like Coldplay, but rock performance?
9. Hard Rock/Metal Performance:  Again, go Dave Grohl!
10. Rock Album:  I'd be happy to see a sweep by Dave and the Foos, but I wouldn't be upset if the Red Hot Chili Peppers or Wilco took this home.
11. Alternative Music Album:  This should be my category, but...  Foster the People?  Alternative?  Really?  I would take, in order of preference: My Morning Jacket's Circuital (currently in a 5-way tie for tenth for 2011) Radiohead's King of Limbs or Codes and Keys by Death Cab for Cutie.
12. Traditional R&B Performance:  I loved Good Man by Raphael Saadiq!
13. And I almost missed that Danger Mouse is nominated as Producer of the Year for Rome!

I've only heard one rap album I've liked this year (A November release I haven't picked up yet).

Velociraptor by Kasabian

Released:  September 20, 2011
Rating:  74.55

So there's a bit disturbing about Kasabian, starting with their name (from Charles Manson's getaway driver, Linda Kasabian) to the demented expression repeated around the album cover.  On the other hand, there's a lot to love once you get the disc in the player.  In fact, it's one star from breaking the current tie for the final spot on my 2011 top ten.

Although this is the fourth proper album for the British band, it's my introduction to them.  A lot of different influences show up; Velociraptor reminds me of David Bowie and La Fée Verte feels sort of gypsy influenced to me.  However, in the end, it's good ole rock and roll: play it loud!

My favorite song is the electronic I Hear Voices.  I also love Acid Turkish Bath (Shelter From The Storm (the orchestra is a very nice touch.)  Click on the songs to hear them, in-full, on youtube.com.  Better yet, find full album and listen to it!

West by Wooden Shjips

Released: September 13, 2011
Rating: 70

Another San Francisco band (and no, the J in Shjips is not a typo).  Although they've been around since 2003, released 2 other albums and 10 EPs and singles, this is my first introduction to the band.

I'm not completely comfortable with the rating as the album is much more than the sum of the songs.  It should probably be about a 75.  This is 1960's psychedelic garage rock moved into the 21st century.  Lot's of organ and fuzzed out guitar with a vocal track obscured by the trance-like melodies.  If you were around and loved that sound, you'll love this.  If you weren't (and I barely was) you might love it any way.  Try the opener Black Smoke Rise or Flight.

Father, Son, Holy Ghost by Girls

Released: September 13, 2011
Rating: 74.55

This is the sophomore album for the San Francisco based duo (FYI, there are no girls in the band).  I loved their first album, 2009's eponymous release, and I like this one even better.  It's a little more approachable with some really pretty ballads (Just a Song and Jamie Marie) some straight ahead rock 'n' roll (Die) and a little R&B (Love Like a River).  My favorites (click to listen via youtube.com) include the bitter-sweet and simple, jangly-guitar pop Saying I Love You and the rocker, Die.

Sem Nostalgia by Lucas Santtana

Released:  August 30, 2011
Rating:  71.67

I struggle with anything that can be called World Music; torn between my general affinity for more traditional Alt Rock and a desire to appear sophisticated.  Lucas Santtana has made it easy, with his debut of pop music influenced by his Brazilian roots.

This is a terrific album.  It may be difficult to separate the title Sem Nostalgia (without nostalgia) from the clear influence of Brazilian Bossa Nova. However, after a few listens, it becomes clear: the idea is the learn from what's been, without being tied down by it.  This album has everything from traditional to electro, with reggae, afro-pop, and alt-rock thrown in to keep it interesting.

A couple of gems include Night Time In The Backyard (which reminds me of later Beatles) and the more traditional Amor em Jacumã. (This is a simple acoustic version of the song, lacking some of the electro affects of the album version.  They're both awesome.)

I'm With You by the Red Hot Chili Peppers

Released:  August 30, 2011
Rating:  74.29

Two major league rock 'n' pop acts in a row.  I must be slipping, but heck, I love the Red Hot Chili Peppers!  The critics' knock on this album was that it sounded too much like the Red Hot Chili Peppers!  Isn't that like knocking chocolate cake for tasting like chocolate cake?

Although coming up just shy of the 2011 Top 10, this is still a great album, especially for a band that's been around for 28 years and is performing without guitarist John Frusciante for the first time in over a decade.  Of course, the heart and soul of the Peppers are vocalist Anthony Kiedis and bassist Flea, respectively, both of whom are just shy of 50 years old.

I can recommend the entire album; there is no filler; so let's keep it simple:  Here's a link to the official video for The Adventures of Rain Dance Maggie.

Black & White America by Lenny Kravitz

Released:  August 29, 2011
Rating:  67.50

I seem to be way off from a lot of the reviewers,  who gave this album a meta-score of 77.  AMG gave it a 90!  On the other hand, Rolling Stone gave it a 70.  In any event, it is a great album (with a few points,in my opinion, but I have no intention of dwelling on those.)

What I love about Lenny Kravitz is that he wears his influences on his sleeve.  I hear a lot of my favorites, including The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Aerosmith, Jimi Hendrix, Wild Cherry, Marvin Gaye, Curtis Mayfield, '60s and '70s R&B, '70s funk, '80s hair metal, '90s alt rock and modern R&B. You can hear about three-fourths of those in Come On Get It (please forgive the NBA plug).  The Other quarter can be heard in Liquid Jesus.

(The song titles are hyper links to full length versions of the songs courtesy of YouTube.com)

Still Living by Ganglians

Released:  August 23, 2011
Rating:  71.67

Okay, their a hometown (Sacramento) band that's getting national attention, so I jumped on their bandwagon.  Turned out to be a pretty cool ride.  All jangly guitars, Beach Boy harmonies and lo-fi production (with traces of Pink Floyd riffs hidden throughout.)

The foursome has been together since about 2007 and released their first full length in 2009.  This, their second release, is my introduction to the band.  There are several excellent cuts.  Give a listen to Bradley (the official video), or my favorite, That's What I Want.  I couldn't find a studio copy of it, but what I did find was an awesome, live, acoustic version.  There's about a minute and a half of interview, followed by the song at 1:28.

(The song names are hyperlinks to the songs in full length on youtube.)

Obscurities by Stephin Merritt

Released:  August 23, 2011
Rating:  68.00

First, the "i" in Stephin is not a typo.  However, it is indicative of the eccentricities of the artist.

This album is a sort of B-sides collection from the 4 bands he's formed (The Magnetic Fields, the Gothic Archies, Buffalo Rome and the 6ths) along with several solo releases.

Stephin Merritt is someone you either get, or you don't.  He can't be categorized.  He's big into pop and electronica, but he also writes opera and musicals.  His bands range from very experimental to fairly basic pop.  His voice is described as an un-trained baritone (you can hear that) and he's been an editor for two different magazines.

Give him a try and see if he catches your imagination.  If not, you're not alone, if so, it's a fascinating experience.

For the moment, at least, you can stream the whole album at Merge Records
I suggest trying The Sun And The Sea And The Sky (a 2011 solo release), Yet Another Girl (a 1995 release from The 6ths), or Plant White Roses (2011 from the Gothic Archies.)

Shangri - La by YACHT

Released:  July 5, 2011

Rating:  76.00

This album was actually released in Europe in January, and digitally in June.  I first heard it streaming in January and have been waiting to pick it up ever since.  (I was too cheap to pick up the import.)

 

It's leapt into the top 10, in a 5 way tie for the 10th spot.

 

This is electronic music. Not just beats.I hear a strong influence from The Cars in the music.  The lyrics are decidedly darker.  The second song on the album is Dystopia (my favorite song on the album)  A post apocalyptic chant (with lyrics not appropriate for young ears.)  The opener is the flip side in every way, aptly named Utopia.  My second favorite song is I Walked Alone.

 

This is a great album from the Portland Oregon duo lead by Jonah Bechtolt.  Bechtolt is a classic workaholic and I'm not going to repeat his resume hear.  If you're curious, you can click the link here to AMG to read about him.  It's worth a few minutes...

 

This wraps up July.  It turned out to be a much better moonth than I expected.  August has a few real stellar moments, so keep coming back.

Pressure & Time by Rival Sons

Released:  July 26, 2011
Rating:  72.00

This is Rock 'n' Roll!

Nominated by Classic Rock Magazine as the best New Band and for Best Album.

This is the first major label release for the Southern California quartet - vocalist, guitar, bass and drums.  (They've also self-released an EP and a digital-only album.)  Most call it Blues rock, and I definitely hear the connection (ZZ Top, Aerosmith and Bad Company), but I think it's oversimplified.  I also hear a lot psychedelia.  (One song reminds me of Three Dog Night.)  And even some gospel.

Mayhem by Imelda May

Released:  July 19, 2011
Rating:  76.00

This is the best thing to happen in the US market this summer. 

Imelda May, from Dublin, Ireland, draws inspiration from Billy Holiday and American swing.  The album includes rockabilly, jazz, a little country and even a waltz. (I could have lived without the waltz).  The rockabilly and some of the jazz reminds me a lot of Gwen Stefani with No Doubt, but a lot of it is completely original.

There is so much here to check out.  My favorite is Psycho and this is the official video release.  She also does a fun cover of Soft Cell's Tainted Love and Let Me Out sounds sounds so much like No Doubt that I could picture Gwen Stefani doing it.  For a great example of her jazz arrangements, try Bury My Troubles.

This album joins a 4-way tie for my number 10 album of the year.

Last Summer By Eleanor Friedberger

Released: July 12.2011
Rating:  72.00

June is over.  It wasn't a great month in music for me.  I managed to pick up 5 releases and one of them was a compilation.  July looks even bleaker, musically (although it was a great month personally; I spent a week in Monterey with my wife and daughter.)  In any event, there were a few nice surprises, starting with this.

Eleanor Friedberger is better known as half of the brother/sister duo, The Fiery Furnaces from Oak Park, IL.  This is her first solo release and it's a real joy.  It's less frenetic than Fiery Furnaces, but just as much fun.  (Side note:  I got to see her perform live on August 19 at the Fox Theater in Oakland, where she opened for The Kills.)  I was absolutely blown away by Inn Of The Seventh Ray.  I also really like Heaven.  In fact, there's not a bad cut on the album.

I can't really compare her to anything (other than her own band with her brother.)  If you hear something else, let me know.

Taking Back Sunday by Taking Back Sunday

Released:  June 28, 2011
Rating:  72.00

This is a terrific album.  Although it's their seventh album, it's only the second with the original line-up;  which makes it sort of the sophomore album for the quintet from Amityville New York.  These guys fall under the Alt Rock category, but the sound (if not the band members) reminds me of the better '80s hair metal bands.  Not a lot of a back story here. Just some great music.

My favorite two songs can be heard by clicking on the titles:  Who Are You Anyway? or Money (Let It Go).  I could only find a 93 second streaming example of the latter.

Sound Kapital by Handsome Furs

Released June 28, 2011
Rating 71.11

I'm not sure what it is about this husband-and-wife duo from Montreal.  (He's the front man from Wolf Parade.) This is my second album by them (their third) and there isn't much that blows me away, but I really love the stuff as a package.  The previous album (Face Control) was based on Russian influences fro their tours in Eastern Europe.  This album is influenced by their two-year tour of Asia.  Given that this album (different than the two previous, is devoid of guitars and the percussion comes from a machine, only things I can compare them to is a lot of the cooler '80s stuff (Depeche Mode or the Thompson Twins). 

Try Damage or What About Us?  (FYI, the actual album cover, for reasons not completely clear, is a photo of a nude woman - full frontal.  It's not what I chose to put here, but it what's on the youtube version.)

Rave On, Buddy Holly by Various Artists

Released:  June 28, 2011
Rating:  72.63

19 songs by Buddy Holly, one of the greatest song writers of all time, covered by 19 very different bands.  Think about it:  His entire career lasted from May of 1957 (when That'll Be The Day was released) until he died in an airplane crash with Richie Valens and The Big Bopper on February 3, 1959 - "The Day The Music Died".  In less than two years he wrote and released 40 songs and had 8 top 40 hits.

My only challenge with the album is that so many kept the arrangements so close to the originals.  I mean, when The Black Keys play Dearest, I want to hear The Black Keys, not a Buddy Holly sound-alike.  Notable exceptions include Patti Smith's take on Words of Love (my favorite song on the album), Paul McCartney doing It's So Easy and Lou Reed's rendition of Peggy Sue.  You can stream every song (or the entire album) by clicking soundcloud.

David Comes to Life by "Messed" Up

Released:  June 7, 2011
Rating:  68.75

Okay, so that's not their name, but I just wasn't comfortable posting that.  It was a difficult-enough dilemma for this 51 year old father of a six year old girl to have an album with that on the cover.  It's not that I haven't used the term more than I should have, it's just, well, you know...

Anyway, the music won me over.  FU presents a fascinating mix of \music that reminds me of the driving mid-70s Springsteen stuff (think Rosalita or Born to Run), overlaid with really angry, ranting vocals.  I cannot unequivocally recommend this, but it is definitely worth a listen, especially of you're feeling a need to get your angst on.

The entire album is available for streaming at myspace.  Just click here if you have a myspace account.  If you don't, get one.  The access to music, new and old, is unparalleled.

The album is presented as a Rock Opera:  David has a humdrum life working at a light bulb factory, and finds an escape by falling in love with a communist rebel rouser, only to find out later that she has died in a terrorist bombing and that he has a lot of emotional turmoil to face.

Adding to the theatricality, the Toronto group's members all use pseudonyms, including Pink Eyes (aka Father Damien) on lead vocals, 10,000 Marbles on lead guitar, Concentration Camp on rhythm guitar, Mustard Gas on bass, and Mr. Jo (aka Guinea Beat) on drums, plus two guitarists who joined the band in 2006 and 200 respectively; Young Governor and Gulag.

Suck It And See by The Arctic Monkeys

Released:  June 7, 2011
Rating:  71.67

June was not a great month for new releases. However, there were a few bright spots, and this is one of them.  The Arctic Monkey's fourth full length album in 6 years takes a little work, but it's worth it.  This is my second album by the British quartet and it reminds me of Oasis, or maybe some of the late '50s rock acts trying to cross over from traditional pop to rock (try Black Treacle), but there's also a couple of serious rockers here too (click Brick By Brick for the official video.)

Codes & Keys by Death Cab For Cutie

Released:  May 31, 2011
Rating:  70.91

This is the 6th full length album for the band from Bellingham, WA.  I became a fan of theirs in 2005 with the release of Transatlantacism, and I have to admit that as they've continued to polish their sound, I've become less enamored of each subsequent releases.  Don't get me wrong, this is still a terrific album and well worth a listen.  It just seems there's less guitar and more precision here.  The songs are also more upbeat than I'm used to (which may be the result of singer/songwriter/guitarist Ben Gibbard's recent marriage to Zooey Deschanel.)  Check out the very pretty You Are A Tourist.

Circuital by My Morning Jacket

Released:  May 31, 2011
Rating:  76.00

This is the 7th studio album for the 5-piece from Louiseville, KY.  Although the band's leader, Jim James, also perfroms with the super-group Monsters of Folk, MMJ defies attempts at categorization.  They experiment with blues, folk, reggae, classic rock, piano ballads and even a Motown/metal mash up.

Their 2008 release Evil Urges, which was the first time I'd heard them, blew me away.  This is even better.  My favorite songs are the opener Victory Dance and Holdin' On To Black Metal.

Side note:   I've never thought of Kentucky as a hot bed of Rock 'n' Roll, but two of my favorite albums this year (this and Cage The Elephant) both come from the Bluegrass State.

The Secret by Vieux Farka Toure

Released:  May 24, 2011
Rating:  71.67

I don't know that my opinion of each song does justice the amazing guitar work here.  The rating is probably indicative of my lack of understanding of the languages of Northern Africa and my predilection toward vocals.  In any event, it's a great album, worthy of every music fan's time.  My favorite song on the album is number 3, All The Same, which includes a vocal by Dave Matthews (somebody I really like live, but not so much in the studio.)  Another amazing example of the "Hendrix of the Sahara's" guitar work is Lakkal (Watch Out) with support from Eric Krasno of Soulive.

This is my first World Music album this year. Guitarist, Vieux Farka Toure (pronounced Vyooh - the "ooh" having the same vowel sound as "should" - Farka Too-ray) comes from Mali and is the second son of the late, great Malian guitarist Ali Farka Toure (winner of two Grammys for World Music).

Demolished Thoughts by Thurston Moore`

Released:  May 24, 2011
Rating:  73.33

Not that it is in any way a preview of what this delivers, but the 53-year old Thurston Moore is a founding member and guitarist for the legendary art/punk band, Sonic Youth.  (He's also married to Sonic Youth bassist Kim Gordon.)

Produced by Beck, AMG describes it as "psychedelic chamber folk." I don't have anything better, so we can work with that.  This album is a much needed respite from a really confused world. Based primarily on Moore's acoustic guitar and voice, and supported by a variety of strings (and a few other things here and there) this is very mellow.

A couple of my favorite cuts include the beautiful Illumine and folkier Benediction.

While it's not in my top 10 for the year, it's still a wonderful album and I look forward to hearing it every time I see it pop up in my rotation.

Rome by Danger Mouse and Daniele Luppi

Released:  May 17, 2011
Rating:  76.33
Includes 3 bonus points (it's my prerogative) due to the overall brilliance of the album.

For those who've known me over the years, you know I have only a couple rules about music, and one of them is:  If Danger Mouse is involved, buy it! He's a writer, multi-instrumentalist, producer and performer.  Like some of my other favorites, he's always out to try something new and different.

Rome is a tribute the Spaghetti Westerns of the 1960's (Fist Full of Dollars, The Good, The Bad and The Ugly, etc) and it succeeds brilliantly.  Of the 15 songs, there are 3 "interludes of a minute or less and of the remaining 12 songs, Nora Jones and Jack White provide the vocals on three each.

My favorite song on the album is Two Against One featuring Jack White.  But don't miss Nora Jones on Season's Trees and it's worth listening to the instrumental  The Gambling Priest.

Stone Rolling by Raphael Saadiq

Released:  May 10, 2011Rating:  76.00

I beg your forgiveness for getting so far behind.  I'll try to get back to current.  Which for me, is about 1 month post release date.  This gives me enough of a chance to listen and develop a fair opinion.

If you have any affinity for old fashioned R&B, Stone Rolling is a must.  By any measure, it's a great album from the 45 year old Oakland, CA native.  It makes an easy leap onto my top 10 for 2011 (so far).

Saadiq plays most of the guitars, drums and keyboards here.  My favorite song on the album is the '70s style Good Man. But don't miss the '50s inspired Radio.

Saadiq, who was touring with Prince and Sheila E. almost right out of high school, went on to found Tony! Toni! Tone! in 1988 and this is his 5th solo release.

Smother by Wild Beasts

Released:  May 10, 2011
Rating:  72.00

The critics are absolutely raving about the third studio release from the English quartet.  Formed in 2002, the band was originally called Fauve.  (This reference was enough to convince me to buy the album:  Fauvism - les Fauves is French for "the wild beasts" - was a movement in the art world in the early 20th century; whose best known leader was Henri Matisse.)

I really like this album for its trippy, theatrical ambiance.

You can hear the entire album at Myspace Music - click here - by simply signing up for an account.  (I highly recommend  anyone interested in listening to new music , or old music, legally and easily sign up with Myspace.  Their music section is amazing.)  For a single, I'd recommend the dark and moody 5th cut, Plaything.  You can hear a brief interview (about 2 minutes) followed by an in studio version of the song here.

Past Life Martyred Saints by EMA

I picked up eight CDs in April and it was a smokin' month, with four of my top ten so far this year.  The Kills look like a favorite to finish the year in front.  There were also great releases from the Foo Fighters, Joan As Police Woman and TV On The Radio.  Elbow is back with a solid album and the Gorillaz showed what can be done on an iPad.  So let's get May rollin':

Released:  May 10, 2011
Rating:  73.33

Past Life Martyred Saints is the debut album for singer, songwriter and guitarist Erika M. Anderson (a.k.a. EMA).  The South Dakota native moved to Los Angeles in the '90s and has played in a variety of bands.  Allmusic.com compares her to Patti Smith and Cat Power; I'll buy that.  The sound is lo-fi and the emotions seem to be intense.

There's a lot of good stuff here and only one song that left me flat.  Give a listen to Milkman (it's a pretty cool video too) or the low key. lo-fi Grey Ship.

The Fall by Gorillaz

Released:  April 19, 2011
Rating:  71.43

Ever since Gorillaz' second lbum, Demon Days (Produced by Danger Mouse), I've been huge fan of Jason Albarn.  With the last Gorillaz album, Plastic Beach, ex-Clash members Paul Simonon and Mick Jones have been part of the band.  And although Gorillaz was originally conceived as a virtual (animated) band, they toured extensively in support of Plastic Beach.  During that tour The Fall was recorded entirely on an iPad.

While not my favorite Gorillaz album, I liked it more than the critics.  Check out a couple of the standout tracks: My personal favorite is Revolving Doors with an amazing voal by Albarn; or the very spacey Shy Town. 

Here We Rest by Jason Isbell And The 400 Unit

Released: April 12, 2011
Score: 70.91

Jason Isbell was a guitarist with the Drive By Truckers from 2001 to '07.  He's been a solo ever since, putting out a style of country-influenced rock, reminiscent of Jackson Brown and the early Eagles.  This isn't my usual diet, but it's got a laid back, homey kinda feel. The second song on the album Go It Alone is absolutely smokin'.  And Codeine is a country classic (fiddle, lost love, etc.)

I don't seem to be as high on this as the critics, who generally loved the album.  But I do really like it.

Full disclosure:  I went to see these guys a couple weeks ago in San Francisco (at the Great American Music Hall, with my good friend Bill White) and had a great time.  It probably favorably influenced my opinion.

Nine Types Of Light by TV On The Radio

Released: April 12, 2011
Rating:  77.14

This is my third album by the art-rock quintet from Brooklyn.  It's their fourth full length, and although they don't get too much mainstream attention, the critics are all over them: Metacritic.com recorded 39 separate major reviews and they scored an average 82 out of 100*.  That's incredible.  This is one of the cases where the reviewers and I pretty much agree. 

The thing is that sum of the parts does not do justice to the whole, so my usual scale does not reflect the albums brilliance.  It's a totally engaging mix of rock, electronica, punk, trip-hop, funk, soul and I don't know what all else.  Once I start listening, it's struggle to stop.

I don't care where your musical tastes lay, you really should check this out.  Here's a couple suggestions available on Youtube (just click the title for the link):  No Future Shock, which has hints of The Talking Heads; Will Do, which is a really beautiful love song with some awesome guitar work; or New Cannonball Blues.

Tragically TVOTR bassist, Gerrard Smith died of Lung Cancer about a week after the album was released.  Rest In Peace.  Smith was busking in a New York subway station in 2003 when he was recruited by TV On The Radio lead-singer Tunde Adebimpe.

* A word about music reviews: I find that when an album is trashed by most reviewers, I generally agree. However, when an album is universally praised, my experience is mixed.  By the way, I also tend to find the general population an unreliable source and so I never follow the charts.  However, in a quick check of Billboard, this album made a number 3 on the Top Modern Rock/Alternative Albums, a 5 on the Top Rock Albums and a 12 on the Billboard Top 200.

The Deep Field by Joan As Policewoman

Released:  April 12
Rating: 78.18

Joan As Policewoman is New Englander Joan Wasser's vehicle for putting a sound to her two biggest influences: classic soul (Stevie Wonder, Al Green and Marvin Gaye) and experimental rock (Sonic Youth).  This is her fourth full length in 5 years.  She describes her music as Punk Rock R&B or American Soul.  Who am I to argue? 

This album has jumped comfortably into my Top 5 so far this year, tied with the Foo Fighters (although a totally different sound).  In almost every song you can find very cool, subtle sounds drifting through the background. Maybe a vocal, a guitar or even a  clarinet.

I was absolutely blown away by the song The Magic.  (Do yourself a favor, once you click the link and the video starts to play, listen, don't watch.)  I also loved the trippy Flash.

I highly recommend you give this a listen.

Wasting Light by Foo Fighters

Released:  April 12, 2011
Rating:  78.18

I really like this.  I need a little guitar driven, hard rock to keep me honest.  And after 16 years and 8 studio albums, few can deliver like the Foos.  For those who might not be aware, The band's founder, lead guitarist and vocalist, Dave Grohl first achieved notoriety as a drummer, playing with Krist Novoselic and Curt Cobain as Nirvana.

My favorite song on this Album is the anthemic Dear Rosemary,  which includes an assist from Husker Du's Bob Mould.  (This live version from Letterman is very cool.)  I also love the way Arlandria moves from Ballad to Metal to Arena.

If you want to get really close to Metal, check out White Limo (from the same letterman performance.)

And!  I just got tickets to see them with Cage The Elephant!

Build A Rocket Boys! by Elbow

Released:  April 12, 2011
Rating 74.00

This is currently on my top 10 for the year, but that won't last much longer.  Don't get me wrong, it's a really good album and I highly recommend checking it out.  If I hesitate, it's only because it doesn't quite meet my expectations based on their last album, 2008's Seldom Seen Kid, which won the 2008 Mercury Prize (for the best album released in the UK and Ireland).

Background:  The 5-piece from Britain got together in the '90s and is based in Manchester.  This is their 7th Studio release.  Their sound is sort of experimental-prog-pop (I made that one up on my own.)

Check out Neat Little Rows, or Lippy Kids.  For a real treat, go back to 2008 and hear Audience With The Pope; about an obsession with a woman, for which even the pope will have to get in line..

Raven In The Grave by The Raveonettes

Released:  April 5, 2011
Score:  68.89

I'm beoming disappointed by the Raveonettes.  This is my third album by the lo-fi, fuzz-rock band from Copenhagen.  I loved 2008's Lust Lust Lust and I really liked In And Out Of Control from 2009 (although it had a couple songs I could have done without.)

Thiere are a couple highlights here, like Forget That You Were Young.  Click the hyperlink, give it a listen and let me know if you disagree.

I haven't completely given up and look forward to seeing if they can do something on their next album to get me back!

Blood Pressures by The Kills

Released:  April 5, 2010
Rating:  81.82

The March list is complete and what a month it was.  I picked up 12 CDs.  But wait, April's editions are pretty amazing too, starting with this album, my favorite so far for 2011.

The Kills are a two piece band consisting of VV (a.k.a. Allison Mosshart, from Floida) and Hotel (a.k.a. Jamie Hince, from London).

Although the official Genre is Indie, I would call it blues infused punk, but you could also consider it punk infused blues.  I first heard them in 2008 on the outstanding Midnight Boom album.  Then, while touring with the White Stripes, Jack White and Mosshart found common ground and established a separate band, The Dead Weather, that put out 2 great albums in 2009 and 2010 respectively.

I highly recommend this album to any rocker.  Check out a couple of my favorite tune,  Satellite or, if you have a Myspace account (and I recommend you get one, listen to the whole album by clicking here.

Meyrin Fields by Broken Bells

Released:  Mar 29, 2011
Rating:  80

Broken Bells, a project consisting of Danger Mouse (the greatest producer in the business today - my humble opinion) and James Mercer (lead singer for The Shins) had my absolutely favorite album of 2010.  Since this is only a 4-song EP, I wouldn't feel right to rank it among the top 10 albums, but I would highly recommend it to anyone and everyone.  Give a listen to the opener and title song:  Meyrin Fields.

Incidentally, I have no idea what the title refers to, since the only reference I can find to Meyrin is a small town outside Geneva Switzerland, which may be it since the lyrics refer to a small, sad town.

By the way, if you never heard any of last year's eponymous debut, check out: The Ghost Inside.  (Play it loud.)

The King Of Limbs by Radiohead

Released:  March 29, 2011
Rating:  72.50

This is so different than their last album.  I would characterize it something of a return to the Kid A era, but definitely more sophisticated.

A little background:  The English four piece was formed in 1988 while they were all students at Oxford University.  They released several singles and EPs and finally released their first full length in '93.  They have three albums on Rollingstone Magazine's 500 Greatest Albums list (the Bends, OK Computer and Kid A.)

Early reviewers compared their sound to U2 and on a couple songs Thom Yorke sounds so much like Bono it's eerie, especially Morning Mr Magpie. 

My favorite Song on the album is Little By Little.  there's more great than merely good here; but there isn't' anything that absolutely blows me away.

James Blake by James Blake

Released:  March 22, 2011
Rating:  72.33

This is the debut full length for James Blake; a London-based, dubstep, producer.  The reviews are outstanding (25 out of 38 were 80 - out of 100 - or higher.)  I'm probably not quite as enthusiastic, but that's mostly because I don't love dubstep, but this could lead me there.

The music is sparse, with a hint of R&B (he claims D'Angelo and Stevie Wonder as influences) and his voice, which is a little haunting.

If you looking for something different and maybe a little low key, check this out.  Click on the links to listen to Limit To Your Love (my favorite) or  The Wilhelm Scream.

Angels by The Strokes

Released:  March 22
Rating:   78.00

This album hits number 3 on my 2011 Top 10 so far.  I love Julian Casablancas' voice.

The critics are mixed: out of 41 reviews on metacritic, it got 25 positive, 15 moderate and 1 reviewer dumped on it.  My opinion matches up with Rolling Stone Magazine where David Fricke gave it 4 stars out of 5.

If you know Indie and Alt Rock, you probably already know the Strokes.  They hit it huge with their debut, Is This It in 2001.  Most of the members of the New York quintet have also done side projects and solo albums.  In fact, it wasn't clear for awhile that they would reunite.  Thank the music gods they did!

My favorite song is the opener Machu Picchu.  Also give a listen to Taken For a Fool. (click on the song names to hear them on YouTube.com.)

Cornershop & The Double 'O' Groove Of by Cornershop

Released:  March 15, 2011
Rating:  74.00

Cornershop put out their first full length 16 years ago.  This is my second; I first discovered them with 2009's Judy Sucks A Lemon For Breakfast.  That was pure Brit-Pop gold with huge influences from '60s bubblegum.  It was also their first album after a 7 hear hiatus.

This is different. getting (apparently) back to what they do: a hybrid of traditional Indian music, Indie Rock and Dance music.  They're a British band with members of English and Indian descent, founded by singer/songwriter, guitarist and dholki (double headed hand drum) player Tjinder Singh and tamboura (kind of like a Sitar, but not really) player Ben Ayers.  For this album they have a Punjabi singer named Bubbley Kaur.

Their name comes from the British (and American) stereotype that all Indians own a "cornershop".

This is a fascinating album and I really love a lot of it.  There's no filler.  For a more traditional Indian sound, listen to United Provinces Of India; for more of a crossover sound try Supercomputed.

Update

In the interest of full disclosure, I need to acknowledge that I did a little reevaluation of some past ratings and found there are a couple songs that have grown on me, resulting in an increased rating for a couple albums.  Check out:

Shake Me Down by Cage The Elephant

The Glorious Land by PJ Harvey

Don't Say We Didn't Warn You by Does It Offend You, Yeah?

Released:  March 15, 2011
Rating: 70.00

From London and Reading, this is the hard rockin' version of alternative, with a fair amount of electronica thrown in for good measure. The opener We Are The Dead, blew me away.  There are three more songs I love and the rest is good.

I hear a lot of post-punk/new wave revival in here, mixed in with some pretty cool experimental stuff.

It is definitely worth checking out.  Try We Are The Dead or the more anthemic Pull Out My Insides.  For something a bit more out there, listen to The Monkeys Are Coming.

Smoke Ring For My Halo by Kurt Vile

Released: March 8
Score:  72.00

Kurt vile is a low-fi indie rocker from Philidelphia.  He released his first album 3 years ago and this is already his fourth major label studio album.

The music is guitar centered and mellow; sorta sleepy sounding.  Of all the comparisons I've read (everything from the Grateful Dead to Tom Petty) the one that comes closest in my opinion is Lou Reed.

Give a listen to the title track Smoke Ring For My Halo or Puppet To The Man.

Pedals by Rival Schools

Released: March 8, 2011
Rating: 72.00

Rival schools released their debut album, which was praised by the critics, 10 years ago. Then they broke up.  They reunited in 2008 and this is their sophmore release.

All of the band members had pretty extensive resumes prior to forming Rival Schools, which may be why they split up only one year after their first release.

There's a lot to love here, and I like this whole album a lot (though not as much as the critics.)

Their musical style is described as post-hardcore.  I don’t know what that means.  They remind me of some of the more melodic, 1980’s metal bands (e.g, Extreme, Def Leppard, Mr. Big, Queensryche) though not exactly like any of them.

Check out Shot After Shot or The Ghost Is Out There.

Departing, by The Rural Alberta Advantage

Released: March 1, 2011
Rating: 70.00

This album, the sophomore release for the band from Toronto, Canada (which, incidentally, is about 2,000 miles from Alberta) has some great songs.  I personally like the first half of the album much better than the second half, but as with most art, it's all in the eye (or ear) of the beholder.

The lead singer (Nils Edenloff) reminds me so much of Van Morrison, circa Astral Weeks, it's scary.  Check out North Star or The Break Up.  I don't think you'll be disappointed.

Anna Calvi by Anna Calvi

Released: March 1, 2011
Rating: 72.00

This is the debut album for the Singer/Songwriter from London.  She plays a killer guitar (demonstrated on the opener - Rider To The Sea)  She sites a pretty eclectric group as her influences:  Captain Beefheart (best known for his experimental rock in the ‘60s), the jazz and soul singer Nina Simone and David Lynch (the movie producer – see Blue Velvet).  Another Song I love off this album is Suzanne & I.  It has a very James Bond feel.

I've read comparisons to Patti Smith and P.J. Harvey, but personally, I don't hear it.

Wounded Rhymes by Lykke Li

Released:  March 1, 2010
Rating:  74.00

How to describe Lykke Li...?  First, Her full name is Lykke Li Zachrisson.  She's 25 years old; Swedish, though lived in Portugal, Lisbon, Morocco, Nepal and India for parts of her youth; and she comes from an artistic family (Mom's a photographer and Dad's a musician).  I believe she now lives in New York.

This, her second full length album, is the follow up to 2008's Youth Novels. 

On this album, she has a sound founded in '60s girl groups, updated for the 21st century.  You can definitely hear hints of Peter, Bjorn and John, which makes some sense, since their producer helped her with several of the cuts.

Overall, I really like the album, though not as much as the critics.    Check out her Get Some video on YouTube by clicking here (but not while the kids are around.)  For something a little more tame, try Rich Kid Blues.

Underneath The Pine by Toro Y Moi

Released:  February 22, 2011
Rating:  76.67

Toro Y Moi is really Chaz Bundick, an experimental, indie rocker from Columbia, South Carolina. 

This album ties for my second favorite release so far this year.

I'd call this album slightly spacey, funk/dance with hints of trip hop a la Stereolab.  Click on this link to hear my favorite cut Go With You, then check out some of the other tracks (New Beat, a full on disco track, is definitely worth a listen.)

Let England Shake by PJ Harvey

Released: February 15, 2011
Rating: 75.00

This is my fifth album by Polly Jean Harvey (her 11th studio release).  Although it's not one-for-one, the only artist I can compare her to is Patti Smith.  This is possibly the easist listen I've heard from her, though the subject matter can be dark reflections on war.  It was recorded in her home county of Dorset, England; and is sort of an ode to her homeland.

Perhaps my favorite song is numbre 8 In The Dark Places, but there's not a bad song on the album.  You can hear it at Myspace by clicking here.