No Kings by Doomtree

Released:  November 22, 2011
Rating:  75.00


A mostly-white rap group? From Minnesota?  Are you kidding?  No, I’m not, and neither are they.  If you have any appreciation for rap or hip-hop, you need to give this album a spin.  This is my first rap album for 2011 and it deserves to be on the list.  A couple of key cuts include Bolt Cutter or String Theory.

They’re actually a hip-hop collaborative as they are five independent MCs (four men, one woman) and two producers.  Depending on who you ask, this is either their second or fourth proper studio album.

50 Words For Snow by Kate Bush

Released:  November 21, 2011
Rating:  70

This is one of the few arbitrary ratings I've given this year.  I'm torn between wanting to love this album because the critics are raving about it, and liking this album because it's just really pretty.  (Note that a 70 from me is probably equivalent to most critics' 80, or 4 out of 5 stars.)

The album consists of only 7 songs, but comes in at over an hour's playing time.  There's no filler.  The first 3 songs, and the last, are pretty much piano and vocal with some very subtle rhythm from bass and/or percussion.  In between are three, up-tempo songs; the 5th, Snowed In At Wheeler Street, is a duet with Elton John.

It's all good, so take your pick.  Click the song titles for a hyperlink to the songs:  The mournful Lake Tahoe (about a woman's ghost that haunts the lake) or the up tempo Wild Man ("They call you an animal, the Kangchenjunga Demon, Wild Man, Metoh-Kangmi". Better known to most of us as the Yeti or Abominable Snowman.)

Surprisingly, for me anyway, this is my first Kate Bush album.  She's been around for a long time.  Heck, she's two years older than me!  With help from David Gilmour (Pink Floyd guitarist) Kate Bush signed her first record deal at the age of 16, and released her fist album 3 years later, in 1978.  She's released 9 more studio albums since.

Strawberry by Wussy

Released: November 15, 2011
Rating: 75.00

I love this 4 piece band out of Cincinnati.  Jangly guitars, thrashy vocals and great hooks.  Just my cup of tea.  I didn't think the cumulative score based on songs (71) gave a fair picture of the overall album.  I loved 7 of the 11 tracks here and there was only one that I call filler.

There is something very Midwest about Wussy.  A little bit melancholy and a little bit "get over it and have some fun".  Give a listen to the slow burning: Asteroid (about getting dumped Way out/beyond the asteroid/that's where you took my heart and left it floating in a frozen void) or the rockin' Chicken.

Wussy has been around since 2001 and this is their 5th (or 6th, I can't quite figure it out from the web searches) proper album.  They were formed by Guitarist and vocalist Chuck Cleaver from alt-country band The Ass Ponys (nice name guys).  Of course, one of the alluring things for me is that almost no one else has ever heard of Wussy.  Just compare the link for Asteroids with 2121 views vs Tom Waits (another name that's not known to all) Satisfied with 714,369 views.

Mylo Xyloto by Coldplay

Released:  October 25, 2011
Rating:  69.09

I can't decide if I'm disappointed, or just underwhelmed.  I loved Coldplay's last album, Viva La Vida, so I suppose I was pretty anxious to hear this one.  It's good, but nothing really lit me up.  I read once that Coldplay kept a poster of U2 in their practice studio to remind them what their goal was.  I read recently that they've taken a different direction.  Maybe they should have stayed on track.

A couple of worthwhile tracks include Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall and The Princess of China, featuring Rhiana.  Click the hyper links to watch the videos on YouTube.

Bad As Me by Tom Waits

Released:  October 25, 2011
Rating:  73.85

Who's Tom Waits?!?!  He's released 30 Albums since 1973; been honored with 19 tribute albums; contributed to 58 movies as a composer and/or actor; won two Grammys and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2011; his songs have been covered by Bruce Springsteen, the Eagles and Rod Stewart.

He has to be one of the most dramatic performers in all of music and this album would probably be rated higher, if I was a better judge.  In fact the average (normalized) review by the real critics was 88 out of 100, making it the best reviewed album of new music in all of 2011.

He has a tremendous cast of musicians that vary throughout the album, including, among others, Keith Richards on guitar, David Hidalgo (from Los Lobos) on almost everything, Flea (from the Red Hot Chili Peppers) on bass, Charlie Musselwhite on Harmonica and his son on drums.

My favorites include Talking At The Same Time and his response to the Rolling Stones' (I Can't Get No) Satisfaction, Satisfied where he sings "Now Mr. Jagger and Mr. Richards/I will scratch where I've been itchin.'"  (Richards is playing guitar on this song.)

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.