Greetings.. Immersed in uncertainty and confronted with problem after problem, I feel like it's took literally forever for me to get back on track and finally complete this. So with that, thank you, anyone who might be reading, for your patience and time. Before I get knee-deep into this pointlessness, I wanted to take a moment to address something on the topic of blogs like this that I've been noticing that's been really irking me.
I do a best of the year blog for music every year, usually on my tumblr, mostly because it's like a tradition and I find it fun. I'm going to be discussing with most of the people I know about what our favorite music was at the end of the year anyways, so why not take some time and make it a little more involved and official? Anyways, I've been witnessing a plethora of HATE for people who make blogs, and more in particular, these best of lists. A lot of artists and the like get furious and insulted for insert whatever reason, and feel the need to validate their stance by stating how insignificant these blogs are. Let me tell you something, if there's something I'm fully aware of with my blogs, it's their insignificance. Who cares what I write or think? Who cares what anyone thinks about anything, for that matter? I must be odd, because I'm the type of fool that stops and reads most of these, because I find anyone's opinion interesting, even if I completely disagree with it. If a person put that much effort and time into creating something they themselves cared about, the least I'm going to do is skim through it. Moreover, I feel the several insults I see hurled over the internets towards these bloggers just showcases to others that it's silly to put effort and thought into a project if no one's going to care about it. At the end of the day no one's going to care about this, and I don't care about that. In the very least, I did something constructive and have a cool little piece for reference. In the words of the unwavering Forrest Gump, "And that's all I have to say about that." On to the next.
#11 -
BLUEPRINT -
"Adventures In Counter Culture"
One of the strongest and most consistent lyricists on the Rhymesayers record label, this Columbus Ohio native really outdid himself with this, his sophomore release. The biggest credit I immediately gave this album upon listening to it was it's soulful diversity. It retains so much variety while still connecting emotionally. Songs like "So Alive", and "Keep Bouncing" are a great example of that. Just really good quality Hip Hop with positivity and tones you might not expect.
#10 -
JAY-Z and KANYE WEST -
"Watch The Throne"
Yeah, I know what you might be thinking. And while this album had enough good material on it to solidify it's mark on most people's end of the year lists, I couldn't shake the fact that I felt it should've been better. These practically omnipotent industry heavyweights have the musical world at their disposal, and so I hold them to a higher standard as I'm prone to do, but the reality was that in my opinion some of these songs were lacking. Don't get me wrong, "No Church In The Wild", "Welcome To The Jungle", "Why I Love You"(Favorite), and "Niggas In Paris" are practically undeniable. For the most part the production is stellar. The biggest statement I find myself saying in regards to this is that I was not surprised or swept off my feet by either of their lyrics. I find their wordplay suitable, but satisfactory. It's all good, this is just me, and this one will be all over for a reason.
# 9 -
RADIOHEAD -
"King Of Limbs"
God, I love Radiohead, and always will. Although there was some disappointment at first with King Of Limbs for me, I quickly came to the realization that I was being hasty, and this is a slower, but outstanding release. This is a perfect album to put on to pollinate a peaceful aura into your surrounding atmosphere. Plus in hindsight, the elements of this record being as it is will just make it more recognizable placed in their wonderful, expansive discography.
# 8 -
SLOW DANCE -
"Risk It All"
I was lucky enough to share a bill with these two Seattle based mad men at an MC Type show months back, and to say I was completely floored by their music and performance, is a grave understatement. Their energy was ferocious and remarkable, and the music was incredibly infectious. Months later, I was ecstatic when out of nowhere I discovered this release and quickly realized this was them. It feels like this release perfectly embodies a party hard, no nonsense, excess-filled, fuck you lifestyle. I implore you, give this a spin, and tell me you're not feeling it. And if you do listen and somehow don't feel it, you must be dead, and I only have two words in response for you: Don't care!
# 7 -
MASTODON -
"The Hunter"
It's practically unfair, and I must be biased somehow. Because I promise if this band drops a CD in any year, I can almost guarantee that CD landing on my end of the year list. That's how good they are, and that's how good this is. Sure, it's not as good as last year's
"Crack The Sky", but almost nothing is going to be. These four soldiers personify rough and rugged relentlessness, and power and speed unmatched in metal. Yeah, I just said that, and I mean it. Who else puts as much thought and story into their records and has songs upwards of eight or nine minutes that still take you on a terrifying, enjoyable journey? The mighty Mastodon, that's who.
# 6 -
WATSKY -
"A New Kind Of Sexy" (Mixtape)
Am I allowed to put a mix-tape on a best albums of the year list? Well, I wouldn't care if I wasn't, because this would be going on it regardless. If you follow me on twitter, you'd know I've been amazed by all that I've witnessed from this pale, thin San Fransiscan since the beginning of the year. His wordplay is undeniable, his delivery is on point, his topics are funny and original, and his overall music is enjoyable. I feel like a lot of people aren't messing with him though because of his appearance, and content. However, it matters not, look up on youtube, start watching videos, and boom, I'd bet even the most hardened, opinionated gangster would be hooked. It should say something when I mention this but couldn't find it in me to include
WAX or
DUMBFOUNDED's releases on this list. Watsky is the truth, my friend.
# 5 -
PUSCIFER -
"Conditions Of My Parole"
This was by far my favorite rock-related release in 2011. Maynard is a God, and this album differentiated from their norm with less humor and whimsicality, and more focused seriousness. Instrumentally, it shines, and the lyrics seem to christen it with an audacious authority. "Man Overboard" thrives, even live, and might be my favorite song of the whole God damn year, motherfucker. Thank you, Maynard. I'll be seeing you in a week or so with
Tool, but still remembering everything you did with Puscifer live, a few weeks back.
# 4 -
OPEN MIKE EAGLE -
"Rappers Will Die Of Natural Causes"
Good Lord, this is a great man, and thorough. Although I consider him a friend, even if I hated him as an enemy I couldn't deny this man's spirit, intelligence, and heart, all of which is displayed in the most lively of methods with this record. Real Hip Hop heads will already know about this, but to those not familiar, I would suggest you get that. The thinking man's thinking rapper? Not much need be said, this album speaks for itself in volumes, and this man deserves any and all acclaim he will receive.
# 3 -
NOAH 23 - "
Fry Cook On Venus"
From easily my decided best label in the entire music industry,
FAKE FOUR, comes it's best work of 2011. Wow, reading that almost sounds dangerous and hasty, but listening to this masterpiece just reaffirms it for me. I'll be saying a lot more about this emcee a little bit further down, but for right now I need to state how great this record is. A whirling dervish of differently displayed styles and prominent tracks, when I first heard this I swore it was going to be my favorite album of the year, and it came out early. I could listen to this over and over and enjoy it just as much as the last. It's inspiring how infectious all these tremendous songs are. Pick a track at random and start bangin' your head. Best of all, it's originality. Nothing sounds like this, or will. So much respect for this release.
#2 -
HAIL MARY MALLON -
"Are You Gonna Eat That"
"Are You Gonna Eat That" might have been the CD of the year for me if number one hadn't forged through triumphant by existing. The most commendable factor of this record is how short and fun it is, just always leaves the listener wanting more. Mr.Aesop Rock, Rob Sonic, and DJ Big Wiz form a triumvirate of tenaciously talented individuals. So many music videos from equally enjoyable songs, this is groove-inducing, unflinching hip hop at it's best. Also, it needs to be said how spectacularly they work together. This one is for the books.
#1 -
FLASH BANG GRENADA -
"10 Haters"
The very second I caught wind of this, it was over. It started when I was lucky enough to hear "Beat My Bitch", a play on words as to what these monoliths are doing with the superb beat they destroy. GOOD GOD. After that, came stupendous song after song until I was finally able to cop and hear the whole album (Shout out to my homey Garrett in PA!). No one in rap spit lyrics better than whats on this, do you hear me? The fact that they switch places with such effortless fervor and make the difficult patterns seem like a walk in the park, is simply too much. I'll admit, I wasn't even too familiar with Nocando when I heard this. I had heard a few songs here and there, but the power this record unleashed made me get acquainted immediately. Thankfully I'm now familiar, but that's a testament to this masterpiece. My record of 2011 was this, saying that, I know for me it feels right. Thank you Busdriver and thank you Nocando for this glorious assault.
- Honorable Mention -
DAVID LYNCH -
"Crazy Clown Time"
This is a sordid, peculiar, random album, but I knew I'd enjoy it. I love David Lynch, and although perhaps he should stick with movies, a lot of these songs are dark, freaky, and unapologetic enough for me to love them. This will not be mentioned on anyone's best of list, I'd assume, haha. If you have a moment, watch the music videos, they're equally as frightening, and nightmare inducing, while still retaining cinematic beauty. Most people won't like this, but I can enjoy it, just as much as I can enjoy a cheesy horror film, or a campy Kung Fu flick. Be warned!
- Biggest Disappointment -
BJORK -
"Biophilia"
Bjork is one of my favorite entities in the entire universe of music. Which is why I tried listen after grueling listen to this, hoping my original feelings were misplaced or irrational. As a matter of fact, I believe never have I listened to an album so much in an attempt to persuade myself into liking it. This is a scattered, indecipherable, unfocused mess to me. I usually love her piercing, melodic voice, but here it seems humdrum and subdued, coupled with backing music that I just kept waiting to form some organization and reliability. It's all over the place, but not in a good way.. I tried so hard, but maybe this is just not for me.
Last but not least............
- Best Rapper Of 2011 -
NOAH 23
Even if his record "Fry Cook On Venus" hadn't been on my list, he still would have made this category by a landslide. This self-proclaimed Canadian based god's output and chameleon like talent solidified his mark as an inspiration to me, and I'm sure several other lyricists everywhere. Albeit slightly bittersweet with him announcing a retirement, which is an awakening realization about the industry for people like myself, you still can choose between a vast amount of work he displayed throughout this year, all of which had redeeming qualities and likability, while still being singularly exciting. Take for instance his "Occult Trill Witch-tapes", or the "Gimmie Indie Rock" release. This man is a master of styles and showcases unpredictability with very little needed effort. Heads should take notice if they haven't. A lot of this stuff is quite astounding.
Well, I'm done. Literally.. I'm going to go take a shower and wash all these dirty words off and go get drunk. That was fun for me, I hope it was fun, or in the very least, a slight diversion for y'all. Thank you very much to any homosapien or animal that might have read this blog, or any blog that I do. I want to hug you all with Italian breadsticks in my pants.... Pause!?!!
Much love,
.,CAStLE,.
