Tyler’s Top 10 of 2011

October 13, 2011. Photos by Liz Bradley.

This year saw the release of some great albums. There were breakout bands and veteran acts that all released solid albums and breathed fresh air into the music industry. Check out my list of some of my favorites in Tyler’s Top 10 of 2011.

10. Ringo Deathstarr – Colour Trip
This Austin, Texas trio released their sophomore album this year, and I really liked it. It’s fuzzy, fast, noisy rock ‘n’ roll that has poppy hooks, whirling guitars, and persistent drums. They are touring with The Smashing Pumpkins now, so keep an eye out for them as they make a name for themselves. Check out their single “Do It Every Time.”

9. Iron & Wine – Kiss Each Other Clean
Kiss Each Other Clean is Iron & Wine’s fourth studio album, and the band’s sound continues to evolve in this record. They have grown from a soft, folksy, Americana band to a group capable of epic, rocking, horn-backed instrumentation that blends genres.

8. Givers – In Light
Givers came out with their debut LP this year, and it is catchy. It’s upbeat, fun, and infectious. I had a chance to meet the band when they played the Dave fm studios and besides being really nice people they also really impressed me. Here’s the video of them playing “Saw You First” at the Dave fm lounge.

7. Okkervil River – I Am Very Far
Okkervil River has been refining their sound with each album they produce, and this one is their most mature yet. I Am Very Far is a well-thought out album of dense, layered songs and grandiose arrangements that demand repeat listening.

6. Yuck – Yuck
This British band released their debut self-titled album early in the year and I couldn’t stop playing it. It’s melodic, distorted guitar-driven rock reminiscent of Sonic Youth or Dinosaur Jr. For a young band, these guys (and one gal) already sound like they’ve been playing together since the ’90s and I can’t wait until their next album. Here’s their track “Georgia.”

5. TV On the Radio – Nine Types of Light
Right from the first track of Nine Types of Light, TV On the Radio hooks you into this album with their unique fusion of genres and sounds. This band from Brooklyn does a great job with blending electronic, funky bass lines with rocking drums, ethereal guitars, and haunting, harmonic vocals. I saw TV On the Radio at SXSW in March and they put on one of my favorite shows of the music festival. Tragically, bassist Gerard Smith passed away from lung cancer 9 days after the album was released.

4. Beirut – The Rip Tide
The Rip Tide is the third studio album from indie-folk band Beirut, and frontman Zach Condon has created a rich, personal record. Beirut incorporates a horn section, accordion, strings, and various other instruments to create a lush sound that feels almost like a globe-trekking journey that still remains personal and intimate.

3. Bon Iver – Bon Iver, Bon Iver
Justin Vernon made a name for himself when he released Bon Iver’s debut album For Emma, Forever Ago a couple years ago. This is his second album under the Bon Iver name and this time he brought in many other backing musicians to add new sounds and textures for his sophomore effort. And it worked, because this album is beautiful. Check out the music video for “Holocene.”

2. The Decemberists – The King Is Dead
The Decemberists are back with their sixth studio album and it is fantastic. The Portland-based folk-rock band are known for their hyper-literate lyrics and Americana folk sound, but this latest album combines it all effortlessly. It’s a straightforward record that is earnest and consistent throughout. With help from Peter Buck (of R.E.M.) and Gillian Welch, this is one of the best albums of the year in my opinion.

1. The Black Keys – El Camino
The Black Keys know how to make a really solid record. El Camino takes off from their previous release, Brothers. It’s uptempo, bluesy, gritty rock and roll that doesn’t take itself too seriously. And it’s fun. With help from co-producer Danger Mouse, Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney have taken their sound to the next level and shown that they’re not just a one-note band. From the hit single “Lonely Boy”, to the quieter “Little Black Submarines”, to the rollicking “Money Maker”, this album is one solid rock song after another. I can’t get enough of it. The Black Keys’ El Camino is my favorite album of the year.