If you’re anything like me, a lot of the “must listen to” albums of 2011 won’t get a spin from me until like 2014 and then I’ll just be trying to catch up and let’s face it, we’re never going to catch up. I’m still giving first spins to some of the Best Albums of the 90’s. Oh well, here it goes…

1. Wye Oak - Civilian

After having heard “Take It In” from the album ‘The Knot,’ I put this band on my radar. I had never heard of them until a simple click of ‘play’ on a post on Hughbot’s tumblr post. Come to find they were releasing a new album soon. I bought it, I loved it, I went to see them at The Echo and I still listen to it often. I haven’t gotten into an album like I did this one in a long time.

2. The Horrible Crowes - Elsie

I gave myself the perfect opportunity to become a fan of this record. I’ll explain what that means. 

When a record label releases a record, by the time it’s release date comes along, everyone at the office has probably heard it about 60+ times. All sorts of demos and early versions start being passed along before the final version has been submitted. Usually, it’s neat to hear how a song started and it’s progression but I like to hear all that stuff after. I avoided all that. I have the luxury of working downstairs where I can play my own stuff at whatever volume I want, away from the shared stereo upstairs. When I would hear ‘Elsie’ play upstairs, I avoided being within close distance and remained neutral to comments such as “It’s sooooooooo good.” I decided that I wanted to listen to ‘Elsie’ when we got the first final version, which was the watermarked non-artwork promo copy. Everything on that CD was exactly what everyone who bought it would be listening to.

I tackled ‘Elsie’ like anybody who would have picked it up the day it was released in record stores. There was an excitement I felt putting it in the car stereo and listening to it for the first time, not knowing what to expect. I was a tiny bit nervous probably repeating over and over in my head, “Please, don’t suck. Please, don’t suck.” I popped it in and my car stereo displayed “Reading Disc.” I’d love to explain what happened after that but I’ll avoid a long album review and just say that since that day and until now, I’m a believer. I’ll forever spread the gospel of ‘Elsie.’ It’s an absolutely beautiful record.

3. My Morning Jacket - Circuital

I think I’ll forever be a fan of anything these guys put out. Seeing them live has made me love their albums more than I had originally did. That’s what happened with “Circuital.” After seeing them put on another great performance at the Pantages Theatre this year with Lissette, I’m convinced these guys are the real deal. Some of my favorite songs of the year are from this album: “Wonderful” and “Movin Away.”

4. Wilco - The Whole Love

Long story short: At first listen, I hated this album. I watched their Tiny Desk Concert on NPR and loved it. Came back to the album and now I’m into it. Simple as that.

5. The Smashing Pumpkins - ‘Gish’ and ‘Siamese Dream’ Deluxe Editions

I’m a little biased when it comes to The Smashing Pumpkins. As a fan of this band since when I was getting heavily into music, I’ve been waiting for these rarities to be released since I was 16 years old… so obviously, this had to be included.

6. Indian School - EP

This EP came to me in an unexpected way. Fake Problems was playing an acoustic show at the Atticus clothing store on Melrose in Los Angeles. Having gotten there early to see a friend’s band, I was killing time between other band’s sets & had a conversation with this guy named Hugo outside the store. Hugo ended up being the bass player for Indian School and he told me I should check them out after we exchanged a few bits of info on what we did for a living. Turns out that they weren’t bad at all. I hit up Hugo about shows and more music and I was sent a link to download this EP. After a few listens, it quickly became one of my favorites of the year. The amount of plays each of these tracks has on my iTunes is enough to not only embarrass me but enough to secure a spot on my list. Listen for free HERE

7. Title Fight - Shed

Title Fight come from a scene that I was/am not too familiar with. Let’s face it, I’m an older dude who’s more likely to pick up a Jeff Buckley Rarities album than whatever new record the Alkaline Trio put out. In working with Title Fight at SideOneDummy and having witnessed the energy that these dudes put into their music, their live shows and the response they get from their fans, it is mesmerizing. Every time I’ve seen them live, I stand there in awe on how hard it just goes off in frenzy. It reminds me of when I was “in it”…when I was THAT kid at a show and all that mattered was getting inside of the venue and belting out lyrics to songs that soundtracked my mornings, days and nights. You better keep an eye out for these dudes…”Shed” feels like it’s just the tip of the iceberg.

8. David Bazan - Strange Negotiations

I was late on the David Bazan/Pedro The Lion game. Better late than never.

9. Fleet Foxes - Helplessness Blues

Do you ever have albums that you just like because they remind you of something, some place or someone? That’s this album for me. Aside from it just being a great album, it reminds me of my trip to England and my friend Guy who I miss a lot. That alone is worth including this record.

10. Charles Bradley & The Menehan Street Band - No Time For Dreaming

I’m not a musician but I do own a few guitars. To me, the guitar was and has always been simply a hobby. I never found “my sound” or at least could decide on what kind of music I wanted to play. The older I got, the more the style would change. One day, I stumbled upon James Brown’s “Live At The Apollo I & II” and fell in love with the guitar work on it. I would listen to those records non-stop and when James’ singing wasn’t captivating me, it was the guitars that would. I decided that THAT is how I’d like to play. But I got no time for that now so I just listen and do the next best thing: watch it live. James Brown is long gone now but with artists like Charles Bradley, Lee Fields or Sharon Jones who perform with bands like the Daptones and The Menahan Street Band, this is the closest you’re going to get to experiencing the vibe of Brown’s “Live at the Apollo” shows. Trust me when I say that Daptone Records will do you no wrong. Thomas Brenneck is a beast on guitar.

11. A.A. Bondy - Believers

I love the darkness that surrounds A.A. Bondy’s voice and the atmosphere that his albums create…at least when I listen to them.

12. Chuck Ragan - Covering Ground

I have much respect for Chuck. There are not that many artists that bring such ferocity to their music and performances. Chuck brings it EVERY SINGLE TIME. It’s great to be a part of Chuck’s music even if it’s on the business end of things. It all helps the wheels turning and to have his music hit fresh ears. Next year brings the Revival Tour to the US and I pray you don’t miss it if it’s coming to your home town.

13. Souvenirs - Sadder Days EP

Tim, singer and guitar player, interned at SideOneDummy.  He is really good friends with the dudes in Title Fight. He stopped interning because he went on tour with them to sell merch. We missed Tim and still miss him around the office. He’s silly but a very enthusiastic guy. He stands by what he says even if whatever he’s saying sounds kind of strange. There’s just something about him that I feel he backs everything he says or gets involved in. He backs music for all the right reasons and this is his band’s EP. I can respect a guy like him. I back this EP.

14. Adele - 21

When it first came out, I got really into it. I was grooving. I’d be working, getting shit together and listening to this like, “Saaaaang it, guurrrrrl!” That song, “Someone Like You”? Oh, man. That’s good pop music right there, ya’ll.

15. Restorations - S/T

I wouldn’t have found out about this if it wasn’t for ol’ FMQB Promotion Executive Of The Year 2010 AND 2011, Rob “El Chingon” Wilcox. Thanks, buddy. Loved it.

Honorable Mentions

Bon Iver - S/T

After having LOVED their first record and witnessing an amazing live show of theirs, I only had two critiques about this release. 1) I was a little disappointed by this album’s “punch” at FIRST and it kept me away from it. 2) A little too much auto-tune on an artist that just doesn’t need it. Other than that, I think this record was a strong release for Bon Iver and 2011.

Red Hot Chili Peppers - I’m With You

Not gonna lie, I didn’t really like this album too much. This would have automatically made my list if John Frusciante was still in the band. Favorite Song though is “Brendan’s Death Song.”

Don’t Believe The Hype

Childish Gambino - Camp - This kid is a total joke.

Let me tell you why I like this picture. It’s nothing super amazing but it is a great picture of Jeff Tweedy at the Sasquatch festival 2011. What I like about it is that it almost seems like my two of my all-time favorite musicians have fused together to almost form a super musician. I see elements of John Frusciante in this picture that puts a smile on my face. Imagine these two making music together? I’m not sure if that would work but it’d be interesting. In the meantime, listen to Wilco’s Sasquatch festival set on NPR, hope that Frusciante puts new music out soon and that the new Chili Peppers isn’t horrible. I’m still a fan of that band even if it had a lot to do with Frusciante.

There’s so much music online, you guys. Man, no wonder people don’t buy records anymore. NPR always delivers.

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Wishful Thinking1 / Wilco / A Ghost is Born

Wilco - Wishful Thinking

Fill up your mind with all it can know 
Don’t forget that your body will let it all go 
Fill up your mind with all it can know 
‘Cause what would love be without wishful thinking 

Open your arms as far as they will go 
We take off your dress 
An embarrassing poem 
Was written when I was alone 
In love with you 

I shook down those lines 
To shine up the streets 
I got up off my hands and knees 
To thank my lucky stars that you’re not me 

What would we be without wishful thinking 

– Wilco

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Jeff Tweedy - A Shot In The Arm

Nice recovery Mr. Tweedy.