2011 Music Review - The Worthy

My general opinion of music releases this year is it was kind of like a classic Duke basketball team. Very deep on talent, but no super stars. I think last year's top 5 albums are all better than this year's absolute best. But the top 15 could fit into the top 12 from last year.

We'll get to the top 15 next week. Right now, here's all the albums up to my top 15 I indorse as worth a download.

Active Child - You Are All I See: the voice can be a little annoying but the minimalistic synth R&B is quite beautiful.

Adele - 21: Her voice can't be denied. Really enjoyable big tent pop, which doesn't happen that often any more.

Antlers - Burst Apart: One of the best live shows I saw this year, I wish the Jeff Buckley voice I heard at ACL showed up on this album a little more. It's often subdued when it could be shattering.

ASAP Rocky - LiveLoveA$AP: Slow burn hip hop, DIY style.

The Black Keys - El Camino: Almost every son could be used in a car ad, and that is a good thing.

Bright Eyes - The People's Key: Connor's original band goes out on a high note, especially with One For You, One For Me.

Coldplay - Mylo Xyloto: Lyrics can be awful, but Eno's influence always makes the sound very expansive.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. - It's A Corporate World: Lots of love for this one. Reminds me of 90s Beck.

Death Cab For Cutie - Codes and Keys: The sunny shine of this record didn't ruin the soul o their sound.

F*cked Up - David Comes To Life: Best rock opera and power punk album of the year. The layers of guitar are face melting.

Girls - Father, Son, Holy Ghost: If the lead singer's voice was just a little bigger, this would be up for album of the year. As-is, it can be distracting.

The Horrors - Skying: Big Brit-pop. Not quite Stome Roses, but keeping the flag up for a dying breed.

Kurt Vile - Smoke Ring For My Halo: Was very high on this album for months. I lost some interest as a whole, and a lot of it sounds too similar.

My Morning Jacket - Circuital: A triple by these now rock gods. As an album, an improvement over their last release.

Panda Bear - Tomboy: Not as accessible as the Animal Collective album. Still amazing turned up loud with headphones on.

Theophilus London - Timez Are Weird These Days: Old school hip hop done right. The true 2011 party rock.

Toro y Moi - Under The Pine: Space aged disco that bounces around your head like 8 bit video game blips.

TV On The Radio - Nine Types Of Light: probably their worst album, so it's extremely impressive it's still very good.

Tyler, The Creator - Goblin: Best Hip Hop debut this year. A really interesting mind f*ck. Can't wait for more from him.

Veronica Falls - Veronica Falls: Sounds like the ban playing in the bar where you'll see the coolest tattoos in town. Haunting at times.

Wilco - The Whole Love: More experimental than their last two, but that makes it not quite as consistent. Still very strong, though.

Wild Flag - Wild Flag: These girls rock so hard. Just makes me want to jump around.

Zola Jesus - Conatus: Since Fiona Apple is out of the scene, Zola fills the void with a powerful voice and cryptic lyrics.