...pulled from The Meatysauce Review in December of 2011.
After seeing many of my favourite music bloggers start the annual ritual of listing the “Top Songs of the Year”, I decided I would give it a go as well. I originally tried to narrow it down to my top 20 tunes but alas, 39.3 hours later, I present to you my top 60. I hope you enjoy listening as much as I enjoyed putting this together.
60. John Wesley Coleman III – Oh Woman
59. Wye Oak – Holy Holy
58. Washed Out – New Theory
57. Lykke Li – I Follow Rivers
56. FIDLAR – Bummed
55. Radical Face – A Pound of Flesh
54. David Wax Museum – Born With a Broken Heart
53. Born Gold – Alabaster Bodyworlds
52. Jhameel – Shut Up
51. Fitz and the Tantrums – MoneyGrabber
50. Blake Mills – Wintersong
49. Tennis – Pigeon
48. The Belle Brigade – Losers
47. Kanye West & Jay Z – Otis
46. Hungry Kids of Hungary – Scattered Diamonds
45. Middle Brother – Me Me Me
44. The National – Think You Can Wait
43. Danger Mouse & Daniele Luppi (feat. Jack White) – Two Against One
42. jj – Still
41. Youth Lagoon – Montana
40. Those Darlins – Screws Get Loose
39. Blue Skies For Black Hearts – Majoring In The Arts
38. White Denim – Street Joy
37. Real Estate – It’s Real
36. Grouplove – Colours
35. The Rural Alberta Advantage – North Star
34. Hooray For Earth – No Love
33. Pepper Rabbit – Rose Mary Stretch
32. Purity Ring – Loftcries
31. Ty Segall – You Make The Sun Fry
30. The Head and The Heart – Lost In My Mind
It’s no surprise that The Head and The Heart would eventually make their way onto the list. Their debut album was a pretty solid collection of mellow tunes with this little gem nestled right in the middle. I sang along to ‘Lost In My Mind’ on a few road trips throughout the year.
29. The Pack AD – Sirens
Not much else to say about this Vancouver-based duo…everything I have heard from these ladies have been unique and awesome. Not bending at all from their winning formula, their newest album (Unpersons) is a great listen from front to back…but their first single ‘Sirens’ is the perfect theme song for winding in and out of traffic at rush hour. I can’t wait to catch The Pack AD show on January 28th at The Rickshaw Theatre in Vancouver!
28. Austra – Lose It
I missed the Austra show when they rolled through town recently…I’m not a smart person. ’Lose It’ is my favourite song off their debut album Feel It Break. Everyone should have it on a handful of playlists on their computers and iPods.
27. Junior Boys – ep
Wow, I just realized there are a lot of Canadian groups representing on this list. A lot of other bloggers included Banana Ripple on their ‘Best of 2011′ lists but for me, the highlight of this album is ep. I’ve had a love-hate relationship with Junior Boys for a few years now. They make some incredible songs that I listen to on repeat for days but then other stuff I just can’t seem to get into. It’s the same way I feel about LCD Soundsystem…which is obviously not meant as a burn at all. No seriously, please don’t break up.
26. Tom Vek – Aroused
Jeez, welcome back to the music industry Tom Vek! After a 6 year absence, I can finally stop abusing We Have Sound and start to enjoy Vek’s new album Leisure Seizure. ’Aroused’ was the first song I heard from the new record and it did not disappoint. It makes me want to flail and the bass line is pretty awesome.
25. Alexander Ebert – Truth
Another song that I had to go back and double check that it was indeed released in 2011. I swear this track has been on mixed cd’s of mine for a few years now…but alas, I was mistaken. It is currently sitting in my top 5 most listened to songs on iTunes, so an obvious choice to break the top 25 songs of the year. I think the majority of my last 52 sunday mornings began with a cup of coffee and listening to ‘Truth’.
24. Okkervil River – Wake and Be Fine
Even though it was a tall order to hope that the newest Okkervil River album would compete withBlack Sheep Boy or The Stand-Ins, they did a pretty good job with I Am Very Far. Just because ‘Wake And Be Fine’ isn’t my all-time favourite Okkervil song, it is still a pretty awesome track.
23. My Morning Jacket – Holding On To Black Metal
I have seen another MMJ song (Circuital) show up on other bloggers ‘Best of 2011′ lists…’Holding On To Black Metal’ is my hands down favourite. It’s dirty, grimy and the the ‘whoawhoawhoawhoa yeayeayea‘s throughout are awesome. If you get the chance, go check out My Morning Jacket live in concert. It is so great. Just listening to it makes me feel like I’ve done something naughty.
22. Inspired and The Sleep – While We’re Young
My first exposure to Inspired and The Sleep came in the form of an email. Along with a couple others from this list (you will see them over the next few days), I was soooo glad I did not delete the email. It is an incredibly unique sounding song…lots of layers of what I can only guess are drum machines, flutes, chimes, maracas, rim shots and vocals all mixed into perfection. Looking forward to hearing more from these San Diegoians.
21. Library Voices – Generation Handclap
Straight from the prairies of Canada, Library Voices were definitely one of the hardest working bands of 2011. After the release of their album Summer of Lust, they hit the road on a continually expanding tour across North America and back again. I could have put a handful of Library Voices songs on this list but decided to stick with the one that first introduced me to the group, ‘Generation Handclap’. When they come to your town (don’t worry, they probably will), get out and support them.
20. San Cisco – Golden Revolver
Another band that came to me in an email. As soon as I say they were from Australia I was instantly hovering over the trash button but I must have been in a good mood because instead of clicking on the garbage can, I clicked on their bandcamp link. What I found was this beauty. Golden Revolverhas been a staple of every mix tape from 2011. Welcome to the top 20 San Cisco!
19. The Decemberists – Don’t Carry It All
I would love to sit down with The Decemberists in an irish pub and have a few pints, share some stories and have them serenade me. It was tough to pick my favourite song off their new album ‘The King Is Dead’ but this song is a stand out. Not much else to say.
18. AgesandAges – So So Freely
I hadn’t heard much from the Agesandages camp before they nailed a live performance on Daytrotter. There is so much flow to every song they put out it is ridiculous. My favourite song off their newest album is So So Freely BUT if you are in the mood for a double dose of awesome tune age then also get out and grab No Nostalgia as well.
17. Cults – Oh My God
I am pretty sure if you write about music on the World Wide Web then it is mandatory to put a Cults song in your top 20. Here you go…internet bullies.
16. Florence + The Machine – Shake It Out
I can’t get enough of this song. Even though I have very little knowledge of any Florence + The Machine‘s other work, this song just makes me want to cook breakfast for a lot of people. Not sure why.
15. 41st and Home – Wilderness Eyes
41st and Home came to the table with a pretty solid hand this year…great album, great sound, humble. Wilderness Eyes starts off really slow and cruisey but then becomes a real sing-along towards the middle. This might be a little crazy but as of December 18 of 2011, I would consider this one of my favourite road trip songs of all time. If you are reading this, please let me know when you want to come in for some pizza! We are hoping to be open at the end ofFebruary March April.
14. The Black Keys – Little Black Submarine
I was really close to putting Lonely Boy on this list but opted at the last minute for this track. I heard someone refer to Little Black Submarine as a modern day Stairway to Heaven…I might not go that far but it still follows the same magical formula.
13. Fleet Foxes – Grown Ocean
These guys are just straight up jam-makers. Along with about 55 other artists on this list, it was tough to pick just one song to include from the Fleet Foxes…their newest album, ‘Helplessness Blues’, is just THAT good.
12. Bon Iver – Calgary
Wow, not in the top 10…I know what you are thinking. I am just as surprised myself. It can only mean that I have some real bangers in my next post. That being said, I love this song and you should too.
11. Stone Darling – Can You Get To That
I hate to say it but I know very little about Stone Darling. This song first came onto my radar in May of this year and has been on heavy rotation since then. It has this twangy, country, garage sound that just hits every sort of spot to perfection. It’s not too long, not too short…again, basically it is perfect.
10. You Won’t – Who Knew
These guys sort of burst onto the scene with a handful of really great songs. Straight out of Boston, if you get the chance to get your grubby nubbies any of their released tunes then do it. Here’s hoping that their first full-length album is just as impressive. Welcome to the Top 10!
9. Say Hi – Dots On Maps
If you have read this blog in the past then you know I am a rather large Say Hi fan. Their newest album Um, Uh Oh is great from start to finish. If you aren’t really familiar with Say Hi but you like any combination of well-written, simple, catchy music then definitely pick up a few of their albums. ’Dots On Maps’ is one of my favourite songs off the new album.
8. Oregon Bike Trails – High School Lover
It seems like there are a lot of new artists on this list and Oregon Bike Trails is certainly one of them. Again, I was sent a link to this song via email from Father/Daughter Records. After listening to it I immediately emailed them back and bought every record from every artist they released to date. As with most songs on the Top 10 list, this song has been a staple on almost every playlist that I made throughout 2011 and again…I freaking hope their first full length is as solid as the single.
7. Phantogram – Don’t Move
This song is so awesome. I seriously can’t get enough of it. When Sarah Barthel tells the listener at one point to “keep your body still”, I just don’t see how that’s possible.
6. M83 – Midnight City
I’ve seen this song near or at the top of a lot of people’s lists this year. How can it not be though? Crazy wild synths, a sexy sax solo, and awesome vocals…it’s the perfect way to start a night out on the town.
5. Pickwick – Blackout
Who doesn’t like a little soul in their music? It’s tough to find information on the interweb about Seattle-based Pickwick. From the band’s Facebook page, I can tell that they are six guys, they have a basement and like vintage gear, vinyl, tape machines, tambourines, shakers, reverb, samplers, wood blocks, falsetto, call & response, vibraphone, sputnik. After listening to a few of their newly released songs, I can confirm that this sounds about right. My favourite song is Blackout, it is located above, and it kicks all sort of bum bum.
4. tUnE-yArDs – Powa
It’s been a while since I was this pumped about a new style/genre of music…and to be honest, I don’t really know how to describe the tUnE-yArDs sound. The first time I saw Merrill Garbus play ‘Gangsta’ live on Jimmy Fallon I was blown away. Lots of looping, face paint, snarling vocals and a big sound is evident in every song from the tUnE-yArDs 2011 release, w h o k i l l. Lots of other musical-blogger-type-people included ‘Bizness’ on their top of the year lists, my favourite song is ‘Powa’…hands down.
3. Charles Bradley – The World (Is Going Up In Flames)
Speaking of soul, Charles Bradley burst onto the scene (and a lot of ‘Top Song’ lists) this year at the ripe age of 63. It’s hard to believe that his new album No Time For Dreaming was only released this past year…it has the funk and soul found mainly in recordings from the 1960′s and 70′s. I dare you to try and not put this song on your next playlist.
2. Alabama Shakes – I Found You
This was a no-brainer. I could have put any number of Alabama Shakes songs in this very spot but after long deliberation, went with I Found You. Along with a few others on this list, I hope that the first full releases from Alabama Shakes is mind blowing. I love their retro sound and humble internet presence. Please come to western Canada soon so we can be friends.
59. Wye Oak – Holy Holy
58. Washed Out – New Theory
57. Lykke Li – I Follow Rivers
56. FIDLAR – Bummed
55. Radical Face – A Pound of Flesh
54. David Wax Museum – Born With a Broken Heart
53. Born Gold – Alabaster Bodyworlds
52. Jhameel – Shut Up
51. Fitz and the Tantrums – MoneyGrabber
50. Blake Mills – Wintersong
49. Tennis – Pigeon
48. The Belle Brigade – Losers
47. Kanye West & Jay Z – Otis
46. Hungry Kids of Hungary – Scattered Diamonds
45. Middle Brother – Me Me Me
44. The National – Think You Can Wait
43. Danger Mouse & Daniele Luppi (feat. Jack White) – Two Against One
42. jj – Still
41. Youth Lagoon – Montana
40. Those Darlins – Screws Get Loose
39. Blue Skies For Black Hearts – Majoring In The Arts
38. White Denim – Street Joy
37. Real Estate – It’s Real
36. Grouplove – Colours
35. The Rural Alberta Advantage – North Star
34. Hooray For Earth – No Love
33. Pepper Rabbit – Rose Mary Stretch
32. Purity Ring – Loftcries
31. Ty Segall – You Make The Sun Fry
30. The Head and The Heart – Lost In My Mind
It’s no surprise that The Head and The Heart would eventually make their way onto the list. Their debut album was a pretty solid collection of mellow tunes with this little gem nestled right in the middle. I sang along to ‘Lost In My Mind’ on a few road trips throughout the year.
29. The Pack AD – Sirens
Not much else to say about this Vancouver-based duo…everything I have heard from these ladies have been unique and awesome. Not bending at all from their winning formula, their newest album (Unpersons) is a great listen from front to back…but their first single ‘Sirens’ is the perfect theme song for winding in and out of traffic at rush hour. I can’t wait to catch The Pack AD show on January 28th at The Rickshaw Theatre in Vancouver!
28. Austra – Lose It
I missed the Austra show when they rolled through town recently…I’m not a smart person. ’Lose It’ is my favourite song off their debut album Feel It Break. Everyone should have it on a handful of playlists on their computers and iPods.
27. Junior Boys – ep
Wow, I just realized there are a lot of Canadian groups representing on this list. A lot of other bloggers included Banana Ripple on their ‘Best of 2011′ lists but for me, the highlight of this album is ep. I’ve had a love-hate relationship with Junior Boys for a few years now. They make some incredible songs that I listen to on repeat for days but then other stuff I just can’t seem to get into. It’s the same way I feel about LCD Soundsystem…which is obviously not meant as a burn at all. No seriously, please don’t break up.
26. Tom Vek – Aroused
Jeez, welcome back to the music industry Tom Vek! After a 6 year absence, I can finally stop abusing We Have Sound and start to enjoy Vek’s new album Leisure Seizure. ’Aroused’ was the first song I heard from the new record and it did not disappoint. It makes me want to flail and the bass line is pretty awesome.
25. Alexander Ebert – Truth
Another song that I had to go back and double check that it was indeed released in 2011. I swear this track has been on mixed cd’s of mine for a few years now…but alas, I was mistaken. It is currently sitting in my top 5 most listened to songs on iTunes, so an obvious choice to break the top 25 songs of the year. I think the majority of my last 52 sunday mornings began with a cup of coffee and listening to ‘Truth’.
24. Okkervil River – Wake and Be Fine
Even though it was a tall order to hope that the newest Okkervil River album would compete withBlack Sheep Boy or The Stand-Ins, they did a pretty good job with I Am Very Far. Just because ‘Wake And Be Fine’ isn’t my all-time favourite Okkervil song, it is still a pretty awesome track.
23. My Morning Jacket – Holding On To Black Metal
I have seen another MMJ song (Circuital) show up on other bloggers ‘Best of 2011′ lists…’Holding On To Black Metal’ is my hands down favourite. It’s dirty, grimy and the the ‘whoawhoawhoawhoa yeayeayea‘s throughout are awesome. If you get the chance, go check out My Morning Jacket live in concert. It is so great. Just listening to it makes me feel like I’ve done something naughty.
22. Inspired and The Sleep – While We’re Young
My first exposure to Inspired and The Sleep came in the form of an email. Along with a couple others from this list (you will see them over the next few days), I was soooo glad I did not delete the email. It is an incredibly unique sounding song…lots of layers of what I can only guess are drum machines, flutes, chimes, maracas, rim shots and vocals all mixed into perfection. Looking forward to hearing more from these San Diegoians.
21. Library Voices – Generation Handclap
Straight from the prairies of Canada, Library Voices were definitely one of the hardest working bands of 2011. After the release of their album Summer of Lust, they hit the road on a continually expanding tour across North America and back again. I could have put a handful of Library Voices songs on this list but decided to stick with the one that first introduced me to the group, ‘Generation Handclap’. When they come to your town (don’t worry, they probably will), get out and support them.
20. San Cisco – Golden Revolver
Another band that came to me in an email. As soon as I say they were from Australia I was instantly hovering over the trash button but I must have been in a good mood because instead of clicking on the garbage can, I clicked on their bandcamp link. What I found was this beauty. Golden Revolverhas been a staple of every mix tape from 2011. Welcome to the top 20 San Cisco!
19. The Decemberists – Don’t Carry It All
I would love to sit down with The Decemberists in an irish pub and have a few pints, share some stories and have them serenade me. It was tough to pick my favourite song off their new album ‘The King Is Dead’ but this song is a stand out. Not much else to say.
18. AgesandAges – So So Freely
I hadn’t heard much from the Agesandages camp before they nailed a live performance on Daytrotter. There is so much flow to every song they put out it is ridiculous. My favourite song off their newest album is So So Freely BUT if you are in the mood for a double dose of awesome tune age then also get out and grab No Nostalgia as well.
17. Cults – Oh My God
I am pretty sure if you write about music on the World Wide Web then it is mandatory to put a Cults song in your top 20. Here you go…internet bullies.
16. Florence + The Machine – Shake It Out
I can’t get enough of this song. Even though I have very little knowledge of any Florence + The Machine‘s other work, this song just makes me want to cook breakfast for a lot of people. Not sure why.
15. 41st and Home – Wilderness Eyes
41st and Home came to the table with a pretty solid hand this year…great album, great sound, humble. Wilderness Eyes starts off really slow and cruisey but then becomes a real sing-along towards the middle. This might be a little crazy but as of December 18 of 2011, I would consider this one of my favourite road trip songs of all time. If you are reading this, please let me know when you want to come in for some pizza! We are hoping to be open at the end of
14. The Black Keys – Little Black Submarine
I was really close to putting Lonely Boy on this list but opted at the last minute for this track. I heard someone refer to Little Black Submarine as a modern day Stairway to Heaven…I might not go that far but it still follows the same magical formula.
13. Fleet Foxes – Grown Ocean
These guys are just straight up jam-makers. Along with about 55 other artists on this list, it was tough to pick just one song to include from the Fleet Foxes…their newest album, ‘Helplessness Blues’, is just THAT good.
12. Bon Iver – Calgary
Wow, not in the top 10…I know what you are thinking. I am just as surprised myself. It can only mean that I have some real bangers in my next post. That being said, I love this song and you should too.
11. Stone Darling – Can You Get To That
I hate to say it but I know very little about Stone Darling. This song first came onto my radar in May of this year and has been on heavy rotation since then. It has this twangy, country, garage sound that just hits every sort of spot to perfection. It’s not too long, not too short…again, basically it is perfect.
10. You Won’t – Who Knew
These guys sort of burst onto the scene with a handful of really great songs. Straight out of Boston, if you get the chance to get your grubby nubbies any of their released tunes then do it. Here’s hoping that their first full-length album is just as impressive. Welcome to the Top 10!
9. Say Hi – Dots On Maps
If you have read this blog in the past then you know I am a rather large Say Hi fan. Their newest album Um, Uh Oh is great from start to finish. If you aren’t really familiar with Say Hi but you like any combination of well-written, simple, catchy music then definitely pick up a few of their albums. ’Dots On Maps’ is one of my favourite songs off the new album.
8. Oregon Bike Trails – High School Lover
It seems like there are a lot of new artists on this list and Oregon Bike Trails is certainly one of them. Again, I was sent a link to this song via email from Father/Daughter Records. After listening to it I immediately emailed them back and bought every record from every artist they released to date. As with most songs on the Top 10 list, this song has been a staple on almost every playlist that I made throughout 2011 and again…I freaking hope their first full length is as solid as the single.
7. Phantogram – Don’t Move
This song is so awesome. I seriously can’t get enough of it. When Sarah Barthel tells the listener at one point to “keep your body still”, I just don’t see how that’s possible.
6. M83 – Midnight City
I’ve seen this song near or at the top of a lot of people’s lists this year. How can it not be though? Crazy wild synths, a sexy sax solo, and awesome vocals…it’s the perfect way to start a night out on the town.
5. Pickwick – Blackout
Who doesn’t like a little soul in their music? It’s tough to find information on the interweb about Seattle-based Pickwick. From the band’s Facebook page, I can tell that they are six guys, they have a basement and like vintage gear, vinyl, tape machines, tambourines, shakers, reverb, samplers, wood blocks, falsetto, call & response, vibraphone, sputnik. After listening to a few of their newly released songs, I can confirm that this sounds about right. My favourite song is Blackout, it is located above, and it kicks all sort of bum bum.
4. tUnE-yArDs – Powa
It’s been a while since I was this pumped about a new style/genre of music…and to be honest, I don’t really know how to describe the tUnE-yArDs sound. The first time I saw Merrill Garbus play ‘Gangsta’ live on Jimmy Fallon I was blown away. Lots of looping, face paint, snarling vocals and a big sound is evident in every song from the tUnE-yArDs 2011 release, w h o k i l l. Lots of other musical-blogger-type-people included ‘Bizness’ on their top of the year lists, my favourite song is ‘Powa’…hands down.
3. Charles Bradley – The World (Is Going Up In Flames)
Speaking of soul, Charles Bradley burst onto the scene (and a lot of ‘Top Song’ lists) this year at the ripe age of 63. It’s hard to believe that his new album No Time For Dreaming was only released this past year…it has the funk and soul found mainly in recordings from the 1960′s and 70′s. I dare you to try and not put this song on your next playlist.
2. Alabama Shakes – I Found You
This was a no-brainer. I could have put any number of Alabama Shakes songs in this very spot but after long deliberation, went with I Found You. Along with a few others on this list, I hope that the first full releases from Alabama Shakes is mind blowing. I love their retro sound and humble internet presence. Please come to western Canada soon so we can be friends.
AAAAAND drum roll please….
1. Beirut – East Harlem
I loved Beirut‘s new album, The Rip Tide. Start to finish. Enough said. Seeing as ‘East Harlem’ was my favourite song on the record then it should be no surprise that it landed in my #1 spot for the year. Who doesn’t like a rolling beat, some horns, rim shots and the famous Zach Condon effortlessly amazing vocals? If winter ever gets you down, just toss on this track, stoke the fire and have a bottle of spiced rum at your hip side.
1. Beirut – East Harlem
I loved Beirut‘s new album, The Rip Tide. Start to finish. Enough said. Seeing as ‘East Harlem’ was my favourite song on the record then it should be no surprise that it landed in my #1 spot for the year. Who doesn’t like a rolling beat, some horns, rim shots and the famous Zach Condon effortlessly amazing vocals? If winter ever gets you down, just toss on this track, stoke the fire and have a bottle of spiced rum at your hip side.
That everyone, was my top 60 songs of 2011! I hope you enjoyed it.
________________________________________________________
Well, you have seen my top 60 songs of 2011 posted on here over the past couple of weeks. There were a few that I reluctantly left off the list but still think they deserved some credit. Here are some of the stragglers that just missed out. Enjoy.
Free mp3: The Black Keys – Sister
Free mp3: Gardens & Villa – Black Hills
Free mp3: Middle Brother – Million Dollar Bill
Free mp3: Beirut – Goshen
Free mp3: Charles Bradley – Heartaches and Pain
Free mp3: Dale Earnhardt Jr Jr – We Almost Lost Detroit
Free mp3: Oliver Tank – Up All Night
Free mp3: The Rural Alberta Advantage – Coldest Days
Free mp3: Carter Tanton – Murderous Joy
Free mp3: Leisure – Green Light
Free mp3: tUnE-yArDs – Gangsta
Free mp3: Alabama Shakes – On Your Way
Free mp3: You Won’t – Just Can’t Say
Free mp3: Okkervil River – Your Life as a Blast
Free mp3: Say Hi – Bruises To Prove It
________________________________________________________
Well, you have seen my top 60 songs of 2011 posted on here over the past couple of weeks. There were a few that I reluctantly left off the list but still think they deserved some credit. Here are some of the stragglers that just missed out. Enjoy.
Free mp3: The Black Keys – Sister
Free mp3: Gardens & Villa – Black Hills
Free mp3: Middle Brother – Million Dollar Bill
Free mp3: Beirut – Goshen
Free mp3: Charles Bradley – Heartaches and Pain
Free mp3: Dale Earnhardt Jr Jr – We Almost Lost Detroit
Free mp3: Oliver Tank – Up All Night
Free mp3: The Rural Alberta Advantage – Coldest Days
Free mp3: Carter Tanton – Murderous Joy
Free mp3: Leisure – Green Light
Free mp3: tUnE-yArDs – Gangsta
Free mp3: Alabama Shakes – On Your Way
Free mp3: You Won’t – Just Can’t Say
Free mp3: Okkervil River – Your Life as a Blast
Free mp3: Say Hi – Bruises To Prove It
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