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Danielle's Posterous

people, places, & things I like. or like to complain about.

Honorable Mention Albums of 2011

Now for some albums that didn't quite make it to my Favorite Albums list. Some of them are albums that I thoroughly listened to, but just weren't at the top of my list, some are albums that I didn't listen to enough to really rank, and one is an album that I just bought today but came out in 2011 and I really like it.

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1.) Colour of the Trap- Miles Kane
This is the album that I just bought today. I love it. Had I bought it in 2011 it would have been on my Favorites list, but alas, I was late. So, It gets the #1 spot on my honorable mentions list, even though the rest aren't in any particular order. I never listened much to Miles Kane's band, The Rascals, but I got into him when he formed The Last Shadow Puppets with Alex Turner, and now I can say I am officially a fan of his. This album is so British and poppy and great.

2.) Sea of Memories- Bush
I actually don't own this album yet (I'm a bad fan), but I LOVE Bush and I'm putting the a lbum on Honorable Mention solely based on that fact and the fact that I like their single, Sound of Winter, and all the new songs I heard when I saw them at the Electric Factory. I'm very happy that they're back together, even if Nigel isn't with them.

3.) Belong- The Pains of Being Pure at Heart
I like this band, but for some reason I've never gotten really into them. So, of course, I kind of left this album on the back-burner listening to other albums that seemed more important. That said, I liked this a lot when I listened through it and I know that once I pay it some more attention it will become something I really like. Also, saw them play at Popped! and they were good.

4.) Tarot Classics- Surfer Blood
Now for a few EPs. Surfer Blood became a favorite of mine this year as I got really in to Astro Coast, and this EP is just as good. I wish it were a full album. I didn't want to p ut EPs on my favorites list but if I had, this definitely would have been on it.

5.) Life Sux- Wavves
Another great EP. I love this! Nodding Off (feat. Best Coast) is one of my favorite songs of 2011. Love it.

6.) Torches- Foster the People
This is another album that I don't actually own, but I foresee myself loving it. Yes, Pumped Up Kicks got a little old--really old, actually--but c'mon, it's good! And their other singles are just as catchy. Plus, they put on a pretty amazing show at Popped! I didn't really consider buying their album until after I saw them live, and this album has gotten great reviews.

7.) Hands All Over- Maroon 5
That's right, Maroon 5. What can I say, I've loved them since 8th grade. This album wins for worst album art of 2011, but I like the songs. Not enough to be a favorite, and not as good as their past albums, but still good.

8.) All At Once- Airborne Toxic Event
This is an album that I listened through once and liked, but never had a chance to really get into it. Changing is another of my favorite songs of the year though, so I will definitely be trying the album out again. I think it has potential to be a favorite.

9.) The English Riviera- Metronomy
This is another album that I listened through once, but then forgot about even through I really enjoyed it that first time. Probably my favorite of their albums, but I'm just not positive yet. Looking forward to seeing them live in a few months.

10.) Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds- Noel Gallagher & Different Gear Still Speeding- Beady Eye
Okay...the two album-products of Oasis's breakup. I was never a HUGE Oasis fan, but I definitely liked them, and I really want to like these two albums by Noel and Liam. I've read lot s of reviews and I can tell I would like them both, but again, no time. Or money. Hopefully I'll be getting these and listening to them soon.

Favorite Albums of 2011

I'm late posting this, but finally here is my list of favorite albums of 2011. I won't argue that they're "the best" but they're my favorites! Not in exact order, but my favorites are towards the top.

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1.) Zono scope- Cut Copy
My favorite of their albums now. Every song is great, and they paired it with an amazing tour.

2.) What Did You Expect From The Vaccines- The Vaccines
This album runs just over 30 minutes and I love that. Sometimes short songs are the best. One of my favorite new artists.

3.) Gimme Some- Peter Bjorn & John
Another album that is my favorite of the artists'. I always liked Peter Bjorn & John, but this album made me love them!

4.) Junk of the Heart- The Kooks
The Kooks are one of my favorite bands, so of course this is on my list. This is another short album, so I've listened to it a million times.

5.) Yuck- Yuck
Yuck! They're so fun and cute and 90s! Saw them twice this year, and their live show and album are both great. Can't wait to hear more from these guys.

6.) S uck It & See- Arctic Monkeys
Originally I was disappointed by Humbug, so I was worried when this album came out. To my delight though, I love Suck It & See and I've learned to love Humbug too. Arctic Monkeys are awesome and Alex Turner's new Elvis hair is too.

7.) This Modern Glitch- The Wombats
It seemed like I waited forever for The Wombats to release their sophomore album, and although I prefer their album in general, This Modern Glitch is lots of fun and has some great songs. Jump Into the Fog is up there with my favorites.

8.) The Postelles- The Postelles
I discovered the Postelles early this year, only to find that they would be touring with two of my favorite bands (The Wombats and The Kooks) later in the Fall. So I saw them twice, met them both times, and loved it. They're really cool guys and they put on a great show--particularly at the Trocadero opening for the Kooks. Albert Hammond Jr. produced their record, so I hope more people get turned on to them. Really looking forward to more new music from them in the coming years.

9.) Revolutions: Live at Wembley- Biffy Clyro
Hands down my favorite live album of the year. It's so good and guess what? I was at this show in London last year! Biffy Clyro sound great live, and I love getting to re-live the concert. Plus, I got the album in a special tinset that included a poster, DVD, stickers, confetti from the s how and even a piece of smashed guitar (a little goofy, but still neat to me as a fan).

10.) Velociraptor- Kasabian
I'm starting to really get in to Kasabian. This album wins best album art for me, and the music makes me really want to see these guys live. Lucky for me they're coming to Philly in March.

11.) Angles- The Strokes
I say this is the most under-rated album of the year. I read some bad reviews and just didn't hear much about it in general, but I think it's pretty great. I'm glad to see The Strokes back together and in my opinion they're just as good as they ever were.

12.) In Search of Elusive Little Comets- Little Comets
This is another of my British finds...I love British bands! Little Comets were definitely elusive for a while--it took me forever to find their music online, and they forever to find a US retailer that sold it, but I finally did and it's great. I would love to see them live!

13.) Thank You Happy Birthday- Cage the Elephant
This is my most unexpected favorite album of the year--I'd heard Cage the Elephant on the radio of course, and I liked Back Against the Wall, etc. but I never felt compelled to buy their album or see them live or anything. But then, I saw them at Popped! and I fell in love. They were great...made me really wish I was in the pit, so I bought both of their albums and the rest is history.

14.) Neighborhoods- Blink-182
Honestly, I'm slightly disappointed by this album, but after 8 years or whatever, how could I not love a new Blink album? The more I hear the singles on the radio, the more I like them so I think this album will only grow on me. No matter what, I'll always be a huge Blink fan!

15.) El Camino- The Black Keys
This just came out, so I haven't listened through it much, but it's already definitely a favorite. Plus, two albums in two years by these guys? Don't mind if I do.
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