I’m not sure I can even start to explain how much putting this post together hurt my head. Why I limit myself to just ten albums for the whole year, I will never know. It’s been an interesting year for music, the reason why it pleasantly caused me angst to compile this list. 2011 saw two members of one of my favourite bands both release albums, only one of which has made this list. Have seen many bands and musicians come and go in the space of 12 months and have also seen people I care about, release debut albums, which couldn’t make me any prouder.
So without further ado and from 10-1, this is the Sourmash Music’s Top 10 Albums of 2011….
10. + by Ed Sheeran
What a year it has been for this guy. A one to watch on last years polls and with several infamous EPs already under his belt, he delivers an emotional filled debut album. Songs of passion, heartbreak, love and honesty, Ed gave us a wonderful record in the shape of + with moments of beauty and tenderness for the 21st century.
Stand out track… ‘The A Team’
9. Fear Of Mountains Pt.1 by The Witch And The Robot
This album was a very pleasant surprise I have to say. Upon first listen you’ll realise its brilliance and their approach in writing great, hook-laden, psychedelic outings for the mind. One of the most far-out albums I have heard this year and so had to include it on this list, for you all to enjoy. The video for Houdini is weird, but that’s why I love it.
Stand out track…’Houdini’
8. Distraction Pieces by Scroobius Pip
What is Pip’s debut music album and probably some of the finest work he has done, of which I am including both Dan Le Sac vs Scroobius Pip’s albums in that statement. This record has intent, brutal honesty and very clever wordplay, that Pip does so effortlessly. Big beats supplied by the likes of Richard from XL and Radio 1 DJ Zane Lowe. Amazing production and an album I wish Pip made years ago, bravo Dave.
Stand out track… ‘Let Em Come’
7. Colour Of The Trap by Miles Kane
So happy Mr. Kane decided to finally go it out alone and step out of the shadows of his monkey friend. Hands down better than Alex Turner & Co’s effort this year and showcases how talented a songwriter Miles actually is. It’s a vintage sound that dips into nostalgia and smoky tones, a very healthy balance between The Rascals and The Last Shadow Puppets, it’s a triumph basically.
Stand out track… ‘Inhaler’
6. Ceremonials by Florence & The Machine
With her fantastic debut album ‘Lungs’, we waited with anticipation as to what Ms Welch was going to produce for her second piece of work. We needn’t had worried, because not only has she come back with something truly spectacular, but it surpasses her previous effort ten-fold. It’s bold, powerful and comes set with its own mini-choir on every track. Ceremonials is truly something to be cherished.
Stand out track… ‘What The Water Gave Me’
5. Welcome Home Armageddon by Funeral For A Friend
The fact that this is Funeral For A Friends best album since their debut ‘Casually Dressed And Deep In Conversation’, that’s all you really need to know. It is a corker
Stand out track… ‘Broken Foundation’
4. Young Pilgrims by Charlie Simpson
Take out the fact that Charlie was part of one of Britain’s biggest pop acts, because he certainly has. Following Simpson’s career with Fightstar, his post-hardcore outfit, it was pleasantly surprising when I finally heard something off of Young Pilgrim. Sublime and with hints of Americana throughout, a marvellous effort and a force to be reckoned with now.
Stand out track… ‘Down, Down, Down’
3. England Keep My Bones by Frank Turner
A political troubadour or just an up to date beatnik poet? None of that really matters to be honest, with one of the best albums of his career. It’s a thought provoking slice of nu-folk with bags of credibility and doused in gloriousness and charm.
Stand out track… ‘I Still Believe’
2. Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds by Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds
To say I’ve waited for about 10 years for this album to be released is no exaggeration. Mr. Gallagher’s first solo outing has been on the cards for some time now and he did not fail to deliver on his word. What should have possibly been the next Oasis album, I don’t care too much for, it’s the here and now. Right now, it includes some of the best songs he has written since ‘(What’s the story) Morning Glory?’
Stand out track… ‘If I Had A Gun’
1. Fake History by Letlive
Post-hardcore at its finest hour, Letlive delivered and then some with their third release, Fake History. An album that was recommended to me and I’m so glad it was. Packs a huge punch in the gut with melodic-core brilliance, it’s a ride of a life-time and all year I have been forever thankful that I decided to jump on board. Also before I get a backlash, I know this album was technically released in 2010, but it saw the light of day here in Europe in 2011 when the band signed to Epitaph, so it’s staying in!
Stand out track… ‘Renegade 86′
So there you have it, room for debate I’m sure and a list of which I will enjoy defending. But that’s not all, I had to include these following albums that I also thoroughly enjoyed this year, so here are the ones that kind of made it but didn’t…
So at exactly 8.15am this morning, Noel Gallagher’s debut solo single got it’s first airing on BBC Radio 2. For some of you that follow me on Twitter will know I was just a tad excited this morning to hear what “The Chief” had to offer. I waited and waited and the time came, a rush of adrenaline and chills down my spine, then it arrived!!
Noel looking reflective!
Not knowing what to expect, as Noel as kept everything regarding his solo album very close to his chest. Amazingly very few people would have heard the single before this time, so it was fresh and new for millions of people on this Monday morning. So what are my thoughts……
A lot of talk about it not being Oasis, not being very Rock n Roll, but I just want to say have a listen to the last couple of Oasis albums and Noels input on them, The Chief has chilled out. He is writing more reflective and creative songs that push the imagination just that little bit more. “The Death Of You and Me” is full of epic hooks and is certainly a world away from classic Oasis. It’s dreamy, serene and simply magical with a touching sentiment that is uplifting and a perfect accompaniment to the summer.
Personally, I think it is a wonderful song, if I am being at my most honest, not what I was expecting, but I think that’s what Noel plans to do, surprise us! As the video says at the end….. To Be Continued
I will make this quick but just wanted to show my excitement for the confirmed information of Noel Gallaghers solo album. It has been a long time coming but it is finally here, so he is that information if you haven’t seen it already.
Noel Gallagher at Press Conference
Noel Gallagher has announced full details of his new solo debut album ‘High Flying Birds’ at a London press conference.
The ex-Oasis guitarist said his new record will be released on his own label Sour Mash on October 17 and will be followed up by a second collaboration LP in 2012 withAnonymous Androgynous.
Now I am fully aware this puts my Noel Gallagher tracklisting story to rest now! A couple of tracks of which have been included, but that aside, it is very exciting to hear there will be two albums released within a short space of time. Confirmation of his work with Amorphous Androgynous is interesting, because it was reported that his work with AA was something that his management company were not too keen on. Word from the studio was that it wasn’t commercial enough and that Noel should steer clear of it and just release the kind of album people would expect. It seems Noel has got his way however, so this writer can’t wait to hear what the collaboration will sound like.
As the wait is finally over, October cannot come soon enough. Welcome back Mr Noel Gallagher!
If you have never heard this before either, what was possible songs for this solo album….
