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| From | Bill Sherlock <william.d.sherlock@gmail.com> |
| Subject | Best of 2011 |
| Date | Tue, 13 Dec 2011 10:23:17 -0600 |
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1. Good & Evil - Tally Hall: Easily the best of this year. These guys
write inventive songs and play a captivating live show. Sadly, and I
fervently hope I'm wrong about this, this album is likely their swan song.
2. Wire - Red Barked Tree: The three remaining members of Wire could all
carry AARP cards but you'd never know it from this record. Still
spitting invective after 3 decades and about as many re-inventions.
3. XX - Sloan: Worth it for the cut "Unkind" alone, but the rest of the
record is pretty damn fine, too. If there's a band that has more fun
together on stage I've yet to see them.
4. Hotel Shampoo - Gruff Rhys: Super Furry Animals front man puts out
his 3rd solo record and it's a real grower. Softer than expected but his
word play is prime. Any man who can write a rock song in Welsh, a
language rivaled only by Polish in its lack of vowels, deserves a spot
on this list every time he puts out a record.
5. Spells - The Laureates: Local group's 2nd full length (available for
free! via their website). Just great crunchy Chicago power pop.
6. Title Tracks - In Blank: John Davis can squeeze more words into a
three minute pop song than just about anyone since Andy Partridge.
Guitar, bass, and drums, with a little keys sprinkled in for variety.
Who could ask for more?
7. Mike Viola - Electro de Perfecto: Mike Viola is just about what every
guy who picks up a guitar should aspire to. He can write just about any
type of song, makes a comfortable living doing what he loves, and is
able to walk down the street without being mobbed. Not only that, but he
puts out a record every few years, like this one, that contains more
than a few pop gems.
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