Year after year, I’ve managed to put together a list of my favorite music, movies, etc of the previous year. As if I am some illustrious journalist writing for a prestigious magazine. I tell myself, my opinion matters. And, to me, it does. It probably doesn’t to you. I am fully self-aware of the smug, selfishness that tends to be behind a list like this from a nobody like me. But, for almost the tenth year in a row, here’s a list of what I loved about music in 2011. What can I say, I’m an elitist.
ALBUMS
20. The Civil Wars, Barton Hollow
19. Wiz Khalifa, Rolling Papers
18. Lady Gaga, Born this Way
17. Adele, 21
16. Childish Gambino, Camp
15. The Weeknd (No, that’s not a typo), Thursday; and House of Balloons
14. Washed Out, Within and Without
13. Florence and the Machine, Ceremonials
12. M83; Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming
11. My Morning Jacket, Circuital
10. The Head and the Heart, The Head and the Heart
9. Cults, Cults
8. Youth Lagoon, The Year of Hibernation
7. Smith Westerns, Dye it Blonde
6. Girls; Father, Son, Holy Ghost
5. The Antlers, Burst Apart
4. Panda Bear, Tomboy
3. Fleet Foxes, Helplessness Blues
2. Cut/Copy, Zonoscope
1. Bon Iver, Bon Iver
Ok, a few things on the list above: 1. Bon Iver put out one of the greatest albums I’ve ever heard. Ever. I want it played at my funeral. 2. Putting the Dog to Sleep by The Antlers was the best song of the year. 3. The Black Keys’ El Camino severely disappointed me. 4. The album in the 21st spot would have been Foster the People.
SHOWS
10. Sleigh Bells, Bonnaroo
9. Explosions in the Sky, Bonnaroo
8. Ratatat, Bonnaroo
7. The Civil Wars, A Prairie Home Companion, The Ryman
No video, but it was awesome and Garrison Keillor’s commentary made it even better.
6. Childish Gambino, Cannery Ballroom
5. Deerhunter, Bonnaroo
4. Robyn, Bonnaroo
3. Scissor Sisters, Bonnaroo (Wait for the 1-minute mark on the video)
2. Arcade Fire, Bonnaroo
1. My Morning Jacket, Bonnaroo
