2011 most listened
I made my life easier by using mostly youtube, looking at my last.FM stats and picking out stuff that I don't think motorbike has listened to, and then taking out the hardcore punk and other abrasive punk (lol). First of all, let's start out with the lady musicians I am most excited about:
Grass Widow - Milo Minute
I enjoyed their self-titled LP a lot--there's nothing that warms the cockles of my heart more than a sisterhood sort of band that create ethereal harmonies and vibe well together. Though Milo Minute is shorter than their other songs, its production quality is also better, and I can't wait for when these ladies get some more dough to hone their songs.
Bleached - Think of You
Bleached is the bassist and lead vocalist from Mika Miko--real-life sisters who've decide to band together after the conclusion of their other projects. Good garage pop and I appreciate Jen Clavin's casual and unassuming vocals. up da punx.
Siamese Twins - Ascension
I just found this demo last month and I never turn down female-fronted post punk. Think of the Sinking Hearts EP by The Organ. Some of the other songs are a bit lackluster, but this one is pretty good.
Wild Flag - Romance
Riot grrrl super group? I'm the asshole who says, "I liked Sleater-Kinney better," only to be rebutted with, "That's because it's not Sleater-Kinney." I think Wild Flag will grow on me, and really, I don't care if it's not what I was expecting--I'm just so fucking glad these women are making music.
Kimbra - Two Way Street
I happened upon Kimbra last october and she still won't leave my playlist alone. Soulful voice, catchy pop songs, mesmerizing slow ballads, tunes easily translatable into club bangers, superstar worthy LP--and all at the age of 21. Can we exile Katy Perry and have her instead?
and the rest:
Iceage - You're Blessed
Saw them in June. Dug it.
Big Boi - Shine Blockas ft. Gucci Mane
This isn't 2011, I don't care. I love this album. This song glitters.
Yuck - Get Away
I don't think I've listened to an LP so much and have equally loved the fast songs and the slow ones. Sometimes shoegazey, sometimes punked out, and all times well-crafted songs. I love this album X 1000.
1,2,3 - Scared, But Not That Scared
Pittsburgh locals who made a name for themselves across the blogosphere. You will either like it or not, due to the vocals. Either way, the instrumentals and hooks have garnered a lot of attention.
JEFF the Brotherhood - Cool Out
Probably second favorite LP of 2011 after Yuck's s/t. I liked Heavy Days better cause there were more krautrock and metal influences, but I enjoy the occasional hippy-dippy songs on We Are The Champions too. Cool Out is a no-frills punk jam.
ROAR - I Can't Handle Change
I found this band on The Spinto Band's blog (http://shark-dance.blogspot.com/). I've never gotten a bad recommendation from those guys; they collect and make records and dedicate themselves to the pop rock cause with an exceptional zeal, so I trust their erudition. Anyways, ROAR's EP will be loved by any Spinto fan. This video is pretty funny.
Mux Mool - Hog Knuckles
Also not 2011 but pretty underrated electronic artist. This song is reminiscent of Ratatat's style, but the rest of the Skulltaste LP demonstrates much musical breadth in order to set Mux Mool apart from the rest of the current superstars.
Holy Other - Feel Something
A friend in Tel Aviv recommended me this artist. I'm really down with Holy Other but then felt embarrassed when I heard, I think, Know Where at Urban Outfitters--which is lame because I'm shopping there in the first place, why should I feel ashamed that I listen to music touted by UO? Please die inner hipster and accept what you enjoy. Oh, I file this under "alien music" or super slowed down Yeasayer.
Cloud Nothings - Forget You All The Time
I just realized that Forget You All The Time reminds me of really old Death Cab. My most listened, however are Didn't You / Even If It Worked Out.
Best for last:
Eastern Youth - Dekunobou Hitori Tabi Yuku
because I didn't really like their 2011 album. Also highly recommended is Kanjusei Outouseyo (2001). One of my favorite fucking punk bands. Brothers 4 lyfe. I hope they make music until they're all old and wrinkly.
Too obscure for Youtube--download song here
Grass Widow - Milo Minute
I enjoyed their self-titled LP a lot--there's nothing that warms the cockles of my heart more than a sisterhood sort of band that create ethereal harmonies and vibe well together. Though Milo Minute is shorter than their other songs, its production quality is also better, and I can't wait for when these ladies get some more dough to hone their songs.
Click to viewBleached - Think of You
Bleached is the bassist and lead vocalist from Mika Miko--real-life sisters who've decide to band together after the conclusion of their other projects. Good garage pop and I appreciate Jen Clavin's casual and unassuming vocals. up da punx.
Siamese Twins - Ascension
I just found this demo last month and I never turn down female-fronted post punk. Think of the Sinking Hearts EP by The Organ. Some of the other songs are a bit lackluster, but this one is pretty good.
Wild Flag - Romance
Riot grrrl super group? I'm the asshole who says, "I liked Sleater-Kinney better," only to be rebutted with, "That's because it's not Sleater-Kinney." I think Wild Flag will grow on me, and really, I don't care if it's not what I was expecting--I'm just so fucking glad these women are making music.
Kimbra - Two Way Street
I happened upon Kimbra last october and she still won't leave my playlist alone. Soulful voice, catchy pop songs, mesmerizing slow ballads, tunes easily translatable into club bangers, superstar worthy LP--and all at the age of 21. Can we exile Katy Perry and have her instead?
and the rest:
Iceage - You're Blessed
Saw them in June. Dug it.
Big Boi - Shine Blockas ft. Gucci Mane
This isn't 2011, I don't care. I love this album. This song glitters.
Yuck - Get Away
I don't think I've listened to an LP so much and have equally loved the fast songs and the slow ones. Sometimes shoegazey, sometimes punked out, and all times well-crafted songs. I love this album X 1000.
1,2,3 - Scared, But Not That Scared
Pittsburgh locals who made a name for themselves across the blogosphere. You will either like it or not, due to the vocals. Either way, the instrumentals and hooks have garnered a lot of attention.
JEFF the Brotherhood - Cool Out
Probably second favorite LP of 2011 after Yuck's s/t. I liked Heavy Days better cause there were more krautrock and metal influences, but I enjoy the occasional hippy-dippy songs on We Are The Champions too. Cool Out is a no-frills punk jam.
ROAR - I Can't Handle Change
I found this band on The Spinto Band's blog (http://shark-dance.blogspot.com/). I've never gotten a bad recommendation from those guys; they collect and make records and dedicate themselves to the pop rock cause with an exceptional zeal, so I trust their erudition. Anyways, ROAR's EP will be loved by any Spinto fan. This video is pretty funny.
Mux Mool - Hog Knuckles
Also not 2011 but pretty underrated electronic artist. This song is reminiscent of Ratatat's style, but the rest of the Skulltaste LP demonstrates much musical breadth in order to set Mux Mool apart from the rest of the current superstars.
Holy Other - Feel Something
A friend in Tel Aviv recommended me this artist. I'm really down with Holy Other but then felt embarrassed when I heard, I think, Know Where at Urban Outfitters--which is lame because I'm shopping there in the first place, why should I feel ashamed that I listen to music touted by UO? Please die inner hipster and accept what you enjoy. Oh, I file this under "alien music" or super slowed down Yeasayer.
Cloud Nothings - Forget You All The Time
I just realized that Forget You All The Time reminds me of really old Death Cab. My most listened, however are Didn't You / Even If It Worked Out.
Best for last:
Eastern Youth - Dekunobou Hitori Tabi Yuku
because I didn't really like their 2011 album. Also highly recommended is Kanjusei Outouseyo (2001). One of my favorite fucking punk bands. Brothers 4 lyfe. I hope they make music until they're all old and wrinkly.
Too obscure for Youtube--download song here