Radiohead – The King of Limbs

Before the start of 2011, I was immersed in a world of rare post-punk gems and gritty rock – a side of me that always exists. Sometimes, we can feel stuck when our ears gravitate to a certain sound and scene. After The King of Limbs was released, it reminded me of how much I loved (and missed) electronic music, experimental sounds, and, of course, Radiohead! The beauty of this band is that they move forward with their fans and challenge our listening habits. On their 8th album, Radiohead’s sound is split down the middle. The first half wraps you in jittery feelings, sexiness, nervousness, and anticipation while the second half is isolated and melancholy. Music elitists bitched about this album only being 37 minutes long. In my world, I think of it as watching an unhinged short film – it can affect you just as deeply as a full length feature!

The Raveonettes – Raven In The Grave

For the better half of the year, I had a difficult time listening to Raven In The Grave. When I faced the album, it was like pouring salt on an open wound, waiting to be healed. It served as some sort of twisted psycho-therapy when I listened to it, bringing up emotions from ecstatic blissfulness to destructive darkness. Whatever the feelings may be, they are worth experiencing especially for “Evil Seeds” – the duo’s grandest song to date.

S.C.U.M. – Again Into Eyes

Again Into Eyes has a moody, noisy post-punk sound that was exciting and refreshing to hear. Lead singer Thomas Cohen’s lyrics are not so much socially political as they are abstract and articulate. And that is indeed a breath of crisp air.

The Antlers – Burst Apart

If Radiohead were younger and formed in the late 00’s, they would have made Burst Apart. There is a gloomy appeal that The Antlers provoke on the record without it sounding too somber. Instead, they simulate their live energy on the album and bring a provocative force to the forefront.

St. Vincent – Strange Mercy

On Strange Mercy, Annie Clark’s “Park Slope mom rock” has fangs with venom spitting from its mouth. It provokes a buffet of feelings – chaotic, contemplative, frail, and majestic. The real star of the show is Annie’s shredding guitar work, which often sounds as if it’s not even guitar. On “Year of the Tiger”, Annie belts out lyrics like “When I was young, coach called me the tiger / I always had a knack with the danger.” With this record, Annie, you now have your fans calling you “The Tiger!”

Atlas Sound – Parallax

Whether it’s with Deerhunter or Atlas Sound, there will always be a spot for Bradford Cox on my list. The prolific Cox continues to build upon his body of work and has become more comfortable with being an indie star. On Parallax, he sings more confidently – and even with the ambiance that Atlas Sound has come to be known for, he manages to rock out in his own unique way.

Son Lux – We Are Rising

Ryan Lott blends beauty and obscurity unlike any modern day composer I have heard. Even with these core elements, I didn’t trust the album to take the lead and hold my hand right away. Once I did, I was spiraled into a fantasy world full of madness and grace. This is a soundtrack to a fantasy film not yet penned out by Hollywood. Danny Elfman, I would pray for your career if I were you!

Cut Copy – Zonoscope

Who would have thought that Cut Copy would have been one of the bands from the dance rock revival, making influential records and still winning? On Zonoscope, Cut Copy hold on to their trademark sound but still manage to experiment with time and rhythm. This album will take you on a journey through its grooves and the classic Cut Copy beats we love!

James Blake – James Blake

White, over privileged hipsters finally got their Marvin Gaye. Just like real rock had been missing, sexiness had been missing in the music itself – and Justin Timberlake doesn’t count. Along with bringing a new kind of sexy back, James Blake is the lead advocate in genuine dub-step. Through the course of the album, it shows that this guy is the real deal and not just buzz-worthy.

Kindest Lines – Covered In Dust

Covered In Dust was the soundtrack to my Weird Wednesday nights -a weekly party at NYC’s home sweet home, spinning all things dark. But who says cold wave has to be so cold? Kindest Lines bend the rules with Brittany Terry’s vocals adding warmth to otherwise icy music. Not only was this one of my top albums of the year, but they are one of my favorite emerging artists in general. If you ask me, the future doesn’t look so bleak for these guys!

Explosions In The Sky – Take Care, Take Care, Take Care

Take Care, Take Care, Take Care was an amazing soundtrack to my strolls around NYC. Surely, strangers must have been wondering why I, a grown man, was crying his eyes out when they saw me. It’s because this is a heavy album! Yet, it still gives you emotional clarity and makes it easier to breathe. We all need those few extra moments to step back and look at the bigger picture.