Best of 2011 Series: Albums/ Songs

I rarely ever get introduced to new bands. So oftentimes when I do a "best of" list, it only includes the bands I've already been in love with that released new albums. That's pretty much going to be the case this year too. I'm only doing a top six (why six? because five feels like too few). Then I'm doing a top five songs of the year. So here it goes.

ALBUMS:

6. England Keep my Bones by Frank Turner
Not as good as Love Ire & Song, but still.

5. Rome by Danger Mouse and Danielle Luppi

4.Watch the Throne by Jay Z and Kanye West

3. Camp by Childish Gambino
Lived up to the hype. Just saying.

2. Major/Minor by Thrice
Alex's favorite band has now become one of my favorite bands. Thrice is the perfect combination of lyrical maturity and musical angst. Thrice's music creates emotions in you. And they're live shows are fucking amazing.

1. The People's Key by Bright Eyes
Bright Eyes released an album this year and I was a little bit worried because it's been a while and I'm not a huge fan of Conor's second solo album or the Monsters of Folk stuff. BUT it was Bright Eyes in true form. And I got to see them live and cross that off of my bucket list. Seeing them live is easily going down as one of the greatest experiences of my life.

SONGS

5.Cataracts by Thrice (WHAT? ANOTHER thrice song? Why, yes. They're just that damn good.)

4. Niggas in Paris by Jay Z and Kanye West

3.Ladder Song by Bright Eyes

2.Backpackers by Childish Gambino (one of the best hip-hop songs I've heard in years)

 1. Treading Paper by Thrice.