My Favorite Albums of 2011

Widowspeak is Mazzy Star meets Ennio Morricone in a dream. It’s an infectious mix of cool and retro, with jangling guitar licks and female vocals full of glissando. I see no reason why Widowspeak won’t be the most famous band.

James Blake makes extremely introspective electronic music, which is quiet and deliberate… until it bursts out into the open with a rush of detuned synths. The record can be crushingly beautiful; sometimes when I listen to it I can’t do anything else, I just have to sit there and take it in.

A duo that sounds like so much more. Jenn plays guitar and sings with this great, deep voice. Andy plays drums and some keyboard with his left hand. I saw Wye Oak more than any other band this year, six times.

More uptempo than their previous work. High energy, and quite fun. Go see these guys when they come to your town.

This is great indie folk. The band has 3 occasional singers, often in harmony, and infectious melodies.

Dark instruments along with sometimes uplifting lyrics about the beauty of music, with an almost disaffected attitude. Danish.

Their catchy tunes and sleek production is an irresistible mix. Driving guitar and drum parts propel their uptempo songs, while the vocals hover and echo around the parts.

This sleek record effortlessly changes genres, from pop to prog to folk, and never fails to entertain. Throughout, it stays personal.

My friend Eric made this record. The music is folky and personal, and the arrangements have great depth. Go buy it now.

I was sold at the opening. There’s some really fascinating guitar work, and the poppy sections are charming as ever with Satomi’s vocals.