In Lists: 2011
End of the year lists. Probably though they were over, right? Well you didn’t expect this month-long procrastinating fool to give his take. So, here are 3 lists for 2011, kind of.
5 Albums I Wished I Liked More in 2011
These are albums that I really wanted—and still want—to really enjoy, but mostly haven’t for some reason. These are not “bad” albums, most are probably great, but I haven’t been able to appreciate them fully at this point.
There is something about the album. It’s like monkey bars, its fun, but I just cant stay on for very long. I want to though. I stayed on with Yankee Hotel Foxtrot and was rewarded greatly. So, with past in mind, and my man crush on Jeff Tweedy, I will continue to listen to The Whole Love, and wait until Wilco’s genius punches me in the face again.
Now, this album is one of my favorite of the year, in fact it appears on the list, “Albums I Love Now, but Would Have Hated 5 Years Ago”. This album is incredible, the first half of the album alone is insane, each song is a masterpiece, musically and lyrically. The second half of the album is also very good. I just wished this album dug into my soul more, I think in time it will.
Can I just put Radiohead’s entire discography on this list? I like Radiohead, but it bothers me that I don’t love Radiohead. The thing is, I really want to love Radiohead And this album follows the pattern that nearly every Radiohead album goes through: 1)”Yes, a new Radiohead album, this will be the one that opens my Yorke heart. 2)”Its pretty good.” 3)”I really want to like this more”. 4)Keep listening.
Who wouldn’t want to hear Troy Barnes’ (Donald Glover’s name on Community) rap album? It was exciting news, and I really hoped I would like it. We all make mistakes. Sounds like he is trying to be a hipster Lil’ Wayne. Really, really, really bad. Sorry, Troy.
Insane, dark, and creative hip-hop? Yes, please! Oh how I wanted to like this album.
“But after bowlin’, I went home to some damn Adventure Time”= J.
“I’ll crash that f-ckin’ airplane at that f-ggot n-gga B.o.B is in/ And stab Bruno Mars in his g-ddamn esophagus.” = L
Albums I Love Now (2011), but Would Have Hated 5 Years Ago.
Written from the point of view of my 16-year-old self, right after listening to the album.
“I liked the first song, the second song was awful, just bad drums and bird noises. Should have more guitar solos.”
“Are you kidding me? I fell asleep after the second song, seriously boring. Pass.”
“What the hell was that? Most of it was just terrible—random noises. How anyone can enjoy this is beyond my comprehension.”
“That’s chick music, man.”
Portugal, The Man- In the Mountain In the Cloud
“Sounds like bad 70’s music. I guess it’s kinda catchy though.”
“Wow. One of the most annoying and weird albums I have heard in a while. Every song he sounds like he is going to cry. And the saxophone? Come on!”
“Chick music.”
5 Albums That I Found this Year, That Didn’t have a 2011 Release
1. Nathaniel Rateliff- In Memory of Loss (2010)
By far my favorite album of 2011, although it was released a year prior. This album is the most lyrically powerful, musically supportive, and downright passionate album I have heard in a while. Its one of those albums that you don’t realize how much you love it until you are listening—that moment when all other music become obsolete.
2. Bowerbirds- Upper Air (2009)
Incredible songwriting and simple sound leads to a simply complex album. One song in and I’m done. I’m hooked. Cant wait until the new album drops.
3. The Avett Brothers- I and Love and You (2009)
First listens were brutal. I loved the old romp-stomp Avett Brothers jams of the past. That’s not so much the case on I and Love and You. The album is smarter and more mature, while maintaining its listenability, as it turns out, it’s the Avett Brothers best album.
4. Bob Dylan- The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan (1963)
Why isn’t it a requirement in our education system to tell students about the brilliance of Bob Dylan? I haven’t heard this album until this year, and it released 48 years ago. There is something so personal and relevant about this album—Bob Dylan, everybody.
5. Das Racist- Shut up, Dude (2009)
The most I’ve laughed while listening to an album in a long time. Comedy is not their only strength, the production is tight—with producers like Sabzi on the record –it’s no surprise. And their lyrical delivery and prowess is nothing to laugh at. Gush.
Albums I could have included on this list: Al Green- Let’s Stay Together (1972); The Black Keys- Chulahoma (2006); J. Tillman- Singing Ax (2010), Year In the Kingdom (2009); Megafaun- Gather, Form, Fly (2009); St. Vincent- Marry Me (2009); David Bazan- Curse Your Branches (2009); Pedro the Lion- It’s Hard to Find a Friend (2001); Danielson- All Albums.
Well, that’s it for 2011. 2012.
jordanbishop
