Alright? Let's go!
25 - Okkervil River : I Am Very Far
Will Sheff's band couldn't quite match the majesty of their last two records, but I Am Very Far still contained some wonderful tunes, rousing moments ('The Valley'), beautiful interludes ('We Need a Myth') and some of the most personal songwriting Sheff's committed to record . If you want your indie rock well-read and wearing a crumpled suit, Okkervil River are still the premier band, and the go-to guys.
Will Sheff's band couldn't quite match the majesty of their last two records, but I Am Very Far still contained some wonderful tunes, rousing moments ('The Valley'), beautiful interludes ('We Need a Myth') and some of the most personal songwriting Sheff's committed to record . If you want your indie rock well-read and wearing a crumpled suit, Okkervil River are still the premier band, and the go-to guys.
24 - EMA : Past Life Martyred Saints
Erika M Anderson produced one of the most intense and visceral experiences of 2011 with this album, laying bare her personal demons on top of abrasive Sonic Youth style guitar abuse, and sparse folk interludes. Thankfully, Anderson seems to have avoided the problems that led to the implosion of previous band, Gowns, and found a fitting outlet for her immense talent.
23 - My Morning Jacket : Circuital
After the distinctly dodgy Evil Urges, Jim James and co returned to something approaching their best form with this record. It's the usual mix of country beauty, Disney soundtracks and heads-down rocking, but done with a passion that's been missing for a few years. Live, they're still something special, and a must-see. With Circuital, MMJ edge a little closer to capturing that spirit on record.
22 - I Break Horses : Hearts
Scandinavia is where it's at this year, with many fine records coming from Norway, Sweden and Denmark. This album, a Swedish entry, contained some of the finest shoegazing married to solid pop tunes that I've heard in a while, with Maria Linden's honeyed voice soaring over the MBV-esque guitars and programmed beats. It was released on 4AD, the perfect home for the band's icy cool.
21 - TV On the Radio : Nine Types of Light
Recovering from the death of Gerard Smith, TVOTR surprised everyone with the low-key release of what turned out to be testament to the power of the band. Switching from soaring balladry to confrontational rants, the key to the joy of the record was, as usual, the wonderful vocals of Tunde Adebimpe and Kyp Malone, married to the genius production of David Andrew Sitek.
To hear a selection of tracks from these albums, there's a handy Spotify playlist via the link below:
http://open.spotify.com/user/andrewahannah/playlist/1JSSXOvJVU8yIbiGw6fNGA
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