Albums of 2011 : Numbers 16 and 15

....in which we get all folky and introspective.

16 - Loch Lomond : Little Me Will Start a Storm

The Portland, Oregon, band kicked up a quiet storm with this lovely record, their fourth full-length. Combining the lush instrumentation and harmonies of Sufjan Stevens, Arcade Fire and The Decemberists, and with Ritchie Young's voice calling to mind Michael Stipe, Colin Meloy and Jonathan Meiburg, such a mix was unlikely to fail. Whether it's the slowly rousing 'Blood Bank' or the fragile gems of 'Elephants and Little Girls' and 'Egg Song', the beauty unfolded slowly on what was the definitive "grower" of 2011.

15 - Fleet Foxes : Helplessness Blues

Things got darker and broodier on Fleet Foxes' second album, but at the same time the brilliance of Robin Pecknold's song writing seemed to double and strengthen. This album delved deeper into folk and blues territory, songs lasted longer and were allowed to meander and make fascinating diversions. At times it was almost a Pecknold solo record, but the instrumental passages showed that this was very much a band effort, from a bunch of guys who still have so much to give. Stunning.

Album Review : Loch Lomond

First of all, it's 50 not out for me! The review of Loch Lomond's new album Little Me Will Start A Storm is the 50th piece I've written for The Line Of Best Fit, and I can't say enough good things about how great it's been since I started back in mid-January this year. I have two jobs: one paid, one unpaid, and I know that without question I prefer the unpaid work for TLOBF.

Anyway, Loch Lomond's album should appeal to you if you're a fan of The Decemberists, REM, Sufjan Stevens....basically, if you're a fan of good music you should enjoy it. It's a multi-instrument treat that rises and falls beautifully across 40 minutes.

And you can read that 50th piece of writing by clicking on the old link.