Best of 2011: Music
Best Album
Unquestionably, don’t even try to fight me on this, Chesapeake by Rachael Yamagata. I wrote about this album earlier so I’ll try to be brief(ish) but this is simply one of the most moving, genuine, wonderful to listen to albums about the ups and downs of love. It’s a theme Rachael Yamagata has covered in her past albums but Chesapeake represents her most successful union between music and lyrics.
Honourable Mentions: Forever If Ever by Jon Mclaughlin, Augustana by Augustana, Sugarpills by Kids of 88.
Most Disappointing Album
It’s a tie! It was a bad year for the ampersand it seems. Both Ashes & Fire by Ryan Adams and People and Things by Jack’s Mannequin were the latest released by artists I typically love, yet both of them failed to even remotely meet my expectations. Both of these albums were watered down, uninspired and worst of all, boring. P&T had a couple of good songs on it, so it’s not entirely irredeemable, but coming off their last album, it was a big letdown. A&F is just totally forgettable.
Dishonourable Mention: Night Of The Hunters by Tori Amos.
Favourite Songs
1. Deal breaker- Rachael Yamagata
2. Just A Little Bit- Kids of 88
3. Sophia- Laura Marling
4. Beat Of My Drum- Nicola Roberts
5. 8th Wonder- Gossip
Still Listening To (a lot) From Last Year
Danger Days: The True Lives Of The Fabulous Killjoysby My Chemical Romance (so g-d good)
Night Work by Scissor Sisters (the best album to get your booty moving)
