Music I Actually Liked in 2011

Writing the last post got me to thinking: I wrote so much about music that I don't like or that just annoys me ... but what new music did I actually like this year? There just aren't that many artists making music that I would bother to download right now, but there were still some sweet droplets in the current musical drought.

2011 seemed to be the Year of Adele, and I enjoyed her singles from 21: "Rolling In The Deep," "Someone Like You," and "Rumour Has It" (as well as her cover of The Cure's "Lovesong").

The band of the moment seems to be Foster the People, thanks in large part to "Pumped Up Kicks," which contains the year's most addictive chorus (you probably know how it goes so I won't link it), and that bassline is no slouch either.

Fleet Foxes is one of the few new bands that I've gotten into in the last five years. They're real musicians, and generally live up to their hype. I recommend the title track from their second album Helplessness Blues, and "Grown Ocean," "The Plains/Bitter Dancer," and "Sim Sala Bim." (This song has the best lyrics I heard all year: I was raised up believing/I was somehow unique/A snowflake distinct among snowflakes)

Speaking of artists I've gotten into recently, Ryan Adams put out a new album, Ashes & Fire. I really like "Lucky Now" and "Do I Wait."

"The Fellowship" is not a great Smashing Pumpkins track and it kind of sounds like it's trying to imitate Muse, but I'll be danged if I can get it out of my head.

Radiohead put out a good (mini-) album, The King of Limbs. There was not much surprising or innovative about this album compared to their previous ones, but they put you into a pleasant trance with songs like "Codex," "Give Up The Ghost," and "Separator."

R.E.M. put out their most listenable album in many years and then, a few months later, broke up. (I wrote more about them here.)

On the country side of things, I liked "You Lie" by The Band Perry; I think the album came out in 2010 but the single was released this year.

Get More: You Lie, The Band Perry, The Band Perry Videos

And while it's not "new" music, the Beach Boys officially released their legendary, long-lost Smile Sessions. It's a complex album that should be heard in full, but I'm particularly enjoying "Cabin Essence" and the "Backing Vocals Montage" tracks. Of course, other classics like "Good Vibrations," "Heroes & Villains," and "Surf's Up" are also on it. Anyone who appreciates sophisticated pop should explore Smile.



These bright spots aside, I hope 2012 is a better year for rock and pop music ... Beck, I hope you're listening!