rock'n'rill

My favorite records of 2011

Seems to me like 2011 was an exceptionally fine year for new music. Lots of my favorite artists released a new album this year and then I also found some new artists, or ones that were new to me, at least.

I could’ve put together a real strong top ten list after the year’s first half – and that almost never happens to me. Usually, a lot of September/October releases make it into my year-end top ten, mostly on the basis of still sounding fresh to my ears.

Get this, two of my favorites released strong and enjoyable albums this year that didn’t even make the list, Robert Earl Keen and Joe Ely. Truth be told, they might’ve made the list had I put it together another day.

Here’s the countdown.

15. Foster & Lloyd – Already Tomorrow
Very glad those two are back together making joyful, intelligent music.

14. Amos Lee – Mission Bell
Album opener “El Camino” is a very strong contender for song of the year. A beautiful mellow album.

13. Greg Trooper – Upside Downtown
Greg is a soulful singer and great writer. My song of the year award (which is only a virtual handshake) goes to “They Call Me Hank”.

12. Gillian Welch – The Harrow & The Harvest
I’m very glad Gil & Dave are back. This is a strong return.

11. Hayes Carll – KMAG YOYO
Man, this is enjoyable. Clearly these songs are inspired by the type of venues Hayes & his band usually perform in. More Continental Club than Carnegie Hall.

10. Eliza Gilkyson – Roses At The End Of Time
A consistently strong writer with a wonderful atmospheric sound.

9. Deadman – Take Up Your Mat And Walk
A band I’d never heard of with a very soulful, well-written album. Sounds abolutely great in a The-Band-meets-van-Morrison-kind of way. Shouldn’t come as a surprise, after all they’re from Austin.

8. Madison Violet – The Good In Goodbye
I met them when I opened for them a few months ago. Absolutely enchanting harmonies and songs you won’t forget.

7. John Hiatt – Dirty Jeans And Mudslide Hymns
John Hiatt never lets up. He keeps churning them out every 18 months or so and they’re always strong. This one features “Train To Birmingham”, a song I’ve loved since I first heard Kevin Welch’s version more than ten years ago.

6. Slaid Cleaves - Sorrow & Smoke, Live At The Horseshoe Lounge
Slaid is a true class act, always underrated. This live album shows him as a wonderful singer, very strong writer and cool, easy-going performer. This appeals to me on so many levels!

5. Tom Waits – Bad As Me
The first time I heard this I thought “nothing much is new in Tom Waits’s world.” It baffles me now how I could’ve come to this conclusion. Very very strong!

4. Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit – Here We Rest
I may have listened to this album more than any other this year. Jason to me is the most interesting songwriter of the younger generation, unafraid to tackle heavier subjects. And then there’s his impeccable musicianship to boot. I’m sure he has many more great albums in him.

3. Robyn Ludwick – Out Of These Blues
Probably the most pleasant surprise all year. When Robyn’s debut came out, I was skeptical. I mean, how many great artists can there be in one family? But, boy, this album - produced by the great Gurf Morlix - sure proves that Robyn has some amazing stories to tell. This is the kind of top-to-bottom great album I’ve been waiting on from Lucinda for ten or more years.

2. Dave Alvin – Eleven Eleven
Before this, I’ve always liked Dave Alvin’s folkier, storytelling side better than his rowdy barroom-type stuff. But, man, this album is steeped in the blues and yet sounds absolutely fresh & fantastic. The stories are as compelling as always and this combination of bar room swagger and storytelling finesse makes it a truly great album!

1. Steve Earle – I’ll Never Get Out Of This World Alive
It’s probably pretty obvious that few, if any, songwriters have influenced me more than Steve Earle. Still, his last few albums didn’t quite speak to me like some of his earlier work did. This one, however, is a return to form, both as a convincing singer and unequaled songwriter. And T-Bone Burnett created a beautiful musical bed for Earle’s strongest songs in years. This one contains a number of future classics!

What are your favorites?

15 December 2011 ·

• Tags
• records
• Steve Earle
• Dave Alvin
• Jason Isbell
• John Hiatt
• rock
• Americvana
• folk