Top 11 Albums of 2011

While nothing "floored" me musically this year, there is a plethora of solid albums to choose from in 2011. It was very difficult to omit some really good music including releases by Airborne Toxic Event, Beastie Boys, Bon Iver, Coldplay, Danger Mouse and Daniele, The Decemberists, Manchester Orchestra, Mat Kearney, Pitbull, Radiohead, Sleeper Agent, The Strokes, Black Keys, Cage The Elephant, Grouplove, Cults, Theophilus London and Rihanna.  I fully encourage you to check out these other albums if you have never heard of them.  Without further ado, I present to you my favorite albums of the year.
11.  David Guetta Nothing But The Beat
Guetta in his typical fashion put together a truly solid collaboration effort.  He is paired with superstars Akon, Usher, Snoop Dog, Nicki Minaj and others.  The biggest song, "Without You" anchors the album, but if you have not listened to the entire disc, you are missing out.  If you have a dance party coming up, you could put Nothing But The Beat on and play it straight through.

10. My Morning Jacket Circuital

One of my biggest musical disappointments of 2011 is that I was unable to see My Morning Jacket when they came to Merriweather Post Pavilion.  I have heard that they put on a great show.  Jim Jones is the mastermind here and he puts out another great album.

9.  Tune-Yards WHOKILL

This is my off the wall pick of the year.  You have probably never heard of them but they have a really cool sound.  Kind of a combination of Sleigh Bells and Vampire Weekend.  Lots of African beats and funky vocals.  Seems like it would be a fun group to see live.

8.  Wye Oak Civilian

Catonsville, Baltimore, and Maryland should be proud of Wye Oak's latest effort.  A wonderful piece of art that is simple, yet refined.  Andy Stack is very talented and Jen Wasner's soulful, complex voice are paired together nicely.  The whole album just "works".

7.  Gary Clark Jr. Bright Lights Big City

Although short in length, this album is tall on talent.  Gary Clark Jr. is one the best blues guitarists alive according to many music aficionados including Eric Clapton.  Just try not to tap your toes to this album, it is impossible.  Gary recently came to Baltimore and his show was sold out.  He loves playing small venues, it is where he honed his craft.  Check him out for yourself.

6.  Kanye West and Jay-Z Watch The Throne

This album started a little slowly for me, but eventually grew on me.  Not the best effort from Kanye or Jay-Z but a decent showing nonetheless.  After seeing their performance live in Baltimore I liked the album even more.  In addition, Niggas in Paris has become an anthem for the Dean of Ball So Hard University, our Raven star linebacker Terrell Suggs.  I am sure you have heard the songs, but here they are again for your enjoyment.

TO BE CONTINUED...