The Most Refreshing Albums of 2011
Art by Sabrina Ratté (visual artist for Le Révélateur)
Here it is, my selection of most refreshing music to listen to that came out in 2011. It’s a collection of records that grabbed my ear and made me put my coat on and head to the record store. I’ll have my Top 50 singles of 2011 which include the Atlas Sounds, James Blakes, and all the other goodies from the indie world but this list less about the best of the best but more of what sticks to my bones, i’m sure everyone has their favorites of the year too, feel free to list them below i’d love to see them.
fyi: this list does not include any records I was apart of ala releasing or distributing. i.e. the Tycho album, Ghostly releases, and Moodgadget releases.
Enjoy the playlist, thanks for all the feedback, comments, “likes” etc. over the last year, always a pleasure reading what you all have on your mind.
Le Révélateur – Fictions – Gneiss Things – BUY
Nacho Patrol – The Africa Jet Band Album – M Division Recordings – BUY
Deepchord – Hash-Bar Loops – Soma Recordings – BUY
Eddie C – Parts Unknown – Endless Flight – BUY
Sepalcure – Sepalcure – Hotflush Recordings – BUY
Dirty Beaches – Badlands – Zoo Music – BUY
Hatchback – Zeus & Apollo – Lo Recordings – BUY
Warm Ghost – Narrows – Partisan Records – BUY
Oneohtrix Point Never – Replica – Software – BUY
Peaking Lights – 936 – Not Not Fun – BUY
The Field – Looping State Of Mind – Kompakt – BUY
John Maus – We Must Become The Pitiless Censors Of Ourselves – Ribbon Music – BUY
33 Comments Leave A Comment
Tyler says:
November 28, 2011 at 2:54 pmNice list. I won’t be the guy to say “why isn’t ___ on this?”. Don’t worry though, that guy will be posting soon.
vyp says:
November 28, 2011 at 3:00 pmVery much in agreement with Peaking Lights, The Field, John Maus, Sepalcure and Oneohtrix point never but that Dirty Beaches album just really annoyed the hell out of me.
I think he’s one that works far better live than on record. Or at least i find that to be the case.
jonathonzilber says:
November 28, 2011 at 3:41 pmgod damn jakub, you kill it every time.
Paul Pants says:
November 28, 2011 at 3:53 pmI’ve been listening to that John Maus album almost nonstop since it was released, very deserving of the top spot. Well done!
Scott says:
November 28, 2011 at 3:58 pmBUT WHAT ABOUT THE DUGAN NASH ALBUM?
mg33 says:
November 28, 2011 at 4:05 pmOrville Sash. The one that goes trip-double-trip…
SAWA says:
November 28, 2011 at 4:17 pm:) was just thinking i needed to find some new tunes, and here you’ve gone and done it for me. <3
Xiku says:
November 28, 2011 at 4:38 pmThank you as always:) didnt knew over half of it and I am enjoying it emensly!
wayne says:
November 28, 2011 at 4:56 pmThat Peaking Lights album is nothing short of mind-blowing. An unexpected sort of summer record, but utterly blissful listening. Excellent choice.
ad claret says:
November 28, 2011 at 5:21 pmamazing compilation.
BossnotBoss says:
November 28, 2011 at 6:39 pmTyler, The Creator :: Goblin didn’t refresh your 2011? Still some good calls in here though :)
Regan B says:
November 28, 2011 at 7:06 pmWHERE THE F**K IS MIND BOKEH?
nugoose says:
November 28, 2011 at 7:29 pmYES for The Field and Eddie C!!
Wasn’t a fan of Deepchord’s last album, and don’t know the rest so definitely going to check that out!
Some of my personal favorites of 2011:
Tycho’s “Dive” (obviously)
Robag Wruhme’s “Thora Vukk”
Tim Hecker’s “Ravedeath”
The Diogenes Club’s self titled debut album (amazing stuff) :)
John says:
November 28, 2011 at 7:37 pmI’ll be that guy…. Active Child deserves love
Josh says:
November 28, 2011 at 9:00 pmCity Center’s Redeemer from K records is a big runner up for me, those guys really crafted a lyrical/texture-driven masterpiece this year (imho) which many still have yet to catch on to.
Jakub says:
November 29, 2011 at 1:48 am@JOSH good call on City Center, i’m a big Lenard Fuddle fan myself
DIY says:
November 29, 2011 at 4:49 amSo glad to see John Maus on top. As I was scrolling down the list I was thinking “Man, I can’t believe they left out John Maus”, but I was soon pleasantly surprised. :)
teddy katz says:
November 29, 2011 at 10:32 amnacho patrol…SUCH a bad name.
SYN_FILMS says:
November 29, 2011 at 12:13 pmI agree with #12 Regan B,in my opinion Bibio’s Mind Bokeh was by far the most original and refreshing album of this year. Like a breath of fresh air…
Norik says:
November 29, 2011 at 1:37 pmNo arguments here! Though i’d say Unknown Mortal Orchestra would have made an easy #13.
I’m not sure what i’d do without Jakub’s music taste. Huge portion of what I discover is because of his posts.
Nice work my friend!
Eugenia says:
November 29, 2011 at 3:35 pmI absolutely love John Maus! I kept scrolling down to see if you had Maus on your list, and there he was, at the No 1. Yeah baby!
Marcus says:
November 29, 2011 at 7:24 pmDefinitely a good year for music. Thundercat’s “Golden Age of the Apocalypse” is definitely in my top list though. He nailed everything on there and the vocals are refreshing in a world where heavy reverb is king (definitely not a bad thing).
Also, although a Ghostly release, and not coming out till December, I’m pretty sure Jacaszek’s LP is going to be one of my favorite releases of the year.
Shawn Hazen says:
November 30, 2011 at 7:39 amYeah—this is a great way to start the day. Excellent selection…
Hatchback says:
November 30, 2011 at 8:05 amIts “Sunrise Prototypes,” not “Stereotypes,” but hugest thanks… Very honored to be a part of this site and list!
Ethan says:
November 30, 2011 at 12:23 pmAwesome list. Oneohtrix Point Never’s album was a huge eye opener for me when it came out. I think Bear & Walrus’ “Image Poems” is my personal favorite release from this year. It came out way back in February(?) so I’m sure a lot of people have forgotten about it, but after seeing them play it live over the summer it’s really stuck with me.
Mark Weaver says:
November 30, 2011 at 2:21 pmNice selections Jakub! I always discover great tunes on here.
Casey H. Smith says:
December 1, 2011 at 4:52 pmI was expecting to see Nicolas Jaar – Space Is Noise on here…wonderful list though. Thank you for introducing me to Edie C and Nacho Patrol (best name!). See you in S.F.
Bertha Angela says:
December 2, 2011 at 3:09 pmYou’ve been wayy too perfect for too many years. Thanks for the suggestions!
André Santos says:
December 5, 2011 at 5:34 pmThere were a lot of good albums this year! And some very refreshing indeed! It’s not easy to pick the best for me but I would say that Shlohmo, Andy Stott, Clams Casino, Aeroc, Youth Lagoon, Machinedrum, Cosmin TRG, Tycho and Yoko Duo would be on that list if it was me (different taste, I know). Still a very good list though. I’m going to check a few names I don’t know, maybe I change my mind.
And a big thanks for always sharing such good music :)
Alex says:
December 6, 2011 at 3:46 amamazing selection. remixed the soundtrack to my existence. john maus FTW :)
p.s. you guys should use affiliate links – i’d be happy that you got a commission when i’m buying anyway
Jonas says:
December 6, 2011 at 12:20 pmReally nice selection, and a few new once for me.
Thanks!
FlatClem says:
December 6, 2011 at 5:31 pmHi Guys,
I already loved Tycho as an artist before discovering the blog. Now I follow very closely what is published here. Honestly i love you :] . I’m gonna listen to that with attention, thank you.
Noel says:
January 6, 2012 at 10:05 amWhoa!! That Hatchback tune is sooo smooth! I had it on the big speakers and I felt like time slowed down. He really spent time on smoothing out his tones. Job well done. And thanks for the recommendation.