The Best Songs of 2011 (So Far) – Part 3

The countdown continues here with songs 15 – 6.  Hope you are enjoying this list as much as I enjoyed putting it together.  I am amazed at the plethora of music worth listening to that has come out in the past few months. The rest of the list will come this weekend.

15.  Iron & Wine – Walking Far From Home (removed 7/21/12)

This is definitely the most listened to song of the year so far, partly because I got it back in December.  I think I wore it out, or it might be higher on this list.

14. Fleet Foxes – Helplessness Blues (removed 7/21/12)

One of the best songs yet from a band that is aiming to establish itself as an indie-folk mainstay with the release of their sophomore record of the same name.

13. Seryn – We Will All Be Changed (removed 7/21/12)

A slow-building and uplifting song for the season from yet another band from Denton, TX worth your attention.

12. Tennis – Marathon (removed 7/21/12)

I avoided listening to these guys based on the name and album cover. That was a mistake.

11. Voxhaul Broadcast – Rotten Apples (removed 7/21/12)

With some Dr. Dog-like vocals this song just makes me wanna tap my feet.

10. Lupe Fiasco – The Show Goes On (removed 7/21/12)

The clever and insightful lyrics of Lupe matched up with a killer Modest Mouse sample is the perfect recipe for my favorite hip-hop song of the year thus far.

09. Destroyer – Suicide Demo For Kara Walker (removed 7/21/12)

My wife referred to this album as elevator music, but I just can’t get enough of it. I especially love the little guitar riff that comes in and out of the background of this track. It complements the Kenny G-like sax quite well. You can join my wife and mock it if you like.  But that is an elevator I would love to stay on.

08. James Vincent McMorrow – If I Had A Boat (removed 7/21/12)

This is the standout track from what has been my Bon Iver substitute as I wait for the next full-length from Justin Vernon.

07. Other Lives – For 12 (removed 7/21/12)

The instrumentation on this song  and the rest of this album is just phenomenal. I had the hardest time choosing a song off of this album to include on this list.  Any of a number of songs could be taking this spot. I can’t wait to see these guys open for The National next week at Cain’s Ballroom.

06. Rubik – Laws of Gravity
Rubik: Laws Of Gravity by Fullsteam

Absolutely can’t get enough of this song right now. Try to listen to this song and not get up and dance. I dare you.

Listen to #’s 25-16

The Best Songs of 2011 (So Far) – Part 2

Yesterday I gave you the first 10 songs in my list of favorite songs of this year.  I know the just over 3 months have passed, but a lot of great music has come out already.  So here is the next 10 songs in my list.  Hope you enjoy them as much as I do.

25. The Jayhawks – Settled Down Like Rain (removed 7/21/12)

These guys may have actually pulled off the impossible and made a great reunion record (one that might be their best yet).

24. Bobby Long – Who Have You Been Loving? (removed 7/21/12)

One of the catchiest choruses of the year from a British newcomer.

23. Lykke Li – Love Out of Lust
Lykke Li – Love Out Of Lust by LykkeLi

I’ve had the melody of this chorus stuck in my head for days.

22. Cut Copy – Take Me Over (removed 7/21/12)

This track is straight out the 80′s, and I mean that in the best of ways.

21. Generationals – Greenleaf (removed 7/21/12)

This song did a better job than the weather did at letting me know that Spring had finally arrived.

20. Over the Rhine – The King Knows How (removed 7/21/12)

After 20 years these indie rockers just keep getting better and better. This song just transforms me to another time and place.

19. The Belle Brigade – Losers (removed 7/21/12)

Reminds me of Fleetwood Mac in a good way.  Losers, you no longer need Good Charlotte to represent you.

18. Foster the People – Pumped Up Kicks (removed 7/21/12)

This year’s hipster anthem.  It’ll get you whistling in no time. This year’s “Young Folks.”

17. Bright Eyes – Shell Games (removed 7/21/12)

I can’t get enough of this 80′s influenced rock anthem.  I love the way Oberst continues to evolve.

16. Beady Eye – The Roller (removed 7/21/12)

I’m still not convinced they didn’t steal this song from The Beatles’ archive.  John and Paul would be proud.

Listen to #’s 35-26

The Best Songs of 2011 (So Far) – Part 1

So I kinda disappeared for a week or so, but I am back with a monster post.  I love lists so much, and am constantly working on them. I rarely share them, because by the time I finish them, they are usually pretty outdated.  Well I have resolved to making time to finish them in a timely manner. So I am bringing you my favorite songs of the first quarter of 2011.

I started out aiming to give you my top 25 songs thus far, but it has been such a fantastic year for music thus far that I couldn’t limit it to just 25.  This list is only about the songs and says nothing about my opinion of the rest of their album. Also I chose to include only one song from any particular artist, so as to share the love.

35.  Jamaica – Jericho (removed 7/21/12)

34. Noah and the Whale – L.I.F.E.G.O.E.S.O.N. (removed 7/21/12)

33. Jason Isbell & the 400 Unit – Codeine (removed 7/21/12)

32. Smith Westerns – All Die Young (removed 7/21/12)

31. Middle Brother – Me, Me, Me (removed 7/21/12)

30. Cold War Kids – Skip the Charades
Cold War Kids – Skip The Charades by Interscope Records

29. White Lies – Bigger Than Us (removed 7/21/12)

28. Wye Oak – Civilian (removed 7/21/12)

27. Empress Hotel – Bells Ring (removed 7/21/12)

26. Those Darlins – Be Your Bro (removed 7/21/12)

Be looking for the rest of the list later on in the week.  As always, I hope your ears bleed.