Best of 2011 (So Far): Part Two (Back in the Habit)

Today we bring you the second and final part of our “Best of 2011 (So Far)” series. This installment features Chris Farren (Fake Problems), Lisa Garelick (Kind of Like Records), Tyler Gibson (Random Orbits), Adam Blasco (Last Call), Susannah Caviness (Paper + Plastick Records), Paul Tompkins (Punks in Vegas), Tyler Newton (Nothing With Numbers/Punks in Vegas), Sal Giordano (TheCore./Revive Vegas), and Scotty Sandwich (Death to False Hope Records).

Chris Farren (Vocals/Guitar for Fake Problems)

1. Bon Iver – Bon Iver (Jagjaguwar)

I’m not usually too into records that move at this pace, but something about this one connects to me deeply.  I don’t know what to say.  Goes good with red wine.

1. Bomb the Music Industry! – Vacation (Quote Unquote)

Jeff sent me the demos of this record at the end of last year and I was absolutely blown away.  The final product is so good it hurts my feelings. Conceptual lyrics, spastic-to-beautiful arrangements and just an all around life-affirming record.  Full disclosure:  I sing back up vocals on a few of these songs, so maybe I’m slightly biased but I don’t care.  It’s so good.

1. Bright Eyes – The People’s Key (Saddle Creek)

It took me a minute to get into this record, but now I’m all in.  It’s not as confessional or story driven as his previous work, but the visuals created in the lyrics can be very vivid if you’re listening.

1. The Elected – Bury Me In My Rings (self-release)

I’ve been a fan of The Elected since 2006’s Sun Sun Sun.  Another heavy-on-the-pop album with great songwriting and sexy sexy drum beats.

1. Junior Battles – Idle Ages (Paper + Plastick)

It’s been a long time since I’ve heard a really good new pop-punk record. I’m not really on board with the whole hardcore meets pop-punk schtick that seems to be pretty poppin’ right now, so I was happy to hear a straight up pop-punk record.  It’s fearless and unapologetic pop, and I love it.

Lisa Garelick – (Owner, Kind of Like Records)

1. Mansions – Dig Up The Dead (Burning House/King Bones)

Mansions was the biggest surprise for me this year. I had never heard of Christopher Browder or his music, so I wasn’t expecting much when a friend insisted that I had to hear his latest effort Dig Up The Dead. Upon first listen, I was an instant fan. Christopher’s lyrics evoke this brooding yet insightful nature that remind me of Los Angeles band Osker – though his music goes in an entirely different direction, taking on a synth-heavy sound with a singer-songwriter sensibility. The mix of these elements is something I have never heard and in a day and age when everything’s been done to death, Dig Up The Dead is a gem.

1. Algernon Cadwallader – Parrot Flies (Be Happy)

Let me start by saying that I have been waiting for this record for years now. Every single year Algernon promises new material, but in the end leave me in the lurch, craving tuneful noodle jams (food for the soul). Finally delivered, Parrot Flies was not something I expected, or immediately enjoyed, due to my knowledge of the band’s previous work and obvious build up, but after several listens, I’ve come to love this record for everything it now means to me – backyard hangs, long summer drives and lasting friendships. If you only listen to one song this year, make sure it’s Pitfall.

1. Lemuria – Pebble (Bridge 9)

Lemuria is one of my favorite bands of all time. And if we’ve ever hung out, you’d know that because I never take off my Lemuria shirt. It’s kind of become a cruel joke amongst my closest friends. But I digress…this record is genius, sonically compelling, and a definite step forward for the band. The emotion captured in songs like Different Girls and Pleaser is a kind that though subdued, comes across in a big way. People should not sleep on this record. Buy the vinyl too, it’s very pretty.

1. The Wonder Years – Suburbia I’ve Given You All And Now I’m Nothing (Hopeless)

My bias on this record runs deep. I went to school in Philly with one of these guys and fell in love with their DIY ethic and passion for the music they play. Their lyrics are meaningful and are something I can relate to, whether directly through their too-true Philadelphia references or overall themes such as positivity and perseverance (i.e. PMA). Moreover, Suburbia I’ve Given You All… is a record that you can scream at the top of your lungs and sometimes that’s exactly what you need.

1. Fucked Up – David Comes To Life (Matador)

Rock opera done right. Green Day, ya done goofed. Need I say more?

Tyler Gibson (Guitar for Random Orbits)

In no particular order:

• Touche Amore – Parting the Sea Between Brightness and Me (Deathwish)
• DC Fallout – Serfs Up (self-release)
• Why I Hate – Hieroglyphic Transmissions (Death to False Hope)
• Gates – The Sun Will Rise And Lead Me Home (self-release)
• Smooth Sailing – XOXO (self-release)

Adam Blasco (Drummer for Last Call)

1. Fireworks – Gospel (Triple Crown)

Everything this band puts out just gets better and better. I don’t think Gospel was what anyone was expecting from Fireworks, but it was definitely the next step in their progression. Musically, the record is better than ever, but what makes this my #1 pick is Dave’s vocal work. He’s got one of my favorite voices and vocal styles of any band in the genre. I’m also a sucker for songs jam-packed full of vocals. All of these songs have awesome melodies and ridiculous amounts of amazing harmonies. I can’t listen to this record and not sing along the entire way through.

Favorite Track: Life Is Killing Me

1. The Swellers – Good For Me (Fueled By Ramen)

The last year or so has been an awesome one for punk rock, and I think that Good For Me and The Swellers in general are at the forefront of that. Good For Me is a real, honest-to-God, no bullshit punk rock record. Both lyrically and musically, it rivals Ups & Downsizing (2009) as my favorite release from The Swellers. Obviously, I can’t get enough of The Swellers faster stuff, but every track on Good For Me is very driving, catchy and melodic [and I love how much it reminds me of the 90’s]. Like I said, I’m a sucker for catchy vocals and lots of harmonies. As always, The Swellers hit that on the head.

Favorite Track: The Damage

1. Turnover – Self Titled EP (Broken Rim)

Turnover came out of nowhere, and have quickly become one of my favorite new bands. I heard about this EP on Facebook, listened to one song and immediately bought it from their Bandcamp. I think that the biggest reason that I love this record is because every song is relatable to me, and was perfectly fitting to how I felt at the time that I discovered this EP. I love how honest [and by honest, I mean emo] the lyrics are. haha. Definitely be on the watch for these guys, and their future releases.

Favorite Track: Waiting

1. Bayonet – Self Titled EP (Available July 26 via Mightier Than Sword Records)

This EP is everything that I love in a hardcore/punk record. It’s fast, melodic, heavy and as always, Buddy’s lyrics are “tell all and hold nothing back” which is what I’ve always loved.

Favorite Track: Nightmare

1. Balance & Composure – Separation (No Sleep)

I got to hear this record when we (Last Call) were in LA recording our new record. Even after just one listen, I knew this would be one of the best releases of the year. I love how perfectly this record blends both the more chill side of B&C and their aggressive, angsty side. Every single song is strong in its own way, and is very memorable.

Favorite Track: I Tore You Apart In My Head

Looking forward to:
H2O – Don’t Forget Your Roots

Susannah Caviness (GM, Paper + Plastick Records)

1. Balance and Composure – Separation (No Sleep)

Perfect from start to finish.

1. Reverse The Curse – Hither & Yon (Paper + Plastick)

One of the best full-length debuts I’ve ever heard.

1. Joyce Manor – Joyce Manor (6131)

Constant Headache on repeat!

1. Farewell Continental – Hey, Hey Pioneers! (Paper + Plastick)

A lot different than Motion City Soundtrack, but Justin still writes some of the best lyrics.

1. Defeater – Empty Days & Sleepless Nights (Bridge 9)

Incredibly moving, hardcore album.

Tyler Newton – (Bass for Nothing With Numbers, Punks in Vegas staff photographer)

In no particular order:

• Mastodon – Live at the Aragon (Reprise)

If you didn’t get to see Mastodon on tour doing their entire Crack the Skye record, here it is live from Chicago. The sound quality could be a bit better but it’s awesome to hear in a live space. Plus right after the whole album they dive right into Circle of Cysquatch. This album rocks.

• Protest the Hero – Scurrilous (Vagrant)

It’s in the same vein as their other albums, this is the first time the singer Roddy wrote a majority of the lyrics (with the bass player writing them all in the past). It’s intense, has great shredding, and is a bit catchier then previous records. Plus, a guest vocal on the last track from Chris Hannah of Propagandhi!

• Foo Fighters – Wasting Light (RCA)

This is a good record, the best consistent good song ratio from a Foo Fighters record in their career. I usually like 1 or 2 songs from them and that’s all. Now there are at least 5. They recorded this record at Dave Grohl’s house, tracking drums in his garage, and vocals out of a homemade vocal booth adjacent to his bedroom. All on analog gear. It’s got a great vibe, and sound to it. Not slick sounding at all. Love that.

• The Quitters – No Big Deal (self-release)

These guys have style, nobody sounds like The Quitters. A very tight 3 piece, great basslines, guitar solos, and insane drumfills. This record is really diverse no 2 tunes sound alike. It’s great to have so much material to listen to from them.

• Deadhand – Deadhand (self-release)

Just give me American Rock ‘n roll and I’ll be happy. These songs sound great, and are way catchy. Another awesome 3 piece where everybody goes beyond they’re instrument, pushing it into the realm of new. Iggy Pop once said you need to make music for both guys and gals. Make it tough enough for guys to like and poppy enough for the girls to dance to. They did it and that’s a compliment.

Just missed the cut:
Cage the Elephant – Thank You, Happy Birthday
Between the Buried and Me – The Parallax
Against Me! – Total Clarity
Nick 13 – Nick 13
Holding Onto Sound – The Sea

Paul Tompkins (Photographer for Punks in Vegas)

1. Fucked Up – David Comes To Life (Matador)
2. Thao & Mirah – Thao & Mirah (Kill Rock Stars)
3. The Mountain Goats – All Eternals Deck (Merge)
4. Rival Schools – Pedals (Photo Finish)
5. Smith Westerns – Dye It Blonde (Fat Possum)

Sal Giordano (Vocals/guitar for TheCore., Revive Vegas founder)

In no particular order:

• Tyler the Creator – Goblin (XL)

This just brings me back to my hip hop roots. He does his own thing and I like it. You don’t have to agree with everything he says to respect that this is an awesome album.

• Frank Turner – England Keep My Bones (Epitaph)

What can I say, he did it again. A little more to this album than his past records, but he’s still on track. Amazing in my book. If the first listen didn’t grab you, definitely give it a couple more and you’ll see what I’m talking about.

• Iron Chic – Split n’ Shit (self-release)

I caught on with last year’s release, Not Like This, and this is a solid EP. Definitely in my rotation at the moment.

• Red City Radio – Dangers of Standing Still (Paper + Plastick)

With songs like Spinning in Circles and The Benefits of Motion you can’t go wrong on an album. They had me as a fan on their first EP, but this is an album I enjoy.

• Joey Cape – Doesn’t Play Well with Others (self-release)

Looking forward to:
Releases from Reverse The Curse, Chuck Ragan, and more.

2010 albums I can’t put down currently:
None More Black – ICONS
Off With Their Heads – In Desolation
Spanish Gamble – It’s All Coming Down
Sic Waiting – Anchors Astray

So many more. Keep up the good music friends.

Scotty Sandwich (Death to False Hope Records/The Sandwiches)

Scotty could not be contained by a top 5. We don’t blame him.

1. Restorations – Restorations (Paper + Plastick)
2. Red City Radio – The Dangers of Standing Still (Paper + Plastick)
3. White Wives – Happeners (Adeline)
4. Elway – Delusions (Red Scare)
5. Nothington – More Than Obvious (Red Scare)
6. The Holy Mess – The Holy Mess (Red Scare)
7. Swingin’ Utters – Here Under Protest (Fat Wreck Chords)
8. Spraynard – Funtitled (Asian Man)
9. Protaganist – States (Paper + Plastick)
10. Braid – Closer to Closed (Polyvinyl Records)

Did your favorite album make the cut? Who do you think was left out? We want to know what your favorite records of 2011 have been so far! Leave us a comment here, in our forum, or post on our Facebook page with your choices for the best album of 2011 (so far)!