Views from a Basement: Concons albums of 2011// OTW 2012

LISTENS: Concons 2011 tracks

I've been really frustrated with the music from 2011, I don't know whether there was just too much good stuff around the same level or not enough standout albums. Anyway, this top 10 list was hard to do. Some of my old favourites' (Feist//Bon Iver//Radiohead) new offerings failed to hit that sweet spot which was not ideal, thanks guys... A lot of albums with a few nice singles but just a bit meh; with the exception of 1 and 2 on this list, few have managed to hold my attention through the whole album. But maybe I'm just ADD or some shit.

10. Seekae - +DOME
2009 album 'The Sound of Trees falling on People' was fantastisch and it's great to see these Aussies getting some well-deserved attention this side of the pond. New album shows some interesting progression, it's that ever-difficult mid-tempo album that you listen to for specific events: transportation (best with window seat), introspection, background work music, taking drugs and exploring the corners of your face in the mirror, that kind of shit. Basically, they're my new Gold Panda. Try: Blood Bank.

9. Bombay Bicycle Club - A Different Kind of Fix
'I Had The Blues...' is a pretty hard album to follow up on and as pretty as 'Flaws' was, it was seen more a flirtation of Jack's folk side than the true follow up effort. So there was a lot of anticipation riding on the BBC to produce the goods and they certainly gave it a good bash. Perhaps a little more saccharine and poppy than was expected, they've still proven their mastery at crafting indie anthems. Some genius songwriting and interesting new composing angles along with Jack Steadman's unforgettable vocals make this a great little album and leaves you keen to hear what they'll come up with next.Try: Shuffle.

8. Beyonce - 4
If only for the videos this album brought us and the genius that are the lyrics to Countdown. LOVEYOU-B XXXX

7. Battles - Gloss Drop
I very like. Came out earlier this year but only started listening to it when my ipod did a bye-bye and it was this or Arcade Fire. It's brillo! Ice Cream is an absolute work of genius and obvious stand out. The rest of the album is good - really well-structured and interesting but without Ice Cream it would fall on its arse a bit.

6. Tune-yards - whokill
AWESOME. Bat-shit crazy lady makes aural delight. It sort of sounds like going to the zoo in musical form. She has the best vocal looping in the bizness (wink) I say. Try: My Country, Powa, Bizness

5. Jamie XX & Gil Scott-Heron - I'm New Here
Incredible rework of an incredible album, one of the few that have genuinely excited me. Almost unrecognizable from the original save some soundbites, this is completely Jamie XX's album but you can tell he has a great respect for S-H. A really brave album on his part. Try: I'm New Here, NY Is Killing Me, I'll Take Care of U

4. Metronomy - English Riviera.
I always liked Metrozzers, good to see them doing well. This album is solid and dependable like a good jumper. Could this be called a dinner party album? Probably, but it's still bonzer. Try: Everything Goes My Way, The Look, The Bay

3. SBTRKT
Little Dragon collaboration Wildfire is THE song of 2011. It's just perfect. And he wears a mask - awesome. Always trust a man in a mask.

2. Laura Marling - A Creature I don't Know.
I am not normally a Laura Marling fan. How she ends up in the NME cool list every year I will never know (well maybe for doing the diddle with Johnny Flynn but then she ruined it with Noah and the Whale boring and Marcus Mumford bleurgh). BUT this is an absolute masterpiece, I haven't been able to stop listening to it. Beautifully twisted, dark lyrics, exquisite vocals and guitar that trickles through the ears like an ear-hug. High praise but this is modern day Joni Mitchell territory. Stunning. Try: Night after Night, Salinas.

1. Antlers - Burst Apart
Without doubt the album of the year. I don't actually know what to say about it, it's just fucking brilliant. Started off loving No Widows, then Parentheses, I Don't Want Love and Putting the Dog to Sleep. Even if you aren't a fan of his voice you've got to love the music, absolutely cracking, I can't really do it justice with words so just listen!

TOP 10 TRACKS 2011

In no particular order w/o tracks from the above albums, listen HERE: Concons 2011 tracks
or watch videos of those not on Spotify below..

Friends - I'm his girl
Tyler the Creator - Yonkers
Lana del Rey - Video Games
Jai Paul -BTSTU
M83 - Midnight city

Gotye - Somebody that i used to know