1. Foster the People Torches
This album wowed me beyond my liking. I first heard this record in June this summer (The song obviously being "Pumped Up Kicks") while in a car ride and immediately took liking. Quickly listening to the rest of the album, I fell in love. They truly put out an amazing record that fascinates me throughout. I bought the LP Version today to show my love for it. I also believe they were the best show I saw this year. First Avenue was a great venue for them. Sadly they'll never play a venue like that again. It's too bad that they're loved in so many places because I think that the Target Center does not fit them or their personalities on stage. The whole albums great, I cannot pick the best song!2. Two Door Cinema Club Tourist History
So I cheated a little bit. TDCC's album came out in April of 2010 but never really got serious airplay until the new year came around. This album was my obsession in January and February because of the fast paced songs on the record. I just loved lead vocalist Sam Halliday's voice when I first heard it. The fact that they're an Irish band makes it all the better because the last band I can remember to come out of Ireland that was actually good was the Dropkick Murphys. Exciting to listen to, I would recommend everyone buys this album. "Undercover Martyn" and "I Can Talk" are by far the best songs on the record.3. Doomtree No Kings
Look below article this for my review of this AMAZING record that came out in November. Otherwise I must say that they put out a great record for everyone. It showcased the talent of the group and all the solo artists in it. The best songs by far were "Bangarang" and "Bolt Cutter" and they sure put on a good show.4. Iron & Wine Kiss Each Other Clean
This album was such a change up for Indie darlings, Iron & Wine. I've known them since their Sea & the Rhythm EP and that was a quiet beautiful coupe of songs. This CD is filled with weird sounds and vocal affects but it still doesn't effect the beautiful voice of Sam Beam and the harmonies surrounding. I know most people would not agree with me when I say this but I believe this has been their best album yet, maybe not considering their first EP I told you about. The best tracks on this album are "Rabbit Will Run" and "Monkeys Uptown" which is surprising an Explicit song for these guys who are always so pure.5. Justice Audio, Video, Disco
Now I'm a huge Justice fan, maybe even to say they are one of my 5 favorite bands of all time. I was looking forward to this album since April and was not disappointed. They switched it up completely and changed the feel but I still felt like they created a great album. I would never say this is like the masterpiece they sculpted on Cross, their last album, but it definitely highlighted their individuality. There is more of a 80's Goth sound to the record which surprised me at first but got me hooked eventually. The french duo know what their doing even if they don't schedule any shows in the Minnesota area...(Disappointed). The best songs on this album are "On 'n On", "Audio, Video, Disco" and "Ohio".6. Atmosphere The Family Sign
Atmosphere is where hip-hop gets interesting. Anyone signed to Rhymesayers has to be great right? Well not exactly but mostly everyone is. Slug, Ant and the band definitely showcased their talent this year on the album, The Family Sign. To All My Friends was a good CD but it just did not compare to their art from 2008, When Life Gives You Lemons. Even if they are not considered as classic hip-hop, their history as a group has gone all the way back to 1989 in 2Pac times. Of course they have much more talent than the self centered west coast rapper who was shot to death. The best songs on this record are "She's Enough" and "Your Name Here".7. Mason Jennings Minnesota
Mason came at us again with yet another CD to add to his life collection. His last CD, The Flood did not impress me but this one sure did. The album came from the heart as you can hear on the album. His emotional songs that he wrote in his cabin up north really come out and express his memories. I think the experience of writing this album would've been huge just because of how hard he worked on it. Jennings switch to keyboard really changes it up too because it adds more melody than his classic one man on a guitar act. This short CD is filled with all amazing songs from start to finish. The best tracks on the record are "Rudy" and "Raindrops On The Kitchen Floor".8. The Vaccines What Did You Expect From The Vaccines?
The Brit rockers totally took America by surprise when they played their first show at the Bowery Ballroom. They were some of the big hype this year with their big song, "Post Break-Up Sex" taking the media by surprise. I wouldn't say they are amazing, as there are other bands sounding similar, but I would say that they definitely have talent and write great songs. is a spot on poet in the way that he writes. The best songs are "Post Break-Up Sex" and "If Ya Wanna".9. Howler This One's Different EP
Jordan Gatesmith is an amazing singer in my opinion. He is a huge inspiration to me these days because of how his career started. Jordan used to be the guitarist for the local band, Total Babe. He attended De La Salle High School in Minneapolis, MN and literally the summer he graduated, got signed to Rough Trade Records, all the way in England. I found out the other day that Howler warmed up for my friend Tony Williams at a venue called the Depot last year and I was invited but didn't go! Think of how fun of a show that would've been to see! Howler warming up for a rap artist in a small venue when they were still writing the songs to be on this EP. Now that brings me to the fact that this is only an EP and I'm still waiting to hear their new record which is coming out in January. Be on the lookout for a review of that new album because it will be coming your way! The best songs on the EP are "This One's Different" and "You Like White Women, I Like Cigarettes".10. Poliça Give You The Ghost
Channy Leaneagh (Formally Casselle) and Ryan Olson created this band in 2011 and quickly shot to stardom. These guys will make it big if they play their cards right. They've only played around 10 shows and have already sold out some of them with bands like Clap Your Hands Say Yeah! and Foster the People. There is a huge amount of talent in this band even if Channy is using auto tune, which is my least favorite vocal effect. I do believe she could have made the album without it but, it's always up to the artist and she seems to be getting praise for it. I just hope that she doesn't start a trend of this though. Bon Iver's use was bad enough, now she needs to use it. This album really is amazing though because of her beautiful voice. The two drummers in the back of the stage really add to the show. I saw them warm up for Foster the People this year and I definitely plan to see them again. The best songs on the album are "Amongster", "Lay Your Cards Out" and "Form".
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