BEST MUSIC OF 2011

KNIFE MAN by The Andrew Jackson Jihad

Punk folk band with phenomenally original, clever and funny lyrics.

ALL RIGHTS REMOVED by Airbag

Second album by swedes heavily influenced by Pink Floyd. Glorious
guitar based prog.

REPETITIONS by Blueneck

Embracing a more analogue and organic approach, the emotional drama
values propel this post rock/prog recordings to masterpiece status.

THE CRIPPLED DOG BAND by Bobb Trimble

This is the unreleased lost 3rd album. The criminally neglected Trimble met
up the teenagers of the Crippled Dog Band and made these exuberant DIY
recordings (1983). This is real rock n' roll brimming with ideas and energy.

OUTBREEDING by David Thomas Broughton

A true contender in the weird folk/nu folk arena, armed with a loop pedal
and an achingly heartbreaking and melancholic voice that sits somewhere
between Anthony Johnson and John Martyn. This is music that begs to be
discovered.

THE BRIGHT LIGHTS EP by Gary Clark Jr

Texas based blues guitarist probably the best thing since SRV. Skips
the influence of the Claptons and the Pages of electric blues and goes
straight to the roots. This half electric/half acoustic EP showcases an
immense talent.

THE HARROW & THE HARVEST by Gillian Welch

A consistent force. Has never made a bad album and don't think she
ever will.

HISINGEN BLUES by Graveyard

I really don't like the term retro-rockers. This is a page straight out of
the seventies with excitement, swagger and soul. You should hear
it on vinyl.

THE DARK SIDE OF THE MOON (Immersion Box) by Pink Floyd

At last, the Floyd remasters! And I couldn't think of any other than James
Guthrie overseeing this huge project. Guthrie has performed wonderfully
with updating the sound and without compromising the dynamics of
Floyd's timeless classics.

WISH YOU WERE HERE (Immersion Box) by Pink Floyd

Excellent music extras and paraphernalia. The blue ray audio is a
tantalizing experience. Now let's have THE WALL Immersion Box.

FEET FALL HEAVY by Kill It Kid

Hard to believe this band hails from the British Isles. Harrowing contemporary
blues.

SON OF BLACK PEACE by Dean McPhee

Amazing tones and resonance from his guitar technique. One to look
out for.

REVERIE by Joe Henry

The ultimate artist of the last 15 years. Has made consistently brilliant
records with subtle dynamics and superior songwriting. Nominated for 10
Grammies (won a couple) for his production work for other artists. He is
up there, artistically, with Tom Waits and Nick Cave.

IMMORTAL SON by Riot

Mark Reale has decided to reassemble the Thundersteel lineup and the
results are stunning. Tony Moore shines, Jarzombek propels, Reale is class.
I can't imagine how it would have turned out for Riot had they not received
the short end of the stick from the record labels. Down to earth lyrics, strong
melodies, a gem of a power/speed metal album.

IN A SPECIAL PLACE by The Waterboys

The demos of This Is The Sea with Mike Scott on piano at the peak of
his creative powers. Others would have killed just to have the bits
and pieces that didn't make the final cut.

AN APPOINTMENT WITH Mr YEATES by The Waterboys

Many years in the making, finally completed, an album to treasure. Very
tricky not to go overboard with this subject matter. But this is Mike Scott
and this is an elegant, mesmerizing and eloquently well balanced album.

50 WORDS FOR SNOW by Kate Bush

This was a quick one for Kate and probably the attention NOT paid to
production values coupled with the songwriting has made this her warmest
album ever. More of this please, Ms Bush.

SHIVER by Too Slim and the Taildraggers

Too Slim has been around for a while and constant touring is finally
paying off. This is great blues...