Best Of 2011
A list of my favourite albums of last year. Only albums I actually
listened to in 2011 are eligible, so I'm not claiming its exhaustive. |
| 10 |  | Dropkick Murphys
Going Out In Style
Their most 'Irish' album yet, a real change from the previous one and
arguably much better for it. The whole concept album thing didn't really
stick with me, but still a great collection of songs. |
| 9 |  | Banner PIlot
Heart Beats Pacific
On paper better than Collapser, but for whatever reason I never really got
into it. Still, massive hooks and upliftingly depressing lyrics make it a great
album. They're gonna have to mix it up a bit next time or face becoming the
next Pennywise... |
| 8 |  | Dave Hause
Resolutions
'Punk man goes solo' is getting a bit tiresome at the minute, but albums
such as this prove it can still be effective if given enough thought. On the
surface its a pretty basic album, but there's just an honesty and sincerity in
the lyrics and delivery that stuck with me. |
| 7 |  | Random Hand
Seething Is Believing
One of the hardest working bands in the UK, but they've actually got the
songs to back it up. This album has more of a punk/less of a metal sound
to it, which probably makes it even better to shout along to. |
| 6 |  | Bangers
Small Pleasures
This steadily grew on me and has sneaked in way higher than I thought it
would. The lyrics are at times (deliberately) hilarious and relatable for
anyone who lives in a shitty little English town. |
| 5 |  | The King Blues
Punk & Poetry
Just when I thought they were fading out into mainstream pop, the video
for We Are Fucking Angry pops up. Thats exactly what this album is, and it
gives the band a (much needed) shot in the arm. 5 Bottles of Shampoo and
that bit (if you've heard it you'll know) in The Future's Not What It Used To
Be are just brilliant. |
| 4 |  | Chuck Ragan
Covering Ground
While I love Hot Water Music, Chuck's solo stuff is just incredible. This
album is more striped-back than before, you can see its been honed by
months on the road. Opening the Revival Tour with Nomad By Fate- the
fiddle in particular- just sent shivers down my spine. |
| 3 |  | Crazy Arm
Union City Breath
The follow-up to one of my favourite albums could've been difficult, but you
know a band is good when you trust them to make a great album. Way
more diverse than their debut, Crazy Arm are miles ahead of every other
'punk' band in the UK. |
| 2 |  | The Horrible Crowes
Elsie
I wasn't sure what to expect with this, but even my best case scenario was
blown out of the water. Brian Fallon's song writing is just so strong that
every track on Elsie stands up on its own. |
| 1 |  | Frank Turner
England Keep My Bones
His best album by far. Normally FT albums have a few really strong tracks,
some good and some not so, but every song on here is great. Then theres
the fact that Redemption and I Am Disappeared are probably the two best
songs he's ever written. |
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