With only a week left in 2011, we’ve left it rather late in releasing our end of year lists.
Having announced the last of CitR’s Tool List earlier this week, it’s with great pleasure that I present to you a rather more serious list – CitR’s Albums of the Year 2011. So, unravel your best pair of headphones, put the wrapping paper to one side, and brace yourself for the ultimate rundown of the best albums of 2011.
#50 The Weeknd – House of Balloons
The first of Abel Tesfaye’s three releases this year was also his strongest. Combining his unique slick, ever-so sleazy R’n’B style with immaculate production values, it’s no surprise that The Weeknd has since been recruited by the likes of Drake, Florence and Lady Gaga. JD
#49 James Pants – James Pants
With his third album, renowned multi-instrumentalist James Pants enhanced his reputation as one of the finest producers around at the moment. Grounded amongst hip-hop beats, the self-titled LP delves into 80’s pop and 70’s soul inspirations, forming his most accomplished release to date. JD
#48 Laura Marling – A Creature I Don’t Know
Having been nominated for the Mercury Prize with her two previous albums, Marling’s third attempt was her most eagerly anticipated to date. Showcasing her ever maturing songwriting skills and elegant vocals, A Creature I Don’t Know lurches between sedately soothing and volatile and passionate. JD
#47 Slow Club – Paradise
In September, folk duo Slow Club released long awaited sophomore record Paradise, to widespread acclaim. Firmly attacking the twee labels attracted by debut Yeah So?, the album displays a maturity and bravery in its minimalism, whilst retaining the delicate vocal chemistry that has come to represent their unique appeal. WT
#46 Balam Acab – Wander / Wonder
Witch house was so 2011. Not only is Wander/Wonder Alec Koone’s best record yet, it set him high above his ruddy moody contemporaries. AY
#45 tUnE-yArDs – w h o k i l l
Odd-pop musician Merrill Garbus and her solo project tUnE-yArDs fashioned one of the most sonically diverse records of 2011. Flipping between bizarrely uplifting pop tracks and more soulful numbers, w h o k i l l is the most enjoyable yet intimidating album of the year. JD
#44 Young Montana? – Limerence
Jon Pritchard’s debut record Limerence proves a vibrant combination of 90’s hip-hop and contemporary dance music. Remixing for and touring with WU LYF has deservedly brought his music to a larger audience. JD
#43 EMA – Past Life Martyred Saints
With lead single California creating a stir on the internet due to it’s gritty, inescapable honesty, Erika M. Anderson’s debut solo LP again drew the plaudits. Past Life Martyred Saints combines the angst of a disillusioned twenty-something with the fragility that only real-life experience can harness. JD
#42 Peaking Lights – 936
One of the surprise LP’s of the year, 936 by Peaking Lights has popped up in numerous end of year lists, and quite rightly so. With a tip of the hat to the likes of The XX and Warpaint, Peaking Lights create an atmosphere entirely their own, with a record that’s as modest as it is extravagant. JD
#41 Tyler, The Creator – GOBLIN
Odd Future figurehead Tyler, The Creator released his major label debut GOBLIN in May, preceded by ambitious single Yonkers. As offensive as it is unique and containing several particularly strong tracks, it’s sadly prevented from reaching truly memorable status by it’s immaturity and youthful inexperience. JD