Top 10 Albums of 2011

The albums that struck my fancy this year. Keeping descriptions minimal this year. Hope you all enjoyed your year.

10. The Civil Wars, Barton Hollow
Beautiful and spacious. Delicately placed notes. Gorgeous, if not overwhelming, voices.
Standout Tracks: "I've Got This Friend," "Falling"

9. Beastie Boys, Hot Sauce Committee Part 2
A perfect blend of raucous artistry and maturity. Variety is a non-issue.
Standout Tracks: "Make Some Noise," "Long Burn The Fire"

8. Manchester Orchestra, Simple Math
Crunchiest concept album in a while. Wins the award for Most Existential Angst in 2011.
Standout Tracks: "Simple Math," "Mighty"

7. Panda Bear, Tomboy
A trippy, noisy monstrosity tumbling over the edge of popular culture.
Standout Tracks: "Slow Motion," "Friendship Bracelet"

6. Death Cab For Cutie, Codes and Keys
A step back in the right direction for DCFC. Ben Gibbard is singing less like Neil Young.
Standout Tracks: "Underneath The Sycamore," "Stay Young, Go Dancing"

5. Coldplay, Mylo Xyloto
Coldplay finding a new way to sound like Coldplay. Thicker bottom end. Yummy.
Standout Tracks: "Hurts Like Heaven," "Us Against The World"

4. The Strokes, Angles
The Strokes go back to the basics ... and the '80s.
Standout Tracks: "Machu Picchu," "Games"

3. Gillian Welch, The Harrow and the Harvest
Welch and Rawlings deliver the best country/folk record of the year. As haunting as it is beautiful.
Standout Tracks: "Dark Turn Of Mind," "Down Along The Dixie Line"

2. Radiohead, The King Of Limbs
Genius work in micro-rhythm and texture. Highlights bright moments amidst the chaos.
Standout Tracks: "Bloom," "Give Up The Ghost"

1. David Bazan, Strange Negotiations
Bazan pays homage to his Pedro days and creates the most complete album of 2011.
Standout Tracks: "Virginia," "Eating Paper," "People"