Top 10 Songs Of 2011 - Procrastination Edition

Well, with 2012 feeling less and less like a new year, there has already been some great music worth discussing. First Aid Kit has given us a wonderful spring album.  The Boss dropped his best record since the 80's.  The world is being introduced to the charming pop sensibilities of Nate Ruess and the boys from Fun.  However, all of that can be discussed later.  For now, let's look back at the best songs from 2011.

Now, to avoid a list full of Wilco and Frank Turner songs, the "one song per artist" rule still applies.  As usual, I am hesitant to include the videos.  Quality speakers or headphones only, please.  Volume turned up.



10. The Black Keys - Gold On The Ceiling


A raucous romp stomp of unadulterated rock and roll.  There were other great tunes on this album, but this one was the first to shake me.

9. Seryn - We Will All Be Changed

Local Denton artists creating some of the best indie folk I heard last year, from any region.

8. Bon Iver - Perth

I wasn't going to include this album opener until I saw this live performance.  Enjoy.

7. The Head & The Heart - Down In The Valley

Although this was technically released in 2010, I first witnessed its brilliance on KXT in 2011.

6. Iron & Wine - Godless Brother In Love

It sounds churchy on the surface, but it reveals more with subsequent listens.  This is easily the prettiest melody on this list.

5. Manchester Orchestra - April Fool

This song saved that album from being a total disaster.  When it comes to the art of thrusting your listeners into full on rock-out mode, this one was unrivaled in 2011...well, almost.

4. The Decemberists - Don't Carry It All

Another album opener, this thing served as my sunny song on many rainy days.  Great feel to it.  So raise a glass to turnings of the season.

3. Frank Turner - If I Ever Stray

I toiled over this decision for quite a while because there are at least two other tracks from England Keep My Bones that I enjoyed just as much as this one.  Slight edge goes to a fantastic song.

2. Wilco - Art Of Almost

This could really be ranked as "1A," because really there was no better song to come out of last year.  I seriously could have flipped a coin to decide the top 2, but I did the next best thing; looked at play count on iTunes.

A wise man once pointed out to me that this song requires a bit of an investment to get through when it comes on.  It is almost 8 minutes long.  However, the journey it takes you on is rewarding and invigorating.  Churning along in Radiohead style ambiance, you're drawn in throughout the subtly melodic front half.  Then, it's like someone in the studio flipped a switch, the guys remembered that they're Wilco, and decided to immediately and thoroughly kick your ass through your speakers.  Enough said.

1. Fleet Foxes - Helplessness Blues

It's beautiful and it's haunting.  It reverberates the soul and raises hairs.  It produces a different type of sonic experience that will leave you coming back time and time again.  Fleet Foxes didn't release the best album of 2011, but they did bestow upon us the best song.  If it doesn't resonate with you after one listen based on the hype I just fed you, try it again.  It won't be long before you find yourself seeking it out frequently.