Top 25 Albums of 2011 (#20-16)
20.) Former Thieves - The Language That We Speak
This is a killer album. I haven’t been shy about my love of the band Coalesce, and one of the quickest ways to get me to listen to your album is to compare yourself to them or Botch. The Language That We Speak is a masterpiece of the Mathcore/Noisecore genre. No Sleep Records were smart to release this album, and shows they are willing to sign bands that don’t fit in with what is trendy at the moment. I had the chance to see these guys twice this year, once at Krazy Fest and again at The Fest 10. Both times they managed to put on stellar performances, even when sharing a bill with Coalesce. “First World Blues” has to be the best track on the album. Angular riffs intro the song before the pummeling first verse hits. “Brilliant Exceptions” is another stand out track that calls to mind Botch. Don’t think that these guys are just clones of bands who have come before. Former Thieves do things their own way, with a tone that is entirely their own. They are still a relatively young band, so I’m sure what they come up with next will top this album.
19.) Flashlights - I’m Not Alone
I’ll admit that I know nothing about this band. At first glance it sounds like they are just riding the popularity of Garage Rock, thanks to bands like Joyce Manor and Teenage Cool Kids. And it may be true for all I know, but these songs are just too damn good to be judged as trend following. Protagonist Records put this album out, and I know that whatever they put their name on is well worth checking out. And if you watch this hilarious video about zombies who eat balls, and you dig the music, then you should really check this album out. Naturally when you talk about this genre, you have to mention the Superchunk influences. This band doesn’t really offer anything ground breaking, but do you really have to when they write such catchy tunes?
18.) Joyce Manor - Joyce Manor
Out of all the albums on this list, Joyce Manor has to be one of the best reviewed. As I was reading through the Punknews staff reviews, I saw this album mentioned more times than any other. Is it well deserved? I’d say so. Joyce Manor are a band that have built up a ton of hype, so you’d be hard pressed to find someone into Punk who hasn’t heard this album already. “Famous Friend”, “Leather Jacket”, and “Constant Nothing” are tons of fun with a lot of energy. There really isn’t a bad song on here.
17.) Kepi Ghoulie - I Bleed Rock ‘n’ Roll
I didn’t get into the Groovie Ghoulies while they were still together. My real introduction to the band was Kepi Ghoulie’s first two solo albums, and while checking out the band that he came from, I realized what I missed out on. While Kepi’s solo work isn’t quite in the same vein, he still has the same songwriting attitude. This is Rock and Roll like it was intended to be, fast and fun. The last Kepi album was pretty forgettable, but I Bleed Rock’n’Roll does everything right. “Rock’n’roll Shark” is less of a song and more of a chant that sets the mood of the album. When “Nikki Lee” starts up, we kick right into Chuck Berry overdrive. The Ramones-core elements aren’t gone completely, and it would be hard for Kepi to dismiss what made him popular in the first place. “Part Time Rodeo” would have made an awesome Groovie Ghoulies song, as would “Love to Give”. But the best moments have to come when Kepi does things a little different. “I Just Wanted You to Know” is a gorgeous love song that takes the speed down a notch. “Hard to Forget” whips out the acoustic guitar for his best Bob Dylan impression. This album also has my favorite cover, done by Kepi himself.
16.) Childish Gambino - Camp
After the surprise success of EP earlier in 2011, a full length was clearly the next step. While the popular opinion is that EP was better, and I agree with that, Camp is still a great album. As much as the last one was funny, this album is as serious. Of course Donald’s sense of humor is still here, it’s just over shadowed by the songs about his life. This album is Childish Gambino’s mainstream debut, so it’s a chance to show the world what makes Donal Glover tick. “Bonfire” is probably the closest to the style found on EP, the jokes and pop culture references are a lot like “Freaks and Geeks”. Camp has a heavy gospel and R&B feel on the production, which lends to the more serious sound. Childish Gambino has earned the spot as my favorite rapper from 2011.
