Top 25 Albums of 2011 (#15-11)
15.) Big Kids - Phone Home
I love bands who crank out music. Not that I have anything against bands who spend a few years between albums. As long as a lot of effort was put into an album and it sounds good, I don’t care how long it takes. But there is something about bands who release a steady stream of music. Big Kids were one of those bands this year. In 2011 BK put out a split with Koalacaust, a split with Joyce Manor, an EP called Don’t Be A Baby, and their second full length album Phone Home. The last album, Hoop Dreams, was one of the best from 2010 and the guys did their best to try and top it. Whether they made their goal is up for debate, but Phone Home really was one of the best this year. Their sound has changed just a bit, “Reflecting on Ejection” and “I Am a Romantic Comedy Dude” have a sound just like Hoop Dreams, but songs like “Vaccine” and “68%” show the band going in a heavier direction. My favorite song on the album might be “Fuck the Party”, with some neat guitar riffs all over the place. One thing that stands out on this album is the heavy use of sound clips. These give the feeling of one giant song, making things a little more cohesive. I love Big Kids, and I hope that 2012 is going to be another great year for the band.
14.) Good Luck - Without Hesitation
I had no expectations going into this album. I saw the cover and thought that it looked pretty neat so I checked them out. I was really surprised when I heard the first notes of “All Good People”. Without Hesitation is a really upbeat album that I wish would have come out during the summer so I could sing a long with with the windows rolled down. Of course since the weather has been so screwy here, I could probably still do that. Good Luck put out one album in 2008, so it’s been a few years since they’ve done anything else. It seems like they’ve spent the time wisely. They’ve crafted some really poppy songs, as well as some great guitar riffs. Indie / Punk has never sounded so good.
13.) Sundials - Never Settle
Another band that has put out their fair share of music this year. Two splits, two singles, and a full length. Putting out so much music has definitely improved their visibility in the Punk scene. Richmond is proving again and again that they have one of the most talented scenes today. Never Settle is a really upbeat album full of sunny guitars and choruses that beg to sung along to. I can’t help but smile when I listen to this record.
12.) Nightlights - So It Goes
2011 was a year chock full of bands that worship at the throne of Latterman. I know a lot of people have problems with so many different bands doing the same style of Punk, but when that sound is so enjoyable to listen to, it’s hard to get annoyed. Nightlights are out of Daytona Beach, FL, so the Gainesville sound makes perfect sense. I think what separates this band from a lot of others in the scene is the lyrics. Most of the songs are pretty depressing if you listen to what he’s actually singing about. But the music is upbeat enough to not bum you out. If you are a fan of the Deep Elm Records sound, then you’ll really dig this one.
11.) Timeshares - Bearable
I came across the Timeshares demo earlier this year. I had heard that some of the members of The Knockdown had started a new band, and I really enjoyed their split they did with How Dare You. So after absorbing the demo and the split with Captain, We’re Sinking, I couldn’t wait for the full length to come out. As much as I liked The Knockdown, Timeshares are ten times better. Here we have another band that plays in the Long Island sound. Mid-tempo punk songs with gruff vocals, have become synonymous with PBR and beards. It’s a cliche that has been done to death. But I have a beard and I like PBR, so I guess I’m not the best person to talk to about this. I did want to mention that the three songs that were on Timeshares Demo, get re-recorded for Bearable, and the better production value hasn’t negatively effected those songs. In fact, I love it when I listen to an album and I can sing a long with a few tracks the first time I hear it. I’m really bummed that I didn’t get a chance to see them at The Fest 10, but it’s really cool to see how popular they’ve become, that they can fill a venue at 1:30 on a Sunday.
