Okay, so I definitely fell behind this year when it came to album posts and reviews. But that's not going to stop me from subjecting you to yet another Best of 2011 list, which will be my favourite albums of 2011, in -- what else? -- haiku form. It's actually going to be less of a "best of" and more of a "personal favourite". I completely acknowledge that there may have been, technically, better albums this year; but some of those "better" ones I just couldn't get into for some reason *cough*Feist*cough*
So here it is. While the list is not numbered, it is in a vague order of "least-best" to "best", and I've included EPs as well as LPs because why not, that's why.
The King Is Dead by
The Decemberists
Back down to basics
Strong songwriting from Meloy
As you would expect
Diaper Island by
Chad VanGaalen
Refined and focused
Soaring vocals, instruments
On top of his game
Days Into Years by
Elliott BROOD
Suitably toned down
War memorial inspired
Brilliant songwriting
Portage & Main by
Portage & Main
A solid debut
Strong folk rock, heartfelt lyrics
Great blend of voices
Eureka by
Mother Mother
Infectious and fun
But not without some darkness
Stellar shared vocals
Orchard by
Jess Hill
Incredible voice
Beautiful and haunting songs
Mesmerizing folk
Michigan Left by
Arkells
A bit more polished
But still more fun rock and roll
A strong follow-up
The Whole Love by
Wilco
More adventurous
Bookended with two
great songs
Their best in a while
Let's All March Back Into The Sea by
The Liptonians
Cacophonous sound
A whole host of instruments
And clever lyrics
Summer of Lust by
Library Voices
Energetic songs
Sharp, intelligent lyrics
Pop at its finest
No Bad Days by
Wide Mouth Mason
Six years since their last
New bassist
Gordie Johnson
Haven't missed a step
We're All Friends & Lovers Until It Falls Apart EP by
Redbird
Strong, lovely voice
Coupled with great songwriting
Wonderful debut
Seeds by
Hey Rosetta!
Heartbreaking lyrics
Symphonic and grandiose
Complex yet catchy
We're All Dying To Live by
Rich Aucoin
Highly ambitious
Perfect, cinematic flow
Brilliantly unique
Apocalyptic Radio Cynic by
Sidney York
Insanely catchy
Clever, sexy, sometimes dark
Power-pop with depth
Temporary Resident by
Imaginary Cities
Take one stellar voice
One stupendeous musician
For near perfect pop
Kaputt by
Destroyer
Rich, dense, and jazz-y
Lyrically ambiguous
Very beautiful
Oh Fortune by
Dan Mangan
Darker and more dense
Rich music, poignant lyrics
Exponential growth
Crashing crescendos
Breathtaking rises and falls
Far beyond "epic"
High School EP by
We Are The City
More going on here
Than most have in a full length
Nearly perfection
Degeneration Street by
The Dears
All-star Dears line-up
From the brink of destruction
Better than ever
Lights of Endangered Species by
Matthew Good
Full of emotion
Amazingly orchestral
A career highlight
