Wow - I thought 2010 was a great year for music, but 2011 has been even better. And it looks like 2012 may surpass even that, with new releases scheduled from of Verona, Kim DiVine, David and Devine, Keaton Simons and Nina Storey.
Here are my Top Ten full album releases of 2011. I am also posting my Top Ten EP releases of 2011 in a separate article. Please note that this is based on what I have received or learned about through my research. If you released (or know an artist that released) a new CD or EP during 2011, and you're not on my list, please contact me at lamusiccritic@yahoo.com so I can update my list.
No. 10 - Cosmic Suckerpunch Good Morning - I discovered this band at the Los Feliz Street Fair, and their debut album lives up to their live performance. With a style reminiscent of Kansas and Yes, these guys are bringing back classic rock. Best songs include "The Great Divide," "In Waves," and "Black Hole." Check them out at www.cosmicsuckerpunch.com.
No. 9 - The Fallen Stars Heart Like Mine - This local Orange County band has racked up wins in the Orange County Music Awards and SoCal Music Live competitions, all the while building up a fervent fan base. This album captures that effort, and is good from start to finish. While Bobbo may not have the best vocals, they are perfect for this homegrown americana/country sound. The joy of this CD is the musical talent and songwriting of Bobbo and his wife, bassist Tracy, that makes this a must-have CD for your collection. Check them out at www.thefallenstars.com.
No. 8 - Iamdynamite Supermegafantastic - Another discovery from attending the Blue October show, these guys are bringing back 90's rock. They are managed and produced by Matt Noveskey's Wanderlust A.M.P. (bassist of Blue October), who has definitely captured their live style in their debut album. If you like straight-ahead rock, this is the CD for you. With these 10 songs to choose from, you can't lose. Listen from start to finish and you'll see that it's hard to find a bad track. Check them out at www.iamdynamite.com.
No. 7 - Three-way tie - Moira Cannon The Singing Silkie; The Merry Wives of Windsor Bottoms Up and The Poxy Boggards Live in Consort - For those of you who love the Renaissance Faire with its unique style of music, then these are "must-have" acquisitions for your library. The Boggards and the Wives have been staples of the faire for the past 15+ years, with their own brand of bawdy "adult" songs. Moira was formerly a member of the Wives who decided to take the solo route instead. Her music is more traditional and definitely "family" friendly. If you're like me and can't wait for the Faire to start each April, then these three CDs will give you a good dose of fun to tide you over. Check out their respective websites at www.facebook.com/people/Moira-Cannon/100002314310416; www.mwow.net and www.poxyboggards.com.
No. 6 - Jake Newton Kill the Past - This long awaited full length album was definitely worth the wait. Two years in the making, it captures the victorious spirit of living and dealing with loss. In what is becoming a good tradition in indie music, Jake has compiled a strong album that is great to listen to from the first track through the last, without the need to skip any of them. This is a very promising release and bodes well for the future of indie music in LA. Check him out at www.jakenewton.com.
No. 5 - Erick Macek Colors May Change -Erick has been a fixture on the local music scene, but this album finally captures the intensity and incredibleness of his live shows. With his country-tinged singer-songwriter pop style, Erick keeps it interesting from start to finish. Some of his songs, like "Mystery of Oklahoma" and "This Song" would fit in very comfortably on country radio, while others are definitely worthy of extensive play on KCRW. A great effort and a worthy addition to your library, don't miss the chance to discover this hidden jewel. Check him out at www.erickmacek.com.
No. 4 - Carrie Clark and the Lonesome Lovers - Between the Bed Sheets & Turpentine - With a great 40's era bluegrass/americana feel, this album is top notch. The instrumentation, lyrics and the dreamy tone of Carrie's voice make this album a diamond in the rough of indie artists. The songs are upbeat, fun and toe-tapping, creating a sense of history in each song. Check her out at www.carrieclark.com.
No. 3 - Shannon Hurley California - This album was several years in the making, reflecting the real life journeys Shannon undertook as she moved from California to Nashville to the far east, only to return to California. Every song is memorable, with "California," ""If I Could" and "Looking for Sunshine" among the best cuts. Despite spending time performing with Marina V and with her husband Ben Eisen in the electro-pop duo Lovers & Poets, Shannon has found time to give one of the best gifts of 2011. Don't miss out on the chance to listen to and own this beautiful piece of art. Check her out at www.shannonhurley.com.
No. 2 - Camille Bloom and the Recovery Never Out of Time - I have been a fan of Seattle-based Camille since first hearing her almost 10 years ago. Her latest offering is by far her best, covering the gamut of musical styles, including hip-hop, pop and the lyrical excellence of singer-songwriter. After listening to this album, you'll want to catch her live show the next time she comes to LA. Check her out at www.camillebloom.com.
No. 1 - Kyler England Electric Hum- Kyler has been missing from the local music scene as she's been busy as a member of Universal Republic artist The Rescues, which released their debut album Let Loose the Horses in 2011. Using the Pledgemusic platform, Kyler and her fans raised money for this record, and the result is the best album of 2011. Not only did she capture that elite status, but her live CD release show was one of the best performances of 2011. This album is stellar from beginning to end, and is already receiving considerable airplay and placement in TV and film. This is definitely one of those albums you would have to have to survive being stranded on a deserted island. Check her out at www.kylerengland.com.
Thanks to all the great indie musicians who gave of themselves this year. Your albums give us hope in this commercialized music market that the true spirit of music is alive and well in the indie community.
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