Kyla’s Top 5 Albums of 2011

The following albums are my top five favorite releases of 2011. 

1. Childish Gambino - “Camp”

This is hands down my favorite album of 2011, no contest.  The anticipation of this release alone almost killed me.  I first fell in love with the hip-hop styles of Mr. Donald Glover in 2010 after hearing a song from “Culdasack” and thinking, “there is no way this is Troy Barns”.  After doing a little research and listening to everything he had ever recorded, well, the rest is history.  So as soon as I found out about Camp I couldn’t go a day without thinking about it.  The day “Bonfire” was released I had a total musicgasm whilst listening to it on a constant loop, and the day the album was (finally) leaked online a single tear of joy streamed down my cheek.  (Now the single tear may be an exaggeration, but it was a great day.)  I even received the double disk LP on vinyl for Christmas (thank you, boyfriend) and I literally couldn’t stop smiling.  Incredible album, incredible artist. 

2. Vanessa Carlton - “Rabbits on the Run”

Now I’ll admit, I owned a copy of “Be Not Nobody” back in the day but really only enjoyed her two radio songs.  I don’t even remember how I stumbled upon this album, but I did, I decided to take a listen, and for about two months I couldn’t stop listening.  Parts of this album are reminiscent of Norah Jones, Regina Spektor, and Jenny Lewis.  I never would have imagined that I would group the girl who sang “1000 Miles” in the same category as those three musical wonders, but she totally deserves high praise for this release.  It really is wonderful.

3. Glassjaw - “Our Color Green”

Five songs of sheer goodness.  I mean, it’s fucking Glassjaw; what did you really expect?  And seeing these performed live was the delicious Daryl Paulmbo icing atop the cake.

4. Portugal. The Man - “In The Mountain In The Cloud”

They’re from Alaska but don’t let that fool you.  I don’t think these guys are capable of making a BAD album (or a bad album cover for that matter, but that’s just the designer in me). 

5. The Lonely Island - “Turtleneck & Chain”

Oh man; talk about highly anticipated albums of the year…  This was another one that caused me to literally count down the days until its release and, if memory serves me correctly, I actually squealed with excitement (while at work) when I found out it had been leaked.  Comedy music at its most brilliant.  I love these boys.

6. Ellie Goulding - “Lights”

Now I know this album wasn’t released in 2011 (it was 2010) but I was a little slow to discover it and it wasn’t until 2011 that I listened to it.  And once I did I was hooked.  I had to mention it because it had a significant impact (musically speaking) on me this year.  I can’t think of 2011 without thinking of Ms. Ellie.

Honorable Mention
“Listen To Me: Buddy Holly”

Now I HAD to give this album an honorable mention.  Buddy Holly (RIP) would have been 75 this year.  This album has some incredible musicians performing some incredible covers.  My personal favorites are the Stevie Nicks’ cover of “Not Fade Away” and Patrick Stump’s (yes, from Fall Out Boy, but don’t be so quick to judge) cover of “Everyday”.  Buddy Holly is one of my all time favorites and this album was not a disappointment.

Honorable Song Mentions
These are just a few songs released in 2011 that I found myself listening to on constant loops over the past year.  Some are still my favorites and some are laughable now looking back, but each definitely had their place in my 2011. 

“It’s Not Unusual” - Darren Criss (Glee)

“Missing” - Eliza Doolittle

“Jolene” (cover) - Samuel Larson

“Lady Is A Tramp” (cover) - Tony Bennett & Lady Gaga

“Lightweight” - Demi Lovato

“I Am The Liquor” - Vanityites

“Gucci Gucci” - Kreayshawn

“El Paso” - Taking Back Sunday

Now those were my 2011 musical confessions.  What are your’s?