The Blazing Top 50 of 2011: 10 to 1 [Day 5]

Drum Roll...

#10
The War On Drugs
Slave Ambient
Secretly Canadian Records [2011]









The War On Drugs sophomore album Slave Ambient was the perfect record to take on long drives because it put your mind at ease so that you can concentrate on the road but just block everything else out that seems like noise, such as bills, relationships and work. The record's magic comes from the group sounding like a new pairing of Dylan with Spiritualized or Spaceman 3 fronted by Tom Petty. The War On Drugs created an album that had a seamless flow and improved every time you spun it. Slave Ambient was an album that absorbed you for its entire 47 minutes and had you coming away feeling rejuvenated and ready to take it for another ride!

The War On Drugs: Slave Ambient [Fire Note Review 8/24/11]

#9
Smith Westerns
Dye It Blonde
Fat Possum Records [2011]









We called it all the back in early January but Chicago's Smith Westerns sophomore record Dye It Blonde turned out to be one of better releases this year even though many probably forgot about it. The band came at you with a slightly lo-fi indie dream rock but had many surprises as they injected elements of early 70's British invasion and a touch of glam. The band was able to morph song structures in an instance while switching from a conventional pace to soaring feverish guitars. Dye It Blonde was a record that just got better and better after every spin and sounds just as fresh at the end of the year as it did in the beginning. A great record to seek out now if you missed it!

Smith Westerns: Dye It Blonde [Fire Note Review 1/14/11]

#8
Wild Flag
Wild Flag
Merge Records [2011]









I love it when a record releases and it is everything you hoped for and then some. This is how I felt after hearing the debut from female four piece Wild Flag. The band brought a plethora of experience to the party with Sleater-Kinney guitarist/singer Carrie Brownstein and drummer Janet Weiss, singer/guitarist Mary Timony of Helium fame and keyboardist Rebecca Cole of The Minders, which were part of the Elephant Six family. It would have been easy for Wild Flag to recreate past glories but they succeed here in finding their own sound that is gracefully loud and catchy. Many times a group of this nature has problems sounding like one unit but Wild Flag not only sounded all on the same page but released a debut that felt like we should have called them the next big thing, except they already were!

Wild Flag: Wild Flag [Fire Note Review 9/9/11]

#7
Atlas Sound
Parallax
4AD Records [2011]









Bradford Cox kept his hot streak alive with the stellar release of Parallax that represented the third album from Atlas Sound. The Deerhunter frontman ventured down different areas of the rock path here but as a very complete and cohesive listen. The record showcased Cox's talents as he inflicted a very modern Bowie vocal style in places while at other times floated and swirled synthesizers much like a laid back Radiohead. The final element that put Parallax in the top was how Cox shifted his vocals from being buried in previous album efforts to taking the lead here and being right out in front. This made each song infectious, memorable and a perfect record to spin again!

Atlas Sound: Parallax [Fire Note Review 11/14/11]

#6
St. Vincent
Strange Mercy
4AD Records [2011]









Strange Mercy was the third record from Annie Clark's St. Vincent and it once again presented a mesmerizing piece of musical art. It was a record that held an earthy gracefulness on each song that also had their individual dimensions and depth. Clark's vocals are flawless throughout and when they are paired with the electro-jazz, fuzz feedback, and simple pop structures of the record everything becomes memorable. On Strange Mercy, St. Vincent presents a statement loud and clear that she is not just an artist to respect but an artist that should be followed!

St. Vincent: Strange Mercy [Fire Note Review 9/19/11]

#5
Real Estate
Days
Domino Records [2011]









Real Estate not only avoided the sophomore slump but surpassed their excellent debut with the infectious Days! Simplistic splendor was one way to describe the sophomore full length from New Jersey's Real Estate as the album had a pure flow to it that carried the listener from track to track. Days was an album that was tighter, more refined, and full of graceful pop gems while possessing a timeless appeal that ultimately won in this near perfect album!

Real Estate: Days [Fire Note Review 11/10/11]

#4
Bon Iver
Bon Iver
Jagjaguwar Records [2011]









Like his debut, Justin Vernon's Bon Iver sophomore record was an album to just let play and listen as its majestic sounds unfolded before your ears. Bon Iver is a record that avoided any chances of the second album slump by maintaining Vernon's signature soft falsetto vocals but a noticeable incremental growth and expansion could be heard within each track. Bon Iver was a true grower, as it was not as immediate grabbing as For Emma but now holds its own. Justin Vernon is a master of time and space and on Bon Iver sometimes what you can't hear is just as important as the notes being pumped into your headphone!

Bon Iver: Bon Iver [Fire Note Review 6/20/11]

#3
Fleet Foxes
Helplessness Blues
Sub Pop Records [2011]









Fleet Foxes created a brilliant sophomore outing in Helplessness Blues that showcased their growth lyrically and musically. The band offered a much more complexity to their song structures that found several tracks crossing the five minute mark and the stunning eight minute piece of art "The Shrine/An Argument". Helplessness Blues now challenges the Fleet Foxes debut as being their best but there is no dispute that both represent superior quality. This album is successful from beginning to end and firmly places the Fleet Foxes into a league of their own!

Fleet Foxes: Helplessness Blues [Fire Note Review 5/4/11]

#2
PJ Harvey

Let England Shake

Vagrant Records [2011]

I have followed PJ Harvey for some time now but had no idea what to expect from her eighth solo record Let England Shake. PJ Harvey always has walked to a different beat and absolutely never makes the same album twice but on Let England Shake she fulfills the givens but exceeds expectations in the songwriting department. The record features her heart, mind and soul poured into every minute as its songs put England in her crosshairs and explore its political interactions and involvement with the rest of the world. Musically, Let England Shake emphasized what Harvey is best at, which is making an intense rock record without sounding like an intense rock record. She used her full range throughout the record and kept the listener completely tuned into what was going on. Let England Shake held up extremely well to repeat plays and once again showed why PJ Harvey is one of a kind with one of the best releases this year!

PJ Harvey: Let England Shake [Fire Note Review 2/14/11]

#1
Girls
Father, Son, Holy Ghost
True Panther Sounds [2011]









Releasing one great record is every bands dream. Following it up with a stellar EP is icing on the cake. Making a sophomore record that surpasses an already great debut is almost impossible but that is exactly what happened with San Francisco's Girls on their modern classic Father, Son, Holy Ghost. The album from beginning to end felt and sounded like it was in your collection for years. The eleven songs honor mega artists like Paul McCartney, Elvis Costello, Fleetwood Mac, Beach Boys and Paul Simon with its smooth classic rock vibe, while holding its progressive own in 2011 and staying completely modern. Father, Son, Holy Ghost plays like a champion and most certainly will sound great for some time, as its timeless appeal and addictive qualities are some of the solid reasons this record sits at the top of 2011!

Girls: Father, Son, Holy Ghost [Fire Note Review 9/14/11]


Well that is it for 2011. Feel free to post some of your own top albums this year - we would love to see them. Have a great holiday and we will see you on January 3rd for our first review in 2012. The Fire Note will be somewhat active on its Facebook page so be sure to hop over and check it out.

Thanks again for all the support in 2011 and helping make The Fire Note a success for another year!

The Blazing Top 50 of 2011: 20 to 11 [Day 4]

Almost There...

#20
EMA
Past Life Martyred Saints
Souterrain Transmissions Records [2011]









EMA was the new project from ex-Gowns singer/guitarist Erika M. Anderson and her debut record, Past Life Martyred Saints, possessed a quiet intensity that won you over within the first minute of the 7 minute opening track. EMA provided a very unique listen on Past Life Martyred Saints, that not only made it special but stellar as she successfully built walls of sound around her in and out vocals, while still allowing guitar to take the lead. This creativity made Past Life Martyred Saints a debut record that most certainly was one of the top releases this year!

EMA: Past Life Martyred Saints [Fire Note Review 5/12/11]

#19
Destroyer
Kaputt
Merge Records [2011]









Over the years Dan Bejar has been involved in some really great projects but Destroyer has always been his solo baby and his ninth record Kaputt represented one of his best. The album was mature, complex, poetic, jazzy, and addictive all wrapped into a 9 song, 50 minute affair. Kaputt was all about the story, which dictated each and every memorable moment. Kaputt was another exceptional record from Destroyer, as Dan Bejar's talent shines brightly again and although its standout sound may not be for everyone it certainly should be respected and rightfully earned its place in the Top 50!

Destroyer: Kaputt [Fire Note Review 1/25/11]

#18
Cymbals Eat Guitars
Lenses Alien
Barsuk Records [2011]









Trying to follow up a highly praised debut is always a steep climb but against the usual tough odds, Cymbals Eat Guitars made it happen with the infectious Lenses Alien. What I really liked about Lenses Alien is that it absolutely did not try to be anything special but with ease, Cymbals Eat Guitars altered song structures on a whim and created a stylistic piece of indie rock that not only avoided the sophomore slump but drove Lenses Alien into the Top 50.

Cymbals Eat Guitars: Lenses Alien [Fire Note Review 9/12/11]

#17
Panda Bear
Tomboy
Paw Tracks Records [2011]









If you have followed along at all with Noah "Panda Bear" Lennox's musical career, then you were already impressed with his indie savvy and critically hailed records with both Animal Collective and his own solo work with Panda Bear. On Tomboy, his fourth, the streak continued, as he took his typical more arty psychedelia reverb approach to music and brought it ever so close to the indie mainstream without giving up any of his inner core. Panda Bear has the ability and smarts to push the music here to the brim, while still retaining the listener with layered harmonies and spectacular walls of sound. It all cultivated into Panda Bear's most accessible record to date!

Panda Bear: Tomboy [Fire Note Review 4/12/11]

#16
Sloan
The Double Cross
Yep Roc Records [2011]









Sloan celebrated 20 years of stylistic power pop this year and put an exclamation point on the feat with their excellent (and maybe best) 10th album The Double Cross! The record once again embraced the songwriting and lead vocal rotation from all four members, while never suffering from lack of cohesion. In fact, The Double Cross plays great as one 33 minute listen with plenty of power pop rock harmonies, thoughtful acoustic numbers and creative transitions. Sloan proved that they are still at the top of their game after 20 years of making music and with the ability to create catchy tunes like the ones found on The Double Cross they easily have another twenty in them!

Sloan: The Double Cross [Fire Note Review 5/5/11]

#15
The Black Keys
El Camino
Nonesuch Records [2011]

El Camino comes off like the bad ass twin sister compared to last year's critically hailed Brothers [2010] album from The Black Keys but that turned out to be a great thing. The record is much more musically focused while relying on a fun, catchy and rowdy tempo to completely take over your brain after just one listen. It is the bands 7th album and one of their most rocking records to date and is still getting plenty of play since it just released here in December but is easily worthy of the coveted number 15 spot because it just keeps getting better after each spin!

The Black Keys: El Camino [Fire Note Review 12/5/11]

#14
The Features
Wilderness
Serpents And Snakes/ Bug Music [2011]









There is something to always be said about good ol' honest rock n roll and Nashville's The Features third full length, Wilderness, was all about it! The album did not throw new tricks at you but instead revisited what has worked for others in the past and executed those pieces to perfection. Wilderness has big memorable hooks, pounding drums, crowd participating hand claps, solid story lyrics and an indie spirit that drove these eleven rockers. The Features are a band that simply gets it and Wilderness was not only their best album to date - it was one of the best rock records released this year!

The Features: Wilderness [Fire Note Review 7/27/11]

#13
Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears
Scandalous
Lost Highway Records [2011]









On his sophomore album Scandalous, Black Joe Lewis once again showed that he is an expert at mixing classic soul with the attitude of a Detroit garage rocker. When you toss in the horn section, background singers, excellent musicians and a confident cocky attitude - you automatically achieve a Black Joe record that will make your day. Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears posses the perfect flare of classic meets progressive and Scandalous is timeless fun for everyone that tunes in!

Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears: Scandalous [Fire Note Review 3/16/11]

#12
The Twilight Singers
Dynamite Steps
Sub Pop Records [2011]









Former Afghan Whig, Greg Dulli returned with another edgy and soulful Twilight Singers record that was an exciting dramatic ride. Dynamite Steps represented a completely rejuvenated frontman, that in places actually reminded you more of the Whigs catalog then the previous Twilight Singers output. Like so many of his other recordings, Dynamite Steps was a true grower and it just got better with every Greg Dulli croon. It was a record you just knew was solid from the opening line as each dark brooding track grew with intensity and rocked out with emotional explosions. Dynamite Steps represented exactly what The Twilight Singers are all about and you wouldn't have wanted it any other way!

The Twilight Singers: Dynamite Steps [Fire Note Review 2/11/11]

#11
Boston Spaceships
Let It Beard
Guided By Voices Inc. [2011]









Pollard, Slusarenko, and Moen contemplated the sorry state of rock and roll and went out on a high note with the massively excellent 75 minute double album Let It Beard! Of course it was bummer to hear that the group was no longer going to record but after taking on Let It Beard's 26 tracks of big ideas, guest contributors, horns, strings, keyboards and memorable musical gems you realize that it is the essential closing chapter to a great group. It also goes without saying that Let It Beard sounded stronger after each successive play and should now be considered an automatic listen when checking out Bob's collaboration catalog!

Boston Spaceships: Let It Beard [Fire Note Review 8/1/11]

The Blazing Top 50 of 2011: 30 to 21 [Day 3]

Next...

#30
Cut Copy
Zonoscope
Modular Records [2011]









Right from the confident kick off track "Need You Know" to the closing 15 minute epic disco beat romp of "Sun God", Cut Copy set out to entertain on their third long player Zonoscope. The band was able to rely on their pulsing synthesizers, swaying lyrics and spot on melodies to make each track memorable here but absolutely do not let song boundaries get in the way. They can package a great song in 6 minute or 3 and Zonoscope soared because of it making this a stellar output in a very rich and rewarding catalog!

Cut Copy: Zonoscope [Fire Note Review 2/8/11]

#29
Sleeping Bag
Sleeping Bag
Joyful Noise Recordings [2011]









Bloomington, Indiana trio Sleeping Bag instantly bring brought back great memories of 90's indie rock on their self-titled debut with their fractured song structures, exploding melodies and laid back delivery. "Slime" was one of my favorite rock tracks this year as Sleeping Bag successfully recreated a sound that has almost disappeared in the current music scene, so not only does their debut sound fresh for a younger generation today it represents the perfect bridge that should capture a wide audience which has been following this sound for a long time - and wishing it would return!

Sleeping Bag: Sleeping Bag [Fire Note Review 8/5/11]

#28
Fucked Up
David Comes To Life
Matador Records [2011]









I can admit that hardcore punk is probably not my number one genre but Canada's Fucked Up is not your typical punk band and their new long player, David Comes To Life, was not your typical hardcore punk album. In fact this record probably was one of the more unique listens there was all year. The album itself was based on a loose concept and ran a whopping 78 minutes long and featured 12 of its 18 tracks crossing the 4 minute mark. David Comes To Life was uncharted territory in the post-hardcore world and Fucked Up have now just drawn the map!

Fucked Up: David Comes To Life [Fire Note Review 6/6/11]

#27
Youth Lagoon
The Year Of Hibernation
Fat Possum Records [2011]









Youth Lagoon is the project of 22-year-old musician Trevor Powers from Boise, Idaho that brings all of the elements you love about home recordings and then was able to win you over with his style. The Year Of Hibernation has big sprawling choruses, vocals drenched in reverb and mostly hushed tracks that explode with sound. All of this made Youth Lagoon a standout from an ever growing genre and The Year Of Hibernation turned out to be one of the best records we heard this year!

Youth Lagoon: The Year Of Hibernation [Fire Note Review 11/15/11]

#26
Arctic Monkeys
Suck It And See
Domino Records [2011]









Suck It And See (means "give it a try" in English terms) is the fourth record from the Arctic Monkeys and featured the most lyrically mature material the band had recorded, while the music also felt and sounded more focused, reserved and fragile. The album may have been missed by some as it missed that one big single but plenty of tracks on Suck It And See had a nice slow burn and after a multitude of listens this album easily landed in our Top 50!

Arctic Monkeys: Suck It And See [Fire Note Review 6/13/11]

#25
Yuck
Yuck
Fat Possum Records [2011]









Forming little over a year ago, the UK's Yuck rode tons of hype across seas this year with their throwback indie rock of the 90's mixed with swaying Brit-pop for catchy results! There were feverish guitar driven tracks with distorted vocals and a little reverb, while other songs had a much more plodding demeanor and soaring hooks. It was a blend that could of backfired but Yuck pulled it off here with an extreme amount of confidence for such a young band and never once put the listener off with either style.

Yuck: Yuck [Fire Note Review 2/11/11]

#24
The Seedy Seeds
Verb Noun
Eurodorable Records [2011]









What I have always liked about Cincinnati's Seedy Seeds is their unique blending combination of electronic beats with banjo, strings and the warmest vocal harmonies this side of the Ohio River. The trio's third record, Verb Noun, continued this same mix with both precision and focus. The Seedy Seeds have the ability to turn on the fun charm, build instrument intensity and grab you around every catchy hook as Verb Noun became more infectious with every rotation it received!

The Seedy Seeds: Verb Noun [Fire Note Review 4/11/11]

#23
The Decemberists
The King Is Dead
EMI/Capitol Records [2011]









After The Decemberists last two cerebral concept full lengths, the band took a leisurely breathe of fresh air and shifted musical direction on the groups sixth album The King Is Dead. This record was extremely loose and simple that focused on an indie Americana sound with strong songwriting and memorable choruses, much like an early R.E.M.. The results were stellar, as The King Is Dead was an enjoyable listen from start to finish that had plenty of replay value and once again shined a bright light on the talented Decemberists!

The Decemberists: The King Is Dead [Fire Note Review 1/20/11]

#22
Kurt Vile
Smoke Ring For My Halo
Matador Records [2011]









Philadelphia's Kurt Vile presented such a swagger on his fourth full length, Smoke Ring For My Halo, that he made everyone think that playing the guitar was just plain easy. This record was completely laid back and slackerish, all the way to Vile's simplistic delivery but that is where he captured your ear. Smoke Ring For My Halo was a progression from his earlier more lo-fi bedroom recordings while still featuring Vile's vocals maintaining their composure with a calmness that did not match the tempo but it totally worked. Vile is an artist that needs multiple spins to understand and Smoke Ring For My Halo is no different but the album showcased an increased focus on his art that had been missing in his previous efforts and just made this record an enthralling joy!

Kurt Vile: Smoke Ring For My Halo [Fire Note Review 3/8/11]

#21
WU LYF
Go Tell Fire To The Mountain
L Y F Records [2011]









As a critic, I am always looking for a record to wow me with its presence, swagger and replay value. The debut from WU LYF (pronounced "Woo Life" and stands for "World Unite! Lucifer Youth Foundation") met all of the above criteria, as the Manchester, England band captured an addictive and timeless indie rock that completely engulfed your surroundings. It is a record that could be played morning, noon or night, while sounding giant but yet making you feel like the band was in you living room. Go Tell Fire To The Mountain is an irresistible title and WU LYF had you wanting more after just one track with the record's sprawling and engaging song structures that made it one of the better releases this year.!

WU LYF: Go Tell Fire To The Mountain [Fire Note Review 9/7/11]

The Blazing Top 50 of 2011: 40 to 31 [Day 2]

Let's Keep It Rolling....

#40
Russian Circles
Empros
Sargent House Records [2011]









The Russian Circles fourth LP, Empros, pushed the pedal back down for an instrumental sonic visceral noise attack that combined big metal rock and slick layered grooves. Empros may be a bit different from what you typically listen to but it is a great piece of work and Russian Circles best record to date!

Russian Circles: Empros [Fire Note Review 10/26/11]

#39
tUnE-yArDs
w h o k i l l
4AD Records [2011]









tUnE-yArDs, aka Merrill Garbus, sophomore record whokill crossed genres, defied expectations and offered something that you have never quite heard before. whokill successfully blended jazz, Afro-pop, funk, rock, R&B, house and folk into one complete and complex experience that offered peaks, valleys and plenty of artistic statements that propelled this record into our Top 50!

tUnE-yArDs: w h o k i l l [Fire Note Review 4/20/11]

#38
I Build Collapsible Mountains
The Spectator & The Act
Burning Building Recordings [2011]









Earlier in the year, we raved about the self-titled EP from Scotland's I Build Collapsible Mountains so when his debut, The Spectator & The Act, hit in October we were super excited to hear nothing changed except offering a fresh 11 tracks which showed that the EP was no fluke. In the current sea of singer-songwriter albums, I Build Collapsible Mountains stands tall and hopefully will still find an audience, as it is a record of honesty, experiences and memorable lines that should be heard!

I Build Collapsible Mountains: The Spectator & The Act [Fire Note Review 10/14/11]

#37
The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart
Belong
Slumberland Records [2011]









Louder, bolder and brighter was the perfect description for the sophomore effort, Belong, from indie darlings The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart. The band polished their indie pop reverb up a bit with a much more straightforward musical approach that featured some of the bands most ferocious guitar work yet and showcased a talent that is not going away anytime soon and should provide some spectacular records in the future!

The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart: Belong [Fire Note Review 4/1/11]

#36
Kate Bush
50 Words For Snow
ANTI- Records [2011]









50 Words For Snow is a perfect example of why Kate Bush is so highly regarded, as the record is daunting, gorgeous, grandiose and mesmerizing. Just by length alone, its 7 tracks run a whopping 65 minutes as it weaves its mystical stories about hunting for the abominable snowman or a ghost that searchers for her dog. Now matter how you spin it Kate Bush is completely unique in all the best ways and 50 Words For Snow is the excellent proof!

Kate Bush: 50 Words For Snow [Fire Note Review 11/30/11]

#35
Stephen Malkmus & The Jicks
Mirror Traffic
Matador Records [2011]









On Mirror Traffic, Stephen Malkmus found a nice balance of honoring his Pavement days while still progressing sonically with the Jicks. Mirror Traffic had plenty of infused "Pavement" moments while Malkmus sharp tongue was at full force. Mirror Traffic had a noticeable sophisticated song structure, courtesy of the Jicks, that separates this work out along with its 50 minute running time. For old school Pavement fans that have never quite got on board with Malkmus's solo work - Mirror Traffic just might be the record to get them back into the fold!

Stephen Malkmus & The Jicks: Mirror Traffic [Fire Note Review 8/19/11]

#34
Radiohead
The King Of Limbs
Self-Released [2011]









In typical Radiohead fashion, the band announced early in the February week that their new record The King Of Limbs was not only completed but that it would be released on that Saturday. Everyone received the album at the same time which was cool and even after what I thought was somewhat rushed review, The King Of Limbs holds up well as another stellar release from the band. The record was not a guitar album like some had craved, but with repeat listens it became more mesmerizing and morphing that took on different personalities depending on when and how you listened to it. This was the Radiohead you wanted - it just took longer to figure out!

Radiohead: The King Of Limbs [Fire Note Review 2/22/11]

#33
The New Rochelles
It's New!
Bright & Barrow Records [2011]









The New Rochelles, It's New! was an absolute blast of whip-smart, sharp-tongued and musical tight kick ass punk rock that made you think it was 1974 again! The record was only twelve tracks in just over 14 minutes but in that short amount of time, Ronnie, Ricky and Rookie Rochelle delivered a memorable pop-punk lesson in what this genre has always been about - second verse is same as the first!

The New Rochelles: It's New! [Fire Note Review 10/6/11]

#32
Iceage
New Brigade
What's Your Rupture? Records [2011]









Iceage is a quartet made up of 18 and 19 year-olds from Denmark that play a style of punk which sounds well beyond their years. I don't know if Iceage is the salvation of punk but New Brigade sounded really fresh, current and hip. With its tight song structures and quick rotation, this record rips through your speakers and then will do it again!

Iceage: New Brigade [Fire note Review 7/5/11]

#31
Foo Fighters
Wasting Light
RCA Records [2011]









Foo Fighters, Wasting Light was produced by Butch Vig, mixed by Alan Moulder, recorded entirely on analog tape in a garage, had the return of past Foo Fighter member Pat Smear, features guest appearance from Bob Mould (Hüsker Dü) and Krist Novoselic (Nirvana) and easily was the best record the Foo Fighters have released since The Colour And The Shape! Hands down, Wasting Light was one of the best rock records of the year, as it just gets better after every spin and found the Foo Fighters rediscovering a killer attitude and snarl that drove Dave Grohl and the band with an intensity and unpredictability to their music that was completely exciting!

Foo Fighters: Wasting Light [Fire Note Review 4/14/11]

The Blazing Top 50 of 2011: 50 to 41 [Day 1]

Only a few rules here at The Fire Note for an album to be in our Top 50:

• The album was released in 2011.
• Only full lengths make the cut.
  
• We had to review it.
  

We officially present The Fire Note Top 50 of 2011 - Happy Holidays!

#50
Timber Timbre
Creep On Creepin' On
Arts & Crafts Records [2011]









Goth rockabilly blues is a unique genre but singer Taylor Kirk makes it proud with Timbre Timbre's Creep On Creepin' On. The strolling numbers on this album were all eerily off key but completely addicting. Timbre Timbre is a unique artist with an unique listen as it won its way right into our Top 50.

Timber Timbre: Creep On Creepin' On [Fire Note Review 3/31/11]

#49












Tim Easton
Beat The Band (w/ The Freelan Barons)
Since 1966, Volume 1
Campfire Propaganda Records [2011]

Tim Easton has always been one of our favorite singer/songwriters and he co-released two excellent records this year. Beat The Band found Tim Easton recording his first independent record since 1998 and also his first with his touring band The Freelan Barons. The second release from Tim Easton was the primarily solo acoustic record Since 1966, Volume 1. Both albums once again proved he is one of the best under the radar artists out there!

Tim Easton: Beat The Band | Since 1966, Volume 1 [Fire Note Review 5/9/11]

#48
Motel Beds
Tango Boys
No More Fake Labels [2011]









Dayton, Ohio band the Motel Beds just released their new record Tango Boys here in December but it has already been a favorite at the Note with its indie rock swagger. The album blends different genres with its unique mix of lo-fi, hi-fi and classic British Invasion indie rock that presents itself in a nicely compact 34 minutes and features an excellent collaboration with fellow Daytonian Kelley Deal (Breeders).

Motel Beds: Tango Boys [Fire Note Review 12/8/11]

#47
The Vaccines
What Did You Expect From The Vaccines?
Columbia Records [2011]









The Vaccines released one of the best indie rock records this year and were greatly overlooked or dismissed by most. What was missed was The Vaccines energized tracks like "Wreckin' Bar", that hit you with a "ra ra ra" and some straight guitar all packaged into a tight 1:22. This album was easy to keep the volume up and not once lost my attention!

The Vaccines: What Did You Expect From The Vaccines? [Fire Note Review 5/27/11]

#46
Veronica Falls
Veronica Falls
Slumberland Records [2011]









This debut from London's Veronica Falls showcased their knack for pop, reverb and power guitars that all lead to one entertaining listen. Singer/guitarist Roxanne Clifford drives each of the tracks, as her siren like vocals floated above the dueling reverb guitars and gave Veronica Falls a great replay value!

Veronica Falls: Veronica Fall [Fire Note Review 9/28/11]

#45
Israel Nash Gripka
Barn Doors And Concrete Floors
Self-Released [2011]









We introduced you to Americana singer/songwriter Israel Nash Gripka back in 2009 and the exciting news about his sophomore record, Barn Doors And Concrete Floors was that it was even better! Cultivating all the best qualities of a Ryan Adams, John Fogerty and Bruce Springsteen, Gripka presented a very honest and sincere rooted record that was recorded in an old barn nestled deep in the Catskill Mountains and was great from start to finish!

Israel Nash Gripka: Barn Doors And Concrete Floors [Fire Note Review 4/6/11]

#44
Circus Devils
CAPSIZED!
Happy Jack Rock Records [2011]









CAPSIZED! from his Circus Devils represented the 9th album from Robert Pollard's long standing band with the talented Tobias brothers, Todd and Tim. With a total of four instrumentals, plenty of mind twisting lyrics, a countless array of mesmerizing soundscapes and plenty of smooth transitions, CAPSIZED! stands up tall as one of the Circus Devils best to date!

Circus Devils: CAPSIZED! [Fire Note Review 10/20/11]

#43
Widowspeak
Widowspeak
Captured Tracks Records [2011]









This Brooklyn trio combined the grace of Mazzy Star with the edge of The Geraldine Fibbers for an infectious debut that featured lead vocalist Molly Hamilton and her talented chords that have both sultry and addictive qualities. The record was a real grower and because of its intimate intricacies became an absolute killer headphone record!

Widowspeak: Widowspeak [Fire Note Review 8/23/11]

#42
Washed Out
Within And Without
Sub Pop Records [2011]









This one-man synthesizer heavy act quickly became one of the leading artists in the new post-shoegaze genre chillwave on their debut Within And Without. I believe it is an album that could easily fit into the background and be under appreciated but if you spend some real time absorbing Washed Out you will experience plenty of great moments within the tracks that make it catchy. This record was proof that if done right a bedroom act can completely shine.

Washed Out: Within And Without [Fire Note Review 7/12/11]

#41
Wilco
The Whole Love
dBpm Records [2011]









The Whole Love represented a true mix of all Wilco's talents and was the first for their own label dBpm. It was an album that relied on both their Americana and experimental past to create one nice cohesive piece of work. At the end of the day, The Whole Love will not ever be hailed as their best work but its consistency was hard to overlook as well as keeping it out of the Top 50.

Wilco: The Whole Love [Fire Note Review 9/28/11]