2011 is a wrap, album-wise. Time to take a judging step back, and give an estimate of which release has had the most lasting effect on us here at Poule d’Or headquarters. Here is The Top Ten, or actually it’s become more of a Fifteen. And also, technically, there are some EPs in here too, but whatever. If it makes the Poule’s plumage tickle, has at least four songs and proper artwork strapped to it, it’s eligible. Automatic:
15. Waylayers – Weightless
Very nice little collection of songs. Found myself going back to this rather often. Free DL.
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14. Cascadeur – The Human Octopus
Brilliant album, soothing and quiet. Perfect to relax and fall asleep to in noisy night trains. If that’s not proof of quality, I don’t know.
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13. Toro Y Moi – Underneath The Pine
Really digging Chaz’ sophomore LP. A second album, that doesn’t suck: rare.
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12. Mitten – See You Bye
Masterpiece of an EP/album. So good. Can listen to this all day. BUY.
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11. Germany Germany – Adventures
“Just” one release this year, coming from an über-productive year 2010. Certainly a more grown up and mature approach than earlier releases. Loving it. BUY.
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10. Freedom Or Death – EGO
Fantastic album or EP or whatever. Spectacular production paired with Sway’s wonderful vocals. A truly beautiful release. BUY.
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9. Is Tropical – Native To
Ugh. Is Tropical had a pretty massive year I guess. Loving their live set, so much fun. Great album.
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8. The Drums – Portamento
Digging this album SO much more than their debut. Which really was just a lengthened version of their EP. Portamento, however, is awesome.
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7. Total Warr – Please Never Come Back Again
In love with this EP. Can’t wait to hear what they’re up to next. Really pumped for their 2012.
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6. Summer Heart – Never Let Me Go
Please Stay maybe is my song of the year and the accompanying album doesn’t disappoint one bit. Superb. BUY.
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5. Elite Gymnastics – RUIN
Lyrics like poems and psychedelic beats – fantastic release. I feel like it’s been a good year for Elite Gymnastics. BUY.
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4. Le Corps Mince De Francoise – Love & Nature
Fantastic debut album. One of my favorite live shows of the year, always fun.
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3. Sameblod – Out Future
Quite possibly the most amazing discovery for me this year. This EP is bursting with talent, I really hope they ‘make it big’ or whatever. Absolutely brilliant. BUY.
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2. Jamie xx & Gil Scott-Heron – I’m New Here
Melting. Actually melting to Jamie xx’s take on Gil Scott-Heron’s final release..
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1. Metronomy – The English Riviera
Very, very good album. From first song to last, combined with great videos and an amazing live experience. Album of the year.
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**
Did I forget anything?
Bon Iver? Yea no. I mean, good, but zzZzZzzzz.. and M83? Meh, not sure. James Blake? Ok, I guess. Lykke Li? Oh, I enjoyed that. On #16 maybe. What else?
Real Estate!
um. no.
really?
Austra
not agree with LCMF & Toro Y Moi. Hm not sure about the ranking of Cascadeur neither. Special thumb up for Germany Germany & Total Warr . Never heard about Sameblod before, it’s a good surprise to close 2011! xx
Totally hearing you for Cascadeur, sort of a guilty pleasure I guess.
M83!
Love that you included Love & Nature.
Kele-The Hunter. Great EP. Amazing live show!
Nice list, good to see a few different selections to most other lists.
One EP I really dug this year was Sun Ray by Conveyor, lovely stuff.
cool, thanks man. gonna check it out. Kuedo sounds good too! thanks for the heads-up.
No problem, just heading off to check out Sameblod.
I can see me coming back here quite a lot in the future.
glad hearing that! maybe check out the latest compilation too..
Youth Lagoon!?
You got lovely stuff on here, I didn’t know about half of them.
yea that is a nice album, kinda slept on that. thanks for the heads-up! hope you find the time to check out some of the “lovely stuff on here”..
your selection is just perfect!!! i would have chosen excactly the SAME!!!! gaaaah
ghaaaa