Best Music and Albums for 2011

Album Releases by User Score

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92	1. Pull Up Some Dust and Sit Down by Ry Cooder August 29, 2011 The Grammy-award winning musician returns with a concept album about corruption in America. User Score 6.9
89	2. The Greatest Story Never Told by Saigon February 15, 2011 The long-awaited debut album by the Brooklyn-based rapper is produced by Just Blaze and features guest appearances from Q-Tip, Jay-Z and other notable artists. User Score 8.3
88	3. Charity Starts at Home by Phonte September 27, 2011 The latest album for the rapper who also is a member of Little Brother and The Foreign Exchange features guest appearances by 9th Wonder, Big K.R.I.T., Evidence, Elzhi, and Pharoahe Monch. User Score 7.9
88	4. Bad as Me by Tom Waits October 25, 2011 The latest album for the singer-songwriter is the first album of all new songs since 2004's Real Gone. User Score 7.9
88	5. Undun by The Roots December 6, 2011 The 13th studio album is a concept album about the life of Redford Stephens, a fictional character who gets involved with drugs. User Score 8.7

88	6. No Devolucion by Thursday April 12, 2011 The punk rock band from New Jersey, credited as one of the first bands to give birth to the genre of emo, celebrates 10 years with a new release. User Score 8.6
87	7. The Wonder Years by 9th Wonder September 27, 2011 The fourth solo album for the hip-hop producer features such guests as Erykah Badu, Khrysis, Talib Kweli, Kendrick Lamar, Murs, Phonte, Raekwon, and Warren G. User Score 7.0
87	8. Celestial Lineage by Wolves in the Throne Room September 13, 2011 The Washington state metal band's fourth studio album seeks to envision a place full of cedar trees for the listeners. User Score 8.3
87	9. House of Balloons by The Weeknd March 21, 2011 The mixtape by Canadian artist Abel Tesfaye was released as a free download. User Score 8.9
86	10. Let England Shake by PJ Harvey February 15, 2011 Polly Jean Harvey takes a political approach on her latest album, as a singer-songwriter speaking on the casualties of war, the cruelty of life and the condition of being human. User Score 8.7

86	11. Who Kill by tUnE-yArDs April 19, 2011 Oakland experimental artist Merill Garbus returns with a second album of lo-fi sounds and eclectic noise-pop. User Score 8.1
86	12. Bon Iver by Bon Iver June 21, 2011 The Wisconsin-based indie folk band, fronted by singer-songwriter Justin Vernon, follows up its highly acclaimed For Emma, Forever Ago with a new album. User Score 8.6
86	13. Floreat by Mara Carlyle August 30, 2011 The British singer-songwriter's second album produced by Dan Carey was delayed for three years after EMI took over her previous record label. User Score tbd
86	14. Space Is Only Noise by Nicolas Jaar January 28, 2011 The electronic producer who attends Brown University releases the first full-length album of his brand of sub-100-bpm house music. User Score 8.6
86	15. Stone Rollin' by Raphael Saadiq May 10, 2011 The soul singer continues his 1960's-inspired music with a fourth album, blending vintage R&B sounds and smooth soul-pop. User Score 8.2

86	16. Empros by Russian Circles October 25, 2011 The fourth full-length album for the Chicago instrumental metal band was produced by Brandon Curtis of The Secret Machines. User Score 8.6
86	17. Ravedeath, 1972 by Tim Hecker February 15, 2011 The latest release for the Montreal-based artist was recorded in a church in Iceland. User Score 8.4
86	18. David Comes To Life by Fucked Up June 7, 2011 The Toronto seven-piece release a four-act narrative album, as theatrical as it is musical. User Score 7.9
85	19. When the Heart Emerges Glistening by Ambrose Akinmusire April 5, 2011 The second album for the jazz trumpeter from California was coproduced with Jason Moran. User Score tbd
85	20. 50 Words for Snow by Kate Bush November 21, 2011 Kate Bush's first new album in six years is influenced by snow and features Stephen Fry, Elton John , and Andy Fairweather Low as guest musicians. User Score 8.5
85	21. New Brigade by Iceage June 21, 2011 This is the debut full-length album for the Danish punk rock band. User Score 8.2
85	22. So Beautiful or So What by Paul Simon April 12, 2011 The veteran singer-songwriter releases his 12th studio album, the first in five years. User Score 8.2
85	23. Helplessness Blues by Fleet Foxes May 3, 2011 The Seattle indie-folk outfit return with the harmonious follow-up to their debut. User Score 8.7
85	24. Smother by Wild Beasts May 10, 2011 The British quartet releases its follow-up to its 2010 Mercury Prize-nominated album Two Dancers, produced by Richard Formby. User Score 8.4
85	25. Strange Mercy by St. Vincent September 13, 2011 St. Vincent, otherwise known as Annie Clark, releases her third album, produced by John Congleton. User Score 8.7
85	26. The Harrow and the Harvest by Gillian Welch June 28, 2011 Eight years after her last release, the country-folk singer releases new material. User Score 7.7
85	27. This Is Our Science by Astronautalis September 13, 2011 The fourth full-length release for the Minneapolis-based hip-hop artist was produced by John Congleton and features Tegan Quin as a guest vocalist. User Score 8.1
84	28. Kaputt by Destroyer January 25, 2011 Canadian pop craftsman Daniel Bejar's ninth album combines the glam of David Bowie and the rock and roll of T. Rex into a retro dance soundtrack for disco fans. User Score 8.7
84	29. Indestructible Machine by Lydia Loveless September 13, 2011 The Columbus, Ohio, singer releases her debut album of country punk rock music. User Score tbd
84	30. Hell On Heels by Pistol Annies August 23, 2011 This is the debut album from the Miranda Lambert-led country trio that includes Angaleena Presley and Ashley Monroe. User Score 8.4
84	31. Bird Songs by Joe Lovano Us Five January 11, 2011 The Grammy-award winning saxophonist's latest album is a collection of Charlie "Bird" Parker songs recorded with Lovano's band, the Us Five. User Score tbd
84	32. Eleven Eleven by Dave Alvin June 20, 2011 The singer-songwriter who started his career with The Blasters wrote and recorded his latest solo album while on tour or during breaks from his 2010 tour. User Score tbd
84	33. A.H.A.T.H.H.A.F.T.C.T.T.C.O.T.E. by True Widow March 29, 2011 The Dallas rock trio continues what it terms as "stonegaze" music on its debut on the Kemado label. User Score tbd
84	34. The Office of Future Plans by The Office of Future Plans November 21, 2011 This is the debut album for the rock band led by cellist/lead singer J. Robbins. User Score tbd
84	35. El Camino by The Black Keys December 6, 2011 Danger Mouse returns to produce the seventh studio album for The Black Keys. User Score 8.6
84	36. Pinch & Shackleton by Shackleton December 6, 2011 The two dubstep producers release their first collaboration together. User Score tbd
84	37. The Miner's Hymns by Johann Johannsson May 24, 2011 This album is the soundtrack to Bill Morrison's film and features a 16-piece brass ensemble. User Score tbd
84	38. Wondervisions by Delicate Steve January 25, 2011 Steve Marion's debut album as Delicate Steve features a mix of pop and African-influenced sounds. User Score 8.7
83	39. Carrion Crawler/The Dream by Thee Oh Sees November 8, 2011 This is the second album in 2011 for the alternative rock band led by John Dwyer. User Score 8.5
83	40. Nostalgia, Ultra. by Frank Ocean February 18, 2011 The mixtape was released as a free download on Frank Ocean's Tumblr. User Score 8.6
83	41. Looping State of Mind by The Field October 11, 2011 Stockholm-based Alex Willner continues his ambient techno style on his third album. User Score 8.5
83	42. Hot Sauce Committee, Pt. 2 by Beastie Boys May 3, 2011 The Brooklyn-based hip-hop legends return with their eighth studio album. User Score 8.2
83	43. Skying by The Horrors August 9, 2011 The third album for the British rock quintet was produced and recorded by the band. User Score 8.1
83	44. Eye Contact by Gang Gang Dance May 10, 2011 The New York quintet release an experimental and electronic-heavy fifth album. User Score 8.3
83	45. Special Affections by Diamond Rings June 21, 2011 Originally released in 2010 on Secret City Records, the debut full-length album for John O'Regan of the D'Urbervilles is rereleased on Astralwerks. User Score 7.7
83	46. Wounded Rhymes by Lykke Li March 1, 2011 Sweden's Lykke Li continues to disarm listeners with her distinctive voice on her second album, keeping in tune with her tough sensuality and pop whimsy. User Score 8.7
83	47. Tryptych by Demdike Stare January 31, 2011 Released separately in 2010 as three vinyl records, Forest of Evil, Liberation Through Hearing, and Voices of Dust are released together with additional tracks as a three-CD set for 2011. User Score 6.7
83	48. Megafaun by Megafaun September 20, 2011 This is the fourth album for the North Carolina rock trio who at one time were in a band with Justin Vernon named DeYarmond Edison. User Score tbd
83	49. The Hunter by Mastodon September 27, 2011 The Atlanta metal band's first album that is not a concept release was produced by Mike Elizondo. User Score 8.4
83	50. A Winged Victory for the Sullen by A Winged Victory for the Sullen September 13, 2011 The duo of Dustin O'Halloran and Stars of the Lid's Adam Wiltzie release their debut album as A Winged Victory for the Sullen. User Score tbd
83	51. Scandalous by Black Joe Lewis & the Honeybears March 15, 2011 The retro-soul rock quartet, featuring an eight-piece horn section, offers up a funky blend of R&B and blues reminiscent of early J. Geils Band, James Brown, and Otis Redding. User Score 8.6
83	52. Wild Flag by Wild Flag September 13, 2011 The indie supergroup, featuring Carrie Brownstein and Janet Weiss of Sleater-Kinney, releases its debut power pop album. User Score 8.3
83	53. We're New Here by Jamie xx February 22, 2011 Remixed by Jamie XX, R&B and hip hop samples are added to Gil Scott-Heron's 2010 album I'm New Here, creating this latest release. User Score 8.2
83	54. Four the Record by Miranda Lambert November 1, 2011 The aptly titled fourth album for the country singer features a duet with her husband, Blake Shelton. User Score 8.4
83	55. Severant by Kuedo October 17, 2011 Jamie Teasdale of Vex'd releases his debut solo album as Kuedo. User Score 8.2
83	56. Field Songs by William Elliott Whitmore July 12, 2011 The Iowa songwriter releases a full-length album of alt-rock, blues, and folk. User Score tbd
83	57. Black Up by Shabazz Palaces June 28, 2011 The Seattle-based project, including Ishmael Butler of Digable Planets, is Sub Pop's first hip-hop signing. User Score 8.3
83	58. The Whole Love by Wilco September 27, 2011 The Chicago alternative rock band releases its eighth studio album on its own label dBom. User Score 8.5
82	59. Ramble at the Ryman by Levon Helm May 17, 2011 Levon Helm releases a live album from his 2008 Nashville show featuring songs from The Band, as well as original songs and rock covers. User Score tbd
82	60. Nine Types of Light by TV on the Radio April 12, 2011 The Brooklyn art-rock quintet releases its fourth studio album. User Score 8.0
82	61. Major/Minor by Thrice September 20, 2011 The Southern California rock band releases their seventh album of melodic alternative rock. User Score 8.3
82	62. This Is Country Music by Brad Paisley May 23, 2011 The country star's ninth studio album features the legendary group, Alabama, as well as other special guests. User Score 8.5
82	63. A Creature I Don't Know by Laura Marling September 13, 2011 User Score 8.6
82	64. New History Warfare, Vol. 2: Judges by Colin Stetson February 22, 2011 The second album from the Polaris prize-nominated saxophonist was recorded solo, live, and in a single take. Stetson employed circular breathing and used approximately two dozen microphones, placing them on the studio walls, throughout his bass saxophone, and on his throat to produce this otherworldly-sounding album. User Score 8.4
82	65. Sepalcure by Sepalcure November 21, 2011 This debut album is a collaboration between dance veterans Praveen Sharma and Travis Stewart. User Score 8.1
82	66. Canary by Southeast Engine March 29, 2011 The latest release for the rock band is a concept album about a family going through the Depression in Ohio. User Score tbd
82	67. Glass Swords by Rustie October 10, 2011 This is the debut full-length album for the Scottish producer Russell Whyte. User Score 8.7
82	68. Build a Rocket Boys! by Elbow April 12, 2011 The Manchester five-piece alt-rock band's fifth album follows up their Mercury Prize-Winning album, The Seldom Seen Kid, and further showcases their poetic, lyric-driven, atmospheric music. User Score 8.0
82	69. El Tren Fantasma by Chris Watson October 25, 2011 Recorded during five weeks of travel by train throughout Mexico, El Tren Fantasma is a sonic portrait of the "ghost train" captured by sound recordist and co-founder of Cabaret Voltaire, Chris Watson. User Score tbd
82	70. Weather by Me'Shell Ndegéocello November 8, 2011 The ninth album for the singer was produced by Joe Henry and features appearances by Chris Connelly and Benji Hughes. User Score 7.5
82	71. Mesabi by Tom Russell September 6, 2011 The singer-songwriter's latest album was coproduced by Barry Walsh and features Calexico, Augie Meyers, Van Dyke Parks, and Lucinda Williams as guest singers. User Score tbd
82	72. Angels of Darkness, Demons of Light, Vol. 1 by Earth February 22, 2011 The pioneers of drone doom return with part one of its latest concept album (Volume 2 is scheduled for 2012). User Score 8.2
82	73. Back to Love by Anthony Hamilton December 13, 2011 The fourth release for the soul singer features production from Babyface, James Poyser, Kelvin Wooten, and Salaam Remi. User Score 8.3
82	74. Clash Battle Guilt Pride by Polar Bear Club September 13, 2011 The rock band's third album was produced by Brian McTernan. User Score tbd
82	75. Echoes of Silence by The Weeknd December 21, 2011 This is the third of the Balloon Trilogy mixtapes offered for free via download by Canadian artist, Abel Tesfaye. User Score 8.8
82	76. The Dreaming Fields by Matraca Berg May 17, 2011 The singer-songwriter who has written songs for such artists as Reba McEntire, Trisha Yearwood, Patty Loveless, Faith Hill, and Martina McBride amongst many others returns with her first album in more than a decade. User Score tbd
82	77. Parallax by Atlas Sound November 8, 2011 The third studio album under the Atlas Sound name was produced by Bradford Cox himself and Nicholas Vernhes. User Score 8.5
82	78. The Magic Place by Julianna Barwick February 22, 2011 The Brooklyn-based singer is minimalist in her music, using piano, drums, and her voice to make haunting songs--often drawing comparisons to Enya. User Score 8.1
82	79. From Africa With Fury: Rise by Seun Kuti & Egypt 80 June 21, 2011 The youngest son of Fela Kuti teams up with his father's band, Egypt 80, on this album produced by Brian Eno and John Reynolds. User Score tbd
82	80. Slave Ambient by The War on Drugs August 16, 2011 The Philadelphia-based group releases a second album of Americana roots-rock. User Score 8.0
82	81. Everything's Getting Older by Aidan Moffat May 24, 2011 Arab Strap's Aidan Moffat and composer Bill Wells collaborated for more than eight years before releasing their debut album. User Score tbd
82	82. City of Refuge by Abigail Washburn January 11, 2011 The artist combines the sounds of Americana and Asia for her first album on the Rounder label. User Score tbd
82	83. Past Life Martyred Saints by EMA May 10, 2011 Erika M. Anderson of Gowns returns with her debut solo full-length album. User Score 7.8
82	84. Impossible Spaces by Sandro Perri October 18, 2011 The second album under his real name combines the sounds of electronic, folk and rock music. User Score tbd
82	85. Smoke Ring for My Halo by Kurt Vile March 8, 2011 The fourth full-length from the Philadelphian songwriter showcases his ability to weave stories and strings together with his lyrical craftsmanship – comparable to Tom Petty and Bob Seger – and guitar-playing skills. User Score 8.1
82	86. Bad Vibes by Shlohmo August 9, 2011 The second album for Los Angeles producer Henry Laufer is the first to feature his vocals. User Score 7.6
82	87. The Secret by Vieux Farka Touré May 24, 2011 The third album for the son of Ali Farka Toure integrates different musical styles with his Malian music and includes such guest stars as Dave Matthews, Derek Trucks, and John Scofield. User Score tbd
82	88. An Empty Bliss Beyond This World by The Caretaker June 21, 2011 British producer/experimental artist Jim Kirby releases his latest album under The Caretaker name. User Score 8.6
82	89. Condors by Nedry April 19, 2011 Named after a character in Jurassic Park, the British trio releases their debut album, with band member Ayu Okakita's voice as a looped instrument. User Score 8.4
81	90. Tirtha by Vijay Iyer March 8, 2011 Vijay Iyer collaborates with Prasanna and Nitin Mitta to combine their different styles of music to create this jazz album. User Score tbd
81	91. Mikal Cronin by Mikal Cronin September 20, 2011 The Moonhearts singer-bassist, who also works with Ty Segall, releases his solo debut album. User Score 7.9
81	92. The Randy Newman Songbook, Vol. 2 by Randy Newman May 13, 2011 This is the second of three planned volumes of newly recorded piano solo versions of Randy Newman's songs. User Score tbd
81	93. Parting the Sea Between Brightness and Me by Touché Amoré June 7, 2011 Recorded over five days with producer Ed Rose, the second album for the Los Angeles post-hardcore band is its first on the Deathwish label. User Score 7.8
81	94. Last by The Unthanks April 19, 2011 The fourth album for the Northumberland folk group was produced by Adrian McNally. User Score tbd
81	95. Deep Politics by Grails March 8, 2011 This is the first album in three years for the Portland, Oregon-based instrumental post-rock quartet. User Score tbd
81	96. Civilian by Wye Oak March 8, 2011 The Baltimore duo, named after Maryland’s state tree, is made up of musicians Andy Stack and Jenn Wasner – a couple of indie rock and folk favorites. User Score 8.6