Music of 2011

As the end of 2011 approaches, "Best of Lists" are inescapable. While its enjoyable to sort through and compare your favorites with others, it can be so difficult reducing a year's worth of music into a simple list. With so many great artists, where to begin? After much listening and deliberation, the following is a collection of our favorite albums for the year.

	10. Foster the People, Torches  Upbeat, dance-worthy music. Standout song: "Pumped Up Kicks"
	9. The Cave Singers, No Witch Blues Americana making a comeback. Standout song: "Swim Club"
	8. The Kills, Blood Pressures Thick sexy beats. Standout song: "Satellite"
	7. Portugal. The Man, In the Mountain In the Cloud  Intellectual psychedelia group sing-a-longs that rock out live.   Standout song: "All Your Light (Times Like These)"
	6. Feist, Metals Pictorial soundscapes, adding vision to sound. Standout song: "How Come You  Never Go"
	5. St. Vincent, Strange Mercy Hard-edged in a pretty package. Standout song: "Cheerleader"
	4. The Dodos, No Color Purity found in a guitar and drum. Standout song: "Good"
	3. Fleet Foxes, Helplessness Blues Mother Earth approved instant classic. Standout song: "The Shrine / An Argument"
	2. TV on the Radio, Nine Types of Light Urban art rock poetry. Standout song: "Will Do"
	1. The Antlers, Burst Apart Epic transcendence. Standout song: "Parentheses"

In Concert: Portugal. The Man @ The Bottleneck

Loving some Portugal. The Man this year...and not just their new album In the Mountain in the Cloud released in July, but also going back to 2008's Censored Colors and 2009's The Satanic Satanist.  Portugal has a fresh sound, revitalizing rock music.  While their albums are a bit lax, their stage show is supercharged.  Every song was played with such excitement and high energy that reverberated through the crowd.  There was not a body in the place that wasn't rocking when they started their beloved hit "People Say" or the all-out cover of The Beatles' "Helter Skelter".  A very exciting show from an exciting new band that everyone should know about.

Notable Tracks:
2. "Colors" - Censored Colors
4. "Salt" - Censored Colors
9. "Never Pleased" - Censored Colors

1. "People Say" - The Satanic Satanist
2. "Work All Day" - The Satanic Satanist
8. "Do You" - The Satanic Satanist

5. "Head is a Flame (Cool with It)" - In the Mountain in the Cloud
8. "All Your Light (Times Like These)" - In the Mountain in the Cloud
11. "Sleep Forever" - In the Mountain in the Cloud

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Song of the Week 2/20

Rotation 1

Portugal.The Man, The Satanic Satanist - "People Say"

With the increased conflict around the world recently, Portugal.The Man's, "People Say" hits the spot this week.  A great group sing, you will find yourself joining in on the chorus.











Rotation 2

Young the Giant, Young the Giant - "My Body"

Straight from their debut album, "My Body" is a fun indie rock tune with tons of energy, guitars, and catchy lyrics.  On top of all, the breadth of vocals really makes this song shine. From the slower buildup to its all-out ending, there is a unique quality in singer Sameer Gadhia's voice.








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