For the first time we’re going to allow our favourite artists have a say on their favourite artists. So before we finish up with our album of the year list, let’s hear what others thought of the past 12 months in music. First off, Ugly Duckling’s Andy Cooper.
Who could forget 2011? A year filled with, um, well, there was that one time when, uh…darn, I don’t remember anything. after 365 days, it can all become a blur but, somehow, I do recall some really good music so as I groove my way into 2012, I would like to submit my favorite albums of 2011 in no particular order…
Amy Winehouse’s “Hidden Treasures”
“Our Day Will Come” and “The Girl From Ipanema” are two of my favorite songs so i was very happy to hear Miss.Winehouse’s beehiving versions along with some other really cool tracks in this collection.
The Funk League’s “Funky As Usual”
The French DJ crew from paris put together a nice, little album with a production sound that harkens back to the early 90′s era in hip-hop with guest performers like Large Professor, Diamond D and Sadat X.
People Under The Stairs’ “Highlighter”
The Los Angeles rap duo presented the latest chapter in their musical legacy by experimenting with live instrumentation and new sampling techniques.
Alison Krauss & Union Station’s “Paper Airplane”
I was raised on bluegrass and, in my opinion, Alison Krauss has become the first lady of mountain music. with a voice from heaven and a talented group of musicians around her, she always delivers.
The Excitements’ “The Excitements”
Hi-powered funk to move your rump.
Lonely Island “Turtlenecks & Chain”
What can I say, this musical comedy team makes me laugh and want to “Do The Creep”; is that wrong?
Tom Caruana presents Wu-Tang vs. Jimi Hendrix’s “Black Gold”
It sounds exactly like the album title would lead you to believe it would. mash-ups that skillfully combine drums breaks, guitar feedback, dirty bastards and jimi’s unique brand of acid-talk.
Charles Bradley’s “No Time For Dreaming”
Charles Bradley looks like he was exhumed from a soul graveyard to shout some life back into the genre. If he and sharon jones had a baby, that child could sweat though an astronaut’s suit.
The Beach Boys “Smile”
Locked in the vaults since the late 60′s, this long-awaited and legendary collection of songs could never live up to the decades of hope and hype centered around brian wilson’s unfinished masterpiece. That said, it’s still great to listen to such unique and cleverly constructed pop from music’s heyday.
Ugly Duckling “Moving at Breakneck Speed”
During my 4th grade, student-council election, my teacher Mrs.Daniels told those of us who were running for office that we’d be foolish not to vote for ourselves.
We’ll be back with another guest list, tomorrow…
