So officially, Can You See the Sunset from the Southside’s band of the year for 2011 is none other than Mixtapes. Yeah, that’s Ryan, Maura, Mike, and Boone. I can’t think of a more deserving band in 2011 (but I also didn’t think it would really be fair to include Mixtapes’ debut Maps on my year-end list 2 years in a row, so…

So 2011, it began with Ryan from Mixtapes sending me 3 of the songs from what would end up being their Hope Is For People 7” in January or something like that, a few missed connections and then us (that’s me, my wife, and my kids) discovering that the people in Mixtapes were some of the friendliest and most genuine people we’ve met and that they also love pizza and Reese’s cups.

I saw Mixtapes live 4 times in 2011 (5 if you count them playing acoustic in my living room) and that’s because they spent almost the entire year on the road garnering themselves quite a bit of buzz in the process. My family spent a lovely October afternoon eating pizza with Ryan and Maura in Chicago separate from any touring the band was doing, just as friends. Both my daughters (ages 6 and 2) can sing more than a few Mixtapes songs and whenever they hear Mixtapes on the stereo refer to them as “friends.” It’s pretty cool.

I guess we should also talk about the sheer volume of music that Mixtapes released in 2011. By my count (and if you count the vinyl re-release of Maps) the band released 32 songs on 4 or 5 separate releases: Castle Songs (2), Hope Is For People (6), Maps & Companions (15), and How To Throw A Successful Party (9). They’ve put out a handful of great music videos as well.

If you still aren’t convinced, this video of their last 3 songs from Fest 10 should give you at least a little idea of the sort of year it’s been for Mixtapes. Not only are they amazing songwriters and hilariously entertaining, Mixtapes are also amazing people. They’re currently writing for a new full-length that is due to be recorded in January 2012. I’m positive it won’t be anything less than epic.

25. Elway – Delusions (Red Scare)
I saw Elway earlier this year in Chicago before the album was released I was blown away. This album combines punk tempos and tones with some of the twang and heartache of country music… and whiskey. Lots and lots of whiskey… and beer.

24. Michael Dean Damron – Plea From A Ghost (Suburban Home)
Brutally honest and emotional folksy and/or country rock that’s as real as it gets. A stunning record.

23. Dave Hause – Resolutions (Paper + Plastick)
A solo album from the frontman of the Loved Ones? Yes please. It’s a little less punk and a little more heartland rock than the Loves Ones and I’m just fine with that. It’s earnest, it’s memorable and really really good.

22. The New Rochelles – It’s New! (Bright & Barrow)
Twelve catchy Ramones-core pop punk songs in under 15 minutes that begs for repeat listens. That, folks, is how it should be done. You know, the same way the Teen Idols did it.

21. Signals Midwest – Latitudes And Longitudes (Tiny Engines)
Catchy emoey punky post-hardcore goodness. Trust me when I say, everything/anything that Tiny Engines puts out seems to be gold.

20. Spraynard – Funtitled (Asian Man)
This is some seriously catchy Latterman-esque punk rock from Pennsylvania with some noodly (but not really emo) guitar parts thrown in for good measure. It begs to be screamed along to in basements. Also, this doesn’t sound anything like Plow United.

19. Banquets – Top Button, Bottom Shelf (Black Numbers)
This is pop punk the way that modern pop punk is meant to be played. Just enough grit and just enough melody.

18. Junior Battles – Idle Ages (Paper + Plastick)
JB made last years list with just a 4 song 7″ so that should tell you something. Seriously great pop punk from Canada that’s equal parts of The Weakerthans and early Fall Out Boy, but even that’s a bad comparison. It’s poppy but intelligent.

17. Great Cynics – Don’t Need Much (Kind Of Like)
A little bit pop punk and a little bit rock and roll. You’ll be humming these songs for days. Sometimes simplicity is the best answer.

16. Wilco – The Whole Love (dBpm)
This is a return to form for Wilco after the misstep that was Wilco The Album. It’s everything I could have asked for in a new Wilco album. Really, it is.

15. Polar Bear Club – Clash Battle Guilt Pride (Bridge Nine)
I wasn’t sure that PBC could top Chasing Hamburg but they did. It’s stronger in every way with zero wasted notes. This is hook-laden post-hardcore at it’s finest.

14. Patrick Stump – Soul Punk (Island)
Patrick Stump played and sang every note on Soul Punk himself and it’s clear he knows what he’s doing. Sure, I bashed this before I ever heard it (apologies to Chris) but this the best pop album of the year for sure.

13. Dude Jams – How To Abuse Everything (ADD)
These is some good punk jamz. #punkthefuckout

12. Young Statues – Young Statues (Run For Cover)
The best indie rock album of the year.

11. Fucked Up – David Comes To Life (Matador)
At 18 songs and almost 78 minutes long, David Comes To Life is the most exhausting album of the year, but with it’s melodies and intensity, it’s also one of the most rewarding.

10. Bomb The Music Industry – Vacation (Quote Unquote)
On Vacation it’s the the same crazy BTMI! you’ve grown to love but this time around, it’s like they’re all growed up… and stuff.

9. Good Luck – Without Hesitation (No Idea)
More noodly and anthemic pop punk from everyone’s favorite Bloomington-based trio. So so good. I’ve probably mentioned before, but I think that Ginger once stayed at my house.

8. White Wives – Happeners (Adeline)
Literate and arty indie punk featuring members of Anti Flag and American Armada. Never lacking for huge choruses and killer hooks but never satisfying for the easy way out.

7. Andy Wagner – Silos & Smokestacks (self-released)
I’d never heard of Andy Wagner before the summer. He’s a Chicago-based singer songwriter and this album is filled with bleary-yet-hopeful working-class alt-country jams. It’s so good, and the pedal steel…

6. Joyce Manor – Joyce Manor (6131)
Dane (Switchboard Sessions) put these guys on a mix CD he made for me back in February and introduced me to these guys. The music is noisy, dissonant and colored with shades of Midwestern emo. It pushes the boundaries of what pop punk is but it’s also insanely catchy.

5. Restorations – Restorations (Tiny Engines)
Resto-fucking-rations! Is it post-hardcore? Is it Americana? Is it indie-pop? Yes.

4. Frank Turner – England Keep My Bones (Epitaph)
Either Frank Turner came out of nowhere this year or I just hadn’t been paying attention before. I mean, there’s seriously not a bad song on this incredibly captivating album. He is THE troubadour.

3. The Copyrights – North Sentinel Island (Red Scare)
North Sentinel Island isn’t much of a change from what the Copyrights have always done, but there’s a subtle maturity to these songs, easily the strongest batch that the band has yet put together. Also, probably my wife’s favorite album of the year.

2. The War On Drugs – Slave Ambient (Secretly Canadian)
Imagine a cross between the folksy melodies of Bob Dylan, the rock of Tom Petty and the swirling atmospheric synth-pop of M83 and that’s sorta what this sounds like, but better.

1. Red City Radio – The Dangers Of Standing Still (Paper + Plastick)
It’s kinda fitting that this album tops my list. I initially was a tad critical of the album on the Rock and Roll Brunch podcast, but quickly realized my error in judgement. RCR delivers non-stop balls-to-the-wall gruff-yet-melodic pop punk with some of the best harmonies I’ve heard in long time.

Wow! I think that’s a great way to sum up 2011 in music. During a year in which I was noticeably absent from this blog there sure was a shit-ton of great music released. Still, despite not writing about music much in 2011, I managed to enjoy music more this year than any I can remember since this blog began back in 2005.

You see, that’s the problem with music blogging. There’s this incredible sense of duty/pressure to keep up with the latest trends and hottest indie rock bullshit, but that’s really just what it is (mostly). I have no desire to be a part of that rat race, besides, with the exception of a few artists, I don’t listen to the same music that indie rock crowd does.

Honestly, I’m 100% sure that it is impossible for any one person to keep up with “music” when you take into account the proliferation of genres and micro-genres and the ease with which people can record relatively good quality material these days. My new mantra is something along the lines of, “Why even try?”

I know I missed more than a handful of great (and highly recommended albums) this year and was able to only give a little bit of attention to even more. From the likes of Reverse the Curse, Andrew Jackson Jihad, The Eternals, Wild Flag, Wolves and the Radio, M83, Beirut, Josh T. Pearson, Laura Stevenson, Pickering Pick, Young Mountain, The Horrible Crowes, Wavelets, Mastodon, JC Brooks, Steve Earle, Title Fight, Tellison, etc, the list could stretch on for miles. There aren’t enough hours in the day and isn’t enough money in my wallet to get to everything. This is (after all) a list of my 50 favorite albums of 2011. Consider the above honorable mentions.

So without further ado, here is part one of the list. PLEASE do yourself a favor and purchase any/all of the music here that you’ve been hesitating on. Being in a touring band is hard work and these folks need/deserve your support.

50. Static Radio NJ – We Are All Beasts (Kiss Of Death)
Significantly more pop-punk and less hardcore than their last album (that’s a good thing). Also, this more like Nirvana than I thought it was possible to in 2011.

49. Russian Circles – Empros (Sargent House)
Here’s the token “heavy” album from my list. To be totally honest, I didn’t listen to much that could be considered “heavy” in 2011. Whatever. This album slays.

48. Water Tower Bucket Boys – Sole Kitchen (Cohouse)
Quite possibly the best old-timey bluegrass band that Portland has to offer. These guys sure can play, and it makes me wanna drink and stomp my feet.

47. The Heat Tape – Raccoon Valley Recordings (Red Scare)
This is the lo-fi side project of Brett from The Copyrights. It’s punkish rock and roll that is catchy-as-hell and isn’t dissimilar at all to The Thermals, etc…

46. Mike Park – Smile (Asian Man)
Mike Park made a record for children/families/etc… and my kids love this, so I love this. Seriously, I’d love it even if my kids thought it sucked.

45. Hawks And Doves – Year One (No Idea)
Guess what? Garrett from Planes Mistaken For Stars is back with Hawks And Doves and while listening to this doesn’t make me wanna slit my wrists, it’s not really sunshine and roses.

44. Austin Lucas – A New Home In The Old World (Last Chance)
Austin Lucas has one of the greatest and most distinctive voices in alt-roots music today. This album is probably the most rockingest album he’s released, and also his best.

43. New Found Glory – Radiosurgery (Epitaph)
I was disappointed after my first listen but that changed after a few listens. Radiosurgery is easily one of the better albums NFG has released, but did they seriously spend 40+ days in the studio?

42. William Elliott Whitmore – Field Songs (Anti)
These songs are as honest as the black Iowa dirt William Elliott Whitmore calls home. It’s a more stripped down affair than his last album, and I like it more.

41. The Wonder Years – Suburbia I’ve Given You All And Now I’m Nothing (No Sleep)
Personally, I liked The Upsides more, but this is still a tremendously strong pop punk album. As an aside, my daughter colored a picture and gave it Soupy a few months ago. Cool kid indeed.

40. Big Kids – Phone Home (Protagonist)
Hmmm… is there emo in this punk or is there punk in this emo? However you call it, these are some seriously fun tunes that remind me a little (lot) of that thing that Joyce Manor does. The singer also sounds a little like Jeff Rosenstock.

39. Banner Pilot – Heart Beats Pacific (Fat Wreck)
Have I fallen out of love with Banner Pilot? I don’t think so, but why isn’t this higher on my list? It’s the exact same infectious and gruff Midwestern pop-punk they’ve been playing since day one. It’s not you, it’s me.

38. Woods – Sun And Shade (Woodsist)
If you like sprawling lo-fi indie folk that’s as catchy as it is drawn out, you should get lost in the woods.

37. Algernon Cadwallader – Parrot Files (Big Scary Monsters)
This is real emo for the real emo kids. Do you like Cap’n Jazz or Street Smart Cyclist? Then you already love this, right?

36. The Wooden Birds – Two Matchsticks (Barsuk)
Who knew that former American Analog Set frontman Andrew Kenny would recruit Matt Pond into The Wooden Birds for the band’s second album. Kinda sounds like exactly what we’ve come to expect from him, and it’s great.

35. Basement – I Wish I Could Stay Here (Run For Cover)
This is post-hardcore/emo/punk from the UK that gives nods to the likes of Crime In Stereo and also your favorite new band in this genre . The album is album gray and chilly in tone and is perfect winter music.

34. How Dare You – The King, The Clown, & The Colonel (Anchorless)
More straightforward (that means less overt hardcore influence) than the band’s previous album but more melodic and probably catchier. What is it about Florida and all the great music?

33. Left Lane Cruiser – Junkyard Speedball (Alive)
This is easily the most diverse album yet from these Fort Wayne, IN punkass blues dudes. Five songs feature Reverend James Leg of the Black Diamond Heavies on keys. It’s pretty bitchin’.

32. Nothington – Borowed Time (Red Scare)
I loved Nothington’s last two albums, and this one is no exception. It’s Bay Area punk painted in shades of Leatherface and Social Distortion. I’m guessing that, in time, this will make it’s way nearer the top of this list.

31. Flashlights – I’m Not Alone (self-released)
I like Superchunk and Built To Spill, but probably not as much as these guys. Let the nostalgia flow like wine and just enjoy this fuzzed out power pop gem.

30. Into It Over It – Proper (No Sleep)
Finally a proper full-length from that guy who ate pizza in that one Mixtapes video. Honestly, I had no idea this record would be this good, and with songs ranging from sparse to full-band post-hardcore, it’s remarkably cohesive.

29. Future Virgins – Western Problems (Starcleaner)
Raw. Garagey. Catchy. Breakneck. Bluesy. Punk. Rock. This album will punch you and take your girlfriend out for a milkshake.

28. Living With Lions – Holy Shit (Adeline)
I’m not sure what it is about LWL, but something about this album is really comforting. It’s nothing more than really well-played an ultra-melodic pop punk, but I’ll be damned if there isn’t something more here. The mysteries of music…

27. Chuck Ragan – Covering Ground (Side One Dummy)
Chuck Ragan can do no wrong and Covering Ground picks up exactly where his last album Gold Country left off. You know, Chuck’s bellowing voice accompanied by acoustic guitar and the usual cast of characters.

26. Direct Hit – Domesplitter (Kind Of Like)
Fuck you! Get pumped!

Ok. That’s it for now. Stay tuned for the second part of the list tomorrow or the next day… or not.

Robyn – Body Talk
I think it was late December of 2010 when I became infatuated with Robyn’s infectious dance-pop. I haven’t been able to shake it since.

The Arrivals – Volatile Molotov
Wow. How good have The Arrivals become? I remember what the band was like damn near 10 years ago, and this is definitely not the same band. Volatile Molotov would have easily made my top 10 list from last year.

Black Sails, Western Shores – Half Way Home
From Bakersfield, CA and available for FREE from Death To False Hope. RIYL: Hot Water Music. Now you have no excuse for not listening to this.

Sleigh Bells – Treats
Obnoxious as hell but so damn fun. Easily one of the funnest records of 2010. My daughters love this album and generally go bananas whenever they hear “Infinity Guitars.”

The Wild – Set Ourselves Free
Released digitally by Quote Unquote and physically by Asian Man Records. This is the best indie folk punk I’ve heard in quite some time.

Make Do And Mend – End Measured Mile
Hard-hitting punk/hardcore that takes cues from HWM (and the like) but brings something fresh and new to the table. This album makes me wanna scream at the top of my lungs.

Alkaline Trio – From Here To Infirmary
When it comes to these guys, I’m sort of a purist and an asshole when I talk about liking the early stuff better, but these songs hold up pretty well and it’s still pre-Derek.

American Analog Set – Know By Heart
By far my favorite album from this band. It’s full of slow and hypnotic rhythms and infectious melodies that I still haven’t been able to shake.

Andrew WK – I Get Wet
Don’t laugh. These songs are great. This production is great. There’s nothing ironic about it all.

As Friends Rust – Won
This band should have been WAY bigger than they were as should this album. Fierce and cutting but super catchy at the same time.

Ben Folds – Rockin’ The Suburbs
I’m a sucker for Ben Folds and this album has got it’s fair share of gems that I can’t ever turn off when they come up in a shuffle.

Converge – Jane Doe
Duh? This one was a game-changer.

Dashboard Confessional – The Places You Have Come To Fear The Most
Say what you like, but the first two Dashboard albums are pretty fucking great. Yes, they’re sappy, but we were all young and in love once and this was the soundtrack.

The Dismemberment Plan – Change
My second favorite record from The D-Plan and also one of the best albums of the 2000′s. Viva Travis & company!

Division – Who Died | A Working Title
I wrote about the band here, but really, this is just a great pop-punk album that’s different from so much within the genre despite taking cues from the likes of Smoking Popes and Alkaline Trio.

Frodus – And We Washed Our Weapons In The Sea
Dark. Brooding. Heavy? Angular. Post-punk. DC.

Fugazi – The Argument
How could this not be on my list?

Gorillaz – Gorillaz
I listened to this album a lot back in the day and it still holds up. So many great songs on here. Damon Albarn is the man.

Hot Water Music – A Flight And A Crash
Ahh… a classic from one of my favorite bands… ever.

Jimmy Eat World – Bleed American
It’s not Clarity but this one does have “Sweetness” on it. Despite being the band’s biggest album, it’s also really really good.

Julie Doiron – Desormais
This Canadian chanteuse also released an English language album (Heart & Crime) in 2001 but when she sings in French it just sounds sooo lovely.

Lucero – Lucero
The first real album from another of my favorite bands ever. They were just as good back then as they are now.

New End Original – Thriller
The only album this band ever released, it features members of Texas Is The Reason and the one and only Jonah Matranga.

Tristeza – Dream Signals In Full Circles
My wife and I both love this record. It only takes a few seconds to get lost in this album. I can still picture the day I bought this like it was yesterday.

Saves The Day – Stay What You Are
The last album this band made before they totally sucked. I haven’t liked anything they’ve done since. This one is good though.

Zero Zero – AM Gold
This is Ari’s post-Lifetime indie synth-pop band and it’s fucking amazing. Get into it.

Alkaline Trio – Maybe I’ll Catch Fire
Even though I haven’t really liked anything this band has released in the past few years, they’re still one of my favorites. I couldn’t not include this album.

At The Drive-In – Relationship Of Command
Do I even need to say anything about this album? Simply brilliant.

Billy Bragg & Wilco – Mermaid Avenue Volume 2
There isn’t much better than the iconic Billy Bragg and one of my favorite bands, Wilco, paying homage to the great Woody Guthrie. Mermaid Avenue Vol. 1 is equally great.

Cave In – Jupiter
One of the best (if not the best) metal albums (progressive or otherwise) of the 2000′s.

Coldplay – Parachutes
With their first album, Parachutes, Coldplay built the foundation that would make them one of the biggest bands in the world. This is my favorite of their albums. It’s all yellow.

Cursive – Domestica
Tim Kasher is a tortured soul and Domestica documents that. It’s my favorite Cursive album even though the albums that followed this are also really, really good.

Death Cab For Cutie – We Have The Facts And We’re Voting Yes
Death Cab’s second album is my favorite from their catalog. The Photo Album and Transatlatlanticism are good, but there’s something so minimal and mood about this one.

Elliott – False Cathedrals
Included based on the strength of “Drive On To Me” all by itself.

The Firebird Band – The Setting Sun And Its Satellites
Braid is one of my favorite bands ever, but when they split Chris formed The Firebird Band and made one hell of a brilliant album.

Gods Reflex – Scenes From A Motel Seduction
One of a few amazing albums from this little-known emo-rock band from Rockford, Illinois.

Ida – Will You Find Me
This is my favorite album from Ida’s discography. I just love the male/female vocals and the way the band’s quiet folk songs are punctuated with a noisy din. It’s amazing.

Jets To Brazil – Four Cornered Night
Despite trying to see Jets To Brazil live 3 times (including having tickets twice) I never saw this band live. It’s a shame but wasn’t meant to be. This is the band’s second full-length.

Juliana Theory – Emotion Is Dead
Too slick to be emo. Too emo to be indie. Not punk enough to be anything. Still, this is the best album they ever made.

Radiohead – Kid A
How does a band like Radiohead follow up one of the greatest albums of all time? They completely reinvent themselves and release a second masterpiece, Kid A.

Ryan Adams – Heartbreaker
Before Ryan Adams became a parody of himself and after he left Whiskeytown he recorded Heartbreaker. It’s easily his best record.

Sigur Ros – Agaetis Byrjun
I love Sigur Ros and their gorgeous Icelandic post-rock. If I had to pick one place for someone unfamiliar with the band to start, this album would be it.

Smoking Popes – Live At Metro
This is their first live album recorded at Metro and it perfectly captures what the Smoking Popes (one of my all-time favorite bands) were/are all about during their first run as a band.

Snapcase – Designs For Automotion
One of the bands (and albums) that (for me) proved hardcore could be thoughtful and powerful. It still sounds contemporary 10 years later.

The Weakerthans – Left And Leaving
The Weakerthans’ second full-length perfectly illustrates why John K. Samson is one of the best songwriters of this generation. It isn’t my favorite of theirs, but it’s certainly close.

Weston – The Massed Albert Sounds
Weston is a totally under-known pop-punk/indie band and their only album for Mojo Records contains a bunch of songs from the Japanese only release Return To Mono.

I don’t want to sound like I’m bitching about it, but digging through all the music that is submitted to me is tedious and takes a lot of the joy out of it. I just don’t have the time to even think about listening to the vast majority of music that is made. I just looked at another bloggers top 25 albums of 2010 list today and I listened to a grand total of 2 albums on that list. No joking. I can hear a great song on a podcast or featured on another blog and never have the time to go back to it. I don’t know if it comes exclusively from being a blogger, but it’s harder to find the time to spend just enjoying and listening to music simply for pleasure anymore. OK, I’m done with that little rant.

Statistically speaking, my 2010 list features 5 self-released albums and 45 albums released on 36 different labels. Those that popped up more than once were Suburban Home (3x), Paper + Plastick (3x), No Idea (2x), XL (2x), Tiny Engines (2x), Fat Wreck (2x), Dead Oceans (2x), and Big Scary Monsters (2x). The breakdown by approximate genre came to 34% punk, 28% Americana/folk, 24% indie rock, 6% emo, 4% rock n’ roll, 4% heavy metal. It’s about what I expected. Now over the past 4 years (that’s 200 albums) my best of lists have included a total of 15 self-released albums (8%), 11 on the Jagjaguwar/Secretly Canadian/Dead Oceans collective (6%), 9 on Suburban Home (5%), and 9 on No Idea (5%). Add in the 17 total albums from Fat Wreck, Paper + Plastick, and Side One Dummy over the past 4 years and almost a quarter of the albums on my best of lists have been released by one of 6 labels. It’s interesting, even if a bit over-analytical.

Below are my top 25 releases for 2010. For the first time ever there are 2 EP’s on the list (I’m not doing a separate EP’s list) and both of ‘em are amazing. So good that if they were full-lengths, they’d be higher on my list. Enjoy.

25. Gatorface – Wasted Monuments (No Idea)
Melodic when it needs to be and angrily snotty everywhere else, Gatorface plays that rough pop punk card perfectly even though they’re totally ripping off Boogada3x-era Weasel. Read more…
MP3
Gatorface - Kids Stealing Kids

24. Jack Rose – Luck In The Valley (Thrill Jockey)
On his final album, Jack Rose (RIP) combines ragtime, bluegrass, and country blues in an almost avant-garde way. It’s a raw and primitive rendering of acoustic pre-war American folk music. Read more…
MP3
Jack Rose - Woodpiles On The Side Of The Road

23. The Riot Before – Rebellion (Paper + Plastick)
In-your-face punk rock that relies less on subtlety in the arrangements and more on volume and relentlessness. Not to say there isn’t any “woah oh’s” because there is. Read more…
MP3
The Riot Before -

22. Hostage Calm – Hostage Calm (Run For Cover)
Hostage Calm plays complex pop rock with a punk rock intensity. It’s not hardcore despite the fast tempos and palm muted breakdowns and is really hard to describe without hearing. It’s really good. Read more…
MP3
Hostage Calm - Rebel Fatigues

21. JC Brooks & The Uptown Sound – Beat Of Our Own Drum (Rabbit Factory)
Post-punky neo-soul from right here in Chicago that’s as manic and noisy as it is soulful and grooving. Read more…
MP3
JC Brooks & The Uptown Sound - Baltimore Is The New Brooklyn

20. The Sword – Warp Riders (Kemado)
Warp Riders is the best seventies style hard rock/heavy metal album to come out since the 1970′s. It’s also a concept album about a space traveler. Take that for what it’s worth. Read more…
MP3
The Sword - Tres Brujas

19. Junior Battles – Junior Battles 7″ (Square Up)
Sounding like a cross-between early Fall Out Boy, The Weakerthans, and Cletus, these Canadians play pop punk like their lives depend on it. Catchy melodies, great vocal harmonies, and solid memorable lyrics abound. Read more…
MP3
Junior Battles - Basements

18. Tallest Man On Earth – The Wild Hunt (Dead Oceans)
Just a guy with a guitar who sounds (at times) a lot like Bob Dylan playing incredibly great folk songs. Read more…
MP3
The Tallest Man On Earth - King Of Spain

17. Matt & Kim – Sidewalks (Fader)
Synthy urban indie-pop from this NYC keys-n-drum duo. It’s bouncy and hella catchy with head-nodding beats that just make you wanna move even if there is a bit less raucous punk attitude than before. Read more…
MP3
Matt & Kim - Cameras

16. Grown Ups – More Songs (Big Scary Monsters)
Tremendously poppy and peppy emo-punk complete with circular noodling guitars, fast tempos, and rough but somehow sorta atonally melodic vocals (think Cap’n Jazz meets early Lifetime). Read more…
MP3
Grown Ups - Open Sesame

15. The Gaslight Anthem – American Slang (Side One Dummy)
This album is the sound of a band that has found themselves and is cranking out timeless American rock music with a cool that sounds like a ’57 Chevy and a leather jacket. Read more…
MP3
The Gaslight Anthem - American Slang

14. Jonsi – Go (XL)
The solo debut from Jonsi (Sigur Ros) is a skitteringly gorgeous album that wraps you up in pitches and tones that could only come from Jonsi and his angelic vocal cords. Read more…
MP3
Jonsi - Go Do

13. None More Black – Icons (Fat Wreck)
Icons is a bit rougher and less easily digestible than NMB’s previous albums. It’s a bit more hardcore, a bit more cock-rock, and there’s still melody even though I wouldn’t call it catchy. Read more…
MP3
None More Black - Iron Mouth Act

12. Two Cow Garage – Sweet Saint Me (Suburban Home)
This Columbus, Ohio roots-punk-alt-country-rock band is back with a sound that’s a bit bigger and a little less punk rock than before. Still rockin’ and meant for the barroom, but a little less overtly desperate. Read more…
MP3
Two Cow Garage - Lydia

11. RVIVR – LP (Rumbletowne)
Shouted male vocals duel with raw and raspy female vocals atop what sounds like a merging of heartfelt East Bay punk with touch of classic rock confidence. Read more…
MP3
RVIVR - Edge Of Living

10. The Gamits – Parts (Suburban Home/Paper + Plastick)
Parts is a relentless and hard-hitting barrage of dark-yet-catchy-as-fuck melodies coupled with great lyrics. It sonically references stuff like Clumsy, Insomniac, and Dear You, FYI. Read more…
MP3
The Gamits - This Shell

09. Laura Veirs – July Flame (Raven Marching Band)
It’s fragile, beautiful, daring, soothing, playful, and so damn good. It’s a little more straightforward than some of her previous material, but worth checking out if you like smart acoustic music. Read more…
MP3
Laura Veirs - July Flame

08. Iron Chic – Not Like This (Dead Broke)
Gruff, unpretentious, and ultra-fucking-melodic pop punk with amazing lyrics. This shit slays. I’d recommend Iron Chic for fans of Latterman, Dear Landlord, PBR, and general awesomeness. Read more…
MP3
Iron Chic - In One Ear

07. Phosphorescent – Here’s To Taking It Easy (Dead Oceans)
It’s part weird folk music and part lazy West Coast country music. It’s 100 percent amazing and perfect for relaxing around the house pretending that there’s a warm salty breeze blowing through the air. Read more…
MP3
Phosphorescent - The Mermaid Parade

06. Against Me! – White Crosses (Sire)
White Crosses is a great rock album that sounds like it should be played in stadiums all over the world. Just imagine a combination of New Wave and Journey/REO/Boston and you’d be close. It’s certainly a bold statement for the band. Read more…
MP3
No song posted because of this.

05. Juniper Tar – Howl Street EP (Self-Released)
Only 4 songs but well over 20 minutes of brilliant music that combines folksy Americana with soaring indie rock. This is something special. Read more…
MP3
Juniper Tar - Birds In Trees

04. Superchunk – Majesty Shredding (Merge)
Poppy and punky but not pop punk; indie sounding but not indie rock. Easily the best band I didn’t listen to for the past 15+ years. Read more…
MP3
Superchunk - Learned To Surf

03. Mixtapes – Maps (Death To False Hope)
Female & male vocal harmonies, acoustic guitars, electric guitars, fast pop punk leads, charmingly cute but brainy lyrics, and keyboards? It’s 10 songs of near-perfect pop-punk played quickly. Read more…
MP3
Mixtapes - Nothing Can Kill The Grimace

02. The Menzingers – Chamberlain Waits (Red Scare)
Anthemic and gritty punk fused with some darker rock elements and the raw emotional bombast of your favorite folk troubadours. A modern day version of The Clash? Read more…
MP3
The Menzingers - I Was Born

01. The National – High Violet (4AD)
Unquestionably the best album of 2010. Partially because of what happened with my daughter but mostly because It is a moving, emotionally dense, smart album and hit me harder than anything else released in 2010. Read more…
MP3
The National - Bloodbuzz Ohio

50. Titus Andronicus – The Monitor (XL)
A calculated concoction of one quarter punk rock puke, one quarter Springsteen stomp, one quarter art-rock pretentiousness, and three sheets to the wind. Read more…
MP3
Titus Andronicus - A More Perfect Union

49. The Fucking Cops – You Have The Right To Shut The Fuck Up (Big Purple)
Gritty and shitty pop punk from Cleveland from some guys who used to be in Vietnam Werewolf. Shut the fuck up if you don’t like it. Read more…
MP3
The Fucking Cops - Stained Glass Windows

48. The Wonder Years – The Upsides (No Sleep)
Newfangled hardcore-influenced pop punk that’s really melodic and catchy and all that shit without ever stumbling on everything that plagues generic popcore. Read more…
MP3
The Wonder Years - Everything I Own Fits In This Backpack

47. Band Of Horses – Infinite Arms (Fat Possum)
The band’s third album and more of a full-band affair with denser arrangements and a bit more variation. It’s a logical progression for the band. Read more…
MP3
Band Of Horses - Laredo

46. Everyone Everywhere – Everyone Everywhere (Tiny Engines)
It’s angular without being dissonant and melodic and catchy with a lazy feel that sounds like a sunny Saturday afternoon. RIYL: The Promise Ring, etc… Read more…
MP3
Everyone Everywhere - Raw Bar OBX 2002

45. Tim Barry – 28th & Stonewall (Suburban Home)
Another amazing album full of hard-hitting and soul-stirring Southern folk-rock from the former Avail frontman. Read more…
MP3
Tim Barry - Prosser's Gabriel

44. Glossary – Feral Fire (Liberty & Lament)
Southern-fried rock music from Tennessee that splits the difference between Lucero and The Allman Brothers. Read more…
MP3
Glossary - Lonely Is A Town

43. Smoke Or Fire – The Speakeasy (Fat Wreck)
Powerful and fast-paced personal/political punk that’s as edgy as it is catchy. The band’s first album with new bassist Gwomper (ex-Avail). Read more…
MP3
Smoke Or Fire - Monsters Among Us

42. LCD Soundsystem – This Is Happening (DFA)
9 songs of electro dance pop-rock of the highest quality that my 5 year old daughter (and me) loves to rock out to. Read more…
MP3
LCD Soundsystem - Drunk Girls

41. Helen Earth Band – Our Own Ghost City (Self-Released)
The algebraic grooves of older Minus The Bear with the smooth and easy melodies of Jimmy Eat World and the tight rhythmic backbeat of Pinback. Read more…
MP3
Helen Earth Band - (We All) Talk With Knives

40. Minus The Bear – OMNI (Dangerbird)
This is the sexiest Minus The Bear has ever sounded. In fact, they sorta sound like a math-rock version of Maroon 5 or something like that. Read more…
MP3
Minus The Bear - Secret Country

39. .357 String Band – Lightning From The North (Self-Released)
Balls-to-the-wall speedy punk bluegrass. It’s Milwaukee’s version of fast-paced and hard-driving banjo mountain music. Read more…
MP3
.357 String Band - Milwaukee, Here I Come

38. Castevet – The Echo & The Light (Tiny Engines)
Beardy vintage post-emo rock from Chicago for fans of American Football, Iron Chic, and/or Explosions In The Sky. Read more…
MP3
Castevet - Midwest Values

37. Carl Hauck – Windjammer (Self-Released)
Delicate and layered folk music with gorgeous melodies, great guitar playing, and interesting accompaniments. Not really sure why I like this so much, but I do. Read more…
MP3
Carl Hauck - Windjammer

36. VRGNS – Manimals (Kiss Of Death)
Energetic straightforward snotty punk rock that’s just past the other side of pop-punk; (ex-New Mexican Disaster Squad). Read more…
MP3
VRGNS - No Longer Entertainment

35. Matt Pond PA – The Dark Leaves (Altitude)
It’s hard to believe it’s Matt Pond’s eighth full-length. It is (again) full of hushed and richly orchestrated indie pop. Read more…
MP3
Matt Pond PA - Specks

34. Rumspringer – Empty Towers (Traffic Street)
Good old fashioned pop punk is as awesome as it is imperfect. Empty Towers finds the perfect balance between warm and catchy pop melodies and the raw basement punk of my youth. Read more…
MP3
Rumspringer - Future Train

33. Off With Their Heads – In Desolation (Epitaph)
Gritty-yet-catchy bass-heavy anthemic pop punk from Minneapolis with vocals that are a little less pirate-y than on previous records. Read more…
MP3
Off With Their Heads - The Eyes Of Death

32. Shining – Blackjazz (Indie (Norway))
Do not file under easy listening, but rather, file under frightening-yet-amazing. Black metal + free jazz = Shining’s Blackjazz. Read more…
MP3
Shining - Healter Skelter

31. 500 Miles To Memphis – We’ve Built Up To Nothing (Self-Released)
Twangy alt-country with a punk rock soul that was tailor-made for dancin’ and drinkin’ in dive bar. Read more…
MP3
500 Miles To Memphis - It's Alright

30. Ted Leo & The Pharmacists – The Brutalist Bricks (Matador)
Fuck you if you don’t like Ted Leo. Read more…
MP3
Ted Leo & The Pharmacists - Even Heroes Have To Die

29. Justin Townes Earle – Harlem River Blues (Bloodshot)
A wonderfully crafted twangy country album full of hard-luck tales peppered with hints of blues, gospel, rockabilly, and especially sweeping pop music. Read more…
MP3
Justin Townes Earle - Harlem River Blues

28. Young Livers – Of Misery And Toil (No Idea)
Music rides the line between melodic emo-punk and pea soup thick metallic hardcore, with some late-70’s retro sludge thrown in for good measure. Badass. Read more…
MP3
Young Livers - Born In Vein

27. Hanalei – One Big Night (Big Scary Monsters)
Fairly simple singer/songwriter fare from Brian Moss (The Wunder Years, The Ghost, Olehole) that goes much deeper than that. Read more…
MP3
Hanalei - Keep Digging

26. Spanish Gamble – It’s All Coming Down (Paper + Plastick)
Do you like Hot Water Music? Do you like Leatherface? Well, if you like those two bands then I don’t know why you wouldn’t like Spanish Gamble. Read more…
MP3
Spanish Gamble - Science Can't Explain Music

Lemuria – Pebble (1/11)
Old Man Markley – Guts N’ Teeth (1/18)
Get Up Kids – There Are Rules (1/25)
The Go! Team – Rolling Blackouts (2/14)
Screeching Weasel – First World Manifesto (3/15)
Smoking Popes – This Is Only A Test (3/15)
Death Cab For Cutie – Codes & Keys (TBA)
Maritime – TBA (TBA)
Kid, You’ll Move Mountains – TBA (TBA)
Juniper Tar – TBA (TBA)