Favourite songs of 2011: 10-1
Here’s part 2 of my favourite songs of 2011 list; each baby sprung from the loins of the musician to tickle my ears and awe my brain cells. This year, the only condition made was that only one song from each album would qualify, thus preventing my over-zealous love for The Antlers from overrunning the list. 20 to 11 can be found right over here. You can also scroll down and it should be tucked comfortably below this one.
Happy new year! Have a great 2012, everyone.
#10: James Blake - The Wilhelm Scream
#9: Monster Cat - The Courier
#8: Fleet Foxes - Grown Ocean
#7: Feist - Graveyard
#6: Radiohead - Separator
Sorry about the weird subtitling. For the full session, head over here.
#5: Youth Lagoon - Montana
#4: James Blake and Bon Iver - Fall Creek Boys’ Choir
www.jamesblakemusic.com
www.boniver.org
#3: Bon Iver - Holocene
#2: The Antlers - Hounds
#1: Wye Oak - Civilian
I’ve been Wye Oak obsessed ever since I first heard “Civilian” on KEXP. To quote a younger, less festive, and intensely less Christmas-hammed me,
The title track to their latest album Civilian is the standout in a collection of songs that’s punctuated by cool nonchalance and haunting clarity. The intense rumble in “Civilian” brews insecurities and discontent until the tension explodes in a flurry of guitar noise.
The rest of the list was difficult to form and rank, but “Civilian” emerged easily as number one. It sounds so sinister yet it is utterly sincere. She unveils her vulnerability and comes out stronger, braver and well, number one.
To listen to the studio version of the track or read the previous post on the song, click here.
(images via Monster Cat and Vibetothis)
For details, head 
Five-piece alternative rock band Monster Cat took their name from the mythical Japanese ‘baneko’, which devours its owner and shapeshifts to take his place. Cool.
