10. Zola Jesus - ConatusI originally was introduced to Zola Jesus after Stridulum II in 2010. That album really made an impression. Conatus is not quite as good but it has its moments. Echoey voice of Zola Jesus, a.k.a. Nika Roza Danilova, paints a beautiful and magical atmosphere. Synthesizers with massive sounds and computerised rhythms complete the sound of otherworldliness. I usually tend to like more organic sounds but the power of these space sounds bring about something really special. The songs do not, however, provide much variety and therefore this album is at the 10th place on this list. Listen to the album on Spotify.
This album was my no. 1 when I listed top 10 of 2011 a year ago. This year it is however no. 9. This is one of the albums that sound really good the first times you listen to them, but the magic disappears as you listen to them a lot. It's still a good album, but I don't really choose to listen to it much. Beautiful melodies and otherworldly sounds fit the cold and dark of the winter. Over the top effects such as delay take away the intimate feel of Bon Iver's first album. This was the album that really lifted Bon Iver among the mainstream artists. I don't really understand why it happens so often, that when a large audience finds an artist the music gets worse. I don't just want to bash this album though 'cause it's a great remedy against the dark. Light a candle and listen to this album on Spotify.
This is one of the albums that I found only after I had made my list last year. Had I listened to Virtue before, I'm quite sure it would have made my list. Londoner Emma-Lee Moss has one of the most beautiful singing voices out there. The songs are at best very innovative, but I hope that the future publications will surprise me even more, because occasionally this album doesn't quite rise up to the level it should. A few melancholic songs are truly spectacular but some songs don't have the effect they maybe should. I'm sure that Emmy the Great would be great live and I want to witness this as soon as possible. In the mean time I can enjoy her beautiful songs in recorded form. Listen to the album on Spotify.
This is one of the few albums that got a better ranking than last year. I think the fault back then was that this album was too similar to their first album. Now though this doesn't make any difference, since I just enjoy these shoegaze sounds so much. Harmonic singing, buzzing guitars and beautiful melodies bring about great songs to dance to. I've seen this band live at Flow-festival. Even though they gave a good performance I think that something was missing. I just think you have to see them at a club when they can perform a bit longer and really claim the stage for themselves. I am eagerly waiting what this band will come up with next. Listen to the album on Spotify.
I was thinking of adding this album to my list last year but I somehow did not. Probably 'cause I hadn't listened to it enough. The album explodes right away with the first song Lonely Boy. It is an excellent example of what kind of party songs The Black Keys can provide.The hype doesn't stay that brilliant throughout the whole album but it makes really good job all the same. I was first a bit annoyed by how this band sounds a bit like the White Stripes but lacks the attitude. It was only when I realised that The Black Keys is about something completely different that I could really give them a chance. El Camino is a great party album that portrays rock n' roll in the 2010's. Listen to the album on Spotify.
Not as sensitive as his previous albums. But who cares? William Fitzsimmons is one of those artists whose voice can make me cry if I'm in a right state of mind. His beautiful voice and melancholic melodies are perfect for dark and cold nights of the winter. The theme of the album is not as depressing as the previous one's, which was a sad story about a painful divorce. This time there is hope and even happiness from time to time. The highlight of the album is The Winter From Her Leaving. The beautiful melodies portray beautifully getting over the lost love. The less instruments are playing, the more beautiful Fitzsimmons' music gets. This album is a bit too laden with instruments but is definitely worth listening to. Listen to the album on Spotify.
I completely forgot to add this album to my list last year. I already owned this album but I just forgot. I don't make the same mistake twise. Although it's not as good as their debut, Euphoric ///Heartbreak\\\ keeps up the good work. Beautiful scottish accent, massive sounds and melancholy! I really had no expectations when I went to see Glasvegas live last year but they made a show to remember. The singer James Allan looked at first as if he would be wasted on some drug, but as the evening went on I noticed that it is just his weird stage presence. His high voice soared around perfectly as he was waving a neon blue microphone cord around. The band was really good live and I recommend their shows to everyone. Listen to the album on Spotify.
Mummypowder is one of the best Finnish bands there is. It's a shame that not many people have heard about them. The album is aptly named since their previous album had been released seven years ago. Mummypowder is beautiful powerpop consisting of guitar hits to dance to and mighty power ballads with absolutely beautiful melodies. The band has existed since 1996 but they only have four albums. When I heard that they were releasing an album in 2011 I was really excited. And my expectations were proved right. Centuries later is a masterpiece although its predecessor, I think, is still the best album they have made. I encourage everyone to listen to this album if you can just find it. Here's their MySpace page.
I have known since their first album that Rubik is one of the most impressive Finnish bands. It was not, however, until this third album that I could really say they made something spectacular. Solar is an outstanding album of skillful playing on multiple instruments. I'm surprised that large audiences haven't found Rubik outside of Finland. Progressive rythms, modern sounds and skillful songwriting has what it takes to become known all around the world. They can also really perform live. The performance at the Flow festival in 2011 was a really memorable experience. The large tent was full of people and the band performed beutifully in the light of few glowing orbs. Horns were spectacular. Listen to the album on Spotify.
Last year's number two has become number one this year. I was actually thinking of rating this the first even last year. I think it just needed more time to be listened to. Elbow is one of those bands that you really need to listen to before you can find all the little nuances that make their music phenomenal. At first it sounds like alright slow and echoey tunes, but the more you listen to it the more beautiful it sounds. In the end you get shivers all around your body from the beautiful voice of Guy Garvey. Lippy Kids seals the deal for the best album of the year. The beauty of those high notes is undescribable. That's why I really encourage you to listen to the album on Spotify.
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