Top 25 Albums of 2011: 10 - 1

Top 25 Albums of 2011
10 - 1

Well, 2011 is finally over and good riddance!  It was a crappy year.  Death took one of men I admire most in Christopher Hitchens, and things here in Puerto Rico couldn't be much worse.  Thankfully, these 25 albums have helped to soothe the fact that it was one lame year.  Hope you enjoy this list.  Even if only one of the albums of the list reach someone who had never heard it before then my job is done.  Remember, this is just my list.  I love music and there will be different kinds of genres represented here, leaning more towards rock than anything else.

10)

I'm With You

by Red Hot Chili Peppers

I have to admit.  It took me a while to get into this album.  The first time I heard it, I was incredibly unimpressed.  The Chili Peppers sounded tame.  I understand it now, they just sound like they have all matured.  With guitarist John Frusciante out of the picture once again, the Chili Peppers have made their most complete album yet.  Is it the best?  It's too early to tell, but you can tell from listening to these tracks that the guys seem to be in a different place in their lives than say a Californication or a Blood Sugar Sex Magik.  In a way, I'm glad.  I didn't want to listen to Stadium Arcadium (even though I like that album) part two.  Flea really shines here.  The bass lines are just a sweet reward for anyone that dares to go on this journey with the guys of the band.  Anthony Kiedis' vocals are never overpowering of the music itself and he really does sound wonderfully here.  I was worried about the guitarist they would pick to replace Frusciante.  Relative unknown (at least to me) Josh Klinghoffer does a pretty good job fitting in with the rest of the band.  As always with the Chili Peppers, the rhythm section is probably one of the best in rock.  Chad Smith and Flea have this chemistry about them that is hard to ignore.  Listen to this album.  Don't give up on the first listen.  You will be rewarded by a mature album that is smart and entertaining.

9)

Going Out In Style

by Dropkick Murphys

Fucking Massachusetts.  How I dislike thee!  I never thought a band that sings about Fenway Park would ever be in a list I made of anything (except maybe things that suck... all of Massachusetts would apply).  I remember that the first time I listened to them was when their song "Tessie" was used as the main theme of the baseball game MVP 05.  It was a fun song to get pumped up to, but it wasn't until I heard "I'm Shipping of to Boston" that I got really hooked with the Dropkick Murphys peculiar style.  The Murphy's mixture of punk rock and Celtic folk music really sets them apart from most of the bands out there.  This new album doesn't really change the style that has already made them big.  And why should they?  Their formula works.  The constant use of bagpipes, mandolin, accordion and other unusual instruments for their fast and intense style of punk, really give the music a dimension that you can't really get from any other band out there.  I'm hoping to see the band play live, because I'm sure they are amazing when they do their stuff live.  So, instead of changing their usual style, they decided to do something that is rarely seen in the punk world... they created a concept album.  This music makes me want to drink whiskey, pump my fist in the air and be a little bit more like Cornelius Larkin, the central character of the story.

   

8)

Pursuit of Radical Rhapsody

by Al Di Meola

Al Di Meola has been making music with his guitars for more than 30 years now.  He has mastered many styles throughout the years, from the blazing jazz fusion, to Latin jazz, to the sort of world music he is now making.  With this album, the guitar virtuoso ties some of his jazz fusion chops with the more mellow and sublime style of his later records.  It will not take anyone long to hear the influences of other cultures on this record.  The Latin influence abounds with bassist Charlie Haden and pianist Gonzalo Rubalcaba giving this record a decidedly Afro-Caribbean centric feel.  This is definitely an album that should be listened to intently many times in order to catch all the intricacies to the instruments that are being played (almost caressed).  The whole album is a nice piece of not only virtuosic guitar, but of music in general.  Di Meola also plays covers of The Beatles' "Strawberry Fields Forever" and Harold Arlen's "Over The Rainbow".  Again, if you don't like instrumental stuff, then this is not for you.  Otherwise, you have to listen to this.

7)

Ghost

by The Devin Townsend Project

I have spoken about the genius of Devin Townsend before.  This album is the last in a tetralogy with The Devin Townsend Project.  I did a review for the blog a few months back of the first album (Ki) and wrote of how unusual it is compared to Townsend's past discography.  It was mellow and always seemed to move towards that wall of sound approach that Townsend has exemplified, but never got there.  This one is even mellower.  There are no harsh vocals at all.  This is Devin Townsend at his most prog/experimental stage.  The music in this album is ethereal and beautiful.  The words sung on the background seem like distant ghosts (if you will) calling for you to listen to this album and the vocals really complement the different instruments and the ambient music that is so beautifully displayed here.  It's so different from what Townsend usually does but at the same time it seems like the perfect step in his musical evolution.

6)

Worship Music

by Anthrax

It's been a while since Anthrax released their last album.  About 8 years since their last album with vocalist John Bush.  After recording the album with new vocalist Dan Nelson and their quick parting of ways, this album was in limbo.  Bush didn't want to re-record the vocals of the songs and so the band went back to Joey Belladonna.  The last studio album they released with Belladonna was back in 1990.  And while they have toured together, this is their first album together in 21 years.  This album is probably their best since that last one that Belladonna was in (Persistence of Time).  While Belladonna had nothing to do with the creative process, the songs seem to fit perfectly to his singing style.  He sounds really great in this album.  While the album sounds much better in terms of production and it does lose some of Anthrax's original grittiness, they sound like a much mature outfit.  The songs aren't as fast as the songs that made Anthrax famous back in the day, but they are basically well constructed and pretty catchy. The duo of Rob Caggiano and Scott Ian on the guitars has always worked for me.  So this is a really good album with really catchy songs.  Check it out.

5)

Let Them Talk

by Hugh Laurie

I know what you are going to say.  What is a comedian/actor doing in a top album list?  The answer is easy.  This is some amazing music.  Hugh Laurie, besides being TV's Dr. Gregory House, has always had a penchant from anything he could get his hands on in the entertainment business.  From playing piano and guitar to writing novels, he has done it all.  While it would probably be disingenuous of me to say that I would have heard this album if he had not been one of my favorite artists, I can really say that I would definitely have loved this if I didn't know who Laurie was.  During the show House M.D. he has shown his penchant for the blues of New Orleans.  These aren't his songs, but his interpretations on some well known blues classics.  What I really like about it is that Laurie has a unique voice and vocal style.  I really like it.  And unlike other actors (wannabe blues singers), Laurie sings the songs with passion and intensity.  Although it is pretty hilarious to hear him singing songs like "Joshua Fit the Battle of Jericho".  In a couple of songs, some big names of the NOLA scene lend their support.  Irma Thomas and Dr. John give this album some NOLA cred.  Also, Tom Jones makes an appearance and the great Allen Toussaint helps with the horn arrangements.  I think the album's name is fitting.   

4)

Hisingen Blues

by Graveyard

I already wrote a pretty long review about this album for the blog, so I won't really bother with this too much.  Hisingen Blues Review.  All you need to know is that their style of blues rock influenced by bands like Led Zeppelin is pretty great.  Read the review!

3)

National Bohemian

by The Bridge

This album was probably the first I heard in 2011.  A friend told me about this "jam" band from the Baltimore area and I immediately YouTubed them and to my surprise, their music really impressed me.  They describe themselves as a mixture of blues, folk, funk and bluegrass which is a pretty eclectic mix.  This is a pretty eclectic band.  This album makes a great job of fixing the really funky and entertaining tracks with some of the more mellow material.  You can't help but enjoy the lyrics of songs like the fun loving Geraldine with Dave Markowitz's deep basslines perfectly complementing Patrick Rainey's sax.  Cris Jacobs does a fine job with the vocals in the album.  While the funky songs are the more entertaining songs, the more mellower ones like "Colorado Motel" really give Jacobs a chance to shine, while the bluesy "Stranger in my Own Home" gives the band another dimension.  You can really tell that they took influences from all over the music spectrum and implemented them on this National Bohemian (and their prior albums are pretty good as well) to make a complete and fulfilling album.  It was incredibly sad to learn that the band had called it quits the same year they released this gem of an album.  I will definitely miss wherever the band was heading to after the release of this album.

It was hard for me to pick between these next two albums.  They are both things of beauty that should be listened to for years to come.  So depending on the day, these two would probably interchange their places back and forth. 


2)

Heritage

by Opeth

Opeth is probably my favorite band right now.  From the first moment I heard their album Blackwater Park, I knew that I had found something special.  Even though they were still a band that had a strong death metal base, they never wanted to become stale and with each album, their more heavy influences gave way to the band's progressive tendencies.  While they have already released an album that was pretty much prog rock with a very dark feel to it, Damnation was too simple for them.  With their first foray out of the death metal scene, they knew they had a winning formula with musicians like Mikael Åkerfeldt, Per Wiberg, Martin Mendez and Martin Axenrot.  And with prog rock mastermind Steven Wilson behind the mixing table, this album could not have been less than a masterpiece of music in general.  I will tell you something, Mikael has some of the most awesome death metal growls in the scene.  I am glad he doesn't have to rely on them exclusively.  I don't understand those that have criticized this album only because it is not heavy enough or metal enough.  That is a pretty sad stance to take and they are missing one of the most interesting musical experiences you will hear this past year.  To anyone that had been listening to Opeth's previous albums, it should have been obvious that this was the direction they would head it.  Their obvious natural progression was this album.  This album is incredibly complex and it takes multiple listens in order to appreciate everything that it has to offer.  There is no radio friendly stuff here.  Just pure musical awesomeness.

1)

The Hunter

by Mastodon

The last album, but certainly not least is Mastodon's The Hunter.  I never in a million years would have thought that Mastodon would be able to create two of metal's most fantastic albums in the span of two years.  Crack the Skye is one impressive album, and while I think this one doesn't surpass its predecessor, it is still a fantastic album.  While the last one was more experimental, with this one, the band decided to go back to their more metal roots and forgo the longer and more complex tracks for a more straight forward approach.  That is not to say that the music here is simple.  One of the things I have always loved about this band is their versatility when it comes to the vocals.  Three of the four can sing lead and the other is pretty good at doing backup.  That is pretty impressive.  That makes each and every song a different experience that you can immerse yourself in.  It is only their second non concept album since their first album ever, Remission.  The album in its entirety is just impressively well done.  This is why this is my favorite album of the year.  Listen to it.  You won't be disappointed.

10) I'm With You by Red Hot Chili Peppers

9) Going Out in Style by Dropkick Murphys

8) Pursuit of Radical Rhapsody by Al Di Meola

7) Ghost by The Devin Townsend Project

6) Worship Music by Anthrax

5) Let Them Talk by Hugh Laurie

4) Hisingen Blues by Graveyard

3) National Bohemian by The Bridge

2) Heritage by Opeth

1) The Hunter by Mastodon

Well, that is it... my Top 25 albums of 2011.  It's probably the least metal list I have done in a long time.  We'll see what albums 2012 will bring.  Until then... enjoy.

I'm With You - The Peppers' Triumphant Return

Talk about personal hype. If there was ever an album that had a tough one to follow, in my book, it's this one. I mean, I'm sure you know by now how much I love Stadium Arcadium, and after five years of waiting it's hard to even imagine an album that could live up to my expectations.

Does it? Well, yeah, somewhat.

I'm With You is a solid album. But more than that, it's an interesting album, which isn't a surprise from the Peppers. Being their tenth album, I expected a new sound from them. And on that they did deliver.

It's also the first appearance of the band's new guitarrist Josh Klinghoffer who had some huge shoes to fill in the absense of John Fruciante. I really do think this has been played up way too much. It's not the first time the the band has changed guitarists, and it always turns out fine. Yes, even the Dave Navarro years were good in my book.

On top of that, I challenge anyone who's complaining about Klinghoffer to check out who he's played with. The guy is no slouch. He's done five albums with Fruciante, played with Gnarls Barkley, Beck, and the Butthole Surfers just to name a few. So don't count him out yet. The dude has some pretty impressive references.

But on to what really matters, the music.

It's funny, but it feels like Raindance Maggie came out months ago. I've heard the song so many times it almost feels old. But when I first heard it the only worry I had was that it would be the fastest song on the album. I was scared that we had another By The Way on our hands, and after reviewing Incubus' latest and being let down I was way skeptical.

But when that first track comes on my worries were erased. Monarchy Of Roses smacks you in the face with a heavy bassline and a catchy everything. Truly the best song to welcome you back. And honestly, it's all downhill from there. The Peppers are still the Peppers. Once you know it's a good RHCP album, you just sit back and enjoy the ride.

The first thing that really shocks you about the album is the backing vocals first heard on Did I Let You Know. At first listen you want to know who that girl with the haunting melodic voice is. And it surprised me because I really can't recall the guys using female backing vocals since Under The Bridge, and that was a fucking choir. It's never been one single person.

After checking the booklet (yes, I actually bought the album) I couldn't find any female singers credited, so I turned to the internet. Wikipedia failed me. Google got nothing. So, I resorted to checking comments on YouTube, where I found many people asking my same question, and I finally found out that Josh Klinghoffer has the most haunting female voice I've ever heard on a man in my life.

I also need to point out how great the album sounds. Quality is usually hidden in the details, and this album has it in buckets. From the simplest of sounds, maybe a clap in the middle of a chorus, it all sounds crisp and important. No wasted motion here, just things that compliment the sound, and in turn, the music.

The other thing I need to praise is the order of the tracks; I'm With You has an amazing flow to it, and no song is one-dimensional, it knows it's strengths and it plays them up directly so you'll really notice them. I called the album a ride earlier, and I meant it. The best example of this at the end of the Goodbye Hooray which is the heaviest song on the album and it's placed right in the middle of it. As this heart-pumper of a song comes to a close, the next song's opening totally shocked me, because it was led by a piano. That's right, Happiness Loves Company, a Red Hot Chili Peppers song led by a piano. It still sounds off to me, but it works and I loved it. And the fact that it came right after the hardest song on the album just made it that much bigger an impact.

For those wondering, the pianist is Greg Kurstin, another one of those guys who has played with everyone. That seems to be the running trend in this album. Along with Kurstin we also have guest percussionists Mauro Refosco, and Lenny Castro; with at least one of them present in all the songs on the album, it makes it beat heavy and easy to move to. I've never been much of a dancer, but I'm not ashamed to say that I rocked around my room to most of this album.

Then we have what we knew we were getting, and yes, the Peppers 'still got it' where it counts. I've always thought that Anthony Kiedis was a much better melody maker than a lyricist and singer. He has a great voice, but his ability to create melodies is something to bow down to, and it might not be as acknowledged as Flea's basslines and technique, but to me is just a big a staple of the Pepper's unique sound.

Chad Smith has always been a good drummer, but it's nice to see them bring in some reinforcements for the percussion every once in a while. It fills out the sound nicely and really adds to the music.

And Mr. Klinghoffer does his job rather well. It's obvious that he's still settling into the role, but he changes the sound just enough to make it his own. He doesn't steal the album, but when he needs to shine, he does, and he does it with style. Josh brings a heavier style than Fruciante, a bit grungier, and as much as that doesn't sound like the Chili Peppers it might just be the next step in this ever-evolving band's sound. And I like that.

So, did it live up to my expectations? Well considering that their previous is my favorite of all time, then no. But that by any means a knock on this album, it's just more praise for Stadium Arcadium.

I'm With You is a great, fun album. And it fits perfectly into the Pepper's stacked discography.

7.5/10

The Adventures Of Rain Dance Maggie - Return of the Peppers!

First of all... You're going to have to listen to this...

That's right ladies and gentlemen, we have our first single, and I really like the sound they're going for.

It's subtle, yet funky. And as far as the Peppers go, these are some of the most coherent lyrics I've heard in a while. As far as I know right now this could be the mellowest or the heaviest song on the album, and either way I'm fine with it. If half the songs on I'm With You gets stuck in my head like this, then they've done a great job.

I love it just for the cover.

Flea has a nice little baseline in the song, and we even get some cowbell (and now you're picturing Will Ferrell's hairy gut), but the song-stealer in this case has to be band newcomer Josh Klinghoffer who has some pretty elaborate layering in his guitar work. On top of that the chorus riff he used is just as catchy (if not more) than the chorus itself, I've been humming it since I heard it.

Has it reached Stadium Arcadium levels for me? No, but it did get me excited for the release, which is still over a month away. So yeah, expect another bloated music review.

It's a Classic to me dammit: Stadium Arcadium

Not only do I think this album is a classic. Not only do I think it's the best Chili Peppers album. This is my favorite album. 

I jokingly call this album the playlist breaker, because whenever I'm making a playlist I just skip over this because I  might just throw the whole thing in there.

The Red Hot Chili Peppers are a rare type of band. Loved by many, hated by few. No matter what you're into, you like or know at least one RHCP song.

My first Peppers album was in sixth grade when Californication came out, and I loved it. It's without a doubt one of their best and most revered albums. From then on in I looked backwards at them, picking albums like One Hot Minute, and the consensus favorite, Blood Sugar Sex Magik. Each one brought something different to the table, whether it be a new sound or vibe, they kept it fresh.

By the time By The Way came out in 2002 I was more than ready for a new album. And once again it was very different. It was a bit mellow by RHCP standards. Don't get me wrong, it's a great album but it just feels light in comparison, it's not an album you rock out to, and on first listen it seemed like a downer. They seemed to be missing that heavy funk that made them excel and they settled into a slower pace. Coming off an album like Californication into this new sound seemed like a step down I really felt like they slumped.

When the hype machine started reving up for Stadium Arcadium I was in my senior year of high school, and at first I didn't buy in. I hadn't bought an album in a while (sound familiar?) and I was kinda unplugged from the music scene. Then, the video for Dani California came out, and it blew my mind. It was a totally new sound for them. Frusciante's guitar work seemed much more intense, and it gave the song really big feel to it. I immediately thought it was the strongest first single I'd heard from a Peppers album.

I already knew it was a double album before it came out, and that info just fueled my fire... I was pumped. Stadium Arcadium dropped on May 5, around three weeks before my graduation. I was actually the only person in my class who was really pumped about it.

I showed up the next day with my headphones on, ignoring the universe. I still hadn't gone through both discs... A product of the repeat button on most of the songs. I was hooked. It was almost like I was selling the album to people at lunch. SA was just the perfect Peppers album to me. It was like listening to a greatest hits album of all new material. They just took every single style they had played in and revisited it in they're new found musical maturity, and it showed; it was brilliant.

The double album feature also worked in their advantage. They planned the perfect order for the tracks to keep us interested, the split the disks evenly in style and sound making two similar but different disks that would stand alone (Unlike what the Foo Fighters did with In Your Honor).

To this day, I have a hard time skipping songs from that album. It's great in the sense that it's hard to memorize 28 songs; there's always that one that you forget is on there, and it's a pleasant surprise when you hear it. I actually have a friend who has never heard the whole second disk because he's never gotten tired of the first.

Personally, I don't know some of the singles from the record. I wasn't paying enough attention to MTV at the time. I just know there were at least five. Also, I don't want to know. I'd probably be angry that some song was never a single (The title track comes to mind).

As the next Red Hot Chili Peppers album shows it's head on the horizon later this year, I can't help but expect great things. They have a lot to live up to. New guitarist and all, I expect them to try and top themselves. And to me, it's a big role to fill.

I know that to most it's hard to imagine an album that's any better than Blood Sugar, or Californication; but Stadium Arcadium to me seems like the perfection of those albums and what they meant. The Peppers took what they'd done and made it perfect, in one album... One really long enjoyable album. And honestly... No matter what you say... It's a classic to me dammit!