This year Spencer and I will be tackling the best 25 songs and albums of the last 365 days. We choose 25 because it is a manageable number for the two us to write and it lets us still have a life. Throughout the course of the week we will be posting 5 songs/albums a day until we count down to the best songs and album of the year. We hope you enjoy!
Remember year end lists are a tricky thing to do, everyone has their own opinion - these are our choices.
#25
"Emerald Isle" - Whitehorse
Kicking off our list is the Canadian duo Whitehorse with their song Emerald Isle from their debut album. I first heard this song during the morning commute on CBC Radio 2 and immediately made a post when I got to the nearest computer. This pop tune may just be the start of something big for Whitehorse and it shows the talent that Canadian music has to offer. Melissa McClelland and Luke Doucet have great harmony throughout the song and both of these artists have proved in their individual careers that they have what it takes.
Look for Whitehorse in the coming years.
#24
"Cruel" - St. Vincent
St. Vincent AKA Annie Erin Clark released Cruel as part of her third studio release Strange Mercy. St. Vincent has received critical acclaim for all of her albums and has established herself as a force among the indie rock scene. When listening to St. Vincent's Cruel, the music suggests that the song should be happy, however, the way she sings makes me feel like there's a darkness there too. That's the mystery of St. Vincent.
St. Vincent - Cruel
#23
"Adieu" - Coeur de Pirate
Beatrice Martin of Coeur de Pirate has quickly established herself as Canada's francophone darling. Singing in both English and French in many of her songs she closes the language gap so prominent in Canada and attracts listeners from both sides. Some people may not like the language barrier, but in all honestly I don't know what half the indie artists are singing about these days anyways. Coeur de Pirate is a true Canadian artist and she sure puts out some great tracks.
#22
"Time is Right" - Cuff the Duke
Blue Rodeo has dominated the Canadian alt-country scene for the better part of the last 15 years and no one is more fit than Cuff the Duke to fill those shoes. This band has proven album after album that they can write good songs and in some ways are a lot more relevant than a lot of bands are right now in Canada. Country music has a place in Canada - Cuff the Duke just makes it sound a lot better.
Time is Right comes from their album Morning Comes and is a catchy tune that that is sure to have you tapping your foot to. Listen for yourself.
#21
"Lose It" - Austra
Getting your album shortlisted for Polaris Music Prize is no small feat, never mind doing it on your first release. This electronic group from Toronto released their single Lose It and they got lots of love from all around the blogosphere.
I find this song both haunting and uplifting at the same time. The vocals are piercing and I love the melodies throughout the song. I expect big things from Austra in the years to come!
Austra - Lose It by Annie Mac Presents
We would like to apologize for the delay on releasing the remainder of year end lists. We have been busy with various holiday activities. But with out further ado here is there rest of the top 25 track of 2011. (Sorry for the reduced track descriptions, they take a long time and 2011 ends in mere 12 hours).
#20
"Lonely Boy" - The Black Keys
Ps. If we had list for top video of the year this would be number one!
#19
"Montana" - Youth Lagoon
An ambient and epic song!
#18
"Video Games" - Lana Del Rey
Expect very big things from Lana Del Rey and her forthcoming album Born To Die in 2012.
#17
"Kiss Cam" - Arkells
Great rock song from a great Canadian band.
#16
"Calgary" - Bon Iver
The first single from Bon Iver, Bon Iver that set the mood for a uplifting, optimistic and spiritual album from Bon Iver.
#15
"Tornado 87'" - The Rural Alberta Advantage
The Rural Alberta Advantage- Tornado '87
Our favorite offering from The RAA's sophomore follow up The Departing. One of the best emerging Canadian indie bands.
#14
"Gangsta" - tUnE-yArDs
"Gangsta" did for 2011 what Sleigh Bells "Tell 'Em" did for 2010. Awesomeness and originality at work here.
#13
"Don't Try and Hide It" - The Dodos
The Dodos - Dont Try and Hide It
A late Bluesloth discovery in 2011 but just an incredible song that builds throughout leaving you satisfied.
#12
"I Feel You" - Sam Roberts
Does much need to be said about Sam Roberts, one of Canada most consistent songwriters and musicians and "I Feel You" is no exception to his brilliance.
#11
"Killer Crane" - TV On The Radio
One of the most uplifting and beautiful songs of 2011, I still find myself listening to song when I need a little pick me up.
#10
"Don't Carry It All" - The Decemberists
A fantastic song from a fantastic album. The Decemberists are at the top of their game here.
#9
"It" - Rich Aucoin
Rich Aucoin established a name for himself with "It", a shout out loud anthem with a epic video as well, second only to The Black Keys "Lonely Boy" video.
#8
"Someone Like You" - Adele
Undeniably the biggest song of 2011, it showcases her amazing songwriting and incredible, heart-piercing voice. This song is absolutely epic!
#7
"Rivers of Gold" - Bry Webb
Rivers of Gold
Dark, emotional and powerful! Bry Webb strikes gold here, pardon the pun.
#6
"Midnight City" - M83
Many of you may not know that M83 are veterans of the indie music game, their talents have come to fruition with "Midnight City". Sax solo!
#5
"Sadness Is A Blessing" - Lykke Li
This song truly accumulates what Lykke Li has to offer. It's Passionate, emotional, youthful, sexy, strong and independent. This song is perfect.
#4
"Helplessness Blues" - Fleet Foxes
Fleet Foxes - Helplessness Blues
"Helplessness Blues" gives a sense of direction in world where we all feel lost at times, and almost helps to come to terms with it. Robin Pecknold has developed more depth in his songwriting, didn't know that was possible.
#3
"Fuck This Place" - Frightened Rabbit
Frightened Rabbit went in a different direction with their third album Winter of Mixed Drinks but have returned to heart-wrenching songwriting and Scottish raw emotion with "Fuck This Place" from their short three song EP this year. Stay tune for details on what is likely to be a new Frightened Rabbit album in 2012.
#2
"Holocene" - Bon Iver
Watch the video for "Holocene", you will feel like you can tackle anything alone and be happy about it. Justin Vernon is in a better place and it comes across here.
And the number one track of 2011 is ...
#1
"Oh Fortune" - Dan Mangan
Dan Mangan - Oh Fortune
Well there it is, the top song of 2011. We don't want to say much about it, just listen and enjoy. Dan Mangan has grown as songwriter since Nice, Nice, Very Nice and it very evident here. And the drums in song are amazing.
That is the top 25 tracks of 2011, I hope you enjoy these song as much as we have and we can't to see what we will have for you next year. Happy New Year everyone.
- Bryce and Spencer
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