Best of 2011 – Bill’s Music Picks
The Best
Polar Bear Club – Clash Battle Guilt Pride (Bridge 9 Records)
Polar Bear Club’s Clash Battle Guilt Pride makes my list for one key reason – it has spent more time in my CD player this year (I’m estimating) than all other albums I’ve listened to combined. The band’s best to date walks a fine line between gruff aggression and catchy melody, with the band’s usual blend of post-hardcore and indie rock sensibilities, and it gets its all right from start to finish. That’s not to mention lyrics that engage throughout. It’s a culmination of everything the band has been working toward. It’s every reason I’ve loved listening to them for the past few years, only better, and it’s nothing short of my favorite album this year.
The Rest
Bomb the Music Industry – Vacation (Quote Unquote Records)
Chuck Ragan – Covering Ground (SideOneDummy)
The Horrible Crowes – Elsie (SideOneDummy)
Dave Hause – Resolutions (Paper + Plastick)
Various – Muppets: The Green Album (Walt Disney Records)
_______________
Check out Archie’s music picks
