Album Of The Year 2011


Ok, 2011 is winding to a close, it's been a wonderful year for music. I have really enjoyed the best of 2011 music thread so I figured why not toss up a year end personal award thread.

It was a tough choice for me but after much deliberation my album of the year 2011 goes to (drum roll)....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EAMxAYkU7gQ

Laura Marling "A Creature I Don't Know"

For me, it's timeless music, beautifully written and played with heart and soul. I cannot think of any women aside from Joni Mitchell that moves me the way Lara Marling does. Such an amazing talent. The chick is heaven sent.

Runner up to The Mountain Goats "All Eternals Deck"

And you?
richard_stacy
I too have very recently caught on to Laura Marling, and I agree that she is an amazing new talent. Just a wonderful voice and (some) songs just have such a wisdom for her age. I would add that her 2nd album, "I Speak Because I Can" is also quite beautiful, and the song "Blackberry Stone" may be her best work to date. Yes, my pick for artist/album of the year too, outside of jazz. On the jazz front, I have played Jarrett/Haden's "Jasmine" alot, and would be my choice in jazz.
I have really enjoyed Robbie Robertson's How To Be Clairvoyuant. A little help from Slowhand on this one.
I'm not sure what my nominee is - frankly I don't remember which albums I bought this year that were truly 2011 releases. I would have said Cowboy Junkies Renmin Park, and/or Demons, but I think they are 2010.

A top contender IMO would be Brian Eno "Drums Between Bells" (with words by Rick Holland). I'm sure it's not for everyone - but the music is fantastic, the fidelity is near perfect, and the spoken words are interesting and create a very unique concept (though this may be distracting for some).

Finally - I'm in with Laura Marling - had never heard her before but love the video and will pick up that album.
Marco...Diamond Mine was one I seriously considered along with the 2011 Tim Hecker releases, Ravedeath, 1972 & Dropped Pianos EP, but ultimately I knew the Laura Marling record was one that would stay with me. All great albums, it's hard to nail it down to one.

Nice list shaping up! Glad some of you folks enjoyed the video and hope you enjoy the album as much as I do.
Here's another Lara Marling video I can't resist sharing. It's the last song on the album, Sophia. Sophia is the goddess of power and a reoccurring character/theme throughout the record.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=9r8KDZQ9Cok