I probably wouldn’t have done this this year had I not had so much downtime at work to think about it. With all the music out there, it seems futile to put something like this down solidly—plus, I spent a good chunk of the year listening to stuff that came out 30-40 years ago. I’m sure there is other stuff that I really enjoyed this year—but this is what stood out to me as I look back…

Top 10 Full Lengths/EPs
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Fennesz “Seven Stars”
Pretty every time Fennesz puts out a record I am chomping at the bit to get it.  This is also his first studio recording to feature live drum tracking. And I was quite surprised how well it was orchestrated.

Nils Frahm “Felt”
This record took my by surprised and completely blew me away. What started as little more than a social experiment, Felt really turned into something more profound and perfect within its setting. Frahm’s piano was muted in different ways as to dampen the sound so he could play in his apartment without disturbing his neighbors. The recording presents us with a document of his playing during that time which is beautifully intimate and personal.

 

Aethenor “En form for Blå”
I have been a fan of O’Malley’s work for many years and lucky for me, as my taste in music changes and evolves, so does his output. I had high praise for “Faking Gold and Murder” and Blå didn’t disappoint in its wake. This would satisfy any On the Corner/Live-Evil era Miles Davis fans.

Sigbjørn Apeland “Glossolalia”
Solo harmonium pumping from Iceland. Same vein was Frahm’s “Felt”—the creaking of bellows and breathing of musicians can be found all throughout the recording as you were sitting next to them on the bench. Highly recommended for fans of all the music of Sigur Ros’ “( )” where Jonsi isn’t singing.

Cyclo “id”
Apparently, I am now listening to what I prophesied my children would be listening to. Much of Alva Noto and Ryoji Ikeda’s solo output has never done much for me. But this output changes the way I feel about pure digital music and its correlation to its visually represented counterpart.

Letna “Adria”
Now, I’m not sure if I just missed the press on this record this year, but I feel like this recording is one of the most under appreciated albums of the year. Issued as a CD-R/Digital Download, Adria organizes glitchy guitar work, and field recordings to create a really nice well rounded effort. When I first heard this record I thought to myself “Man, I wish I would have released this.” So, Sasa if you are reading this…get In touch and lets do a release!

Oval “ovalDNA”
This sort of snuck into this list at the last minute. It might not have under normal circumstances but the whole idea behind this is great. I bought the last Austerity Program record for the same reason. Plus, it’s cool to hear both his older style and newer direction on the same record. 

Paul Simon “So Beautiful Or So What?”
I have been a huge fan of Simon since I was a kid listening to all my parents records. Say what you will. I found out about this record by accident—albeit a happy one. The guy still has it. 

Frank Ocean “Nostalgia, Ultra”
2011 was the year of R&B rediscovery for me. It was similar to when I discovered more innovative hip-hop. Brad Rose went on and on and on about this record and I paid no attention. Corrected that mistake as soon as I could have. Gotta love when a guy gets screwed by an industry, does it himself and kills it. 

True Widow “As High As the Highest Heavens and from the Center to the Circumference of the Earth”
One word—”Stonegaze.”

Honorable Mentions
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Hail Mary Mallon “Are You Gonna Eat That?”
Helms Alee “Weatherhead”
M.O.S.S. “Live”
Tom Waits “Bad As Me”

Cassettes releases
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Nathan McLaughlin/Prayer “Dawn Chorus”
The Cosmic Dead “s/t”
Quiet Evenings “Intrepid Trips”
KWJAZ “s/t”
Deceh “Fundamental Structures”
Indian Weapons “Trance”