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Roger's Best of 2011
Member Since: 6/16/2006
Posts: 9,960
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Stay Young, Go Dancing + What The Water Gave Me <3
Glad to know that Rolling In The Deep was #11 last year
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Member Since: 10/11/2004
Posts: 28,320
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Great songs from this set:
31. Young The Giant – My Body
32. Lupe Fiasco – The Show Goes On
33. Lady GaGa – You & I
34. Nicki Minaj – Superbass
37. Lady GaGa – The Edge of Glory
38. Rihanna f. Britney Spears – S&M
39. Death Cab For Cutie – Stay Young, Go Dancing
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Member Since: 6/24/2008
Posts: 21,950
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lupe fiasco & young the giant
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Member Since: 5/23/2007
Posts: 65,087
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6/10
What The Water Gave me is my favorite song from Florence ever! also I'm happy for Take Over Control, that was my jam all this year
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Member Since: 1/26/2006
Posts: 17,384
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Quote:
31. Young The Giant – My Body
35. Katy Perry – Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.)
37. Lady GaGa – The Edge of Glory
38. Rihanna f. Britney Spears – S&M
39. Death Cab For Cutie – Stay Young, Go Dancing
40. Florence + The Machine – What The Water Gave Me
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6/10
DCFC and Young The Giant
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ATRL Senior Member
Member Since: 9/26/2001
Posts: 22,475
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I don't dislike a single song in that update. I even enjoyed the S&M remix more than the original.
And, like many of my brethren, I'm amazed that you called the success of Adele and RITD way before anyone else. So you must be the latest incarnation of Nostradamus.
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Member Since: 7/15/2005
Posts: 27,703
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33. Lady GaGa – You & I
34. Nicki Minaj – Superbass
35. Katy Perry – Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.)
37. Lady GaGa – The Edge of Glory
38. Rihanna f. Britney Spears – S&M
Amazing songs.
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ATRL Administrator
Member Since: 5/2/2000
Posts: 2,844
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No new update to comment on yet but I'm here for moral support.
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ATRL Contributor
Member Since: 12/7/2008
Posts: 87,284
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32. Lupe Fiasco – The Show Goes On
33. Lady GaGa – You & I
34. Nicki Minaj – Superbass
35. Katy Perry – Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.)
37. Lady GaGa – The Edge of Glory
38. Rihanna f. Britney Spears – S&M
40. Florence + The Machine – What The Water Gave Me
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ATRL Senior Member
Member Since: 3/19/2008
Posts: 37,076
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10/10
Another great set with two GaGa's in there!
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ATRL Senior Member
Member Since: 10/1/2002
Posts: 14,726
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Thanks for all the messages. I thought this would be a great way to leave things off before the New Years Eve sha-bang. On Jan. 1, we will begin the top 20 singles and I’m feeling ambitious and not too hung over, the top 10 albums as well. It only gets so much better from here, folks!
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Top 20 Albums: Part 2
15. The Decemberists – The King Is Dead
This was the first GOOD album of 2011 for me. The Portland, Oregon outfit struck Pitchfork gold with their previous album, ‘Hazards of Love’, a much celebrated rock opera with a distinct and focused narrative. ‘The King is Dead’ is the polar opposite, and I couldn’t have been happier. A true Americana record, swimming in country folk and rustic arrangements, there is obligatory comparisons here to R.E.M., Neil Young, and Wilco, without question. And even though true folk records are supposed to be care free and relaxed, the literary wordplay that defines the Decemberists is still present and in control throughout. A tight fitted, but delightful departure for this band, and an album which still sounds refreshing and comfortable 11 months later.
14. Young The Giant – Young The Giant
This is probably one of the better debut albums I’ve heard in some time. The initial exposure was “My Body”, a raucous rock track that was destined for hit status and had some crossover appeal as well. Like I alluded to before, it would have been really easy to leave it at just that. But all of a sudden, the album drops, and it’s bloody good, and “Cough Syrup” gets me all Third Eye Blind-nostalgic, and now we’re having a good time. This is not a Grammy worthy album, nor will it be making many critics year-end lists, but it most certainly is a rock album that is solid front to back, song to song, which is pretty impressive to do on your first album. “Apartment”, “I Got”, “Islands”, “Your Side”, all have that summer of the mid-late 90’s soundtrack feel. What a ****ing treat this was/is.
13. She & Him – A Very She & Him Christmas
I don’t think I have ever placed a Christmas album on the year-end list, but this album was so god damn pleasant that I just had too. Ms. Deschanel became this year’s “it” girl, with the successful launch of her new TV show and yet another successful She & Him project. Her vocals are spot on smoky, husky, and flat out beautiful. Matt Ward, no surprise here, continues his magical work on guitar and the best songs here are the ones where he adds his own vocals, including the perennial “Baby, It’s Cold Outside”. Although this is a typical indie, hipster kid type of album, people listening to it at Starbucks type of **** – put all those stereotypes aside, and just enjoy the Christmas season and the music it has to offer, because as of Dec. 26, nobody cares anymore anyway.
12. Red Hot Chili Peppers – I’m With You
There seems to be a black cloud that lingers over this album, one that is without Frusciante, one that is void of much originality or new ambition, and one that had many begging to ask the question; what do the Chili Pepper’s really bring to the table? I read so many reviews that were littered with complaints, “this is the same old sex, California, 1980’s nonsense”, an extension of “Dani California”, and a continuously un-inspired rampage after the double album ‘Stadium Arcadium’. To all that I say – MAYBE. But honestly, I like every song on this album. The problem for me is that its missing that one special song, something that heralds the sentiment of “Scar Tissue”, or the raucous nature of “Can’t Stop”. Nonetheless, like I will say later, RHCP’s B+ material is just as good if not better than most band’s A+ material. There is more than half a dozen really good, hit worthy singles here, and if they have the balls, they’d release “Brendan’s Death Song” – as I have this gut-wrenching feeling it could be a “Boulevard of Broken Dreams” type hit if promoted properly. I’m hoping to be blown away even more than usual next time fellas, even if it’s just to shut everybody else up.
11. Rihanna – Talk That Talk
Ryan (Red) made a comment the other day that for every ‘We Found Love’ there is an ‘S&M’ – or something to that effect, alluding to Rihanna’s often hit or miss nature. And I thought it was pretty spot on when talking about the hit-machine that we’ve all come to love and embrace, the Barbados Jay-Z bred beauty, Rihanna. Although he was referring to singles, I think it’s even more applicable when it comes to her albums. For every ‘Good Girl Gone Bad’ or ‘Loud’, there was a ‘Rated R’, and now most critics would say ‘Talk That Talk’ falls in that lesser category as well, not quite reaching the stunning pop achievements that were GGGB or Loud. Here is where I would finally, beg to differ.
‘Talk That Talk’ is an album on sex overdrive, and no one does that sort of thing better than Rihanna. Capitalizing on current Euro-dance trends, she sizzles with the first two tracks “We Found Love” and “Where Have You Been”. Although the latter nearly self-destructs with it’s distraught Will I Am type dub-beat, Rihanna still pulls it out. Then comes the ludicrous – “Cockiness”, “Birthday Cake”, “Rock Me Out” – are all soaked in filthy innuendo and it’s almost as convincing as she was in “S&M”. “Birthday Cake” needs to be extended somehow. The only typical Rihanna single here is the Jay Z collabo “Talk That Talk”, which would be a hit without question, but it’s the only thing close to safe here. Mid-tempos are thrown in for good number too, and work best on “You Da One” and “Drunk On Love”, one of the album highlights I think. I guess the real question here is why a girl this gorgeous and successful is having such a hard time getting satisfied? Step it up fellas.
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Top 75 Tracks: Part 5
21. Katy Perry f. Kanye West – E.T.
22. Pitbull f. Ne Yo, Nayer, Afrojack – Give Me Everything
23. Rise Against – Help Is On The Way
24. The Decemberists – Down By The Water
25. The Airborne Toxic Event – All I Ever Wanted
26. City & Color – Weightless
27. Florence + The Machine – Shake It Out
28. DJ Khaled f. Drake, Rick Ross, Lil’ Wayne – I’m On One
29. Red Hot Chili Peppers – The Adventures of Raindance Maggie
30. Sheepdogs – I Don’t Know
The top of this class is head by two of the biggest Top 40 singles of the year, and I think their overwhelming chart success was justified. This is the third and final Katy Perry appearance on the chart, making it her sixth overall from the essential ‘Teenage Dream’ album. Adding Kanye West to the remix helped to keep things fresh and add an element to the excitement that was still lingering from the unprecedented success of “Firework”. Loved the repetitive lyrical twists, and although the video took a page from the GaGa nuthouse factory, Katy Perry is still loveable. Although this was the bigger of the two songs, Pitbull is just one rung below her on this year end chart. “Give Me Everything” was this year’s “I Gotta Feelin” for me, it was played at every wedding, every summer outing, and it’s still played to this day because it gets people feeling good. It exploited the dub step craze and enlisted go-to-guy Ne Yo for a sing along chorus, which helps to distract from Pitbull’s usual awkward verses. On the note of mega collabs, check out #28, where DJ Khaled’s “I’m on One” was the track that dethroned Adele’s “Rolling In The Deep” from #1 this past summer. Trademark and often quoted lyrics litter this track, and it’s just a tentpole song for some of the best talent the hip hop game has to offer. “I walk around the club, **** everybody.”
Two bands who are no strangers to year-end success show up next. Rise Against actually had three really good songs on the radio this year, so it’s a shame only one could make the year-end cut although “Satellite” also came really close. “Help is on the Way” is traditional Rise Against fare, a no holds barrage of power chop rock riffs and spot on vocals. And on the note of tried and true, how about that lead Red Hot Chili Peppers single? This is their second of two on the year-end, and it doesn’t come any safer than “Raindance Maggie”. Absurd Keidis lyrics, catchy enough chorus, and simple progressions helped this go straight to #1. Like I’ve always said, it’s band like this whose B+ material is better than most bands A+ material.
The next group of songs are from acts who had truly impressive years and either began or continued to make a serious name for themselves. The Decemberists chart with their second of two, and it’s their highest year-end showing since “O Valencia!” narrowly missed the top 40 some years back. “Down By The Water” was a harmonica filled joy, and had a rustic, bluegrass feel that was warming and refreshing in the first few months of the year. Also with their second of two, Airborne Toxic Event, with their instrumental epic “All I Ever Wanted”. Violins, more strings, big brass, wood, and baritone vocals, oh my! This track was the penultimate musician experience. A culmination of talented individuals and an inspired vision. Speaking of inspired, Florence + The Machine may have lost some of that luster when she tried to re-create previous glory with “Shake It Out”. The song itself almost sounded bigger than Florence when she tried to sing it live, that she was often resorted to not singing the chorus. Nonetheless, the studio version of the track is a sprawling testament to how she dreams large and continues her expansive search to establish a niche. While she continues to establish her territory, Dallas Green (or City & Color) has made it very clear that his territory is quite distinct from that he also owns as part of Alexisonfire. He put out a good album in ‘Little Hell’ this year, and the two singles released thus far were welcome departures from his brooding “emo” days of yester-year. This is one of two for Dallas, as “Weightless” pounds heavy with dark bass lines and exceptional songwriting. He previously made the year end with “Save Your Scissors” which just narrowly missed the top 20. He has one more to come. And while we’re on the topic of Canadians, how about those crazy Sheepdogs? They lay their claim to fame with the infamous Rolling Stone cover this year, and then they dropped the albums ‘Learn to Burn’ and the ‘Five Easy Pieces’ EP – each of which was a nostalgic trip back in to the glory days of rock and roll. I saw them live, opening for Kings of Leon this year, and their vintage sound transcends even better on to the live stage. If this is your first time hearing of them, “I Don’t Know” is a fantastic place to start.
Still, no sign of Adele.
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ATRL Senior Member
Member Since: 9/24/2009
Posts: 70,975
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Young the Giant,She & Him,The Decemberists
7/10
Help Is On The Way
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Member Since: 5/2/2009
Posts: 8,661
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Decemberists, Young The Giant, Rihanna
Florence
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Member Since: 5/23/2007
Posts: 65,087
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She & Him, I'm With You and my favorite from this set Talk That Talk
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ATRL Senior Member
Member Since: 7/23/2007
Posts: 35,994
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6/10
The Adventures of Rain Dance Maggie + All I Ever Wanted + E.T. + Help Is On The Way <33
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ATRL Senior Member
Member Since: 6/9/2002
Posts: 6,789
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What great album and single sets!
On the albums side, I love The Decemberists, She & Him (very cool choice to include on your list!), and RHCP (great write-up, that I pretty much agree with).
As for the singles, I love The Decemberists again, Florence, Khalhed/Drake/Ross/Wayne, RHCP again, and The Sheepdogs (great choice!). I like Dallas Green, but I haven't heard the new City & Colour album. I should really listen to that. He's a talented guy, for sure.
Really nice work! I look forward to the TEN and TWENTY.
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ATRL Administrator
Member Since: 5/2/2000
Posts: 2,844
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This just keeps getting better and better. Decemberists, RHCP, She & Him -- though the latter didn't make my top 40, I always appreciate Zooey. Rihanna's TTT was too much for me at times but I'm with you on about half the tracks.
Singles: Great to see E.T., though I felt Kanye was so out of place on the remix/single version. Decemberists and RHCP DEUCE. Florence, as well! Keep up the good work.
Adele?... Adele?... Bueller?... Bueller?
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ATRL Senior Member
Member Since: 9/26/2001
Posts: 22,475
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"Brendan's Death Song" is BEGGING to be a single, I agree. And I like quite a few of the albums and some of the songs, particularly "Shake It Out". And this is the second time in this forum that I've been beaten to the punch on a joke, Watson...but I'll let it slide, since you are still DA BOSS~! in all of our hearts.
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Banned
Member Since: 10/13/2008
Posts: 20,553
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Talk That Talk & Shake It Out.
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ATRL Senior Member
Member Since: 12/29/2003
Posts: 6,311
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Damnit, so many lists with The Kind is Dead with such great write-ups has me really regretting not having it checked out before... well, its downloading now lol
She & Him <3 I'm very hit or miss with christmas music (more miss than hit) so I usually avoid Christmas albums but I'm not surprised that the one christmas album on your list is from She & Him.
ha, totally agree with you on Rihanna and lmao @ your ending for her write-up; she could just have high expectations
I could somewhat agree with you on Kanye being added to "E.T." but at the same time, his lyrics got a bit too weird in comparison to the original song
I did not realize Afrojack was in "Give Me Everything!"
Your write-up for "I'm On One" ^_^!
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