Best and Worst of 2011 (Part II)

Happy New Year!  My apologies for the tardiness of this posting but this week we continue our countdown of the best and worst from the world of music from 2011.  Next week we return with more new album reviews including the latest from Snow Patrol!

Best Hip-Hop, Rap or R&B Album

Honorable Mentions:

1. Kanye West & Jay-Z - Watch The Throne
2. The Roots - Undun

 

Winner:

1. Raphael Saadiq - Stone Rollin' - The former member of Tony! Toni! Tone!'s album of old school R&B jams is a blast to listen to.  He borrows from past greats but he is able to create new gems that Motown wishes it could still create.

 

 

 

Best Electronica Album

Honorable Mentions:

1. Shine 2009 - Realism
2. Thievery Corporation - Culture of Fear

Winner:

1. Mocean Worker - Candygram For MoWo! - Mocean Worker eschews his reliable heavy drum and bass sound instead adding the Acid to more traditional jazz melodies that is highly danceable and extremely enjoyable.  Think the catchiest songs of St. Germain mixed with the best of Zero 7 and you have the music given to us on this superb album. 

 

 

 

 

 

Best Pop, Rock or Indie Album

Honorable Mentions:

1. Starfucker - Reptilians 
2. Clive Tanaka Y Su Orquesta - Jet Set Siempre 1°
3. Oh Land - Oh Land
4. Radiohead - The King of Limbs
5. Foster the People - Torches

Winner:

1. Danger Mouse & Daniel Luppi - Rome - This absolutely stunning soundtrack to a non-existent Western movie is both moving and beautiful.  The sound is only elevated by the sublime vocal work of Jack White and Norah Jones on the tracks featuring lyrics.  I could listen to this album endlessly. 

 

 

 

 

 

Worst Album of 2011

"Honorable" Mention:

1. Mitch Winehouse - Rush of Love

"Winner":

1. Kate Bush - 50 Words For Snow - Mitch Winehouse's album could definitely be sitting in this spot but I already picked it last week for Worst Cover Song of the year so I'm spreading the wealth with the very disappointing, puts-you-to-sleep-in-under-five-minutes release from Kate Bush.  If you need a nap, watch and listen to the video below.