20 Great Albums of 2011

20. Clelia II - Dntel - Basic Sounds

http://basicsounds.ca/2011/06/30/bsc_011/

19. Giorno Assoluto - Massimo Ruberti (with Gloria Grazzini) - Elpa

http://elpamusic.blogspot.com/2011/05/elpa66-massimo-ruberti-giorno-assoluto.html

18. Titles - AEED - Fuse Lab

http://fslab.net/jumble/jumb002-aeed-titles/

17. Incoming Cataclysm - NNID - Crazy Language

http://www.crazy-language.de/

16. Evils - Plusplus - La bel netlabel

http://labelnetlabel.com/

15. This EP - Autemu - Crazy Language

http://www.crazy-language.de/

14. Tide Songs - D33J - Bandcamp

http://d33j.bandcamp.com/album/tide-songs

13. Submersus EP - Purple Eve - Melodica

http://melodica-netlabel.com/index.htm

12. Klangbild - Aloo - Astor Bell

http://astorbell.com/?release=klangbild

11. Into A Cloud - r.roo - Abstrakt Reflections

http://www.abstraktreflections.net/releases/r-roo-into-a-cloud/

10. Physis - Paradrags - Hz Records

http://www.hz-records.com/releases/hz-005/

9. Ruins Tape - Nocow - Gimme5

http://gimme5.bandcamp.com/album/ruins-tape

8. Distance & Lights EP - Essay - Cut

http://cutmusic.org/releases/cut002.php

7. A Product of a Dying Breed - Tony Mahoney - Dusted Wax Kingdom

http://dustedwax.org/dwk089.html

6. How to EP (Pts 1-3) - Modul - Fuse Lab

http://fslab.net/passage/pass018a-modul-how-to-ep1/

http://fslab.net/passage/pass018b-modul-how-to-ep2/

http://fslab.net/passage/pass018c-modul-how-to-ep3/

5. Fragile - a damned age - Camomille

http://www.camomillemusic.com/cml007.html

4. Hearts EP - Fenderchet - Astor Bell

http://astorbell.com/?release=heartsep

3. Begin To Move - Calla Soiled - Altema Records

http://www.altemarecords.jp/callasoiled/sp.html

2. Montreal I/II - Zachary Gray - Camomille

http://www.camomillemusic.com/cml008.html

1. apoLLo1ne3hree - iL - Error Broadcast

http://error-broadcast.com/index.php/ebctp003

iL: apoLLo1ne3hree

This is one of my favorite albums of the year so far, and I really can't get enough of it. It's so fresh and unique. I'll admit that it's hard to get into the beats because a lot of it is sampled and structured in a way where you're not sure if you should nod your head or just smile from the fact that something like this exists.

Error Broadcast is a netlabel that releases a bunch of beat and hip-hop oriented albums so be sure to check them out.

And check out iL's release here: http://error-broadcast.com/index.php/ebctp003

Various Artists: Apegenine Vol. 1

From what I can gather, Apegenine recordings is a record label that once had a netlabel under the name Camomille. This compilation stems from that netlabel, but as the site claims, it is "no more". However, their artists (some even on the compilation) are still in the game so if you like them, be sure to continue supporting them.

A nice electronica compilation with some wonderful tracks: Blisaed's "I'm Down", Vizion's 'Whispers" and Khonnor's "Cantelopps" stand out as my favorite tracks, with David Kristian's "Coneybeare" serving as the upbeat track. It's worth a listen.

http://www.camomillemusic.com/

Andrey Kiritchenko: 00.00

Upon first listen, many of the songs contain that "click" sound that often appears in the clicks n cuts style of electronic music. But on a second or even a third listen, the clicks blend in with the rest of the music. So while one could argue that some of the songs go on too long, or the sounds are repetitive, give it more than one listen before you judge, and perhaps then you will find that there is more variety than you think.

http://www.discogs.com/Andrey-Kiritchenko-0000-A-Suite-Of-The-Midnight/release/42975

Triceracorn

So after my last post, I was browsing around looking for new music and I came across a new project by IG88 and Beige. As you may know, IG88 has contributed tracks to the IDMf compilation albums and has an album, Mutual Mastication, available for free download. 

I really don't know anything about Beige, except that from this record his flows are smooth, strong, and effective. I'm curious to see what else he's done. 

So give it a listen and see what you think.  

If you prefer to listen to the album in web page form, then you can go here: http://ig88.bandcamp.com/album/triceracorn

Various Artists: Concord

Another great compilation by the idmf netlabel. This time the series takes an ambient approach, focusing on synth sounds and pads and downtempo beats. A good album to listen to when needing to relax or take a break. Or, some might see this as the perfect album to listen to while trying to knock things off their to-do lists. 

http://label.idmforums.com/idmf002-concord.html

Various Artists: Mind Tree

Another great compilation album from the idmf netlabel. This time, the songs are more IDM oriented but still cohesive and accessible. This album is intended to show off the artists who have contributed to the forums or have taken some part in it and serves as a reflection of these artists' skills as musicians. 

While some songs do contain a groove and melody, the emphasis is on emotion, and the compilation evicts a range from happiness to sadness and melancholy but all the while keeping the attention of the listener. 

Definitely worth a listen. 

http://label.idmforums.com/idmf003-mind-tree.html

Candlestickmaker: A Life In A Day

A release from UpitUp records, Candlestickmaker provides rough and ready electronica that sounds familiar but yet manages to stand out. Maybe it was listening to "Take Me Elsewhere" and then watching the music video and seeing the transformations in progress. 

There is something about the work that drags you into it and something that makes it seem clever. If fresh nostalgia existed, then I'm sure this would be it. Definitely worth a listen. And don't forget to watch the music video for "Take Me Elsewhere". 

http://www.upitup.com/catalogue/release.php?cat_id=31

music video: http://vimeo.com/7245976

Various Artists: Weezer-The 8-Bit Album

This album really impresses me; I guess because I haven't seen anything like it--for free download that is. I mean, I saw the 8-Bit Kraftwerk tribute, but even that cost money. 

Here we have a fine selection of Weezer songs, created in 8-Bit and released under the creative commons license. The compilation includes a lot of their singles and popular hits, songs such as "Hash Pipe" and "Buddy Holly". Each artist it seems takes an artistic license to interpret the song to his own liking. Some of the artists try to recreate the original melody of their particular song (OxygenStar with "In The Garage" among others). Overall this album is a treat and even if you aren't a major Weezer fan, I think the major songs (the ones everyone knows) will be enough to satisfy your curiosity and give you a quality impression of the wonders of 8-Bit music. 

http://www.ptesquad.com/more/pte018.html

Lost Reverie: Railroads EP

Oh restless soul that wanders the open road. 

Help me find my way through life. 

And I will be there for you

When all is lost, 

So you can go home 

Once again. 

http://www.wiseowlrecords.com/releases/view/67

Various Artists: In Depth Melodics

One of the cool things about the idmf netlabel, aside from releasing good compilations is that it is first and foremost a forum on IDM music and electronica music. The netlabel seems to be a secondary, but, as I just mentioned, releases good compilations. 

Though the album clocks in over an hour, the music here is quite varied for being IDM related (I am aware of how much some people hate the label of "IDM" for music classification but I see nothing wrong with it and will use it). While not every track will get you up and dancing, what you will get is an in depth feel for a variety of music containing melodic and electronic elements that combine in inspirational and balanced ways. If anything most of these songs will get your head nodding. 

As the title of the compilation suggests, the songs contain some melodic elements that are bound to please listeners; though sometimes the balance between the melody and electronic touches may seem a bit off due to the heaviness of the electronic elements. 

Overall, the album does a good job of blending the melodic with the electronic and gives the listener a favorable taste of what the forum and netlabel have to offer. 

For the release: http://label.idmforums.com/idmf001.html

For the forums: http://www.idmforums.com/

Rendezvous Park: Closer to Being Here

To feel the force push forward

Keeping me on track.

Pulsing to the awkward rhythm

Of feelings and emotions.

Swept up into a torrential storm

Only to see you. 

http://www.jamendo.com/en/album/38540

cssc: Retrospect

When all the world stands still, thoughts could not come at a better time. 

http://www.wiseowlrecords.com/releases/view/70

Sidearm: Don't Cry Help Until You're Dead

This is a nice little rock album: "Follow Augustus he's going to be king" which is something I really didn't see coming at all. Of course I had to "Precede the map" with my ambitions knowing full well what it takes to stroll through the "Peach garden". I can also attest to the fact that many people are bitter about the sign in front of the parking lot that says "Jeremy's parking only" and they are wondering why they cannot have their share. But then again, Jeremy could be a "Victim junkie" for all we know and has his reasons for the sign. 

All in all you should check these guys out: http://www.archive.org/details/LostChildren031

http://www.myspace.com/sidearmband

The Leftouts: Last One Standing

Hailing from Argentina, The Leftouts provide an album of rock songs that will make you think twice about whether you really just downloaded the album for free and whether it was really legal to do so. Fear not, because yes, it is free, and yes, you did just download that album. You should also check out the music video for "19 Years". 

http://leporkrecords.com/releases/the-leftouts-last-one-standing/

http://www.myspace.com/theleftoutsmusic

Bit Shifter: Information Chase

This album is jam packed with melodic goodness! And...and it's made up of Game Boy sounds, which adds a different flavor. I doubt anyone can get bored listening to this. 

http://www.8bitpeoples.com/discography/8BP059

Paragon Black: Paragon Black

This album is a bit more positive than the previous one and manages to merge a variety of different styles, including hip hop and world music which give the album an ethereal atmosphere that transcends reality. 

http://dustedwax.org/dwk010.html

Pnuematic: Subconscious Escape Routes

I've decided to concentrate on another genre for today, and I think it's best category is abstract hip-hop. Genre aside though the album is existential. " I walk along this path blind/ Trying to find/ These self inflicted wounds that are scattered across my life..." begin the rap lyrics of "Self-Destruct", the last track of the album. This is an album of finding oneself and an observation of one's surroundings without trying to solve or fix any of the problems. It's kind of depressing, but I dig it. 

http://dustedwax.org/dwk003.html

Magnets: Magnets

A post rock album that I strongly recommend. Trust me, it'll stick to you....

http://www.archive.org/details/LostChildren057

Koordinate of Wonders: EP

There is a feeling of melancholy, as if  the album is an outlet for the release of  pent up emotions. Since each track carries its own weight, the momentum builds up and lasts throughout the album. It is strong, beautiful, and at the same time, fragile and sensitive. 

http://www.archive.org/details/pls010