Rifles – Freedom Run (Nettwerk)
This year’s greatest LP of fresh material—and another remarkable achievement
Veronica Falls – Veronica Falls (Bella Union/Slumberland)
They’re like a combination of three of the best U.K. bands that immediately preceded the current Slumberland/Captured Tracks twin-headed monster craze, the sadly missed Long Blondes, regrettably two-years-dormant Hatcham Social, and ex-Lovers (plus older Slumberland Scots, Bricolage).
The Redettes – The Redettes (Phratry)
A corking new band from Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, playing refreshingly reductive, rousing pop—with guest violin and anonymous, pumping piano, which, like A.C. Newman’s “On the Table,” adds the special ingredient.
The Smithereens – 2011 (eOne)
Add them to the long list of ‘80s originals who’ve recovered full mojo; 2011, their seventh LP and first in 12 years, constructively recalls 1986’s _Especially For You_—with extra determination, oddly, that comes from endurance plus nothing left for motivation save sheer love
The Jigsaw Seen – Winterland (Vibro-phonic)
Prettier and more opaquely polished than Bananas Foster , the L.A. group goes for it, adding sweeteners to the ‘60s-esque stew—bottomless acoustic guitars, McCartney-esque basslines (the standout “Candy Cane”), oldie organs, mellotron, sleigh bells, and woodwinds—enriching an album impossible to dismiss once you discover it.
The Wipers – Silver Sail and The Herd (Jackpot)
Timely vinyl reissues of albums 7 and 8 out of 9 of one of the U.S.‘s greatest all-time artists, the incomparable Greg Sage
Leatherface – _Live in Melbourne; Viva la Arthouse _ live LP (Big Ugly Fish/No Idea)
The ridiculously fearsome Sunderland, England foursome has long deserved a ridiculously ashen live album, and the molten Melbourne, recorded headlining Poison City Records’ Down Under Weekender Festival 9/18/10, is one at last.
The Hollies – look through any window 1963-1975 DVD (Reelin’ in the Years/Eagle Rock)
Anyone wondering why Little Steven cajoled/massaged this magic Manchester British Invasion band’s induction into the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame last year, need only spend 184 minutes with this incredible documentary—highlighted by complete-song TV broadcast footage of 22 enduring songs.
Sloan – XX (Yep Roc)
These great songs were even better live at Bowery Ballroom and Knitting Factory and Bell House too!
Joy Formidable – The Big Roar (Canvasback/Atlantic)
2011’s album of the year to date, still going strong, even if most of the songs were released in other forms in 2009 and 2010 (thus my note about the Rifles above!!!).
