I really like Wild Flag. I first heard of them when they played at a local music club here in Birmingham at the end of October. I can’t remember the last time I had such an enjoyable time watching a band play live, especially one that I had never heard of beforehand.

I thought about taking the easy way out and say Adele’s “21” because it really was a great record, but the two LP’s I really couldn’t seem to turn off were:

Raphael Saadiq - Stone Rollin’
The Cars - Move Like This (even though there’s no Benjamin Orr, RIP)

“Sky Full of Holes” by Fountains of Wayne would top my list, although Wild Flag would definitely come in a close second. I saw W.F. at the Bell House in Brooklyn in October, and it was one of the best live shows I’ve ever seen. I’m an older listener, and generally prefer older acts, but I’d have to compare the experience to seeing, say, the Who or Springsteen in their heyday.

My favorites are probably not on anyone’s radar, but they are “Seriousness” by The Blind Shake and “Givin Up” by Porch.

LOL @ the Warby Parker ads on your site! The adserver program apparently considered feminism, SXSW, Community, and vegetarian food and thought, “clearly these people need hipster glasses.”

“The Rip Tide” by Beirut.

This has been an really good year for music. A few highlights:
Washed Out’s Amor Fati (beware: chillwave)
PJ Harvey’s The Glorious Land (with On Battleship Hill coming in close second for best cut on the album).
The Horrors Moving Further away
Real Estate It’s Real
Those Darlin’s Screws Get Loose

And a bunch more. I’m still getting the new Roots album digested, and I’m sorry but the new Duran Duran album is fun, dammit, and I refuse to feel bad for liking it. Then there’s been solid stuff this year from Dum Dum Girls, Rosebuds, Broken Bells, Cults… it ain’t half bad.

Since you (Amanda) first introduced me to Wild Flag, I have been an immense fan. For me, it has easily been my favorite record of ‘11. There have been other discs I’ve enjoyed, but not one more than Wild Flag. It’s organic, amazing, and, most importantly, great as hell. I count the days until I can duck out of work to see them here in Austin.

I think the Rosebuds had my favorite new album this year. Seemingly nice people openly aching works. Pearl and the Beard’s chamber pop album Killing the Darlings is something to behold too.