It’s that time again folks.
This year had me listening to some awesome instrumental standouts, an oldie back from the grave, and a mix of a lot of other different sounds. So here’s a quick little rundown of each album that held my attention for a significant amount of time during this past year!!

NUMBER 10.
The Strokes “Angles”
I have always been a casual Strokes fan, but this new one after the long hiatus was a real nice fresh sound.

NUMBER 9.
Bush “Sea of Memories”
What?! Bush on a 2011 year end list? I didn’t expect it either. I leave this album in my car at all times. It’s just like old Bush, but it’s new bush!

NUMBER 8.
Explosions in the Sky “Take Care, Take Care, Take Care.”
Another classic Explosions in the Sky album. Got to see these guys at the Capital Hill Block Party in Seattle over the summer and it was a rare treat!

NUMBER 7.
The Nightwatchman “World Wide Rebel Songs”
I love to listen to The Nightwatchman while working. This new one plugs in (unlike the previous all acoustic albums) and rocks the hell out. Tom Morello is a genius and we are lucky to be alive with this great guitarist still taking the stage all over the place!

NUMBER 6.
M83 “Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming”
A double album. A dreamy album. A dancy album. A fun album. A serious album. A big album to slowly sink into and get lost inside.

NUMBER 5.
Mastodon “The Hunter”
Didn’t really come close to touching their previous monumental ‘Crack the Skye’ album, but probably the best they could do after it. The track ‘Curl of the Burl’ is probably my favorite track (AND VIDEO!) of the year by any band.

NUMBER 4.
The Raveonettes “Raven in the Grave”
My favorite Raveonettes album since ‘Whip it on’. This one is dark and dirty and sweet and cool. Just the way I like it.

NUMBER 3.
Russian Circles “Empros”
Beautiful and crushing instrumental music from Chicago’s finest. Only 6 songs, but feels complete and solid all the way around.

NUMBER 2.
Mogwai “Hardcore Will Never Die, But You Will” / “Earth Division EP”
The full length was perfect enough, but they also released a 4 song EP soon after that was the perfect cap to an amazing year for Mogwai musically. This is the album I’ve listened to most this year, and mostly just before bed. So good. Killer packaging as well!

NUMBER 1.
Darkest Hour “Human Romance”
The 7th and in my opinion best album Darkest Hour has ever released. Not a dull moment on this one. Great lyrics, great drums, great guitarwork, awesome videos… I could rant about this one for awhile. Ryan Parrish makes me want to drum until my arms fall off…

NOTABLE ALBUMS ALSO RELEASED THIS YEAR!

*Limp Bizkit “Gold Cobra” / KoRn “The Path of Totality”
Korn and Limp Bizkit both released albums this year…………………………………………………. it’s 2011!!!! AAAHH!!

*Sigur Ros “INNI”
I would put this up on the top 10, but since it’s not new music I’ll just make a little note. Amazing live collection… most beautiful music ever to be recorded!

*The Lonely Island “Turtleneck & Chain”
That was a funny one.

And that is that!
What’s your top 10 of the year?!