Lunar Boulevard

Was 2011 a stellar year for music? I can say without a doubt that it was (for me, anyway) and arguably the best we've had in a long time. Even with the sad departure of R.E.M. and The White Stripes it was still a great year. One thing that immediately struck me about all these records is how optimistic they are. In spite of all the uncertain and troubling things going on in the world, many of my favorite artists seem to have found a new sense of purpose and optimism in the midst of it. It's refreshing and definitely gave 2011 a much-needed breath of fresh air. So here they are: my 20 favorites from 2011: #20. Cage the Elephant-Thank You Happy Birthday #19. Cold War Kids-Mine Is Yours #18. Coldplay-Mylo Xyloto #17. Bjork-Biophilia #16. Beastie Boys-Hot Sauce Committee Part Two #15. Elbow-Build a Rocket Boys! #14. Noah & the Whale-Last Night on Earth #13. The Lonely Forest-Arrows #12. TV on the Radio-Nine Types of Light #11. Fleet Foxes=Helplessness Blues #10. Florence &...

Who would have thought that France was harboring one of the best current bands out there? For over a decade Phoenix has quietly been putting out some of the freshest and more engaging pop music on the scene today. However, this isn't the Top 40 manufactured pop that we're all used to avoiding and dreading. This is experimental and well-crafted music by a group of talented musicians who have an indie sensibility to them and never do the same thing twice. 2009's Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix finally gave the group the American recognition they deserved, especially since it won a Grammy for Best Alternative Music Album. Alphabetical , their 2004 sophomore release, seems to be a bit overshadowed by their other work and it's a sleeper hit that shouldn't be discounted. Compared to their other three albums, this record is much more laid-back and relaxed, which may be one reason why it doesn't immediately grab you the way their other records do. It's a slow burner but o...