BY MICHAEL GOODPASTER
(FOUR) I DON’T KNOW
The music in 2011 sucked. I sure as hell couldn’t make a Top 10 albums this year. I don’t think I listened to that many, that a lone enough to honestly rank them. Adele’s ‘21’ tops a lot of lists. I’ve loved what I heard and can respect that, but I’ve just not listened to enough. Same for a few of the bigger acts. To be honest, it’s out of choice. Nothing reaches out at me and grabs my attention. ‘The King of Limbs’ by Radiohead was put out, but I wasn’t into it. I get the appeal, but this one just didn’t bring the magic of the past releases. REM, Lupe Fiasco, The Strokes, TV on the Radio, Gorillaz, Beastie Boys, Tech N9ne, Coldplay, and a slew of big names and artists I really like all put out albums. I don’t know what it was, but not a whole lot of music really clicked.
(THREE) ‘CAMP’ BY CHILDISH GAMBINO
Tell me this isn’t a hot debut. Actor/comedian Donald Glover kicks all sorts of ass. Childish Gambino is his stage name for the music side of his creative war on the world. At first you think Donald is screwing with you. “This has to be a parody” or “Lame. ANOTHER actor trying to rap?” are things you WANT to think because in most cases it would be true. Glover’s lyrics are stacked and layered with so much witt and puns that you have to listen a few times to really pick up what this guy was implying. He kills it. He is the freshest and best thing going for hip hop right now. While the old guard is doing arenas and taking everyone’s money, Gambino brings the art form and edge back to a very sterile genre.
(TWO) ‘WASTING LIGHT’ BY FOO FIGHTERS
I don’t think anyone can argue the fact that the Foo Fighters are among the very elite in modern rock. They’ve evolved from a grunge/post grunge band to being an all out rock giant. They’re consistent and put out pure awesome rock and roll. It’s not trying to be too vulgar or anything like that, but it still maintains a genuine feel to it and edge that makes it accessible for even the biggest of metal heads. This latest album is no different. From top to bottom, it’s a solid rock album and worthy of rotation in YOUR listening habits. The singles “Rope” and “Walk” are instant classics.
(ONE) ‘EL CAMINO’ BY THE BLACK KEYS
In the world of music in 2011, you can’t get any better than The Black Keys. Their last album “Brothers” really put them on the map, but it’s this latest album that’s seeing them play just about everywhere. They’re loved by anyone with two ears and the privilege of hearing their work. They’re going to be house hold names sooner than later. They’re picking up where The White Stripes left off in bringing back that gritty blues rock to todays masses. You cannot deny their groove. I don’t understand how anyone could NOT like The Black Keys.
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