Best Albums of 2011 (Part 4)

Their names might both be Chris but beyond that, Atto and Mollica are total oppositsies. In part 4, Chris Mollica unabashedly declares his love for all things Justin Vernon and four other really good albums. Despite the season of good cheer, we’re still not sorry for the “boner iver” joke from Part 1.

Bon Iver – “Perth”

From: Chris Mollica
To: Brandon Hall, Chris Atto, Sarah Braunstein, Ross Angeles

“I just don’t want to belong to any club that would have someone like me for a member.” – Groucho Marx

best: def., superlative of good adjective of the most excellent, effective, or desirable type or quality: the best pitcher in the league | how to obtain the best results from your machine | her best black suit.• most enjoyable: some of the best times of my life.

I’ve got no apologies for anyone. What follows are the BEST albums of the year. They pushed me along, partied with me, consoled me. Is it hard picking the best? Of course it is, but so is picking a best child.

Parents Do It or Albums of the Most Excellent

F-you, backlashing fools. Bon Iver’s Bon Iver is an album of unique beauty.  Fine, it has the antiquated sounds of the recent 80’s, however, that doesn’t dull the album’s effectiveness. There is something that digs deep under your skin, feels right and organic from the first few notes on “Perth.” Will it age well? *shrug* All I know is, before reading Justin Vernon’s exposition on Bon Iver, I wrote a short piece that travels much the same emotional path as the album. Seems like the ideas got across. So please, ignore the fact that he doesn’t quite know how to interview yet and has an oddly too public a work-out regimen and enjoy a gorgeous album.
Fleet Foxes – “Grow Ocean”

Backing up Ross’s endorsement, Fleet Foxes’ Helplessness Blues is a striking, straightforward record. Brandon called it “milquetoast.” I call it a man wresting with himself and his place in the world. Robin Pecknold has been forthcoming about the turmoil making this album created in his personal life, and you can hear it. Yay?! The simplicity and honesty on display here is Helplessness Blues’ strength. It helps that the music also sways and the melodies soar.
Beirut – “East Harlem”

These guys almost made it into song of the year, but I couldn’t choose. Bad parent. The Rip Tide by Beirut feels like it’s been with me for a long time. It’s full of tight, elegant orchestrations. I’ve always enjoyed Zach Condon’s gift for effusive grandeur, but it’s the restraint and focus that makes this album a winner. Also, it’s lyrics are personal which also hits a major chord. I sense a theme emerging. Quick, Chris, throw them off the trail!
The Weeknd – “What You Need”

BAM!

I’ll fess up right here: I don’t really get the whole “mixtape” thing. It used to be how in high school I told a girl I liked her in two-sided glory, but in today’s digital culture, it’s evolved somewhat. Why aren’t “mixtapes” released commercially? Is it because there’s copy written material? Is it a smart but unknown musician’s way of getting good music out to the public? Whatever it is, you can download one of the best albums/mixtapes of the year here for free. Go ahead. Start downloading. I’ll wait.

House of Balloons by The Weeknd oozes with sex and swagger and patience. Like another album I’ll soon mention, it uses pauses and silence as instruments in their own right. I kept bouncing back to this album throughout the year. It creates a mood that’s infectious and dangerous. Hide your kids, hide your wives, The Weeknd is here.

James Blake – “The Wilhelm Scream”

Hands up again. “Post-Dubstep?” We’re already past dubstep? To quote Ross Geller, “You’re over me? When were you under me?”

Whatever we’re calling this, James Blake’s self-titled debut is a moody, skillfully constructed album. As I said in regard to The Weeknd, Blake knows when to shut up and let the beats between beats speak for themselves. I was originally taken by his cover of Feist’s “Limit to Your Love.”  The full album did not disappoint. Some of the lyrics are direct. Some winding and obtuse.  His voice an instrument unto itself. Combined effortlessly with his post-dubstep landscape, every track comes off as haunting and soulful.

There you have it. I’ve indulged upon you all for the last time this year. Now onto my friend, Brandon, who is always so wonderful with the last word. Happy things and such!

“Watching their faith in prayers will make you see your bones.”
Chris