I’d love to do another ‘best-of’ post for this year’s music, but I’ve been slacking slightly in keeping up with new releases, so I thought I’d just ramble a bit on a few trends and bands I have been keeping up with.
Dubstep is this generation’s disco
This genre has become pretty mainstream among young people, though it’s been around for a while and has been big in Europe (which obviously is cooler than the American version). I’m actually a fan of some artists and certain styles that could be lumped into the genre (and, ok, some mainstream stuff) but I think it’s pretty clear that the dubstep craze will fizzle and become the disco of the 2010s. Once these kids (you know who you are) graduate from college or get real jobs and a few years pass, we will all sit back and laugh. ‘Dubstep is dead’ shirts will be mass-produced along with hilarious pictures and videos of people making stupid faces and doing the dubstep dance. (This is already happening.)
Again, I’m not knocking the genre as a whole — some artists aren’t simply button-pushers who jumped on the trend, and actually do it in a creative and amazing way — but check back in 4, 5, 10 years and tell me I wasn’t right.
I’m a little lost
I’ve always had a wide pallet when it comes to music, and this year has been no different. I do find myself, however, sort of lost when it comes to new music that I actually like and want to listen to. Maybe I need to dig a little deeper, but I’ve been listening to a lot of the same bands I did last year. Not a bad thing, but hopefully 2012 will offer more of a diverse group of must-hear new acts.
Standout artists of 2011
- Little Dragon. I fell in love with this Swedish electro-rock band this year, along with many other critics and music fans. Their ‘Ritual Union’ record is filled with catchy hooks, poppy electronics and lead singer Yukimi Nagano’s delicate melodies. I’ve always loved the Swedish.
- Ryan Adams. His ‘Ashes and Fire’ album was a simple, sweet return to his trademark acoustic, country-tinged sound, and it was refreshing to see him get back to making music like this. His voice is perfect for this type of music, and though I would have liked a little more rock mixed in with the lovey-dovey, I can’t complain.
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Chromeo rocking Cain's Ballroom in Tulsa. By Twyler
Chromeo. I’ve been getting down to this band long before this year, but jumped at the chance when they came through Tulsa in October. I was giddy before, during, and after the show and it was clearly the highlight of my 2011 concert experiences. Super-funky, good-time grooves that also prove Palestinian/Jewish relations can do wonderful things.
- Manchester Orchestra. I basically got into this band after seeing their tear-jerking and beautifully shot video for ‘Simple Math’ off their album of the same name. While that song is definitely the highlight, the rest of the album has its moments for sure, notably ‘Deer’ and ‘Leave it alone.’ Really wish I could have seen them play in Stillwater this year.
- The Joy Formidable. One of my most-played bands this year. They’re aggressive and heavy but in a layered, melodic way — and the vocals of Ritzy Bryan (awesome English name) give their sound that female punch I love so much, similar to the Sounds but less poppy.
