Music, technology, burritos, hockey, social media, and craft beers
Catching Elephant is a theme by Andy Taylor modified by Scott Auth
#1
Childish Gambino
“Freaks and Geeks”
Donald Glover is a very talented person (actor, rapper, writer, comedian, DJ) and he had one hell of a 2011. At the beginning of the year he released a free EP where this track is from and a few weeks ago put out a full length record — Camp. In between the music and staring in NBC’s Community he toured the country performing stand up and Childish Gambino music. His most recent project is a stand up special on Comedy Central, Weirdo. Hopefully he hasn’t burned himself out for 2012!
#2
Yuck
“Georgia”
I spent the 90s listening to punk and ska music, which caused me to miss out on a ton of great recordings that didn’t come out on either Epitaph or Fat Wreck Chords. I’m sure that played a part in me being a huge fan of a lot of the 90s revival music that was released this year. Yuck is the cream of the crop for me and “Georgia” is my favorite track from their self-titled debut.
#3
Frank Ocean
“Novacane”
Going into the year I don’t think I expected to be a fan of two R&B records, but The Weeknd and Frank Ocean changed that. There are so many quality songs on Nostalgia/Ultra and the best part is that Frank Ocean made it available for free!
#4
tUnE-yArDs
“Gangsta”
This track is pure pandemonium. The performance has been removed from the Internet, but if you can this song performed on Jimmy Fallon I highly suggest watching it, it’s stunning rendition.
#5
Tyler, the Creator
“Yonkers”
Tyler and the rest of Odd Future have had an incredible 2011. The hype and popularity has teetered a little bit near the end of the year though. This song and it’s perfect executed video disply why Odd Future were such a hit this year.
#6
Cut Copy
“Take Me Over”
A plethora of new music pulled from the 90s this year, but this song is clearly influenced by the decade prior to that.
#7
Wild Flag
“Romance”
Carrie Bownstein had a great 2011 thanks to the success of Portlandia and the excellent debut record from Wild Flag. This isn’t Sleater-Kinney, but that’s fine. Carrie and Janet Weiss have teamed up and made a solid record.
#8
Cloud Nothings
“Understand at All”
I love pop-punk songs.
#9
Beastie Boys
“Make Some Noise”
The track is great, but the video is brilliant. Here is a link to the full 30-minute long version:
#10
Male Bonding
“Tame the Sun”
I was worried that Male Bonding would put out a boring record as they stepped away from the lo-fi sound. Instead they released a really solid album in Endless Now, which includes this fantastic track.
