Was I Wishing on Satellites?

Top Music Releases of 2011 (in no particular order):

Le Sheik Rhat by Naive Thieves

I first saw Naive Thieves during the summer opening for Kay Kay and His Weathered Underground/The Dear Hunter. I got in late and missed probably half their set, but they still stole the show. I love love love this EP because it’s so beautiful. Here’s “Herringbone Or Heather” (I also really love Dark Lonely Ocean).

“I’m waiting, waiting for December to arrive

I’m waiting, waiting for her light in my life…

I fell in love under an awning of grey skies

You make my heart do funny things

I hear her softly sigh”

Top Music Releases of 2011 (in no particular order):

Parting The Sea Between Brightness And Me by Touché Amoré

I bought this album on a whim at Amoeba during the summer without hearing any Touché Amoré beforehand, but I loved it the second I heard it. It starts off with “~” which is a crazy good song. Jeremy Bolm’s lyrics are just so good/clever/intelligent, I’m always picking up new meanings that I haven’t noticed before when I’m listening. I also kind of feel more crusty/jaded about the world when I’m listening, but that’s beside the point. “Home Away From Here” is another really great song, but I’m posting “~” so this won’t be too long and I think the lyrics from the entire song are worth a read if not a listen.

“I’m parting the sea between brightness and me
before i drown myself and everyone and everything
I’ve got my hands behind my back
with two fingers overlapped
because I can never keep my word
and I share with the undeserved
for some cheap acceptance in return
The water will change the tides
and I’ll walk with my head held high
and when it all comes crashing in
It will be worth it, if I’m still breathing
If actions speak louder than words
I’m the most deafening noise you’ve heard
I’ll be that ringing in your ears
that will stick around for years.”

Top Music Releases of 2011 (in no particular order):

England Keep My Bones by Frank Turner

I just got into Frank Turner this year and I’m disappointed in myself for not finding his music sooner. (Thanks, Fake Problems!) Frank Turner used to be in a hardcore band, Million Dead, and now he makes really great solo music. You already had me at hardcore band, but seriously, I love this. He’s also really fun live! He incorporates the audience when he plays, and that’s not what I’m used to but it was really awesome. Here’s “Peggy Sang The Blues” which is about Frank’s grandmother, and I think it’s pretty inspirational.

“‘Cause better times are coming

Better times ahead

And no one gets remembered, my deathless child

Don’t waste too long in bed

And Peggy said,

It doesn’t matter where you come from, it matters where you go

No one gets remembered, in this listless loveless life

For the things they didn’t do”

Top Music Releases of 2011 (in no [particular order):

Clash Battle Guilt Pride by Polar Bear Club

This album is just really fucking good. You can hear all the passion and energy PBC put into making the music when you listen to it, plus they’re incredible live. Sometimes when I feel like I hate everything, this album helps me feel a little bit better about life. Here is Screams In Caves.

“You want a friend for life just listen to me

Fall to know it’s fine, we can’t expect much better

The trade for better times, the turn down without question

Don’t you feel the pull? It’s stronger now than ever”